Coexistence Of Pain And Addiction; Pain Cause Or An Effect

July 26, 2015

Coexistence Of Pain And Addiction; Pain Cause Or An Effect

According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heroin use has hit a staggering 63% increase in the United States U.S. Based on the report, use of the narcotic drug was recorded at a low of 1.6% of Americans aged 12 years and above in 2002. A decade later percentage of the American population within the age brackets using the addictive substance increased to an average high of 2.6 each year. The report also pointed out heroin use among the feminine gender shockingly doubled that of men in a similar study period.

Increased Opioid Use Cause of Amplified Addiction

The increase of heroin use among women was however attributed to increased opioid pain killer prescriptions. Women understandably have more related and complicated medical conditions. In related medical reports, abuse of opioid painkillers has increased significantly since the 1990s to this date. Between the period 1999 and 2006, individuals aged 12 and above reportedly used pain medication prescriptions for non-medical reasons; their numbers increased from 2.6 million in 1999 to 5.2 million in 2006. In the latter calendar year, 5.2 million publics self-reported abusing the opiate narcotic prescriptions. According to the reports, close to 5 million of the U.S. populace is affected by opioid pain and addiction related pills, further leading to well over 17,000 deaths.

The abuse has paralleled that of heroin use in a similar period as illuminated above. Over time therefore women have increased opioid pill prescription as a result of pain compared with their counterparts, hence the increase. To understand these reports more clearly and what they mean in the subject pain and addiction, continue otherwise… http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com for related articles and information on an upcoming Integrative Addiction Medicine Conference.

Pain and addiction

Addictive Opioid narcotics Used as Pain Killer

Back to our discussion, opioid is a narcotic pain killer pill medication often prescribed by medical doctors. It is an integration of various narcotic drug substances including: methadone, codein, morphin, Oxycontin, hydrocodone, and heroin; the latter being the most popular of the pain and addiction therapeutic narcotics. The opiate pain relief pill prescriptions vary in level of effects to the body. But most significantly they depress the central nervous system, and reduce rate of body functioning; both physical and psychological pains. While they are often prescribed for prescribed medical reasons to be used within specified durations, mostly to deal with pain and addiction related problems, there are reports extended use of the opioids cause addiction.

Effects and Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal

Effects of opiate addiction are allegedly far-reaching, or if you may are devastating. Opioid addiction leaves not a single aspect of an addict’s life unscathed. Some of the most common effects of the opiate narcotics addiction include: damage of brain structure and functioning, damage of memory, seizure, bleeding ulcers, liver damage, job loss, incarceration, divorce, domestic violence, child abuse, homelessness, coma, constant overdose, or in extreme occasions deaths. Effects of withdrawal can also be very unpleasant. They vary depending on the period of exposure; quantity of the drug used each time, and the frequency of use. Actually it is advisable withdrawal is at all times done under close supervision of a medical doctor. Common effects include: bone and muscle pains, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramping, Goosebumps, vomiting, chills, incessant anxiety, compulsive craving for pills, seizure, dilated pupils, fevers, irritation, agitation, and in extreme cases like in the case of effects of addiction coma and suicidal thoughts.

Over the years experts on pain and addiction have long grappled with how best to treat the patients who suffer from chronic pain who are estimated worrying figures of about 116 million Americans. Their concerns originate from conceivable high risks involved with long-term exposure by patients on treatment. Such risks include as highlighted earlier increased drug tolerance and the ardent need for augmented doses, a condition referred to as hyperalgesia meaning increased sensitivity to pain and addiction. On the other hand the health care providers are concerned some patients may reject the opiate narcotics prescriptions for fear of addiction.

There are however no specific statistics to substantiate or rule out such fears, an aspect said to be making the situation even worse. Approximations of addiction among chronic pain addicts vary by huge margins; from about 3% to an estimated 40%. The unevenness is a result of differences in the duration of treatment, insufficient research on long-term outcomes, incongruent of studies results on populations and the aspects measured to assess pain and addiction related drug abuses.

Managing Pain and Addiction

To moderate these addiction risks, it is thought wise the physicians screen patients for latent risk factors, including but not limited to; personal and family histories, mental stability and drug exposure determined over time. Monitoring patients for such signs of abuse is also crucial for the reasons some indicators can also signify multiple conditions hence making accurate assessments challenging. Premature and or frequent pain and addiction opioid pain killer requests for instance could denote progression of the pain related illnesses, drug tolerance, or emergence of advanced other drug problems.

Pain And Addiction

Finally development of operative non-addicting pain treatments is a national health priority. An emergent elderly population and the growing number of wounded military officials serve a clear indication of the urgency of the pain and addiction subject matter. Researchers have in the past few years amplified their quest for alternative medications that can go a long way in alleviating pain but do not necessarily cause addiction. More medical research is however obligatory in order shed more light on effective chronic pain and addiction management, including identifying predisposing factors to addiction that some patients have and further develop preventive actions against drug abuse.

As to whether pain is a cause or effect of addiction, it can be deduced from the above discussion pain is both a cause and an effect of the same. Also, that pain and addiction are coexistent medical phenomena doctors would achieve a lot more positive results when they are simultaneously treated as opposed to inappropriately treating one at the expense of another.

Coexistence Of Pain And Addiction; Pain Cause Or An Effect

Why Exercises During Addiction Recovery?

July 26, 2015

Roles of Exercises and Addiction Recovery at a Glance

Addictive drug substances influence production of endorphins. Similarly exercises promote release of endorphins. This is one of the body’s feel good chemicals that makes both drug users and those who exercise “feel high”, with the former group developing increased tolerance for drugs. Whereas long-term exposure to alcohol damages parts of the brain’s white matter, several reports indicate exercises causes neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to recover from an injury. A commonly cited research study conducted in Colorado found that regular aerobic exercises like cycling or running helped protect the brain against this damage. Other than these two exercises and addiction recovery have the following commonalities.

Exercises Acts Alternative Source of Happiness

As mentioned earlier exercises promote release of endorphins. These chemical substances bring a sense of joy and happiness in the body. By doing the same they act an alternative source of the same. Patients who exercise are therefore more likely to reduce substance abuse, by extension they may as well abstain. Also it is much easier for them to opt for exercises in places of drugs.

Exercises

Exercises of Reduce Mental Damage

Mental illnesses are often caused by anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder. These mental conditions often drive many people to using drugs in the first place. However influence of the same on abating these mental disorders reduces with time, hence driving them into a situation of increased dosage, overdose and perennial drug abuse. Similarly, regular exercise has the ability to reduce these conditions and is more effective even on long-term basis.

Exercise Help Reduce Stress

Drug addicts get caught up with addiction while trying to escape stress. Based on various media reports it is a major cause of addiction. Conversely regular exercising is a proven alternative to dealing with stress. It changes how cortisol, one of the body’s stress hormones is processed in the body thereby increasing tolerance of stress.

Exercises Alters Brain Response to Drugs

The brain is automated to respond to its environment in a process neuroplasticity. Extended exposure to drugs causes the brain to develop neuron pathways around the drug substance, thereby increasing its recognition and tolerance. In a similar process the brain may reject other substances with different chemical compositions. For instance some raw egg-yolk may be given to a person with excess alcohol in their blood stream to induce vomiting. Just like in the case of alcohol addiction, regular exercising increases the brain’s plasticity hence less difficult to quit drugs.

Exercises

Exercising Offers Alternative Leisure

Many addicts take drugs as a pastime activity. On the other hand one of the greatest fears of an addict is the possibility of a boring life after addiction. Regular exercising however fills these gaps perfectly for many hence it becomes easier to quit.

Regular Exercise Good for Sleep

Even though this is more of a secondary cause of addiction, sleep deprivation is an underlying reason for many such predisposing factors. Successive lack of sleep for instance causes stress and anxiety. It is common knowledge sleep has a positive effect on these. And the result on addiction recovery is no less important.

Exercise Enhances Self-Esteem

When a person concludes an exercise regime, s/he gets an immediate reward, accomplishment. Creating novel routes for rewards very well offer alternatives to drug abuse. Similarly, exercises normally lead to improved self-esteem, including a boost to one’s image from and a better shape. Great shape gained through repetitive exercises with time is quickly noticed by friends who will often offer commendation that all together reinforces the need to do exercise and if you may stop addiction.

Regular Exercising Instills Discipline

Adhering to an exercise schedule is in itself a sense of discipline. Regular exercising also instills a sense of order. It shows one cares about attaining a healthy life. Regular exercising does shape one’s behavior, leading to development of more desirable characteristics. It may also rejuvenate in an addict the desire to live a more healthy life, hence may reconsider addiction recovery.

In a commonly cited study on exercises and addiction recovery some 60 to 90 percent drug addicts who try to quit on their own often relapse within a year, mostly this is due to snags keeping up necessary lifestyle changes. In a guided research program, participants steadily increased levels exercising for a period over 12 weeks. Together they met as a group to receive extra coaching on how to increase their physical fitness, offering peer support. Finally, the participants received $5 each for group and exercise session they attended, giving them the motivation to continue. Result of the 12-week schedule, involved the participants’ average number of drinks per day drop from 13 to two, with effects going for at least three months.

For more information on the above, click http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com. The link will be your guide to sign up for the conference as well give you more incisive information about exercises and addiction recovery as well as a backgrounder about speakers lined up for the mega integrative addiction conference. You may as well call Dr. Dalal Akoury, founder of the Integrative Addiction Institute and founding member of International Organization of Integrative Addiction physicians. She is also expected to speak about her specialties at the upcoming August integrative Conference.

Roles of Exercises and Addiction Recovery at a Glance

Cranial Electrotherapy For Cigarette Smoking

July 26, 2015

Medical Breakthrough: Cranial Electrotherapy Leading Fight against Cigarette Smoking

Of all forms of addiction, tobacco is the most regularly abused. This is majorly because of its addictive content, nicotine. Addiction is majorly characterized by its rewarding and compulsive nature. These two make quitting a difficult process. Addiction has little or no regard to health consequences, however dire. It is said most smokers recognize use of tobacco as harmful and often they express a desire to moderate or desist from using it in vain. Reports indicate close to 35 million tobacco users express willingness to shun however over 85 percent of them who take their own initiatives each year often relapse, mostly within a week. And yet a very small portion of the remaining 15% attains full recovery.

How Cigarette Smokers Get Addicted to Nicotine

The addictive substance nicotine once smoked causes a number of effects in the brain. Nicotine like other addictive substances activates pleasure axes of the brain. It also increases levels of one key pleasure causing chemical component of the brain called dopamine. The brain has a way of developing a pathway of things commonly used through a process neuroplasticity. This way long term exposure to nicotine leads to increased levels of dopamine production. The whole process therefore leads to addiction of nicotine and tobacco for that matter. The addictive substance also has pharmacokinetic properties, which acts to reinforce the addiction. Learn more about nicotine addiction via www.awaremednetwork.com.

Cranial Electrotherapy

The road leading to addiction is as straight as the above explanation. Nicotine addiction is also rewarding and repetitive, literally making smoking fun. But there are consequences, most of the time dreadful. This reminds us the way back to recovery. Unlike the road down to addiction, the one back to sobriety is rough and bumpy. Sometimes it is so rocky we get stuck, other times it’s so muddy and slippery we get back down to nicotine addiction and wait for another season like the 85%. After a few more attempts, we lose hope and let nature take its course. Recovery then seems impossible, however it is within reach. And we can give it one more shot. Only this time differently. How about battling cigarette smoking using the recent medical breakthrough, cranial electrotherapy?

Symptoms of Nicotine Addiction

Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include anxiety, irritability, increased appetite, craving, depression, short-lived attention spans, and sleep disturbances. There are a number of clinical other methods in use however none comes out a clear cut treatment option. Replacement therapies such as gum, inhalers, and patches may attempt take out the pharmacological characteristics of withdrawal but often cravings never seize. Cranial electrotherapy however is slowly gaining popularity for its convenience, comfort and comparative cost.

New Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is a type of brain stimulus that passes a small, pulsed electric current from one corner to another of a patient’s head to cure some of the addictive symptoms earlier mentioned including; anxiety, depression, chronic pains and insomnia among others. Cranial electrotherapy involves the use of a small hand-held electric, home based medical device. Even though recently approved, CES has been around for some time, it has been used in our psychiatry clinics for a period many years.

Cranial electrotherapy Simulation devices generate 1/1000, the output of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and connected with sponge conductors on both sides of the head. Patients are required to use the device for about 20 minutes twice every day during the first 6 weeks, then less frequently as recommended by a physician. Actually the device is convenient and more easy to use; this is because it allows the patients go about their morning and evening routines comfortably. The electrical current must be gentle, not greater than 4 mA. They are often these often called electroceuticals; not quite as handy as popping a pill, but a lot more convenient than the trans cranial magnetic stimulation or ECT treatments.

Zero Side Effects of CES

Various medical research studies indicate cranial electrotherapy causes no adverse effects other than headache or dizziness in less than 1 of 250 patients. Cranial therapy is again a cheaper way of treatment compared with others. The cost of the CES ranges from $600 to $800 depending on the features and the place of origin, the manufacturer. Reports also purport cranial electrotherapy increases cognitive abilities of the patients, especially when they are chemically dependent. Also, the use of cranial electrotherapy does not need monitoring hence cutting down on costs.

Cranial Electrotherapy

Despite the benefits mentioned immediately above, many experts discourage use of cranial electrotherapy during pregnancy. Research on effects of CES on milk production is ongoing and until it is considered safe, doctors have warned against its use by expectant mothers. Most of the experts however opine cranial electrotherapy has no effect on milk production and or continued lactation. More research on cranial electrotherapy and its’ safety with the expectant and the unborn is ongoing with further revelations expected in this year’s upcoming August Integrative Addiction Medicine Conference. To learn more about the same and sign up for a chance to participate click on: http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com.

Medical Breakthrough: Cranial Electrotherapy Leading Fight Against Cigarette Smoking

PTSD and Addiction Cause-And-Effect!

July 26, 2015

Cause-And-Effect Relationship between PTSD and Addiction

It is a common medical practice addicts are tested for co-occurring physical and mental conditions each time they seek treatment. In many of those occasions they have actually been diagnosed with various forms of the same. Very much common among them is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There are several accounts as to the connection between these two. One such theory is based on the fact many victims of PTSD have drug addiction or related issues. And there are available data that pretty much supports this.

According to a commonly cited report, an estimated 8% of Americans have suffered PTSD at one point in their lives. Out of them 34% men and 27% women have recorded drug addiction. Again, 52% men and 28% women victims of PTSD tested alcoholics. Given the statistics, PTSD ranks very highly among predisposing factors to drug addiction; that is, when compared with other forms of co-occurring physical and mental medical conditions.

From PTSD to Addiction; Escape Theory

The first explanation, rather one that is considered too obvious is that patients with PTSD related symptoms including: insomnia, pervasiveness, nightmares and mood swings sought escape in drugs. This according to proponents of the theory was one way the patients got reprieve from physical, psychosocial and the emotional pains.

With time more exploratory studies have been done. Some of these opine, suggest the reason many PTSD victims are diagnosed with drug addiction was broader than that. They do not however contradict the fact the paradigm of escape has offered a good part of the reason PTSD and addiction have such a relationship. For instance alcohol is a great depressant, given the statistics above it could as well be true very many resort to drinking the addictive substance in order to discharge their “pains”.

Cause-Effect PTSD Addiction Relationship; Increased-Risk Theory

Other than that the increased-risk philosophy also posits a cause-and-effect kind of relationship between PTSD and drug addiction. Proponents here argue before PTSD can develop a traumatic incident must occur first. They also posit the drug abusers often expose themselves to higher risks of such traumatic events. The point here is in as much as various PTSD symptoms very much pushes victims into drug use and addiction the vice versa is also true; that sometimes those already addicted may as well through their acts develop PTSD.

PTSD AND ADDICTION

From Addiction to PTSD; Vulnerability Theory

Some scientific researchers also argue whether PTSD symptoms come first or last, they have the ability to either cause an addiction or PTSD or make them perennial. Vulnerability theorists do not concern themselves with which causes what between these two, rather they concentrate on effects of PTSD symptoms and experiences of addicts on the functioning of their brains. Intoxicants for instance they argue have damaging effects on the brain that may make it very difficult for an addict to recover in this case therefore making it possible they develop persistent PTSD.

It has been established genetic factors make some people more susceptible to drug and alcohol addiction. In a recent study conducted by UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, it was found there is a link between particular genetic components and symptoms of PTSD. While there are no specific explanations yet as to why PTSD and addiction commonly co-exists, it is anticipated continued research may provide the missing links.

Effects Created by Co-Occurring Drug Addiction and PTSD

Effects of addiction far go beyond influencing a person’s body functions to both their physical and psychosocial lives. They include among others; physical pains, mental and emotional pains, relationship problems, work related problems, anger, memory loss, family quarrels and fits, depression, irritability, and problems falling asleep. PTSD pretty much has similar effects on its victims, which makes people who exhibit both PTSD and Addiction often perennial problems, for them these issues never seize. Such include: They tend to have escalated forms of these symptoms, hence making it much more difficult to get treated from any either drug addiction or PTSD.

Treatment Options for PTSD and Addiction

There are well over 17 medically recognized symptoms linked to PTSD, which clearly indicates just how troublesome it can be in the lives of victims. It is therefore prudent to seek relevant treatment for PTSD while seeking addiction related therapy. On the other hand drug addiction has a tendency to influence recognition of the brain to various drugs and related medical conditions. Drug addiction therefore has the capacity to make healing from PTSD very difficult. Treating both PTSD and addiction therefore requires a simultaneous approach.

PTSD AND ADDICTION

The first stride when for a patient with both conditions is to talk to his/her physician and seek more information about the treatment options. Medical scientific research evidence shows patients with both PTSD and SUD symptoms generally improve when provided with treatment options that addresses both conditions, which may involve among others the following:

For more information on the above, click http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com. The link will also guide you on how to sign up for an upcoming Integrative Addiction Medicine Conference. You will also find a backgrounder about speakers lined up for the conference. If you need to learn some of the most recent studies on both PTSD, addiction, genetic transfer along generations, their relation, and more treatment options, the event is a must attend.

CAUSE-AND-EFFECT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PTSD AND ADDICTION

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (Hbot) Helps In Addiction Recovery

July 25, 2015

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (Hbot) Helps In Addiction Recovery

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) was reportedly used to treat 340 patients with severe cases of alcoholism, drug addiction, and narcomania during the post-intoxication periods. Out of the 340, 223 were alcoholics, 68 were drug addicts, while 49 were hard narcotic users. This is according to various medical reports released a decade after the new millennium. These figures no doubt brought a new sense of hope to many drug users, especially those on various drug addiction recovery programs and their physicians alike about the so called HBOT. Any wild guesses would suggest naturally they did ask the question; so what about it? Well..

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a natural healing process of the body through 100% oxygen inhalation. HBOT involves taking in pure oxygen under increased and controlled atmospheric pressure. It is an established treatment for decompression sickness and hazardous effects of deep-sea diving among others. Most notable of the other medical conditions where HBOT may be recommended include serious infections, air bubbles in the blood vessels, stubborn wounds that come about as a result of diabetes or radiation related injuries as well as long term treatment option for drug addiction.

Brief History of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT); And How it Works

History of hyperbaric oxygen therapy dates back to 350 years ago. The first (HBOT) chamber was erected in the year 1662. Use of HBOT however properly began mid in the 18^th C. It was first tested by the military in the 1930s, precisely to find out its significance in deep-sea diving and aeronautics. Serious studies however began later in the 1960s against a number of medical conditions. These activities have continued to date but more important is the fact HBOT has been found to have long term positive effects on addiction recovery. Check out this: www.awaremednetwork.com for the timelines.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Atmospheric pressure at sea level is 1 ATM. People take in approximately 21% oxygen at the sea level. In a hyperbaric chamber however they breathe in 100% oxygen, usually because the pressure is increased to about 3 times that at sea level. Blood vessels therefore carry more oxygen, providing about 15-25 times more oxygen to the rest of the body organs and tissues. Oxygen is said to have abilities to heal naturally. Increasing volume of oxygen supply therefore promotes faster healing of various medical conditions as earlier mentioned. This always comes with a number of health benefits.

Effects of HBOT on Patients’ Health

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment has a positive effect on the patient’s physical and psychological status during treatment sessions and could as well persist for a given period of time after treatment depending on the duration of exposure. Those with co-current symptoms and other initial status often experience sedative and bio-energizing effects. Various psychopathological examinations indicated the patients experienced faster decline of mental disorders, which brought about a further reduction in the duration of time spent while getting relevant treatment. Also, the parameters of central hemodynamics stabilized and myocardial status recorded further improvement. Such favorable attribute of HBOT were largely thought to be as a result of the anti-hypoxic detoxifying and bio-energetic effects of HBOT Treatments.

Normally, oxygen is supplied via red blood cells. Under intense pressure however oxygen dissolves into all other body’s parts and fluids including; the plasma, lymph, and into the bone and transported to areas with low oxygen uptake, normally because of damaged body cells or the blood vessels. This extra oxygen reach to all the body parts, including the damaged parts therefore is essential in aiding enables the body parts to develop its own healing mechanisms. Increased amount of oxygen also greatly boosts the white blood cells to kill bacteria even faster, thereby reducing swellings and rapid formation of new blood vessels in the affected areas.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Addiction Recovery

Increased levels of oxygen supply to the brain can also improve the brain’s ability to function. This is particularly significant in addiction recovery because as indicated hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps in neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s ability to recover from damage. Addiction distorts normal neuron pathways, that is, drugs often lead to formation of new neuron pathways that identifies and recognizes the substance. Since the brain has a natural recovery mechanism, and that HBOT has the ability to increase that mechanism, it is therefore a great way of treating drug addiction.

Other than recovering from brain damage, many addicts on rehabilitation programs where this particular method of treatment is used confess they become more alert and that they are able to think much more clearly during or after treatment. Effect of the same on the patients’ physical strengths is substantial, and also they exhibit healthier skins. In addition, many of these patients claim they feel healthier at the end of their sessions than when they start.

In order to achieve better results, many physicians have also reported combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy with amino acid therapy. While further researching on the possibilities of using HBOT in addiction treatment Dr. Kenneth Blum discovered two amino acid formulations, which were; “Mental Clarity and KB 220Z”. Later he said what he and his colleagues found were that the Mental Clarity component improved rational functions while KB 220Z calmed strong cravings addicts have for drugs.

Finally as mentioned earlier in this article, HBOT has had a long history with addiction treatment. Most of that has been controversial. Please sign up for this year’s August integrative addiction conference to get up to date information about HBOT. Visit http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com. The link also contains information about how you may sign and participate in the August Integrative Addiction Conference plus a full list of the speakers lined up for the event.

How Oxygen Therapy (Hbot) Helps In Addiction Recovery

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