Cancer risks increases with alcoholism and drug addiction

May 9, 2014

Cancer risks increases with alcoholism and drug addiction: Alcohol Use and Alcoholism

Cancer is a killer disease associated with drug addiction and alcoholism is seen to be the biggest reason why cancer risks increases.

In my quest to address the problem of drug addiction, it is becoming a trend that every time this topic of addiction is mention very really will it go without touching on alcohol consumption. The substance alcohol is therefore the most addictive and abused drug and one that causes most of the health problems we go through today. Having said that I want to put emphasis on this by repeating this point that most people know that heavy alcohol drinking can cause health problems, however what many people may not know is that alcohol consumption is a perfect element of cancer risks increases in their lives. Several cancers are as a result of drinking alcohol and this is what is going to form the basis of discussion in this article. If you want to be enlighten about the effects of alcohol in cancer risks increases, then keep on the link and read on for much educative and informative experience with doctor Dalal Akoury and her able team of experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under .

Cancer risks increases with alcoholism and drug addiction: Types of cancer linked to alcohol use

As discussed alcohol is a known cause of different kinds of cancers. Such cancers include:

Mouth
Throat (pharynx)
Voice box (larynx)
Esophagus
Liver
Colon and rectum
Breast

Besides the above alcohol may also increase the risk of cancer of the pancreas and for each of these cancers, the risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.

Cancer risks increases with alcoholism and drug addiction: Cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, and esophagus

Alcohol consumption is no doubt contributes the highest risk of these cancers. Drinking and smoking combine raises the risk of these cancers much more than the effects of either drinking or smoking alone. This might be because alcohol has the ability to act as a solvent, helping harmful chemicals in tobacco to get inside the cells that line the digestive tract. Alcohol may also slow down these cells’ ability to repair damage to their DNA caused by chemicals in tobacco.

Liver cancer

Research has proved that long-term alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer. Regular, heavy alcohol use can damage the liver, leading to inflammation. This, in turn, might raise the risk of liver cancer.

Colon and rectal cancer

Alcohol use has been linked with a higher risk of cancers of the colon and rectum. The evidence for such a link is generally stronger in men than in women, although studies have found the link in both sexes.

Breast cancer

Even a few drinks a week is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer in women. This risk may be especially high in women who do not get enough folate (a B vitamin) in their diet or through supplements. Alcohol can affect estrogen levels in the body, which may explain some of the increased risk. Drinking less alcohol may be an important way for many women to lower their risk of breast cancer.

Cancer risks increases with alcoholism and drug addiction: Does the type of drink matter?

Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks, whether they are beers, wines, or liquors (distilled spirits). These drinks contain different percentages of ethanol, but in general a standard size drink of any type 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor contains about the same amount of ethanol (about half an ounce). Of course, larger or ‘stronger’ drinks can contain more ethanol than this.

Overall, the amount of alcohol consumed over time, not the type of alcoholic beverage, seems to be the most important factor in raising cancer risk. Most evidence suggests that it is the ethanol that increases the risk, not other things in the drink.

How alcohol raise cancer risk

The exact way alcohol affects cancer risk isn’t completely understood. In fact, there might be several different ways it can raise risk, and this might depend on the type of cancer.

Damage to body tissues

Alcohol can act as an irritant, especially in the mouth and throat. Cells that are damaged may try to repair themselves, which could lead to DNA changes in the cells that can be a step toward cancer.

In the colon and rectum, bacteria can convert alcohol into large amounts of acetaldehyde which is a chemical that has been shown to cause cancer in lab animals.

Alcohol and its byproducts can also damage the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring. As liver cells try to repair the damage, they can end up with mistakes in their DNA, which could lead to cancer.

Cancer risks increases with alcoholism and drug addiction: Effects on other harmful chemicals

Alcohol can act as a solvent, helping other harmful chemicals, such as those in tobacco smoke enter the cells lining the upper digestive tract more easily. This might explain why the combination of smoking and drinking is much more likely to cause cancers in the mouth or throat than either smoking or drinking alone. In other cases, alcohol may slow the body’s ability to break down and get rid of some harmful chemicals.

Lower levels of folate or other nutrients

Folate is a vitamin that cells in the body need to stay healthy. Alcohol use can lower the body’s ability to absorb folate from foods. This problem can be worse in heavy drinkers, who often do not get enough nutrients such as folate in their diet. Low folate levels may play a role in the risk of breast and colorectal cancers.

Effects on estrogen or other hormones

Alcohol can raise body levels of estrogen, a hormone important in the growth and development of breast tissue. This could affect a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

Effects on body weight

Too much alcohol can add extra calories to the diet, which can contribute to weight gain in some people. Being overweight or obese is known to increase the risks of many types of cancer. Along with these mechanisms, alcohol may contribute to cancer in other, as of yet unknown, ways.

Cancer risks increases with alcoholism and drug addiction: Other long-term health effects from drinking alcohol

Most people know about the short-term effects of drinking alcohol, such as its effects on mood, concentration, judgment, and coordination. But alcohol can also have longer-term health effects. These can vary a great deal from person to person. For some people, alcohol is addictive. Drinking can become heavier over time, leading to serious health and social problems. Heavy drinkers who stop drinking suddenly can have physical withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and other serious problems over the next few days. In some people these can be life-threatening and does not mean that heavy drinkers should not stop drinking. It does mean that heavy drinkers should talk with their doctors about the safest way to stop drinking.

Over time, heavy drinking can cause inflammation (hepatitis) and heavy scarring (cirrhosis) in the liver which will then lead to liver failure. Heavy drinking can also damage other organs, such as the pancreas and the brain, and can raise blood pressure. With all these risk arising from the drug use you will for sure need to be taken care of with professionals who would painlessly contain the effects of addiction at all levels. This team of experts you can only get at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury. At this facility treatment will be administered while 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 a painless process you cannot afford to lose.

Cancer risks increases with alcoholism and drug addiction: Alcohol Use and Alcoholism

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction

May 9, 2014

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction-The Nutrition way

Looking at the contrast of drug addiction and nutrition, the solution is readily available if only you can choose to feed healthily

It is almost becoming common knowledge that alcohols among other substances are the commonly abused drugs globally. What may not be common in the public knowledge is the possible roots and genesis of drug taking and drug addiction. In our last article I introduced the causes siting poor diet and the brains consequent magnetic and chemical imbalance as some of the primary root causes of drug taking and drug addiction. In this article I want to progress on that so that we can have a clear understanding of this disturbing condition. Of the two primaries we will look at the deficiency of nutrients as we progressed on.

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction-Serotonin
Diet is the key to the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin which has repeatedly been linked to drug taking. The dietary precursor for serotonin is the amino acid tryptophan which is low in a high-protein diet and high in a high-carbohydrate diet. The effects of drug taking may either increase or decrease levels of serotonin in the brain depending on the subject/patient taking the drug. Individuals responds differently with some people alcohol increases their serotonin levels, possibly by decreasing levels of other competing amino acids in the blood as they reach the blood-brain barrier, causing them to relax. While other people may find alcohol and sugar decreases serotonin in the brain causing depression or aggression. They may find that sugars affect them badly and have a condition called oreactive hypo glycaemia. Many criminals, as well as those with chronic depression have been found with this condition.

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction-Poor Diet and Deficiency of serotonin
Poor carbohydrates (sugar) with high-protein diets (meat) are possible elements of abnormal low serotonin levels. The increase in meat and sugar and other refined carbohydrates consumption like junk food over the last two decades may have resulted in generally low brain serotonin levels which may explain the recent epidemic of childhood depression in the our society today. Serotonin deficiency has also been linked by researchers to various states of mental illness, drug-taking and violent crime.

Tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin (5HT), is believed to be a controlling factor in the CNS, affecting the person’s moods, aggression, pain, anxiety, sleep, memory, eating behavior, addictive behavior, temperature, endocrine and motor regulation. Abnormalities of 5HT include: Parkinson’s disease, MS, sleep disorders Huntington’s, schizophrenia, mania, depression, hyper sexuality, bulimia, and many more.

Deficiency of tryptophan and tyrosine, the precursors of serotonergic and catecholamine systems have been found in eight adolescents with impulsive behavior. Thirteen studies of serotonin in aggressive cases have been reported.

All show the concentration of 5-HIAA as cerebrospinal fluid are inversely related to aggression, irritability, hostility and criminal activity.

Some parents of maladjusted boys have been alcoholic and had nervous or somatic disorders. Many children with hyperactive syndrome have alcoholic parents and become aggressive in childhood or adulthood. The evidence suggests a reduced activity of brain serotonin may be involved. Alcohol may create mental irritability and hyperactivity and aggression in offspring, possibly due to its effect on the brains neurotransmitter, serotonin.

Drug-taking, especially alcohol, by parents and their children at an early age may cause genetic damage to the brain, a possible precursor to psychopathy and violent crime. Studies of prisoners find that they are often drug abusers and have generally eaten a poor diet high in meat, sugar and commercialized foods with deficiencies of thiamin, zinc and foliate which are essential to brain function. The work of Schoenthaler and Schauss and America on diet and crime has revealed how better diet and vitamin supplements have improved mood and reduced violent behavior in criminal populations.

Virkunnen has proven that low blood sugar and alcohol are linked to violent crime. It is likely that dietary mechanisms are instrumental in creating these low levels of blood sugar in violent criminals. The well-known brain abnormalities (i.e., abnormal CNS and limbic system responses) of psychopaths may be the result of magnetic deficiencies that have genetic and dietary causes. The prevalence of fast food, which is high in sugar and fat, can, in certain cases, be the precursor to drugs such as heroin.

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction-Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency
There are two kinds of foods which are believed to be causing vitamin and mineral deficiency and abnormal serotonin levels. They are sugar and meat. Research has found considerable evidence linking high sugar intake to abnormal blood glucose levels and alcoholism, and this is because sugar intake can cause nutrient deficiency like thiamin, zinc, vitamin C, folate, Vitamin E. etc. Meat also lacks vitamins such as thiamin and folate which are essential for brain function. The consumption of meat can create a deficiency of tryptophanth precursor of serotonin because it contains many other competing amino acids.

According to the American Dietetic Association’s Guidelines for Nutritional Care of Alcoholics during Rehabilitation, alcoholics are deficient in Vitamins B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and zinc. Experts have found evidence that, the heavy drinker has a nutritional deficiency. This is because when one is under the influence of alcohol the intestines are thrown into reverse, preventing the digestive system from absorbing the vitamins minerals and trace elements it requires. It is also important to note that niacin (vitamin B3) has been found to help the alcoholic resist the craving for alcohol, combined with vitamin C, vitamin B6 and occasionally vitamin E, so that a recovery is made feasible.

When administering nutrition as treatment for alcoholic and heroin users at The Chrysalis Outpatient program for alcoholics and heroin for over a period of time, 90% of patients were found to be hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and almost all cases shown improvement when vitamin C are used. Children in the program were found to suffer from food allergies or allergies to chemicals in cleaning agents, perfumes and sprays. Most were hypoglycemic that is about 16 out of 20 children.

So far it is becoming clear that food nutrients are very instrumental in curbing the problem of drug taking and addiction. Nevertheless foods high in both sugar and fat create a sense of euphoria and pleasure which conditions the child for the drug experience. Children raised on poor diets high in sugar, caffeine and animal products and lacking in plant foods will be at risk of developing a drug dependency. Children on high caffeine and sugar intake through chocolates and cola drinks have higher levels of hyperactivity and anxiety.

It is therefore very important that parents need to consider the effect of poor diet on their children. The very things that children enjoy (sweets, chocolates and ice cream) may in fact, predispose them to nutritional inadequacy and loss of appetite for vegetables and fruits. Many of us parents have seen this process in action but we give into the child’s demand for junk food because it is easier to buy than raw natural foods which we have to prepare or cook ourselves. I strongly believe that you will agree with me that as parents we need to change our actions and start doing the right thing to our children and to ourselves. Finally we are in the business of making people comfortable and healthy despite the challenges of addiction that is why at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of its founder Doctor Akoury we focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. Visiting us is all you need and you will be on the right path to full recovery.

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction-The Nutrition way

Alternative Medicines for Drug Addiction

May 7, 2014

Alternative Medicines for Drug Addiction-Alcoholism

Its becoming necessary to use alternative medicines for alcohol and drug abuse treatment. Herbal medicines are recommended

The economic benefits of alcohol to different countries are becoming a thorn in the flesh of likeminded people seeing the dangers that are associated with alcohol consumption. It is becoming difficult day by day to totally convince the revenue collectors on the adverse effects of alcohol in human life. Currently respective governments are using poor selective methods to attempt in controlling the consumption of this drug. Why am I saying this, the authorities are using taxes as a bite to controlling alcohol use. Heavy taxes are levied on this drug to discourage many from using it begging the question that “is it alright for those who can afford to pay for the heavy cost of alcohol to suffer the consequences of alcohol addiction”? Think about that, Addiction to alcohol or other drugs be it barbiturates or cocaine, is a physical and emotional dependence on that substance and the effects it produces. It involves total or partial loss of control and often causing devastating effects on all aspects of the individual’s life of the addict, including work, family, health, and the society.

It is because of this unwillingness of the authorities to put proper measures in containing alcohol abuse, that the likeminded society are working round the clock to correct the damage caused by drug abuse. For example today we have many alternative therapists asserting that conventional medicine’s treatment program for addiction fails to support the body adequately as it withdraws from the once-steady presence of alcohol or other drugs. The following therapies attempt to offer that support. They are often used in combination with counseling and other support programs that address any underlying psychological causes of addiction.

Alternative Medicines for Drug Addiction-Nutritional Therapy for Addiction treatment

Many at times alcoholism and drug addiction causes the addicts to be malnourish because while under the influence of the drug the person loses the ability to reason well and often become weak to the point of not being able to feed let alone feeding healthily. An addict under the influence of the drug may sleep on an empty stomach and when this happen the toxic element in his system wreaks havoc rendering the person being malnourish. The effect of this can cause serious damage to the body and especially to the liver. Nutritional therapy will therefore help to correct this by getting the addict the proper nutrition that will allow them to eliminate toxins associated with drug and alcohol abuse. The ultimate objective/goal is to make dietary changes that will increase the proper nutrients within the addict’s body.

Noting that many addicts are often depleted of key and vital food nutrients, it is necessary that speedy effort is made to bridge the deficit and that is why supplements such as zinc and vitamin C are administered to help aid in this process, speeding up detoxification and get them balanced. Other nutrients that are antioxidants supplements given during nutritional therapy may include;

Beta-carotene
Vitamins E
Selenium
Calcium and
Magnesium
Vitamins B

In most cases many alcoholics will be vitamin B deficient and this may require injections of this vitamin during the beginning stages of treatment. Low blood sugar and hypoglycemia will also be in shortage further requiring nutritional treatment to stabilize.

Alternative Medicines for Drug Addiction-Herbal Medicines Treating Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

The painful experience of alcohol and drug withdrawal is very much overwhelming. Proper treatment is inevitably necessary to ease the suffering of affected people. For a long time now conventional treatment has been using prescription medications with addictive properties in them as a way to ease these symptoms and occasionally depending on the patient response keep replacing one drug withdrawal to another drug. Because these drugs in themselves are addictive, alternative therapies use herbal medicines that will ease some symptoms of withdrawal and help to detoxify the body of alcohol and drugs, from anxiety and insomnia to strong cravings. Experts have found that some herbal medicine can help take away this discomfort and allow the addict to focus on their recovery efficiently.

Herbs such as catnip, chamomile, peppermint, and skullcap are often used together as a tea and help to relax and sedate the nervous system. Many will take St. John’s Wort as herbal prescription to alleviate feelings of depression and offer calmness. Herbal medications which aid in the detoxification process include:

Burdock root
Milk thistle
Echinacea (purple coneflower)

The milk thistle will help to prevent any drug related damage to the liver as it boost in the filtration process. Cravings for alcohol have been controlled by kudzu root, which is a bitter tea used traditionally by Chinese Doctors, and it helps to cut the alcoholics drinking nearly in half. This piece of herb facilitate the reduction of consumption of alcohol by reducing the appetite for alcohol and this has been seen to be effective whenever it is administered to patients.

Alternative Medicines for Drug Addiction-Conclusion

We have noted that the love for money by the authorities has been an impediment to putting alcohol consumption to its manageable level and so many people fall prey to this scourge. I want to make certain valuable recommendations to you and your friends if for whatever reason you have found yourself enclosed in the bracket of addiction and alcohol abuse. You will certainly get help if only you can seek it from Dr. Dalal Akoury, Founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. She is an expert you may not find anywhere globally. She is offering her exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. Qualified professional in the same line consult her periodically and you cannot afford to continue having this problem with this great doctor a phone call away. I know you want to live a life full of comfort and fun, how can you achieve that? Now you know be a part of this truly successful and fast addiction recovery treatment with doctor Dalal Akoury.

Alternative Medicines for Drug Addiction-Alcoholism

Obesity and the immune system

May 2, 2014

Obesity and the immune system-How does it happen?

You are healthy when you have strong immune system and physical activities helps sustain it.

The general humanity is informed of the significance effects of obesity on various diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, sleep apnea and more recently, fatty liver disease but probably many may not be aware of the effects of obesity on our immune system and this is what we want to find out in this article, all I ask of you to keep on the site and keep reading. Recent studies in humans affected by obesity and obese animal models have shown an impaired immune response or immune function leading to increased chances for various infections. However the cause of this has not been well defined. Let us review what is currently known about this possible harmful effect that obesity has on the body.

Obesity and the immune system-Nutrition and Immune Function
you probably have heard the phrase “Eat an apple a day; you will keep the doctor away.” This is actually true. Studies do show that eating a diet that is high in fiber and antioxidants (fruits and vegetables) and has enough protein helps to keep your immune system working properly. Specific micronutrients such as iron, selenium, zinc, copper, as well as vitamins C, A, E, B-6 and folic acid have important roles in the body’s immune response.

Feeding on foods rich in sugar and fat or consuming too many calories make you more prone to infection. This is because it can lead to increases in blood sugar or may cause oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is an overproduction of reactive oxygen species compared to the body’s ability to detoxify cells. This type of damage from oxygen increases your chances of infection.

You will be at risk of protein energy malnutrition if you have too little protein intake. This has also been associated with significant impairments of immunity. It is commonly thought that malnutrition cannot happen in an individual affected by obesity; however, deficiencies and malnutrition happen because of a poor diet. Therefore, deficiencies could very well occur in any individual who eats poorly, no matter their weight.

Obesity and the immune system-Good diet to help your immunity

If you are affected by obesity, decrease your calories to help facilitate weight-loss.
Decrease simple carbohydrates such as: sweets, goodies, baked goods, sugar sweetened beverages, sugar, honey, jams, jelly, etc.
Decrease excess “bad” (saturated or trans) fats commonly found in: commercial baked goods, processed or fried foods, cheese, whole and 2% milk, ice cream, cream, fatty meats (beef and pork products), butter and margarine. Bad fats are also found in some vegetable oils – coconut, palm and palm kernel oil.
Eat two cups of whole fruit per day and at least three cups of vegetables per day.
Drink or eat three cups of low-fat (1% or skim) liquid dairy or dairy alternative per day (light yogurt, low-fat or fat-free milk). Eat two to three ounces of lean meat or beans with two meals per day (three ounces = deck of cards).
Drink at least 60 to 80 ounces of water per day.

Obesity and the immune system-Physical activities and Immune Function
Exercise and health go hand-in-hand. We have all heard that exercise helps fight diseases such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, cancer, sleep disturbances, mood and obesity itself. In general, people who exercise and are physically active throughout the day tend to live longer, healthier lives. There is also evidence that exercise does improve immune function. Studies have shown that exercise seemed to increase numbers of certain immune cells that help to bolster immune activity.

Moderate exercise has been reported to increase certain immune cells, reducing the risk of infection. On the other hand too intense of exercise (without adequate rest) has actually been shown to increase stress on the body and cause a person to be more at-risk to infection.

Obesity and the immune system-Obesity and Immune function
A person affected by obesity that eats healthy and exercises is still at risk for decreasing immune function. Obesity itself has been shown to impair immunity in some studies. Some of these specific findings include:

Decreased cytokine production
Altered monocyte and lymphocyte function
Natural killer cell dysfunction
Reduced macrophage and dendritic cell function
Decreased response to antigen/mitogen stimulation

Now, you may be saying to yourself, “What does all that mean?” The bottom line is studies have shown impaired immune response in animals and people affected by obesity, leading to increased risks of infection. The exact cause of these findings is not known. Obesity is an extremely complex disease and many processes and pathways are altered, any of which could affect the immune system.

Population studies have shown the same things. For instance, hospitalized patients affected by obesity are more likely to develop secondary infections and complications, such as sepsis, pneumonia, bacteremia, and wound and catheter infections. Overall, it appears that obesity may increase risk for bacterial and viral infections. Severe obesity, in and of itself, has also been named a risk factor for increased severity of infection and death from the H1N1 influenza strain. Those affected by obesity may also be at risk for viruses like H1N1 because of less of an immune response to vaccinations, although it has not been studied to date.

Obesity and the immune system-Vaccines and Obesity
How does vaccine work? It does by introducing a killed or weakened form of disease to the immune system. The killed or weakened disease is not strong enough to produce symptoms or signs of the disease, but the vaccine does stimulate production of antibodies to protect against the disease if you come in contact with it in the future.

A lot of work has been done regarding hepatitis B vaccines in regards to obesity, in which studies show strong evidence that individuals affected by obesity have a very high non-response rate to vaccination. This means after the introduction of the non-active virus to the individual’s immune systems, the disease fighting antibodies are not produced to the extent they need to be to protect against the disease.

In a person affected by obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30-39), studies have shown that it takes a more potent hepatitis B vaccine in order to come close to the response rate of a standard single dose therapy in an individual with a BMI less than 30 (overweight). Finally the exact cause of how obesity affects the immune system is unknown. One theory is the type of fat that you have, as not all fat is created equal. White adipose tissue (WAT) is usually found in higher levels in people who are affected by obesity. Several studies show that WAT has many functions, including regulation of inflammatory processes. When the body has excess WAT, chronic inflammation makes it harder for the body to fight off infections.

Well known links exist between diet, exercise and immune function. Eating healthier and incorporating moderate exercise can help to increase your immune function; however, now it is known that obesity itself (diet or genetic induced) decreases immunity leading to increased risk of bacterial and viral infection as well as decreased responsiveness to some vaccinations. The good news is that amidst all these several studies at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury. You will be cared for and have your life restored while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Obesity and the immune system-How does it happen?

Treatment Models for mental health and addiction

May 2, 2014

Treatment Models for mental health and addiction-Current Models discussed

when both treatment for addiction and mental health problems are administered well you will surely get your life back.

Every day mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) abuse treatment fields have become increasingly aware of the existence of patients with dual disorders, attempts are being made to adapt treatment to the special needs of these patients. The attempts have reflected philosophical differences about the nature of dual disorders, as well as differing opinions regarding the best way to treat them. These attempts also reflect the limitations of available resources, as well as differences in treatment responses for different types and severities of dual disorders. Three approaches have been taken to treatment.

Treatment Models for mental health and addiction-Sequential Treatment

The first and historically most common model of dual disorder treatment is sequential treatment. In this model of treatment, the patient is treated by one system (addiction or mental health) and then by the other. Indeed, some clinicians believe that addiction treatment must always be initiated first, and that the individual must be in a stage of abstinent recovery from addiction before treatment for the psychiatric disorder can begin. On the other hand, other clinicians believe that treatment for the psychiatric disorder should begin prior to the initiation of abstinence and addiction treatment. Still other clinicians believe that symptom severity at the time of entry to treatment should dictate whether the individual is treated in a mental health setting or an addiction treatment setting or that the disorder that emerged first should be treated first.

The term sequential treatment describes the serial or non-simultaneous participation in both mental health and addiction treatment settings. For example, a person with dual disorders may receive treatment at a community mental health center program during occasional periods of depression and attend a local AOD treatment program following infrequent alcoholic binges. Systems that have developed serial treatment approaches generally incorporate one of the above orientations toward the treatment of patients with dual disorders.

Treatment Models for mental health and addiction-Parallel Treatment

A related approach involves parallel treatment: the simultaneous involvement of the patient in both mental health and addiction treatment settings. For example, an individual may participate in AOD education and drug refusal classes at an addiction treatment program, participate in a 12-step group such as AA, and attend group therapy and medication education classes at a mental health center. Both parallel and sequential treatments involve the utilization of existing treatment programs and settings. Thus, mental health treatment is provided by mental health clinicians, and addiction treatment is provided by addiction treatment clinicians. Coordination between settings is quite variable.

Treatment Models for mental health and addiction-Integrated Treatment

A third model, called integrated treatment, is an approach that combines elements of both mental health and addiction treatment into a unified and comprehensive treatment program for patients with dual disorders. Ideally, integrated treatment involves clinicians cross-trained in both mental health and addiction, as well as a unified case management approach, making it possible to monitor and treat patients through various psychiatric and AOD crises.

There are advantages and disadvantages in sequential, parallel, and integrated treatment approaches. Differences in dual disorder combinations, symptom severity, and degree of impairment greatly affect the appropriateness of a treatment model for a specific individual. For example, sequential and parallel treatment may be most appropriate for patients who have a very severe problem with one disorder, but a mild problem with the other. However, patients with dual disorders who obtain treatment from two separate systems frequently receive conflicting therapeutic messages; in addition, financial coverage and even confidentiality laws vary between the two systems.

Treatment Models for mental health and addiction-Treatment Models

Sequential: The patient participates in one system, then the other.
Parallel: The patient participates in two systems simultaneously.
Integrated: The patient participates in a single unified and comprehensive treatment program for dual disorders.

In contrast, integrated treatment places the burden of treatment continuity on a case manager who is expert in both psychiatric and AOD use disorders. Further, integrated treatment involves simultaneous treatment of both disorders in a setting designed to accommodate both problems.

Treatment Models for mental health and addiction-Critical Treatment Issues for Dual Disorders

Mental health and addiction treatment programs that are being designed to accommodate patients with dual disorders should be modified to address the specific needs of these patients. Although there are different dual disorder treatment models, all such programs must address several key issues that are critical for successful treatment. These issues include:

Treatment engagement
Treatment continuity and comprehensiveness
Treatment phases
Continual reassessment and re-diagnosis

Treatment Engagement

In general, treatment engagement refers to the process of initiating and sustaining the patient’s participation in the ongoing treatment process. Engagement can involve such enticements as providing help with the procurement of social services, such as food, shelter, and medical services. Engagement can also involve removing barriers to treatment and making treatment more accessible and acceptable, for example, by providing day and evening treatment services. Engagement can be enhanced by providing adjunctive services that may appear to be indirectly related to the disorders, such as child care services, job skills counseling, and recreational activities. It may also be coercive, such as through involuntary commitment or a designated payee.

Engagement begins with efforts that are designed to enlist people into treatment, but it is a long-term process with the goals of keeping patients in treatment and helping them manage ongoing problems and crises. Essential to the engagement process is:

A personalized relationship with the individual
Over an extended period of time
A focus on the stated needs of the individual

For patients with dual disorders, engagement in the treatment process is essential, although the techniques used will depend upon the nature, severity, and disability caused by an individual’s dual disorders. An employed person with panic disorder and episodic alcohol abuse will require a different type of engagement than a homeless person with schizophrenia and poly-substance dependence. With respect to severe conditions such as psychosis and violent behaviors, therapeutic coercive engagement techniques may include involuntary detoxification, involuntary psychiatric treatment, or court-mandated acute treatment.

Treatment Continuity

To treat patients with dual disorders, it is critical to develop continuity between treatment programs and treatment components, as well as treatment continuity over time. In practice, many patients participate in treatment at different sites. Even in integrated treatment programs, many patients require different treatment services during different phases of treatment. For this reason, treatment should include an integrated dual disorder case management program, which can be located within a mental health setting, an addiction treatment setting, or a collaborative program.

Treatment Comprehensiveness

An overall system for treating dual disorders includes mental health and addiction treatment programs, as well as collaborative integrated programs. Programs should be designed to:

Engage clients
Accommodate various levels of severity and disability
Accommodate various levels of motivation and compliance
Accommodate patients in different phases of treatment.

There should be access to abstinence-mandated programs and abstinence-oriented programs, as well as to drug maintenance programs. Different levels of care, ranging from more to less intense treatment, should be available.

Phases of Treatment

In general, the medical term acute describes phenomena that begin quickly and require rapid response. Acute problems are contrasted with chronic problems. Most commonly, acute stabilization of patients with dual disorders refers to the management of physical, psychiatric, or drug toxicity crises. These include injury, illness, AOD-induced toxic or withdrawal states, and behavior which are suicidal, violent, impulsive, or psychotic.

The acute stabilization of AOD use disorders typically begins with detoxification, such as inpatient detoxification for patients with significant withdrawal or outpatient detoxification for mild to moderate withdrawal, as well as nonmedical withdrawal, such as occurs in social-model detoxification programs. Also, initiation of methadone maintenance can provide outpatient acute stabilization for patients addicted to opioids.

Acute stabilization of psychiatric symptoms more frequently occurs within a mental health or emergency medical setting, but involves a range of treatment intensity. Patients with severe symptoms, especially psychotic, violent, or impulsive behaviors, usually require acute psychiatric inpatient treatment and psychiatric medications, while patients with less severe symptoms can be treated in outpatient or day treatment settings. It is important that dual disorder programs that provide stabilization to patients with acute needs should have the capability to:

Identify medical, psychiatric, and AOD use disorders
Treat a range of illness severity
Provide drug detoxification, psychiatric medications, and other bio-psychosocial levels of treatment
Provide a range of intensities of service.

These programs should be capable of promoting the patient’s engagement with the treatment system. They should be able to aggressively provide linkages to other programs that will provide ongoing treatment and engagement.

Sub-acute Stabilization

The medical term sub-acute describes the status of a medical disorder at points between the acute condition and either resolution or chronic state. The sub-acute phase of a medical problem occurs as the acute course of the problem begins to diminish, or when symptoms emerge or reemerge but are not yet severe enough to be described as acute.

As AOD-induced toxic or withdrawal symptoms resolve, constant reassessment and re-diagnosis is required. During this phase, a psycho-educational and behavioral approach should be used to educate patients about their disorders and symptomatology. During this phase, treatment providers should provide assessment and planning for dealing with long-term issues such as housing, long-term treatment, and financial stability.

Treatment Models for mental health and addiction-Current Models discussed

Category Archives: Men’s Health