Major effects of Addiction

June 9, 2014

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological and Physical

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

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

Psychological effects of drug addiction
Physical effects of drug addiction

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological effects of drug addiction

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

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

Depression

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

Paranoia

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

Anxiety

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

Major effects of Addiction-Physical effects of Drug addiction

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

The kidneys

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

The liver

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

The heart

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

The lungs

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

Major effects of Addiction-Conclusion

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

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological and Physical

Kinds of Addictive Substances

June 9, 2014

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Their effects discussed

All kinds of addictive substances cause addiction and their effects on humans life is dangerous

When we talk of addiction it is more likely that you will think of an illegality, crime and use of drugs disorderly. Addiction has been associated with all manner of negativity and suspicion. But in all these suspicion it is important to note that substance abuse is characterized by a pattern of use that causes significant impairment or distress, in addition to any one of these additional diagnostic criteria: using substances in situations where it endangers the user; a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home; having multiple drug-related legal problems; or continuing to use substances regardless of the problems it causes in the user’s life. The different types of substance abuse have various features depending on the type of drug abused and for the purpose of this article we will categorize the addictive substances into five major units:

Stimulant abuse
Depressant abuse
Psychedelic Abuse
Marijuana Abuse
Alcohol Abuse

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Stimulant Abuse

As the name suggests, stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Stimulants historically were used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems, obesity, neurological disorders, and a variety of other ailments. But as their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent, the medical use of stimulants began to wane. Now, stimulants are prescribed to treat only a few health conditions, including ADHD, narcolepsy, and occasionally depression in those who have not responded to other treatments.

Stimulants include illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as legal substances such as nicotine, caffeine and over-the-counter stimulants. Physical and Mental Effects of Psychoactive Drugs,” stimulant use causes the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, stimulating the brain’s reward and pleasure center. This stimulation reinforces the drugs’ abuse, as users attempt to feel good through increases of dopamine and norepinephrine and to avoid the “crash,” medically known as dysphoria that occurs after stimulant use depletes the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Abuse of stimulants depletes energy and creates intense drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can also induce paranoia, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, aggression, violence and psychosis. Stimulant abuse and addiction develop quickly.

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Depressant Abuse

Depressants include opiates such as heroin, morphine and opium, as well as sedative-hypnotic medications such as Xanax, Ativan and Valium. Depressant has the characteristic of slowing down the central nervous system, diminish inhibitions, create relaxation and decrease pain.

Opiate abuse carries a high risk of overdose and addiction, as well as health problems. Abuse of sedative-hypnotic drugs easily creates psychological and physical dependence as well. Abuse of these drugs in combination with alcohol can be lethal. Indeed, multiple drug abuse is common with abusers of this class of drug, as users combine various depressants throughout a day or week to try to achieve an optimal psychological and physiological state.

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Psychedelic Abuse

Psychedelic abuse includes using in dole psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms; phenylalkylamine psychedelics including mescaline; and other types of psychedelics such as ketamine, or “Special K,” and PCP, notes “Uppers, Downers, All-Arounders.”
Psychedelics, called hallucinogens in the medical literature, distort the user’s perceptions, thoughts and sensations.
Abusers who have underlying mental health issues face particular risks as these substances can trigger latent mental health problems.
These drugs vary dramatically in potency. Because intensive research has not been done on them as has been with other substances their effects of abuse are not very clear (less well known).
MDMA abuse may cause lasting damage to the serotonin-producing neurons in the brain, in addition to depression and serious health risks.
Ketamine abuse can lead to convulsions and coma.
LSD abuse causes such impaired judgment and reasoning that serious injury and death can result even at low doses. Acute anxiety reactions can also occur.

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Marijuana Abuse

The most commonly abused illegal drug, marijuana induces short-term euphoria, physical relaxation, distorted perception and thought, increased appetite, and impairment of memory and physical coordination. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, users of more potent marijuana may experience giddiness, illusions and hallucinations. Because of the impairment in coordination and thinking, driving and other activities while under the influence pose a risk. Tolerance quickly develops so that those abusing marijuana need higher doses to achieve the same high. Long-term marijuana abuse may cause respiratory problems and immune system suppression. Alongside that longer-term abuse may also stunt emotional maturity and learning, and it can increase anxiety and even cause temporary psychosis.

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol is the most abused drug and it affects every organ in the body, and it is the oldest and most widely used psychoactive substance.
Alcohol abuse includes binge drinking and other problematic patterns of drinking which fall short of addiction but meet the criteria for abuse.
Alcohol abuse is linked to increases in aggression, impaired judgment, diminished inhibitions, mood problems such as depression and anxiety, health problems, sexual dysfunction and relationship problems.
Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism primarily in the lack of withdrawal symptoms when an alcohol abuser stops drinking. However, alcohol abuse creates significant distress or impairment in the abuser’s life.

All addictions problems are as a result of these addictive substances it is important that we make efforts to keep distance from elements that can lure us to addiction. Talking to addiction experts is important as it helps you get information about the safety precautions. Doctor Akoury the founder and chief executive of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is an expert of vast experience that can be of great help to you. Under her care you will be put real time medication focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This way you will in no time get your life back and live it to the fullest.

Kinds of Addictive Substances-Their effects discussed

Types of Addictions

June 6, 2014

Types of Addictions-Drug Addiction

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

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

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

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

Types of Addictions-Alcohol addiction

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

Types of Addictions-Nicotine addiction

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

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

Types of Addictions-Drug addiction

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

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

Types of Addictions-Caffeine addiction

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

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

Types of Addictions-Drug Addiction

Social use or an Addiction

June 5, 2014

Social use or an Addiction-Drug Addiction

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social use or an Addiction-Nicotine and other drug use

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

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

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

Social use or an Addiction-Performance enhancing drugs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social use or an Addiction-Drug Addiction

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency

June 4, 2014

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Part Three

Surely our children can not be victims of alcohol abuse we can together do something

As I said in the last post effective treatment of alcoholism or alcohol addiction starts from within the addict. It is the most important step for the healing process to begin and it can only begin with the alcoholic acknowledging and admitting that they have a problem and that they need help. Once this is done then the next step is help and support and in this area we will bring onboard only real and experienced experts in this field of addiction. Doctor Akoury has been in this field for over three decades and will be very instrumental is helping you get better the natural way. But before that let us get back to alcohol addiction as a medical condition which requires experts’ attention. Defeating an alcohol addiction is not simple as it may appear, it is a long and painful process which require more than sheer willpower of the patient.

When administering treatment to the alcoholic, it requires the patient to make several adjustments in their lives in nearly every aspect which may not be very easy to many addicts. The good news is that even though these adjustments may not be easy but you can be rest assured that help and support is readily available at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care. We have to appreciate that treatments for alcohol addiction are quite varied because there are multiple perspectives for the condition itself. For instance those who approach alcoholism as a medical condition or disease recommend differing treatments than those who approach the condition as one of social choice.

Because alcoholism involves multiple factors which encourage victims to continue drinking, an all-inclusive approach must be put in place to address all the underlying factors in order to successfully prevent a relapse. For example detoxification is an ideal method of treatment followed by a combination of supportive therapy, attendance at self-help groups, and ongoing development of coping mechanisms. The treatment community for alcoholism typically supports an abstinence-based zero tolerance approach; however, there are some who promote a harm-reduction approach as well.

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Detoxification

Detoxification or ’detox’ for alcoholics is an abrupt stop of alcohol drinking coupled with the substitution of drugs that have similar effects to offset the withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most common family of drugs used for this, followed by barbiturates. Detoxes are performed in multiple ways some of which include:

The first takes into consideration the varying degrees of tolerance and in it, a standard dose of the benzodiazepine is given to the patient every half hour until light sedation is reached.
Once a baseline dose is determined, the medication is tapered over the ensuing 3-10 days.
Another option is to give a standard dose of benzodiazepine based on history and adjust based on withdrawal phenomenon.
A third option is to defer treatment until symptoms occur, which is safe only with relatively mild alcohol users.

It must be noted that detoxification only treats the physical effects of prolonged use of alcohol, but does not actually treat alcoholism. After the process of detox is complete, relapse is likely without further treatment. However detoxification may or may not be necessary depending on an individual’s age, medical status, and history of alcohol intake. For example, a young man who binge drinks and seeks treatment one week after his last use of alcohol may not require detoxification before beginning treatment for alcoholism.

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Group therapy and psychotherapy for alcohol addiction

The moment detoxification is done group therapy or psychotherapy can be used to deal with underlying psychological issues which are related to alcohol addiction, as well as to provide relapse prevention skills. The mutual-help group-counseling approach is one of the most common ways of helping alcoholics maintain sobriety.

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Rationing and moderation for alcohol addiction

Rationing and moderation programs do not mandate complete abstinence. Since one of the effects of alcohol is to reduce a person’s judgment, each drink makes it more difficult to decide that the next drink is a bad idea. Additionally, for those who are predisposed towards alcoholism, drinking in moderation can result in the strengthening of the endorphin-based addiction.

While most alcoholics are unable to limit their drinking in this way, moderate drinking works for some people, and it may avoid the physical, financial, and social costs of other treatments – particularly in the early phase of recovery. Professional help can be sought for rationing from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Akoury

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Nutritional therapy for alcohol addiction

Preventative treatment of alcohol complications includes long-term use of multivitamin as well as specific vitamins like B12 and folate.

While nutritional therapy is not a treatment of alcoholism itself, it treats the difficulties that can arise after years of heavy alcohol use. Many alcohol dependents have insulin resistance syndrome, a metabolic disorder where the body’s difficulty in processing sugars causes an unsteady supply to the blood stream. While the disorder can be diminished by a hypoglycemic diet, this can affect behavior and emotions, side-effects often seen among alcohol dependents in treatment. The metabolic aspects of such dependence are often overlooked, causing poor treatment outcomes.

So far we have been discussing the various treatments methods of alcohol addiction for a sober society. All that we have mention above are very essential for treating alcoholics however for they to be properly put into use we will need experts with vast experience in handling matters addiction and especially alcohol addiction. As mention in this article doctor Akoury is an expert who has been offering neuroendocrine restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of oneness of spirit, mind and body unifying the threesome into one. This is a working treatment method that has helped many people globally and your appointment with doctor Akoury will be the best you can do to yourself and loved ones because by the time she is done with you, you will be up on your feet again only that this time you will be sober and fully recovered.

Treatments for alcohol addiction, abuse and dependency-Part Three

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