What to expect at the addiction therapist office

September 10, 2015

What to expect at the addiction therapist office: The provision of quality long term addiction recovery?

We are always curious and so we have a lot in mind, however what to expect at the addiction therapist office is to find health tips that will help you regain your life back and be free from addiction

We have in the past stated that in order for us to achieve our dreams of eliminating the scourge of addiction, we must first get the basics right. It now obvious that detoxification is one of the key fundamental in laying foundation in the treatment of drug addiction complications. We are also informed that for any effective detox to be realized, the patient needs to be admitted in an institution where this service is offered professionally and that brings us to the focus of our discussion of “what to expect at the addiction therapist office”. Doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction expert of several decades says that for an individual who has substance abuse and addiction issues, the use of those substances and the behaviors tied to that use can cause major disruption and dysfunction in their daily living and lifestyle. The addict does not only experience the physical, mental and psychological impairments due to their substance abuse, but also their relationships with family and friends can also be significantly impacted negatively along with loss of employment and trouble with law enforcement. For this reason doctor Akoury reports that the admittance of such individuals into an addiction treatment facility may be the most ideal option for the commencement of their recovery process. Therefore if the choice is made to enter treatment, it is important to appreciate that the rehab therapist or counselor will have to play an essential role in the quality long-term recovery of an addict on admission, and that brings us to our nest point of focus and we ask “what are the roles of a rehab therapist or counselor?”

What to expect at the addiction therapist office: What are the roles of a rehab therapist or counselor?

Doctor Akoury states that according to the specifications outlined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a rehabilitation therapist (or counselor) is a trained professional who assists people by providing support, education and most importantly provide nonjudgmental confrontation to those addicts yearning for sobriety and long-term recovery. And as for those recovering from substance abuse, the counselor can be their ally in the recovery process and provides to those addicted an understanding of their struggle as well as support. However it is important to note that the counselor acts as a guide through the initial stages of recovery and that the recovery process and the responsibility of recovery fall on the patient. It therefore means that a very huge assignment lies before the individual patient and for effective delivery of treatment the patient must give all their attention and focus to the treatment. In many instances this is normally the biggest challenge since many addicts are always in denial of the magnitude of the problem they are facing.

Therefore if this description suits your situation, we want to be of help to you and encourage you that it is normal to be in denial at the beginning. You can talk to us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is an addiction health facility that was established by doctor Dalal Akoury one of the most respected addiction expert in our time. It will interest you to note that the main objective of doctor Dalal Akoury is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. You can therefore call her on telephone number 843 213 1480 to schedule for an appointment with her for further professional consultations about all your health concerns and you will not regret it one bit.

What to expect at the addiction therapist office: What does a counselor strive to do in treatment?

Under normal circumstances counselors will strive to achieve a balance between directive and allowing the patient to be directive. Therefore when counselors take the lead, they will provide the structure of their therapy sessions and provides feedback regarding the course those sessions is taking and the progress of recovery. The counselor may also direct the patient to change behavior that may be problematic and could lead to relapse. Besides that the counselor may also put the onus of direction on the patient such as in role play where the patient explores how best to handle situations where using may be prevalent in social situations. In those situations where the recovering individual takes the lead, the counselor’s responsibility is to note as signs of regressive behavior and provide continual acceptance in regards to things as they are in the present.

What to expect at the addiction therapist office: The goal of alliance

Ultimately, there should be the goal of a therapeutic alliance between both the counselor and the recovering addict. In this alliance, the key components are both collaboration and partnership. This ultimate goal of partnership starts with the knowledge base of the counselor’s knowledge of addiction and the lifestyle associated with addiction. Even with that knowledge, the counselor realizes or must realize that the recovering addict is the expert on their own life and experiences. When those initial concerns are met, the counselor should then be able to forge the alliance with the newly recovering individual.

The underlying mechanisms of this alliance are based on empathy, active listening and the avoidance of passing judgment. It is important that the counselor’s personal views and experiences don’t cause conflict with the patient’s goals and outcomes. The environment the counselor creates should be one of honesty and candor so it gives the patient an avenue to share their feelings openly and honestly. The focus in treatment is on the patient, so the counselor needs to be careful of too much self-disclosure. Ultimately, the counselor must be creative in their approach as well as flexible since each patient has different backgrounds, experiences and needs.

What to expect at the addiction therapist office: The provision of quality long term addiction recovery?

Parents role in handling their addicted teens

September 9, 2015

Parents role in handling their addicted teens: Management of teens substance abuse professionally

Parents role in handling their addicted teens is very important as it will contribute immensely in the reduction of the damages caused by drug use by teens and collage going youths

While we were handling the teens substances abuse professionally in our previous posting, we noted that there four fundamental elements that parents need to be well equipped with if this war of drug addiction is to be warn in the lives of our teens and children. We want to progress from where we left and look at the remaining three points to consider even as we explore the parents role in handling their addicted teens. Doctor Dalal Akoury is very much concern particularly with young people getting into drugs. She says that getting into drugs at these early stages of life is very dangerous and complicates treatment in the long run. Professionally it is very difficult to rehabilitate one who started using drugs in their youthful ages. Nonetheless she is quick also to put the record straight that despite the above concern, it does not necessarily justify the fact that it will be well if one start using drugs and alcohol in their mature ages. Drug addiction is a chronic problem that everyone must run away from by all means and this must be done not tomorrow but now says doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) a veteran addiction expert and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where real time solutions of substance abuse is professionally realized. Now after getting the necessary education and you have laid good foundation in terms of preparation in helping your teen get properly rehabilitated from their drug addiction, you can then move to adopting the following procedures.

Parents role in handling their addicted teens: Development of a strategy and work plan

Doctor Akoury says that the moment a parent has established that his or her child is into alcohol or drug abuse the most immediate thing to do is to get information about drug addiction by way of being educated on the subject and this must be done by addiction professionals and experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center can be of great help in this respect. The moment that is done, it’s now time to create an actionable plan. In other words, as a parents you need to come up with workable plan on how you are going to professionally confront your teen with the news of your discovery of his/her substance abuse habits, this will most likely involves you pre-emptying some of the anticipated possible responses and reactions and deciding how best to address them even before they come. When the confrontation occurs, teens will likely deny the accusations initially due to the fear of reproach and punishment; however, when reaching the point of finally admitting to the problem he or she will likely make excuses for the behavior so as to be held in the least possible amount of accountability. The following are some of the common excuses that are likely to be given by teens abusing substances; stress from parents’ marital discord, the influence of peers, and feeling depressed or anxious. In other words they will try to justify their substance abuse behavior as being their reaction to external stimuli and, therefore, not really their fault.

Besides that the other part of the plan should include deciding upon the consequences. If the teen has abused alcohol and drugs in the past and the present instance is a repeat offense, there must be some sort of immediate consequence as well as consequences for the future if the behavior continues.

Parents role in handling their addicted teens: Choose the right environment and confront the teen

It’s important for the confrontation to occur in an environment that offers safety from distraction and intervention from third parties. Moreover, it should be a place where the teen would feel comfortable and safe, which would likely be the family’s home in a communal living area. Privacy is also important so siblings and other individuals should not be present during the exchange. During the confrontation, parents should refrain from being too aggressive and accusatory as it will make the teen less likely to participate in the conversation. Compassion and understanding are essential as it will make the teen feel as though the parents are trying to empathize and see the situation from the teen’s point of view. Parents should remember that the most central goal of the confrontation is to understand the factors motivating the teen’s substance abuse behavior whether due to his or her social group, feelings of depression and anxiety, or some other inner turmoil so that those factors can be addressed in order to prevent additional substance abuse.

It is important that during the discussion, parents should explain to the teen the dangers of substance abuse, including the health risks and potential sacrifices made in the course of active addiction. Addicts often lose their jobs, financial stability, homes, relationships, and many other prospects, leaving them with only their expensive substance abuse habits. Additionally, parents of teen substance abusers should outline the consequences for substance abuse progressively. In dealing with teens it is worth noting that a teen’s substance abuse problem can be an emotional one and trying time for a family; however, if handled correctly the parents and teen could gain a better understanding of other perspective of substance abuse and result in the family’s becoming a more united unit.

Parents role in handling their addicted teens: Explore substance abuse treatment options today

Finally if you or someone you love is suffering from a substance abuse disorder and would benefit from addiction treatment, the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury can be of great help. At this facility, we have a team of recovery specialists available in every discipline offering professional consultations and assessments in order to match those suffering from chemical dependency to the therapies that will allow them to regain their sobriety and health. Therefore if you are considering the option of exploring substance abuse treatment, then this is the place to be, all you have to do is to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury and your situations will be settled in the most professional way that will be more fulfilling leaving you to enjoy the life ahead of you with great comfort and satisfaction.

Parents role in handling their addicted teens: Management of teens substance abuse professionally

Handling the teens substance abuse professionally

September 9, 2015

Handling the teens substance abuse professionally: What to do when your teen won’t stop abusing drugs?

Handling the teens substance abuse professionally is the best thing we all need to do in order to bring serenity in our college going children.

We are often faced with the challenge of handling the teens substance abuse professionally because may at times we are caught unaware of this new development. It is however very painful to have a son or a daughter who is lost in drugs and alcohol. The peace of mind run away and the worries of their conduct being adopted by their young siblings aches the heart beyond measure. Therefore we ask “what can you do when your ten just won’t stop abusing drugs?” This is what we want to focus on in this discussion and with the help of doctor Dalal Akoury M.D who is a veteran addiction expert and also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we are going to deliver to you the very best health addiction information that will be of great help to you and your loved ones in handling the teens substances abuse professionally. This is something you don’t want to miss ones therefore we encourage you to stay on the link as we impact on you positively.

Ideally there are so many misconceptions about alcohol and drug addiction, these misconceptions have resulted into many people believing that the addicts have willfully chosen the path of addiction. Although behavior and personal choice represents an important factor in the development of addiction, the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are of the opinion that there are other components as well. Like for instance, it may be that for some individuals, it is a biological or genetic predisposition that makes them more likely to develop an addiction if they experiment with substance abuse; while many others are led down the path of addiction due to environmental circumstances. Nonetheless doctor Akoury reiterates that no matter how or why it occurs in the first place, alcohol and drug addiction is a chronic problem, progressive disease that initiates a dramatic transformation, turning good people into individuals who are only concerned about their next fix. This is not good for anyone and therefore it is very important that lasting solutions is found and adopted immediately.

Now to the focus of our discussion, it is important to appreciate that substance abuse is not dangerous for adolescents and teens but also very disastrous to the whole communities where our teens resides. Impressionable by nature, our youths are commonly curious about substance abuse and have traditionally experimented with alcohol and marijuana at young ages. This is a terrible mistake that anyone can do no matter the circumstance or situation. However, with a heroin epidemic having taken the globe at ransom with United States taking the lead, from the available statistics, there’s clear evidence of increased heroin use among high school and college-aged individuals. Doctor Akoury is professionally sounding an alarm that substance abuse at such a young age is especially dangerous since these individuals are not yet fully developed; and remember that when youths abuse alcohol and drugs to the point of addiction, they run the risk of stunting their physical and psychological development. Moreover and this is very important, addiction makes individuals more likely to resort to criminal behaviors and damage important relationships, which can have a major impact on the rest of their lives and that of their loved ones and the society in general.

For parents of teens who have been experimenting with substance abuse, the grim possibilities that result from teenage addiction can be terrifying. As such, it’s important for parents of teens who have been abusing alcohol or drugs to be prepared to intervene in order to divert the lives that would be lost to addiction. The following are some of the hints that such parents can employ in order to help remedy the situation. Therefore as a parent you must:

Be prepared and educated
Develop a plan
Choose the right environment & confront the teen
Explore substance abuse treatment options today

For the purposes of this discussion we are only going to share with you on the first hint of the need to be well prepared and be well educated about the substances if you are to be on top of everything. The remaining three will form part of our discussion in the next posting which you also don’t want to miss.

Handling the teens substance abuse professionally: Be prepared and educated

It’s often said that knowledge is power therefore when handling the teens substance abuse professionally we must be smart in all our approaches says doctor Dalal Akoury. She continues to register that one of the common characteristics of individuals suffering from alcohol and drug addiction is denial. This is very common with most addicts who often fail to come to terms with the realities and severity of their dependency. As such, teens who have been experimenting with substance abuse tend to not only be secretive about their consumption, but also tend to minimize the direness of the situation. It is therefore very vital that parents who want to help their teens to stop abusing alcohol and drugs must be well equipped with all the relevant skills they need to win this war. That can only mean that they get prepared by educating themselves about substance abuse and addiction. Doctor Akoury proposes the following as some of the potential knowledge that will be most beneficial in dealing with the problem at hand, addictive potential of the various chemical substances, the side effects and symptoms that accompany substance abuse, the difficulty addiction recovery process, and the lifelong journey of sustained abstinence. Besides that parents should also familiarize themselves with the signs of substance abuse in order to better identify when a problem is present. Now with these preparations and education you will be well placed to face the challenge nonetheless as had been registered above we will continue with the remaining three in our next posting. In the meantime if you have any concern about handling the teen’s substance abuse professionally, you can reach out to doctor Dalal Akoury for further deliberations.

Handling the teens substance abuse professionally: What to do when your teen won’t stop abusing drugs?

Applications of nicotine replacement products by smokers

September 4, 2015

Applications of nicotine replacement products by smokers: How helpful are nicotine replacement products?

Applications of nicotine replacement products by smokers is one of the essentials in eliminating nicotine from the system. We must therefore stop tobacco use by all means

Nicotine is the major ingredient in tobacco that causes serious health complications in all smokers whether directly or indirectly. Any effort tailored at eliminating nicotine is a healthy one and must be supported by all means. For that reason we are going to focus our discussion on the applications of nicotine replacement products by smokers. To help us in the discussion we are going to be talking to one of the most respected addiction expert doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. It will interest you to note that doctor Akoury has been in practice for more than two decades now and her input in this discussion is one that you do not want to miss.

Applications of nicotine replacement products by smokers: The effectiveness of nicotine replacement products in relieving nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms

Nicotine replacement products deliver measured doses of nicotine into the body, which helps to relieve the cravings and withdrawal symptoms often felt by people trying to quit smoking. Nicotine replacement products are effective treatments that can increase the likelihood that someone will quit successfully. The following are some of the nicotine replacement products that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

The nicotine patch – this is available over the counter (without a prescription). A new patch is worn on the skin each day, supplying a small but steady amount of nicotine to the body. The nicotine patch is sold in varying strengths, usually as an 8- to 10-week quit-smoking treatment. Typically, the nicotine doses are gradually lowered as treatment progresses. The nicotine patch may not be a good choice for people with skin problems or allergies to adhesive tape. Also, some people experience the side effect of having vivid dreams when they wear the patch at night. These people may decide to wear the patch only during the daytime.

Nicotine gum – this is available over the counter in two strengths (2 and 4 milligrams). When a person chews nicotine gum and then places the chewed product between the cheek and gum tissue, nicotine is released into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. To keep a steady amount of nicotine in the body, a new piece of gum can be chewed every 1 or 2 hours. The 4-milligram dose appears to be more effective among highly dependent smokers (those who smoked 20 or more stick of cigarettes per day). Nicotine gum might not be appropriate for people with temporomandibular joint disease or for those with dentures or other dental work, such as bridges. The gum releases nicotine more effectively when coffee, juice, or other acidic beverages are not consumed at the same time.

The nicotine lozenge – this is also available over the counter in 2 and 4 milligram strengths. The lozenge is used similarly to nicotine gum; it is placed between the cheek and the gums and allowed to dissolve. Nicotine is released into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. The lozenge works best when used every 1 or 2 hours and when coffee, juice, or other acidic beverages are not consumed at the same time.

Nicotine nasal spray – this is made available only on prescription. The spray comes in a pump bottle containing nicotine that tobacco users can inhale when they have an urge to smoke. Nicotine is absorbed more quickly via the spray than with other nicotine replacement products. Nicotine nasal spray is not recommended for people with nasal or sinus conditions, allergies, or asthma or for young tobacco users. Side effects from the spray include sneezing, coughing, and watering eyes, but these problems usually go away with continued use of the spray.

A nicotine inhaler – this is also available by prescription only, delivers a vaporized form of nicotine to the mouth through a mouthpiece attached to a plastic cartridge. Even though it is called an inhaler, the device does not deliver nicotine to the lungs the way a cigarette does. Most of the nicotine travels only to the mouth and throat, where it is absorbed through the mucous membranes. Common side effects include throat and mouth irritation and coughing. Anyone with a breathing problem such as asthma should use the nicotine inhaler with caution.

Experts recommend combining nicotine replacement therapy with advice or counseling from a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Also, experts suggest that smokers quit using tobacco products before they start using nicotine replacement products. Too much nicotine can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, weakness, or rapid heartbeat.

Applications of nicotine replacement products by smokers: Are nicotine replacement products safe?

Safety is one element that must be above board before any medication or product is allowed for treatment administration. Therefore before nicotine replacement products are allowed into the market, they a must be taken to test to ensure that safety standards are not compromised in anyway. Therefore we can now confirm to you that these products are safe and less harmful for a person to get nicotine from than from cigarettes because tobacco smoke contains many toxic and cancer-causing substances. It is also important to appreciate that long-term use of nicotine replacement products has not been associated with any serious harmful effects thereby crediting their safety and comfort for usage.

Applications of nicotine replacement products by smokers: Are there alternative methods to help people quit smoking?

Finally some people often claim that alternative approaches such as hypnosis, acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy (laser stimulation of acupuncture points on the body), or electro-stimulation may help reduce the symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal. Nonetheless and according to clinical studies conducted, these alternative therapies have not been found to help people quit smoking as may be proclaimed in the streets. Professionally there is no evidence that alternative approaches help smokers who are trying to quit says doctor Akoury. It is therefore important that when bothered by your smoking habit and you want to quit, if you are not sure on where to start from, we are always there for you at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center any time any day. All you have to do is to schedule for an appointment with us and we will not hesitate to professionally attend to all your addiction concerns within the most reasonable time limit and at an affordable rates.

Applications of nicotine replacement products by smokers: How helpful are nicotine replacement products?

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits

September 4, 2015

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: Life has a lot to offer after addiction recovery

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits because quitting is possible irrespective of how deep you may have sunk into smoking

Life has a lot to offer after addiction recovery. This is not just a statement of invitation to treat but a statement loaded with lots of facts for your health. One chilly morning someone knocked on my office door and when I allowed him in, he handed to me a piece of paper soaked by the dew from the cold weather. The writing on the paper was simple and direct. It stated that “enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits.” After reading the message the bearer asked as I looked on “is it true doctor?” “I use my cigarette in cold weather like this to feel worm and high how will I protect myself from the cold without smoking?” up to we were still standing right in my office, the I offered him a seat so that we can have a heart to heart discussion about his concerns. This is what many people go through despite the available help and solutions around them. From the story of this gentleman we want to share with you some of the concerns that lingers on smokers minds and end up denying the plenty of enjoyable things life has to offer. As we progress into the discussion, if you are out there are you are struggling with all sorts of addiction, you can talk to us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is an addiction solution health facility which was established by doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) to meet the needs of all people across the globe that are in one way or the other are struggling with addiction. Questions like how can I resist the urge of smoking when doing the things you like often come up and we are going to sample some of those questions and respond to them progressively.

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: How can I resist the urge to smoke when I’m having coffee or tea?

In many instances smokers will have the pleasure of taking their favorite beverages while smoking their substances. This is often very common that one would easily mistake it to be an accompaniment for the drink. Therefore if this describes your situation, it is important to note that your favorite beverage may act as a trigger to smoke when you finally quit. With that in mind careful attention must be taken to have this urge properly managed and the following are some of the applicable tips you can employ in dealing with the urge:

Inform your colleagues of your quitting so that if for example drinking coffee or tea was your favorite, they won’t offer you a cigarette as an accompaniment.
While enjoying your drink (coffee), take deep breaths between the sips to inhale the aroma. Breathe in deeply and slowly while you count to five, and then breathe out slowly, counting to five again.
Try switching to decaffeinated coffee or tea for a while, particularly if quitting has made you irritable or nervous.
Keep your hands busy by nibbling on healthy foods, doodling, or making a list of tasks for the day.
If the urge to smoke is very strong, drink your coffee or tea more quickly than usual and then change activities or location.
When you quit smoking, drinking coffee or tea without smoking may make you feel sad in that case focus on what you’ve gained by quitting.

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: How can I enjoy a meal without smoking?

Doctor Akoury is reporting hat food normally tastes better after quitting smoking, and due to that your appetite may suddenly become much bigger than usual. With this experience it will not surprise anyone if the urge to smoke comes immediately after meals. This desire to smoke after meals may depend on whether you are alone or in the company of other smokers or with nonsmokers. And remember that your urge to smoke may be stronger with certain foods, such as spicy or sweet foods. Besides that the urge to smoke may be stronger even at different meal times. Therefore for proper management of that the following tips can be helpful:

It is important that you are aware of the kind of foods stuff that increases your urge to smoke and make effort of staying away from them.
Always try to have company every time you are eating and therefore if you are alone, invite a friend or take a walk as soon as you’ve finished eating.
Brush your teeth or use mouthwash right after meals.
If you have coffee or a fruit drink, concentrate on the taste.
Wash the dishes by hand after eating this will keep you from smoking since you can’t smoke with wet hands!
Eat at smoke-free restaurants.

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: How can I resist the urge to smoke when I’m drinking an alcoholic beverage?

Many smokers often smoke when enjoying their favorite drinks like beer, wine, liquor, or mixed drinks and in the process associate the good feelings with those beverages. It is important to note that up on quitting smoking, you may feel a strong urge to smoke when you drink alcohol. Therefore keep this in mind up front if you are going out for a drink. Nonetheless if you do drink, keep in mind that your control over your behavior may be impaired under the influence of alcohol. When you try to quit smoking, drinking alcohol may make it even tougher to cope and the following hints will be very helpful for you in the first few weeks after quitting:

Many people find it helpful to reduce or avoid drinking alcohol.
Switch to nonalcoholic drinks.
If you do drink, don’t choose the alcoholic beverages you usually have when smoking.
Don’t drink at home or by yourself.
Stay away from the places you usually drink alcohol, or drink only with nonsmoking friends.

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: How can I resist the urge to smoke when I’m feeling bored?

When you quit smoking, you may miss the increased excitement and good feeling that nicotine gave you. This may be particularly true when you are feeling bored. Experts say that management of boredom is very important for smokers who have just quitted. To help you in the management of boredom the following hints can be very useful:

Plan more activities than you have time for.
Make a list of things to do when confronted with free time.
Move! Do not stay in the same place too long.
If you feel very bored when waiting for something or someone (a bus, your friend, your kids), distract yourself with a book, magazine, or crossword puzzle.
Look at and listen to what is going on around you.
Carry something to keep your hands busy.
Listen to a favorite song.
Go outdoors, if you can, but not to places you associate with smoking.

Finally keeping sobriety after quitting will definitely be an uphill task and you will certainly need help along the way. If you ever need help do not hesitate to call doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for professional help immediately today.

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: Life has a lot to offer after addiction recovery

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