Major effects of Addiction

June 9, 2014

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological and Physical

Don’t let drug addiction break your family. The effects can be very painful not just for you but to the children as well.

Like many problems people go through addiction is one that has been associated to humanity for as long as you can imagine. It is interesting to note that addiction has no limit on whom it affects and does not choose when to strike. Anytime can be said to be appropriate for one to be addicted to anything that is addictive, because of this untimeliness of addiction we must make efforts to be ready when it comes and most importantly prevent its effects on us. We will be discussing the major effects of addiction in this article and for this reason we will categorize then into two segments:

Psychological effects of drug addiction
Physical effects of drug addiction

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological effects of drug addiction

While it is true that in both cases the specific physical and psychological effects of drug abuse and addiction is not consistent and varies based on the particular addictive substance involved, the general effects of drug abuse or addiction to any drug can be devastating.

Psychologically, intoxication with or withdrawal from a substance can cause everything from euphoria as with alcohol, Ecstasy, or inhalant intoxication, to paranoia with marijuana or steroid intoxication, to severe depression or suicidal thoughts with cocaine or amphetamine withdrawal. An individual who has been living with a condition of drug addiction for some period of time may begin to experience a number of serious psychological problems as a result of their dependence on the drugs. As mention these conditions can range from mild to serious but the common denominator is that all of them will impact to the life of the addicted person in a negative manner. Let us now take a look at some of the most common long-term psychological effects of drug addictions as mention above:

Depression

As an individual develops a tolerance to drugs, it will take ever-increasing amounts of the substance to get high. When the individual is unable to achieve their desired state of euphoria, they may become depressed. Chronic depression also occurs as the drug addict feels shame and remorse about their condition. This creates a cycle of addiction; the more depressed they feel, the more likely they are to continue using drugs.

Paranoia

People suffering from a cocaine or marijuana addiction often report a feeling of paranoia over the course of their dependence. The feeling that “everyone is out to get them” is heightened by the fact that buying or using drugs is illegal and the belief that law enforcement is waiting around every corner. Over time, drug addicts tend to get more and more paranoid.

Anxiety

Drug addicts get their supply from time to time and the waiting period of the next dose of supply causes many of the addicts to begin feeling anxious or unsettled. During this moment of anxiety it will be noticeable to the society that these people have a problem and do not stay focus to their activities. When one is not focused a lot of people are affected for instance the family members will feel neglected. The negative effects on their relationship can be very devastating because it can break a family. Besides this drug induced anxieties and lack of focus can cause them to fail in their employment responsibilities and become less productive which can cause them to lose their source of livelihood. The effects of anxiety can be many and these are just but a few.

Major effects of Addiction-Physical effects of Drug addiction

In terms of effects on the body, intoxication with a substance can cause physical effects that range from marked sleepiness and slowed breathing as with intoxication with heroin or sedative hypnotic drugs, to the rapid heart rate of cocaine intoxication, or the tremors to seizures of alcohol withdrawal. In addition to the numerous mental health issues that spring up as a result of long-term drug addiction, there are also a number of issues affecting the physical health of the person who is has been living with a dependence problem for many years. Some of the known physical effects include:

The kidneys

The human kidney can be damaged by habitual drug use over a period of time. Several studies have established that kidney failure is very much associated with long-time of drug abuse. Users of crystal meth, heroin and other dangerous drugs are a common testimony of this.

The liver

Liver failure is a well-known consequence of alcoholism but it can also be triggered by other substances like using vicodin and OxyContin over a period of time possibly years.

The heart

Drug addicts and in particular Cocaine addicts and stimulant users are doing causing damage to their heart each time they use these drugs. The most common conditions among drug addicts are heart disease and heart failure.

The lungs

Any individual who smokes the drug to which they are addicted is putting the proper functionality of their lungs in jeopardy. Smoking crack cocaine or crystal meth causes great damages to the lungs with a ferocity that rivals or resembles long-term nicotine habits. Besides all these regular use of marijuana also causes damage to the lungs. When one uses drugs over a long period of time they not only become drug addicts but will also begin to build a tolerance to drugs they use. Tolerance is dangerous as it causes the individual to use more and more of the drug in order to achieve the desired euphoric or stimulated state. This puts the individual at a constant risk for overdose and even death.

Major effects of Addiction-Conclusion

In conclusion we are privileged to live this life and we can only do so once. What you do with your life can either make you see many years ahead or shorten them. You need not to be in dilemma on this there is help around you and all you need is to get in touch with doctor Dalal Akoury who is an expert in addiction and has helped many people globally over the past decades is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where addiction and obesity are treated in a friendly way by focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This is what you need my dear reader like I said we live this life only once take that step and call and live life to the fullest.

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological and Physical

Drug Addiction at work place

June 8, 2014

Drug Addiction at work place-Dangers discussed

Addiction does not spear people in the employment either

In the beginning when God first created man he planned and put everything in place for man to be comfortable in the first Garden of Eden. Man was to live like a king with plenty around him all he needed to do was to manage and care for what had been given to him. This is not so in today’s life where one has to work to earn a living. Ironically the most of the work we do are not our own we work in other people establishments be it the public sector or the private sector, in other words we are employees of somebody.

Drug Addiction at work place-Statistics of addiction

There are various challenges we go through at various work places ranging from positive to negative challenges. It is in this respect that we want to discuss one of the most challenging occurrences at work place in today’s society. Dear readers remain in the link because we want to talk about drug addiction at our work stations or places. But before we embark on this journey let us look at some of the statistics according to the American Council for Drug Education. According to this body sixty percent of the world’s illegal drugs are consumed by American drug users. Two million Americans use heroin, six million use cocaine, 18 million have alcohol abuse problems and an estimated 23 million people use marijuana at least four times in a week interesting.

Of all drug users, 74.8 percent are employed and active in the workplace. This means that 12.9 million individuals actively use drugs in the workforce, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Using drugs impairs decision-making abilities as well as physically impairs people. This is a deadly concoction when on the job. In fact, between 10 and 20 percent of American workers who die at work have a positive result when tested for drugs or alcohol a study by OSHA states that the most dangerous occupations, such as mining and construction, also have the highest rates of drug use by their employees.

Drug Addiction at work place-Addiction causes financial losses

With that background of addiction and statistics you will notice that addiction is not just a problem of the less fortunate in the society or illiterate individuals but a problem for all people alike. When employees abuse drugs at their work stations or elsewhere they cause their employers great losses and by extension the national treasurer’s kitty. The kinds of losses employers’ incur are not just monetary but also on the best performing work force. Such employees are said to be poor quality employees because of some of the following:

They have poor work performance and are not reliable in their deliverables.
They are never at work place in time and lose a lot of production hours in the process.
Because of the risk associated with drug addiction they tend to involve in accidents and filing workers compensation claims and benefits which pull down the organization profitability.

Drug Addiction at work place-Prevention of drug addiction at work place

The organization must put testing mechanism for employees at the point of admission.
The testing program should be continuous and must be known to the employees that the organization will be doing this say twice every year. Offenders of drugs addiction will be punished according to the company’s regulations.
Employers must also put systems in place that work toward staff motivation a well-motivated employee may not have the time to indulge in drugs.
The work place must be free from accident risk factors, for example efforts should be made to ensure that floors are not sleeper at all cost.
Financial systems must be in place to ensure that cash is not used in making payments. Other non-cash payments methods should be adopted to discourage theft of cash for the purpose of purchase of drugs.
Luck of knowledge is a serious threat to well-being of employees therefore periodic staff training on drug addiction prevention and treatment would be necessary in an organization.

The cost of maintaining an addicted employee would be too costly than implementing the preventive measures. When proper preventive measures are in then they provide a safer environment for employers as well as increase the productivity of existing employees, which boosts revenue and profit margin.

Drug Addiction at work place-How to know if someone is abusing Drugs

Drugs affect people differently and keen measures must be in place to ensure that signs of common illnesses are not confused with addiction.
Employees who frequently have accidents, exhibit erratic behavior, and have dilated pupils or slurred speech may be exhibiting signs of intoxication.
Extreme mood swings, paranoia, glassy eyes and noticeable exhaustion are also signs of drug abuse.
Frequent absenteeism is another sign of drug use.

Drug Addiction at work place-What to Do if You Suspect Someone Is Using Illegal Substances

If you feel that someone in your workplace is using illegal substances you must report this to your superiors immediately e.g. manager, supervisor, a security officer or human resource officer.
You can do this privately or outside of work if it makes you more comfortable.
Never feel that you are risking a coworker’s job by reporting doing this is the biggest reason that employees withhold their suspicious, and this is a deadly mistake.
By not telling someone, you are contributing to the likelihood that an accident will occur.
Reporting your suspicions could also force the addict to seek treatment.

Finally we need everybody on board in the fight of drug addiction at work place to effectively do this we will need the involvement of experience experts like Dr. Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. The opinion of such professionals is very important as they will help your employees stay away from drugs. Doctor Dalal and her team of experts will help your employees realize their lives back by offering then exclusive NER Recovery Treatment which will ensure that your productivity is restored and profit margins increased when you finally have a sober work force.

Drug Addiction at work place-Dangers discussed

Types of Addictions

June 6, 2014

Types of Addictions-Drug Addiction

Because addiction is not a respecter of anyone you must take the bold step of getting help.

When you mention the word addiction to anyone they will probably and definitely think of drugs abuse because addiction has been time immemorial been associated with drug abuse. This notion is well guided due to the fact that abused drug may lead to addiction and so this theory is just right. However it is not just the drugs that one can be addicted to there are a whole range of things that we can become addicted to as a society. Some of these may include gambling, exercise, ‘retail therapy’ (shopping), sex, food, alcohol, the Internet, and the list goes on and on. Those many elements of addiction will form our discussion in the coming articles but for the purposes of this article we are focusing the obvious one in many people’s mind that is drug addiction which majorly includes the following:

Alcohol
Nicotine (smoking)
Drugs (cocaine, heroin, amphetamines etc.)
Caffeine (coffee, chocolate etc.)

Addiction has been associated with crime, untidiness and reckless behavior among many other behaviors. This school of thought portray drug addicts as people with mental problems and a picture of a pale, skinny individual with needle marks down their arms who lives in the streets and commits crime to feed their habit. This description may be a stereotype but like all stereotypes, it contains an element of truth because for sure there are addicts who look and behave in this way, but then a gain there are also a great many addicts who do not. There are good populations of people who hide their addiction signs so well that no one would notice or detect that they have addiction problem. In our previous postings we have repeatedly stated that addiction is respecter of person. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do whether you are working class or middle class; young or old; male or female, or married or single, rich or poor addiction can affect anyone of us and the way they do varies between individuals.

Types of Addictions-Alcohol addiction

The substance alcohol is one which legally allowed in the society and besides its addictive nature it is majorly used socially. Many people enjoy a drink and are able to control how much they consume. These are the group that may be referred to as responsible alcohol consumers but the opposite of this are those who will find that alcohol become more than a pleasant social activity and take it excessively these are the group we call addicts who suffer alcoholism and are addicted to alcohol.

Types of Addictions-Nicotine addiction

Nicotine which is present in cigarette smoke is a highly addictive substance and is very difficult to break away from. There are many people who have confessed that they became addicted after their first cigarette puff although smoking experts tend to disprove this. It may take only a few cigarettes for someone to become addicted to the ‘high’ experienced as nicotine affects every area of your body and brain.

The moment you are addicted automatically your body will craves more and more nicotine and that is why there is no such thing as ‘social smoking’. Your body adjusts to a certain level but then requires ever increasing amounts of this to satisfy the urges which mean that you smoke more and more cigarettes.

Types of Addictions-Drug addiction

This includes addiction of both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ drugs, and examples of these include marijuana, ecstasy, crack cocaine and heroin. There are also hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD, solvents such as glue or ‘poppers’ and prescription drugs such as anti-depressants or tranquillisers.

Another category of drugs are those which are often used to improve athletic performance anabolic steroids. Dear reader this is a wide ranging subject so in order to help our understanding we will have discussions of the individual drugs in our subsequent postings so you don’t want to miss this stay tuned for more information on these drugs on an individual basis.

Types of Addictions-Caffeine addiction

This is very interesting because many of us are ignorant of its effects on our life. I can almost be sure that this morning you took a quick cup of coffee before you left for work and since we are almost using it daily you may be surprise to know that it causing an addiction, caffeine is a powerful stimulant and can cause more problems than you can ever imagine. We know that caffeine is commonly present in tea and coffee but it is also found in cola, chocolate and some types of medication. Caffeine is useful a ‘pick me up’ but like many things in life, if used to excess then it can damage your health.

In conclusion as I said in the introduction of this article addiction is wide and covers a lot but we only dwelt on the drug addiction as a segment and the four forms the greater titles in drug addiction. It is the nature of addiction to negatively re-arrange one’s life, adequate information about addiction is very necessary for you to help you make informed decisions and timely. If you ever notice any of these types of addiction in your life, family member, friend or colleague then you can be of help to them by referring them to doctor Dalal Akoury who is an expert on this and has administered treatment for over two decades now. She is also the founder and the chief executive of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Visiting this facility will be the best thing you can do for yourself when in problems of addiction, her team of experts will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE and your life will positively change forever.

Types of Addictions-Drug Addiction

Social use or an Addiction

June 5, 2014

Social use or an Addiction-Drug Addiction

whether you take drugs for social reasons or otherwise drug addiction is real and treatment must follow immediately.

We have been talking about addiction and its effects not just in articles posted online but also in many different forums across the globe. The intensive discussion about this topic is a clear indication that it is no one’s cup of tea. Ironically some of the suspect drugs are not just legally accepted by different authorities but a great source of revenue for major economies. Take for example of alcohol which is believed to be the leading abuse drug globally is used immensely for social purposes and at the same time it is addictive and its addiction is very injurious not just to the alcoholic but to the greater society in many ways, begging the question are drugs for social use or an addiction? It can be difficult deciding between something (drug) which is used on a casual basis or has become an addiction. As difficult as it may be when you look and evaluate the merits of drug use and the demerits, the demerits outnumber the merits greatly.

Social use or an Addiction-A glass of wine or two

There is an old saying that ‘everything in moderation’ still holds true and it is the case that a small amount of something, for example alcohol or a couple of cups of coffee per week is not likely to cause any harm. In fact it may do you some good. One example of this is red wine which is considered to be good for your heart and health in general. Taking this further, there is the case of the ‘French Paradox’. This expression arose from a research study carried out in 1992 which reported upon the fact that the French diet was high in fats yet they had a relatively low rate of heart disease.

Social use or an Addiction-A cup or several cups of coffee a day

Caffeine is another substance which is fine in small amounts but not if taken to excess. It is a stimulant enjoyed by many people who like the fact that it acts as a ‘pick me up’ especially first thing in the morning! But excessive amounts of coffee will have a negative effect on your health. We have discussed in details the effects of caffeine addiction in our earlier posting. A cup of coffee again is used quite often in social places and for social objective however as started in the earlier posting if used excessively then it is addictive and can cause addiction.

Social use or an Addiction-Nicotine and other drug use

Smoking and drugs in general are not considered good for your health irrespective of the dose.

The dangers of smoking are well documented in fact all adverts of cigarette globally are mandatory required to publicly inform the ultimate smoker of the dangers associated with its smoking and its addictiveness and yet nicotine addiction is very difficult to break despite all these information and restrictions aligned to it. Many smokers argue that it helps them to relax justifying the social aspect of its use yet the long term problems associated with it cannot be ignored.

Drugs such as cannabis or cocaine may ‘help’ it consumer in terms of an instant ‘high’ and an escape from reality but they are highly the bottom line is that irrespective of the insignificant social benefits they are addictive and dangerous to your health.

Social use or an Addiction-Performance enhancing drugs

What about substances such as anabolic steroids or other performance enhancing drugs which are taken for purposes of increasing muscularity or athletic performance?

If for instance someone does not use these drugs regularly will it be okay to brand such persons addicts? We know that these drugs have side effects and in some cases, are fatal yet people still and willingly continue to take them. A new trend has recently appeared in which women use drugs such as testosterone in order to boost their assertiveness and confidence at work in the hope of furthering their career. Anyway testosterone is a male hormone which is responsible for muscle mass, lower body fat levels, sex drive, confidence and assertiveness.

This can be tempting to women who are trying to reach the top-the boardroom in male-dominated jobs.

Social use or an Addiction-At what point does casual use turn into an addiction?

If you use a substance on a social basis, are in control and don’t need it to function as a normal human being then it is safe to say you are not addicted. But if you need a particular substance to satisfy cravings, prevent unpleasant withdrawal symptoms or as a means of coping with daily life then you need help.

It is often the case that an addiction develops from casual use. It may be that you have strong enough willpower to stop your addiction but this is easier said than done. Some drugs such as cocaine, heroin or amphetamines are highly addictive and can lead to an addiction the first time they are used even if in small quantity. They are dangerous as well as powerful and it takes more than willpower to stop taking them. The first step is realizing that you have a problem of addiction and then seeking treatment for it.

Finally we may not have the opportunity to put in writing all the social usage of drugs but keep note must be taken when comparing the social benefits and addiction, the open truth is that these drugs are addictive and can cause addiction in no time. Because of their addictive nature Dr. Dalal Akoury, has in the past decades working on the best addiction treatment and she in line with this need Founded of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, at this facility she is offering her exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to all people irrespective of their background. Among the beneficiaries here are physicians and health care professionals. Doctor Akoury is passing her experience to people through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. Everybody is welcomed to be a part of this truly successful and fast addiction recovery treatment.

Social use or an Addiction-Drug Addiction

Risk Factors for an Addiction

June 5, 2014

Risk Factors for an Addiction-Drug Addiction

The risk for drug addiction are many and known to many, precaution must be taken early

We all live in an environment where nearly everything is addictive and knowing the root causes and the risk factors that can lead to drug addiction so that we can take early precaution. Nonetheless it is also important to clarify that a risk factor is just an indicator for an addiction and not an actual cause of addiction.

Risk factors are contributors to the likelihood of someone developing an addiction. This doesn’t mean that they will become an addict rather that they are susceptible to doing so. These are used by rehabilitation centers, clinics and online sources as a means of determining the causes of a person’s addiction and planning their treatment.

Risk factors include:

Environment
Genetics
Personality
Social isolation
Injury, illness or disease
Type of substance

Environment

This includes family life, surroundings, friends, education and employment.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Family life/surroundings

If you come from a stable family background then there is probably less chance of you developing an addiction although drug addiction can affect any background. However, if you live in a place where drug addiction is seen as acceptable or happens on a regular basis then this can be a risk factor. Being brought up in a house in which drug addiction is prevalent and seen as the norm may encourage you to think the same.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Friends

Your friends often have a major influence over what you say and do and if they engage in drug taking then there is strong chance that you will do the same. Peer group pressure is difficult to resist and many people find themselves undertaking activities they may never have contemplated in order to be part of the group.

Smoking, drinking or taking drugs are often seen as forms of rebellion, growing up or as means of ‘proving’ yourself. This may be more of an issue for young men who traditionally have consumed large amounts of alcohol as a statement of masculinity. In other words, you are more of a man if you can hold your drink.

However, ‘binge drinking’ has become more of a problem amongst young women with the rise of the ‘ladette’ and the resulting behavior that goes with this tag. Young women are consuming more alcohol than before which may be storing up problems in the future.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Education

Young people like to experiment with drink, drugs or cigarettes but they may also feel compelled to do so especially if their group of friends already does so. Smoking behind the bike sheds was something that many people tried when they were at school but nowadays it is not uncommon for drugs or alcohol to be consumed on school premises. Many pupils will openly smoke on their way to and from school as well as during the day.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Employment

If you are employed in a company where drug use is common amongst employees or the nature of the job results in people using drugs or alcohol as a means of coping then it can be hard to resist. People under extreme stress or who work in physically and emotionally challenging roles can turn to alcohol or drugs as a way of relieving their stress. Ironically, doctors have some of the highest rates of alcohol and drug abuse.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Genetics

It has been suggested that our genetics play in part in whether we will become addicts or not. Experts claim that some people inherit genes which increase their vulnerability to drug addiction or their brain chemistry functions in such a way that they are drawn towards certain substances.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Personality

There are people with a particular type of personality who are more susceptible to addiction than others. This includes people who have a nervous or anxious disposition, lack confidence or find it difficult to control their temper. If you have low self-esteem, find it difficult to make friends or say no then you may be at greater risk.

Social isolation

An addiction such as alcohol or drugs can help someone who is lonely, feels isolated or who has withdrawn themselves from society. In this sense their addiction is seen as a ‘comforter’ or a ‘coping mechanism’ and in their own minds enables them to cope.

Injury, illness or disease

An addiction can develop from legitimate substances such as prescription drugs. These are prescribed to treat an illness or injury but people can become dependent upon these. It is only when the drug is withdrawn or the dose reduced that a problem comes to light.

Risk Factors for Addiction-Type of substance

Some drugs are more addictive than others. Drugs such as cocaine, heroin or nicotine can cause an addiction the first time they are used whereas others will lead to a dependency over a period of time, e.g. prescription drugs. Addiction is often the result of more than one factor. These risk factors plus a vulnerable personality can lead to an addiction. Having known these risk factors we as a society and as a nation extending to the world over must take appropriate measures to ensure that we stop this menace permanently. To effectively do this we need the professional opinion of expert. For instance doctor Dalal Akoury the chief executive and Founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is one of the best practicing doctor globally that has offered addiction treatment naturally offering her exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. Anyone suffering for from whatever kind of addiction at whatever stage will get real professional touch from the expert and within no time you will be back on track living your life to the fullest.

Risk Factors for an Addiction-Drug Addiction

Category Archives: Men’s Health