About Substance Abuse and Mental Health

May 30, 2015

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Admitting you have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health. the two conditions must be addressed simultaneously for any meaningful healing to be realized.

Are you struggling with drugs or is there any of your loved ones or anybody you know who is struggling with drugs? Drug addiction is not by any standard good for anyone’s health. People who have recovered from this scourge will attest to this. Even though this condition is treatable patients (addicts) are always in denial of what they are going through. This is one of the biggest challenges that must first be dealt with before any meaningful treatment can be administered. For sure without acknowledgement of the problem and willful acceptance, there is very little that any professional will do to help. That is why we put more emphasis about substance abuse and mental health so that addicts can own up and get ready for treatment. With that said and done, doctor says that if there is anything you need to remember then remember that substance abuse problems and mental health issues don’t get better when they’re ignored. As a matter of fact any time wasted will cause even much problem when treatment finally begins, in other words when dealing with matters addiction treatment should be immediate to rid of any possibilities of worsening the situation which is already frustrating. While appreciating that you may not want to be associated with drug addiction hence your reason for denial, surely you don’t have to feel this way. It is important to note that admitting you have a problem is the first step towards conquering your demons and enjoying life again. The following will help you come to terms with the problem at hand:

Consider family history – If people in your family lineage have grappled with either a mental disorder such as depression or alcohol abuse or drug addiction, you have a higher risk of developing these problems yourself. Meaning if this is true then you are not the first it had happen before.

Consider your sensitivity to alcohol or drugs – Are you highly sensitive to the effects of alcohol or drugs? Have you noticed a relationship between your substance use and your mental health? For example, do you get depressed when you drink? Interrogate that further.

Look at symptoms when you’re sober – While some depression or anxiety is normal after you’ve stopped drinking or doing drugs, if the symptoms persist after you’ve achieved sobriety, you may be dealing with a mental health problem.

Review your treatment history – Have you been treated before for either your addiction or your mental health problem? Did the substance abuse treatment fail because of complications from your mental health issue or vice versa? These will be very helpful to you in realizing that the problem you have is just like any other problem and treatment must be sought for immediately. Once you have noticed these then the next step is letting the professionals do their part by administering treatment so that the problem doesn’t escalate to some other complications.

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Signs and symptoms of substance abuse

Now that you have accepted that there could be some problems with your health and addiction, you need to move a step further and trace any signs and symptoms of substance abuse in your life. In other words if you’re wondering whether you have a substance abuse problem, then the following questions may help. Depending on how you respond to them will give an indication whether you have drinking problem or your drug use is a problem. In other words, when your response has more yes than no then chances are that you have a problem which needs to be fixed immediately.

Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
Have you tried to cut back, but just couldn’t?
Do you ever tell lies about how much or how often you drink or use drugs?
Have members of your family or friends showed concern about your alcohol or drug use?
Do you ever feel bad, guilty, or ashamed about your drinking or drug use?
On more than one occasion, have you done or said something while drunk or high that you later regretted and wished you didn’t?
Have you ever blacked out from drinking or drug use?
Has your alcohol or drug use caused problems in your relationships, as in marriage, work place?
Has you alcohol or drug use gotten you into trouble at work or with the law?

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Signs and symptoms of common co-occurring disorders

The mental health problems that most commonly co-occur with substance abuse are depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder.

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Common signs and symptoms of depression

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of interest in daily activities
Inability to experience pleasure
Appetite or weight changes
Sleep changes
Loss of energy
Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Concentration problems
Anger, physical pain, and reckless behavior (especially in men)

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Common signs and symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder

Feelings of euphoria or extreme irritability
Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs
Decreased need for sleep
Increased energy
Rapid speech and racing thoughts
Impaired judgment and impulsivity
Hyperactivity
Anger or rage

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Common signs and symptoms of anxiety

Excessive tension and worry
Feeling restless or jumpy
Irritability or feeling “on edge”
Racing heart or shortness of breath
Nausea, trembling, or dizziness
Muscle tension, headaches
Trouble concentrating
Insomnia

Finally it amazes me how we often get the best information and fail to implement them. We all want to live healthy lives free from all manner of addictions and mental health complications but on the other hand we find it difficult to conform to certain standards of life that is deemed healthy and productive. That really amazes me, however knowing that these drugs are very addictive, we have a duty to change things professionally. When you visit us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we will evaluate your individual conditions and professionally administer treatment to your individual needs that will live you full of life free from addiction and ready to go places. You can talk to us today by calling doctor Dalal Akoury to schedule for you appointment.

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Admitting you have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders

Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction

May 30, 2015

Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction: What does my friend have to do to get help?

Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction will be effective with the embracing of group therapies.

Not long ago we posted an article tailored specifically to inform the public on the best ways they can adopt towards helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism. In that article we noted that most of our friends are suffering with alcoholism and it became evident that we have to pool together to reduce their suffering. You may want to make reference to that article even as we settle on overcoming the challenges of defeating alcohol addiction. As a concern friend you noticed that your friend is not behaving normally and you suspect that he is struggling with alcohol addiction problem. You are convicted that you need to do something to help and I am encouraged that we have concern people live you. How I wish they were many of them. But anyway experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are very much supportive of people like you and I would encourage you from the onset that talking to these professional lead by doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of the facility. Meanwhile one of the biggest challenges to overcome in an attempt of defeating alcohol addiction is dealing with the problem of denial. The genesis of all treatment success is acceptance of the problem at hand unfortunately many people are in denial. Therefore if you have a friend you want to help with his or her alcohol addiction problem, you’ve got to start with making them to willingly acknowledge the presence of the problem they have. It is very important that to get better and recover well, your friend has to get some help to stop drinking or using the other drugs he may be using.

Doctor Akoury admits that facing such a problem and asking for help can be a scary thing to do. For the best to come out your friend will have to take an honest look at where drinking or abuse of other drugs has brought him or her. With that evaluation done honestly, the next step would be consent or admitting that it has caused them emotional and maybe physical pain as well. Your friend will have to see that it has robbed him or her of real friends, creativity, happiness, spirit, the respect of others, and even self-respect, and that it keeps your friend from growing up. It is also important to appreciate that one cannot solve the problem of drug addiction by themselves and therefore the help of experienced professionals would be very I deal, like for instance the services of a good counselor will support your friend and direct him or her to the kind of treatment and support groups that are most helpful.

Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction: Talking to the various Support groups

Like we have mentioned before not individual can single handedly go it alone in overcoming the challenges of defeating alcohol addiction. As a means of helping your friend in this fight, it would be very important that you encourage your friend to talk to other people with drinking and other drug problems particularly those who are now in the recovery process. You could look for those who have passed through programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These groups are confidential, self-help organizations that offer assistance to anyone who has a drinking or other drug problem and wants to do something about it. AA and NA members are recovering alcoholics and addicts, so they have a special understanding of each other.

Take note that talking with others who have experienced similar problems is an important part of recovery. New members are encouraged to stay away from alcohol or other drugs “one day at a time.” The good news is that there is no fee for membership in these organizations. If your friend is afraid to go to a meeting alone, that is normal and don’t take offence about that instead be supportive and go along with him or her to an “open” meeting. Friends and family members are welcome to attend this type of meeting, and there are meetings in most neighborhoods or communities.

If your friend has a drinking or other drug problem, you may be the only one willing to reach out and help. Your friend may not appreciate your help right away, or he or she may realize it means you really care. Ultimately, it’s up to your friend to get help. It is not your responsibility to make that happen. In fact, you can’t make that happen. All you can do is talk to your friend, show how much you care, and encourage him or her to get help. Your concern and support might be just what is needed to help your friend turn his or her life around. However, if your friend is in serious trouble with alcohol or other drugs, and you have been unable to get your friend to get help on his or her own, you should consider speaking with your friend’s parents or guardian. The potential consequences to your friend’s life can be too severe to do nothing.

You cannot force someone you love to stop abusing alcohol. As much as you may want to, and as hard as it is to watch, you cannot make someone stop drinking. The choice is up to them.
Don’t expect the person to stop drinking and stay sober without help. Your loved one will need treatment, support, and new coping skills to overcome a serious drinking problem.
Recovery is an ongoing process. Recovery is a bumpy road, requiring time and patience. An alcoholic will not magically become a different person once sober. And the problems that led to the alcohol abuse in the first place will have to be faced.

Admitting that there’s a serious problem can be painful for the whole family, not just the alcohol abuser. But don’t be ashamed. You’re not alone. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse affects millions of families, from every social class, race, and culture. But there is help and support available for both you and your loved one and that is why doctor Akoury founded this establishment (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) to help you go through all these challenges. And for that reason you can now schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury for the commencement of your recovery journey.

Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction: What does my friend have to do to get help?

Implications of alcoholism to family Domestic Violence

May 29, 2015

Implications of alcoholism to family Domestic Violence: Also threats to body organs

Implications of alcoholism to family Domestic Violence is becoming realistic and the experience is one that none would want to associate with

When there is the element or traces of alcohol consumption in any given family, chances are that, peace will be very elusive in such an environment. It may not matter who is the victim, so long as the common denominator is miss use of alcohol tables will have to be turn upside down for peace and tranquility to prevail. This can only serve to confirm the implications of alcoholism to family domestic violence. And for the a voidances of doubt says doctor Dalal Akoury alcoholic households are less cohesive and have endless conflicts, and members of such families are less independent and expressive than households with nonalcoholic or recovering alcoholic parents. Domestic violence is a common consequence of alcohol abuse across the globe and that is why you and I must pool together to bring this scourge to manageable levels.

Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center have for the past two decades been studying the effects of alcohol and particularly to the domestic violence and their findings does not miss the point, it has been established that when it comes to domestic violence, women and children are the major losers. A lot of abusive men when under the influence of alcohol are very violent and beat up their spouses and children recklessly and disorderly. Like for instance:

The Effect on Women – this is a serious risk factor for injury from domestic violence and in many cases the injury are inflicted by the male partner under the influence of alcohol.

The Effect on Children – Alcoholism in parents also increases the risk for violent behavior and abuse toward children. Children of alcoholics tend to do worse academically than others, have a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress and low self-esteem than their peers. In addition to their own inherited risk for later alcoholism, many children of alcoholics have serious coping problems that may last their entire life. Adult children of alcoholic parents are at higher risk for divorce and for psychiatric symptoms. One study concluded that the only events with greater psychological impact on children are sexual and physical abuse.

Implications of alcoholism to family Domestic Violence: Increased Risk for Other Addictions

Over the years researchers are finding common genetic factors in alcohol and nicotine addiction, which may explain, in part, why most alcoholics are often smokers as well. Doctor Akoury reiterates that alcoholics who smoke are actually compounding their health problems probably into calamities. In fact, some studies indicate that people who are alcohol-dependent and smoke all at the same time are more likely to die of smoking-related illnesses than alcohol-related conditions. Abuse of other drugs is also common among alcoholics. This is a very technical health problem is I may say. Alcohol and cigarette are never friends and bringing them into your health can only be said for luck of better adjective to be very dangerous. In instances like this doctor Akoury recommends that the patient or their loved ones must take immediate initiative of enrolling such individuals for treatment. And besides the domestic violence, miss use of alcohol also has savvier consequences on the various body organs.

Implications of alcoholism to family Domestic Violence: Liver Disorders

Alcoholic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis – Alcohol is absorbed in the small intestine and passes directly into the liver, where it becomes the preferred energy source. The liver is particularly endangered by alcoholism. In the liver, alcohol converts to toxic chemicals, notably acetaldehyde, which trigger the production of immune factors called cytokines. In large amounts, these factors cause inflammation and tissue injury.

Even moderate alcohol intake can produce pain in the upper right quarter of the abdomen a possible symptom of liver involvement. In many cases, such symptoms may be an indication of fatty liver or alcohol hepatitis, which are reversible liver conditions.

It is estimated that between 10 – 20% of people who drink heavily (five or more drinks a day) develop cirrhosis, a progressive and irreversible scarring of the liver that can eventually be fatal. Alcoholic cirrhosis (also sometimes referred to as portal, Laennec’s, nutritional, or micronodular cirrhosis) is the primary cause of cirrhosis in the U.S.

Not eating when drinking and consuming a variety of alcoholic beverages increase the risk for liver damage. Obesity also increases the risk for all stages of liver disease.

Hepatitis B and C – People with alcoholism may have lifestyles that put them at higher risk for hepatitis B and C. Chronic forms of viral hepatitis pose risks for cirrhosis and liver cancer, and alcoholism significantly increases these risks. It is therefore very important that people with alcoholism problem should be immunized against hepatitis B. since at the moment there is still no vaccine for hepatitis C says doctor Dalal Akoury.

Implications of alcoholism to family Domestic Violence: Gastrointestinal Problems

Alcoholism can cause many problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Violent vomiting can produce tears in the junction between the stomach and esophagus. It increases the risk for ulcers, particularly in people taking the painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. It can also lead to swollen veins in the esophagus, (called varices), and to inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) and bleeding.

Alcohol can contribute to serious acute and chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) in people who are susceptible to this condition. There is some evidence of a higher risk for pancreatic cancer in people with alcoholism, although this higher risk may occur only in people who are also smokers. Finally dear reader from this article we are not able to discuss all the other body organs that are affected by alcohol and cigarette addiction. We will progress with quite a number in our subsequent articles and that is a discussion you don’t want to miss. However in the meantime you can schedule for an appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury and she will be able to individually evaluate your condition and administer treatment professionally not just on matters torching on alcohol addiction but even on all other substance of abuse.

Implications of alcoholism to family Domestic Violence: Also threats to body organs

Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism

May 29, 2015

Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism: What can I do to help my friend?

Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism is the best thing you can do for a friend

Over the years we make new friends and keep old ones because we all value what friendship. And because of our attachment to our friends, it would be improper seeing our friends go through certain difficulties which need our help and do nothing. One very common problem that is affecting the current generation is issues to do with drug abuse and addiction. Young people are the major victims and most of our friends fall within this bracket. Take for instance the misuse of alcohol, this is problem is causing havoc in many families and neighborhoods. Therefore helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism is one very important thing you can do for a friend say doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Doctor Akoury was motivated into forming this establishment due to the suffering of many young people who have resorted into drug addiction. In her experience of over two decades, doctor Akoury has been very instrumental in offering professional treatment to many patients across the globe with so many success stories being credited to her. As we progress into this discussion, if by any chance you are struggling with alcoholism or any kind of substance abuse, then you may want to consider scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery journey.

Meanwhile about helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism, experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury says that it is possible for you to help a friend who is in serious trouble with alcohol or other drugs. However it is important to note that whether or not your friend accepts your help or takes your advice and gets benefits from it is really your friend’s decision and responsibility. Helping is very good and very noble for that matter, but it come with a great challenge and a lot of effort on your side will be very important. You will need to know more about the condition of your friend for you to be on top everything. This way, you will be in a better position of helping. Sometimes it may be necessary that you approach the patient in company of another trusted mutual friend whose role would be to make conversation between the two of you flow effectively.

Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism: Laying the ground work in helping an alcoholic friend

According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center the first step in getting help is for your friend to talk to someone about his or her alcohol and drug use. Treatment will not be easy if your friend is not willing to open up into acknowledging the problem. You will need to make all the efforts to talk to your friend into admitting that there is a problem, and to agree to stop drinking or using other drugs completely. Remember that this must be as voluntary as possible, at no given time must you force, your part will only to encourage them and not making the decision for them. Your friend needs support and understanding, and someone they can trust to talk to about the problem. You can’t force a friend to get help, but you can encourage and support your friend to seek and find professional help.

Along the way things may not go as you had expected and this is normally the way. If this becomes the situation and you are worried about a friend, it is important for you to speak to someone in private who is knowledgeable and reassuring. And for the avoidance of doubt telling someone isn’t being disloyal to your friend. It’s important to know the facts about what’s happening to your friend if you plan to help in a more meaningful way. Remember not to try helping your friend on your own until you have talked to someone you can trust the people you may want to talk to may include a counselor, teacher, doctor, nurse, parent, or someone at your church or synagogue. Be very particular and ask this person to keep the conversation confidential. You don’t have to mention your friend by name; you can just talk generally about the problem. Talking to a professional will help you figure out what the best steps are for you to take.

If you decide to speak to your friend, here are some guidelines that you and your advisor should consider in planning how and what you could do to help:

The timing for the talk must be right. Only talk to your friend when he or she is sober or straight before school is a good time.
Never accuse your friend of being an alcoholic or a drug addict, but do express your concern. Try not to blame your friend for the problem; if you do, he or she might be turned off right away.
Talk about your feelings. Tell your friend you’re worried, and how it feels for you to see him or her drunk or high on other drugs.
Tell your friend what you’ve seen him or her do when drinking or using other drugs. Give specific examples. Tell your friend you want to help.
Speak in a caring and understanding tone of voice, not with pity but with friendship.
Be prepared for denial and anger. Your friend may say there is nothing wrong and may get mad at you. Many people with alcohol and other drug problems react this way. When confronted, many users will defend their use, blame others for the problem, or give excuses for why they drink or use other drugs.
Find out where help is available. You could offer to go with your friend to get help, but be prepared to follow through. This gesture will show your friend that you really care.

You need to tell your friend that you are worried about him or her, and that someone who can help needs to be told. Your friend might get really mad at you, but if you say nothing, things may get worse and your friend may be in more danger. Any effort you make towards helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism is a step in the right direction and will certainly add value to the lives of suffering addicts. Doing this is very important in rising up a strong and working society for generations to come.

Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism: What can I do to help my friend?

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse

May 29, 2015

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse: The Hard Hit Society

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse are going to kill the entire generation if corrective measures are not taken immediately

Even though alcohol is a legally acceptable drink in our societies, it use is causing a lot of pain to the same society especially when it is abused. This is one of the substances that are very easy to abuse owing to its addictive nature. It therefore beats the logic to advice that when taking alcohol, users must be careful to be as moderate as possible. I ask this question, the substance is a highly intoxicating and addictive, how then do you recommend a bottle or two for both genders knowing that you will not be able to help the keep to the limit? It is this in ability of many alcohol users to keep to the limit that has led to alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Because of this, we are left with the effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse to deal with. According to experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, alcoholism and alcohol abuse can affect all aspects of your life. Long-term alcohol use can cause serious health complications, affecting virtually every organ in your body, including your brain. Problem relating to drinking can also damage your emotional stability, finances, career, and your ability to build and sustain satisfying relationships. In essence the point is that alcoholism and alcohol abuse can have serious impact on your family, friends and the people you work with. That is why doctor Akoury founded this facility to give her contribution in containing this ever escalating problem in our societies.

The effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse on the people you love

When alcoholism sets into a family, comfort and piece flee in the opposite direction. I understand that it is common knowledge that the potential damage of alcohol abuse can be very lethal including complications like cancer, heart problems, and liver disease the other side of life can also be impacted on negatively. I am talking about the social side of life. The impact to this effect can be very devastating and alcoholics may end up without healthy relationships because of divorce and separation, problems relating to domestic violence, struggling with unemployment and endless life of poverty. These are real social issues that come with alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Nonetheless occasionally you may escape the in one area say from your work station the effects that alcoholism and alcohol abuse has on your personal relationships cannot be ignored.

This is because drinking problems put an enormous strain on the people closest to you. In many cases, your loved ones would be very protective to avoid embarrassment because they feel obligated to cover for the person with the drinking problem. In other words, they take on the burden of cleaning up your messes, telling lies for you, or working more to make ends meet. Pretending that nothing is wrong and hiding away all of their fears and resentments can take an enormous toll on them. This is one aspect that hit children the most. Children are usually very sensitive and can suffer lasting emotional trauma when a parent or caretaker is an alcoholic or heavy drinker.

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse: Getting help for alcoholism or alcohol abuse

Like in all other addiction, alcohol addiction treatment begins with the acceptance of the existence of drinking problem. This very first step may appear to be the easiest part but it is not and in fact many addicts are never willing to voluntarily acknowledge their individual drinking problems. It takes tremendous strength and courage to face alcohol abuse and alcoholism head on. Reaching out for support is the second step. It may not matter the choices you are going make be it going to the rehab or relying on self- help programs or even getting a therapy or a self-directed treatment approach, the bottom line is that getting support is very crucial. It is important to appreciate that recovering from alcohol addiction is much easier when you are surrounded with people you can rely on for good encouragement, comfort and guidance. In the absence of such support, it will be very easy to fall back into the old patterns of addiction when the going becomes very difficult.

Doctor Akoury says that your consistency on the recovery program will depend on continuing mental health treatment, learning healthier coping strategies, and making better decisions when dealing with life’s challenges. In order to stay alcohol-free for the long term, you’ll also have to face the underlying problems that led to your alcoholism or alcohol abuse in the first place. Those problems may include depression, an inability to manage stress, an unresolved trauma from your childhood, or any number of mental health issues. Such problems may become more prominent when you’re no longer using alcohol to cover them up. But you will be in a healthier position to finally address them and seek the help you need.

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse: Helping a loved one with alcoholism or alcohol abuse

Finally if someone you love has a drinking problem, you may be struggling with a number of painful emotions, including shame, fear, anger, and self-blame. The problem may be so overwhelming that it seems easier to ignore it and pretend that nothing is wrong. But in the long run denying it will be more damaging to you, other family members, and the person with the drinking problem.

Dealing with a loved one’s alcohol problem can be an emotional rollercoaster. It’s vital that you take care of yourself and get the support you need. It’s also important to have people you can talk honestly and openly with about what you’re going through. It may interest you to opt for institutions like the Al-Anon as the starting point. This is a free support group for families coping with alcoholism. Listening to others with the same challenges can be a tremendous source of comfort and support. You can also turn to trusted friends, a therapist, or people in your faith community but most importantly would be consulting with the experts for help. You can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for a much more professional guidance and treatment today.

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse: The Hard Hit Society

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