Epigenetic Mechanisms of Addiction

June 26, 2014

Epigenetic mechanisms of addiction-What is Epigenetic

Epigenetic is used to denote the heritable alterations in gene expression which are not associated to the fundamental of DNA series

Epigenetic is a phrase used to denote the heritable alterations in gene expression which are not associated to the fundamental of DNA series; the alteration in phenotype without the alteration in genotype. Epigenetic alteration is a common and authentic happening though it may also be influenced by other factors like age, the surrounding or lifestyle, and the condition of illness. Epigenetic improvement can appear significantly like the way cells are terminally distinguish to end up as skin, liver, brain cells etc. or epigenetic alteration have more serious effects which can result in complications like cancer. By the way, we have about three systems include:

DNA methylation
Histone modification
Non-coding RNA (ncRNA)

These systems are related gene silencing and are currently believed to pioneer and a withstand epigenetic alteration. This is an area that needs further studies and research to uncover the role of epigenetic in variety of human disorders and lethal diseases. Because a lot more research needs to be done let us use the introduction we have given in a bid to discussing the epigenetic mechanisms of addiction to better understand how it affects substance abuser health.

Epigenetic mechanisms of addiction-Drug addiction

The scourge of drug addiction demands massive medical, economical and emotional clung on the society in the form of excess and health complications, family crumbling, loss of income and crime. The estimates according to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) indicate that in US alone the total cost of drug abuse is beyond US$600 billion yearly. The greatest concern is that of the steady increase in drug abuse by the young people and the consistent abuse of prescription drugs. It goes without saying that these statistics confirms the serious need of more research into the neuronal effects of substance abuse and the mechanisms of addiction with a view of finding the original targets for administering treatment and thwarting the addictive ailments.

Even though we are all faced with great risk of substance abuse, a hand full of us will not be strong enough to resist the temptation of drug use and coercion for pursuing drugs and eventually suffers an addiction. Being in this category is majorly swayed by ones genetic composition and the mental and communal background in which drug coverage occurs. Even though the genetic involvement to risk for addiction is approximately 50%, the precise genes which are intricate remain virtually unidentified. The addictive phenotype can continue in one’s life like forever with drug craving and relapse taking place even after decades of self-discipline signifying that drugs prompt lasting alterations in the brain fundamental addiction behaviors.

The many cells of specific organism, even though they encompass basically identical complements of DNA, differentiate to form different tissues and organs through controlled variations in the transcriptional potential of each gene, based on environmental cues, cell-to-cell signals and probably other random factors. It is becoming indistinct that many of the same processes of gene regulation which are intricate in the usual differentiation of cells and tissues during development are also tied up in the adult organism to mediate cellular adaptation to environmental stimuli.

The procedures involved in the instruction of transcriptional potential are diverse and highly complex, and include activation and inhibition of transcription factors, alteration of chromatin and DNA structure, and initiation of non-coding RNAs. Increasing evidence which supports the hypothesis that each of these mechanisms of epigenetic regulation is directly affected by substance abuse and that such adaptation is one of the main processes by which drugs bring highly stable variations in the brain that mediate the addicted phenotype. This Review summarizes the findings that support this hypothesis, and highlights areas in which future research will extend this fundamental knowledge of addiction and exploit it for new therapeutics.

Epigenetic mechanisms of addiction-Drug action and gene transcription

Apparently similar syndrome of addiction may result from acquaintance to a wide variety of chemical substances or even rewarding activities, from cocaine to gambling to sex. One collective mechanism in these various forms of addiction is thought to be activation of the brain’s reward circuitry, which centers on dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain and their projections to the limbic system in particular, the nucleus accumbens (NAc; also known as the ventral striatum), dorsal striatum, amygdala, hippocampus and regions of prefrontal cortex. This reward circuitry is activated by stimuli or pursuits that encourage evolutionary fitness of the organism, such as nutrient-rich foods, sex and social stimulation. As drugs of abuse activate this circuitry far more strongly and persistently than natural rewards, and without being associated with productive behavioral results, chronic exposure to drugs modulates brain reward regions partly through a homeostatic desensitization that renders the individual unable to attain sufficient feelings of reward in the absence of drug. An alternative, but not mutually exclusive, hypothesis of addiction focuses on incentive sensitization, whereby drugs alter the reward circuitry to cause increased assignment of incentive salience to drug cues, effectively making drug-associated environmental stimuli more difficult to ignore and leading to intense drug craving and relapse. Pathological drug-induced alterations in the reward circuitry further impair behavioral control over drug taking.

Essentially all rewarding drugs escalates dopaminergic transmission from the VTA to the NAc and other target limbic regions, even though they both employ partially distinct mechanisms and in some cases involve other neurotransmitter systems as well. The activities of drugs on the NAc are further complicated by the cellular heterogeneity of this brain region. Although drugs differ in their acute mechanisms of action, the common syndrome of addiction suggests that chronic activation of these distinct, acute mechanisms induces some shared molecular adaptations in brain reward regions that mediate the lasting nature of the addictive phenotype.

Transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms of addiction

Having discussed the dynamics of epigenetic mechanism of addiction you must have noted that it is such an interesting medical application in the effort of solving the problem of addiction. Now let us bring the whole article down a summery form and expand your desired scope of research on this particular topic of epigenetic.

I will suggest that alterations in the transcriptional potential of genes, through the actions of drug-regulated transcription factors, chromatin modifications and non-coding RNAs, contribute substantially to the neuroadaptations that motivate addiction. This Evaluation is to highlights key examples of such transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms of addiction, and identifies some of the novel potential targets for therapeutic intervention during the addiction process.
The nucleus accumbens a region which is central to the dispensation of reward and the addicting actions of nearly all substance abuse contains a difficult milieu of cell types. It receives input from and sends signals to several brain sections. Chronic revelation to drugs of abuse alters gene expression patterns, as well as the morphology (and ultimately the functional activity) of nucleus accumbens neurons neuroadaptations which pay significantly to the addiction process.
Epigenetic regulation causes many adaptations of an adult organism to environmental stimuli similar to those seen in drug addiction. Post-translational improvement of histone tails and direct modification of DNA, as well as transformed levels or activity of a host of other chromatin remodeling proteins, mediate the ability of drugs of abuse, after chronic exposure, to change the expression of precise genes in the brain’s reward circuitry.
The current study of chromatin regulation in addiction models backs the view that epigenetic changes at individual genes do not only change the steady-state levels of their expression but also their inducibility in response to a subsequent stimulus. I will suggest that these latent epigenetic changes, termed gene ‘priming’ and ‘desensitization’, alter an individual’s adaptability and contribute substantially to the addicted state.

In conclusion because a lot of further research needs to be done I will make suggestions about some of the possible areas that need to be researched on and they include the following:

What controls the recruitment or expulsion of individual transcriptional and chromatin-regulatory proteins to a particular target gene?
What controls the formation and maintenance of distinct epigenetic states at particular genes?
How are the actions of drugs of abuse, all of which initially target the synapse, transduced to the neuronal nucleus to regulate the epigenetic state and transcriptional potential of individual genes?

Epigenetic mechanisms of addiction-What is Epigenetic

Meditation for Addiction

June 25, 2014

Meditation for Addiction-Treatment the Natural way

Treating addiction has many methods among them is meditation

When we talk of medication normally the very first thing that comes into our mind is the natural experience of inner peace. When one is in problems they will always be restless in the mind. The application of meditation gives natural medicine and the experience of calmness. Calmness is a natural tranquility that makes us forget about our problems and with a quiet mind we have the positive will to manage our emotions and being able to effectively deliver on our assignments. To help us understand this discussion well it will be very important that we define certain terms as we progress.

Meditation for Addiction-What is Meditation

Meditation is a practice which has been associated with the eastern tradition for a long time but is currently present in almost every world culture in some form. Traditionally it was linked to the spiritual practices of some communities in India, China, Japan, and other Eastern cultures. Nonetheless currently the western version of meditation is majorly more focused on relaxation and stress reduction. Methods of meditation are wide and diversified in many ways.

There are thousands of specific meditation practices. Some focus on a quieting and clearing of the mind to experience a deep sense of presence in silence and connection to the spiritual world.
Others bring the mind’s focus to a single, specific thought or objective. This practice is self-guided and can involve the use of music, chant, breathing techniques, specific postures, or focus on a visualization or external image.

This method (meditation) of administering addiction treatment has been medically proven to be effective in reducing the rate of substance abuse and relapse in many settings. In addition to this the changes in thought processes and brain function which come with meditation is convincing scientists of the biological addiction process.

Why use Meditation to Treat Addiction?

While appreciating the use of conventional treatment for addiction it important to take into account that meditations like methadone also has a significant role in reducing withdrawal effects and craving for some individuals though this may sometimes cause undesirable side effects. Anyway depending on the individual needs and personality, conventional treatments might be limited in their short- and long-term effectiveness, beyond one’s available financial resources, inconvenient or inaccessible, in opposition to personal beliefs or values, or otherwise dissatisfying. For these individuals, meditation may offer either an alternative or complementary approach to improve the odds of success in treating addiction.

How Can Meditation Help Treat Addiction?

The spiritual and self-directed aspects of meditation may be appealing to certain individuals, increasing the effectiveness of this approach to addiction treatment. One 2003 study of drug users noted that meditation and other complementary therapies were used more often and considered effective by individuals with higher education, lower self-perceptions of their health, and access to a regular doctor.

In addition, the mindfulness that accompanies meditation has shown to be more effective than behavioral strategies that encouraged avoiding thoughts of substance use. Such thoughts inevitably surface in recovery, and meditation may offer a method for awareness and acceptance of these thoughts. This, in turn, may limit the transformation of these thoughts into the action of substance use.

While studying the use of meditation in the correctional facilities it was established that prison population support this idea and there was a decrease in alcohol use among the inmates who incorporated Vipassana meditation, a mindfulness form of meditation that focuses on acceptance of unwanted thoughts.

How to Meditate to Treat Addiction

The literature on using meditation for addiction most often describes the Vipassana type of meditation. In Vipassana meditation, one remains objective and does not attempt to deny the thoughts related to addiction but instead when a thought or craving to use arises, Vipassana meditation encourages one to observe and acknowledge the presence of the thought while trying not to associate with it much. In this way, one can accept the reality of such thoughts while learning to refocus energy elsewhere. This type of meditation is much appreciated by many because it eliminates blame and stigmatization related to the addictive thought process but still acknowledging its reality.

Using Vipassana meditation for addiction would require the following:
Finding a quiet place without distractions
At least 20-30 minutes of dedicated time
Positioning (sitting) the patient on a chair or on the floor holding the head and back straight, in a comfortable position with eyes closed.

Remember that this is a mind-full form of meditation intended to ensure the body sensations and thoughts are activated and so if arose the need of shifting or moving then it should be done with an awareness of the sensation and action of the movement. Vipassana meditation is the act of watching what your body and mind are experiencing without over identifying or reacting to that experience. This is facilitated by paying attention to one’s breath, without trying to control or judge it. The period of meditation is an exercise in watching in this way, without judging or reacting to the breath, or thoughts or feelings. Through this practice, one comes to accept that thoughts and feelings related to addictive cravings will arise and by watching, they can be acknowledged and released removing their power. Your ability to successfully maintain a mind-full state will increase with daily meditation practice.

Meditation for Addiction-Treatment

From the narratives discussed medication is one of the methods you may want to use in treating your addiction problem however before you do this, it will be important that:

It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a meditation or other complementary medicine program.
This is especially important if you are receiving allopathic addiction treatment, or if you have a respiratory, heart or other health condition.
In addition, prior to beginning meditation, discuss the benefits, limitations and any possible risks with your psychologist or other mental health care provider.

Having looked at medication as possible way of treating addiction let us take a moment and look into addiction briefly to have a better understanding of this whole process. Addiction is defined as a physical and psychological dependency on a substance or behavior. Ordinarily it is believed that addiction rotated a round alcohol or drug abuse but it can also take the form of a compulsion to smoke, engagement in sexual activities or gambling. As a matter of facts nearly all behaviors can become addictive take for example internet, phone or other technology oriented devices used in today’s society. Whatever the form it take addiction can lead to profound consequences in almost all areas of life, because of the dangers it is important that treatment is sought in good time before it is too late.

Finally as we address the treatment of addiction, we have seen that medication can be very helpful but this is just one method and in all methods there will be great need of the involvement of an experienced medical expert to give the much needed medical professional advice. This is a service that you can only get at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. A facility founded by doctor Dalal Akoury. A visit to this facility would be one of the best decision you will make because your addiction problem will be eliminated in the most efficient way and with a team of experts who will be focusing on among other treatment means Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE

Meditation for Addiction-Treatment the Natural way

Addiction, Heart Disease, and Stroke

June 23, 2014

Addiction, Heart Disease, and Stroke-Deteriorates Good health

Drug addiction has negative effect on human health. It brings with it heart complications, and brain multifunction which leads to stroke

The greatest and most valuable asset one can have on earth is good health. It is one asset that has so many enemies attacking it left right and centre. Because of the great value of health we will be discussing some of its attackers in a bid of being prepared to keep the good health that we all need. It goes without mention that drugs and alcohol addiction has bad effects on our health due to their abilities to affect all the body organs like the lungs, the heart the brain among others. We are going to zero in two organs for the purpose of this article i.e. the heart and the brain of which research has established that there is a direct connection between drug abuse and irregular heartbeat, collapsed veins, bacterial infections, cardiovascular distress, heart attack and stroke. This is a discussion you don’t want to miss and so I take this opportunity to invite you to keep on the link for this fact finding mission.

Heart disease is associated with a collection of abnormalities affecting the proper functionality of the heart. For instance the dysfunction may be in the heart muscle, valves and electric system of the heart or the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The heart has muscles which may develop complications when the heart has been overworked chronically and it is normally common when one has high blood pressure/hypertension. Like the muscle of the arms grows when we lift heavy weights so is the tender muscles of the heart will enlarge when they are under chronic physical stress as seen with alcohol and drug addiction.

The heart receives its blood supply from the blood vessels which are occasionally affected by the coronary artery disease (CAD). It is important to note that the supply of blood to the heart should be consistent since the heart also gets its supply of oxygen to function effectively through this means. A disease in the heart arteries causes inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart which results in heart attacks in many cases and the effect of this is that the portion of the heart muscle tissue deprived of oxygen dies.

Addiction, Heart Disease, and Stroke-Stroke

Like the heart the brain also requires steady supply of oxygen to function normally and so when the arteries supplying blood/oxygen to the heart is either partially or completely blocked, then there will be inconsistency in the supply of oxygen to the brain causing that section of the brain deprived of oxygen to die.

The brain, like the heart, requires a constant supply of oxygen to function. When one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart becomes partially or fully blocked, the brain is deprived of oxygen. This, in turn, causes the tissue in the area of the brain that is not being supplied with oxygen to die. The effect of this will depend vary depending on the part of brain affected and so symptoms like inability to speak, walk, think or talk well will be seen in the victim. Stroke can also occur when the vessel to the brain ruptures or bust the effects of this is the same.

Addiction, Heart Disease, and Stroke

Drug and alcohol addiction create great strain on the body’s organs and organ systems such as the brain, nervous system, respiratory system and circulatory system. There is also a direct connection between drug and alcohol abuse and adverse cardiovascular effects such as irregular heartbeat, collapsed veins, coronary artery disease and bacterial infections that destroy the valves of the heart. Examples of drugs that lead to cardiovascular distress or cause heart disease include:

Cocaine
Heroin
Inhalants
Alcohol
Marijuana
Methamphetamines

Cocaine and crack are short-acting, powerful stimulants that act directly on the heart muscle, the brain’s neurotransmitters, blood vessels, nerve tissue and organ functions. The effects of the drug are immediate, and, depending upon the method of use, the effects can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The intensity of the high can increase the heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels, which in turn can cause irregular heartbeats and cardiac arrest.

Heart Disease, Stroke, and Addiction Treatment

It must be emphasized that cardiovascular distress can lead to heart attack and stroke. Alcohol and drug addiction are never and will ever be friends with the heart. Addiction to such substances must be treated timely for the valuable asset (good health) to be productive. Research indicates that perhaps the most dangerous time for drug abusers is the withdrawal period because it is during this period that the heart, cardiovascular system and other organ systems are under great stress. It is therefore important that during this time, drug and alcohol withdrawal be treated in a medically supervised drug detoxification center. Drug and alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and must not be stopped suddenly without the examination and professional medical advice from a qualified and experience doctor.

Proper care should be taken during detox from alcohol, benzodiazepines or barbiturates because users can experience uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms which include seizures, heart attack or stroke. A qualified medical doctor should be there to supervised detox program this will help avoid these serious withdrawal symptoms and minimize discomfort during the detox period before drug rehab or alcoholism treatment.

In conclusion I want to give word of hope to those who have abused their bodies through years of alcoholism and drug addiction combining with smoking cigarettes, poor nutrition and lack of proper medical follow-up, all is not lost drug and alcohol addiction treatment is still possible with Dr. Dalal Akoury who is also the Founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Dear reader if you or anybody you know is suffering from this scourge of addiction you can be of help to them by sharing the recovery program available at this facility where doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of experts are offering exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to victims all over the globe as well to other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. Come and experience treatment with a difference everyone is welcome to be a part of this truly successful and fast addiction recovery treatment.

Addiction, Heart Disease, and Stroke-Deteriorates Good health

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment

June 21, 2014

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-Drug Addiction

Amino acids are precursors to brain chemicals such as serotonin, a natural anti-depressant-like chemical produced from the brain.

The efforts of kicking addiction out of our systems and societies is on and gaining momentum every passing year as people become more informed of the adverse effects of substance abuse in our families, neighborhood and the society as a whole. In an effort to eradicate addiction the use of amino acid as a means of treatment was invented several decades ago and this is what is going to form the basis of our discussion in this article. It is such an interesting discussion that you don’t want to miss and so I take this earliest opportunity to invite you into the discussion for the real truth which will go a long way in ensuring that problems of addiction is reduced to a manageable level globally. Remember this is just one of the many methods of administering treatment several of which has been discussed in our previous articles which are also available for you on this link.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-Personalized Amino Acid Therapy

The term amino acid is used to denote the use of alternative amino acids to help regulate brain chemicals also known as neurotransmitters and other aspects of physiology. This kind of treatment will only be effective when we incorporate a specialized urinalysis test which provides a reliable method of measuring excretory values for neurotransmitters. With the results obtained from these test personalized amino acid supplementation is recommended to improve the quantity and ratios of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-History of Amino Acid Therapy

There is a long, well documented, history of using amino acids for depression and other issues related to brain chemistry imbalances. Discovered in the early 1900s, amino acids were used up to a few decades ago as the physician’s mainstay for administering treatment to these kinds of conditions. However with the introduction of pharmaceutical medications all but eliminated this natural treatment option from the allopathic repertoire nonetheless amino acids have continued to be a popular option for an alternative medicine modalities and very important for those seeking natural methods for brain chemistry balancing.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-What are Amino Acids

Amino acids are the breakdown products of proteins, some of which are not readily available in our normal diet and may need to be supplemented in a more concentrated form. They are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins play a very important role in maintaining our health and make up a big part of the diet. The three main macronutrients found in food include carbohydrates, fats and proteins. We need proteins in our diet for among other roles being the building block of muscle and brain tissues.

Those derived from protein intake (Amino acids) are precursors to brain chemicals such as serotonin, a natural anti-depressant-like chemical produced from the brain. Serotonin requires the amino acid tryptophan they are available in foods such as turkey, for its production. Without the proper amino acids in our diet, our brains can become depleted of these crucial chemicals which are also known as neurotransmitters as had been indicated earlier. The depletion of neurotransmitter can not only lead to depression, it is also connected with insomnia, Attention Deficit Disorder, anxiety, memory loss, weight gain and addictive disorders.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-Amino Acids from Food Stuff

The amino acid profile of various proteins varies greatly. Foods that contain
protein, whether they are vegetarian or animal in origin, contain different combinations of amino acids. While we do need to keep up our overall daily intake of protein in order to maintain our health, proper neurotransmitter balance cannot always be achieved through diet alone. Protein intake increases the level of amino acids circulating around in the blood stream. Once proteins are broken down into amino acids by the digestive system, they are then released into the blood stream.

In order for these amino acids to be taken up into the brain, they have to be carried across the blood-brain barrier using a specific transport system. This transport system will not help to correct amino acid imbalances within the brain. For example, if you have become depleted in serotonin because of high stress, dietary deficiencies or other lifestyle factors, the tryptophan uptake will not increase in any capacity across the blood-brain barrier.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-The Need for Amino Acid Supplements

The question we need to ask ourselves is how can we increase the amount of serotonin in the brain utilizing tryptophan as a precursor? The answer lies in the timing of supplementation. Between meals, the levels of circulating amino acids in the bloodstream decreases. By supplementing with an individual amino acid when one is between meals, we are allowing that particular amino acid to become more available to be taken up by the transporter at the blood-brain barrier. Once the amino acid is taken up in the brain, it can then be used for neurotransmitter production.

Since each of us has a unique neurotransmitter profile, the recommended supplements in any program should be proportionate to your imbalances. While single amino acids can work to balance the brain, using this method often requires several different products and should also include mineral cofactors, vitamins and a high quality omega-3 fatty acid. Neurogistics protocols incorporate your individual requirements and provide a program of highly targeted amino acids specific to your imbalances. All of your brain nutrient needs are combined into a few products making it easy and convenient to buy and use. Individual protocols can make the difference when based on proven testing methods.

Restoring neurotransmitter levels and achieving your correct balance can have a profoundly positive effect on issues like depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, headache, migraines, memory, focus, chronic pain and more. You can achieve this by consulting an expert who will help you determine the right protocol for you. Talking of expert it is important that the expert should be one who has vast experience and has been administering treatment in the same discipline. AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is a facility founded by doctor Dalal Akoury who is a medical expert with over two decades experience in various addiction related problem and offers natural treatment while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. You need to look no further for the expert because doctor Akoury will have all you medical needs professionally attended to.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-Drug Addiction

Restoring trust damaged by addiction

June 20, 2014

Restoring trust damaged by addiction-Drug Addiction

The best thing you can do for yourself is to seek help and free yourself from addiction to drugs. Restoration is possible

Relationship is often the major casualty in the life of the addicted person and his or her family, friends and other associates. It normally goes un noticed that the family and those who care about the victim of addiction are is great psychological problems and sometimes even the problem graduates to being physical. The society is also not left out in essence when an individual is seriously suffering from drug addiction everybody is suffering. This collectiveness in suffering is what is going to form the basis of this article we want to discuss this problem with a view of restoring the trust and relationship damaged by addiction. I believe you would also want to seek this answers and I want therefore invite you to stay on the link and keep reading for real and informative piece of information.

Restoring trust damaged by addiction-Honesty and Open Communication

Trust is the foundation in which any meaningful relationship stands. Any relationship built on trust will always stand the test of time and weather all storms that may come on the way but those without trust normally fails even before they pick up. Trust can be infringed and completely ruined by an addiction. Take for example an addict in the family may excuse him/herself shortly to perform a 5minutes task and only surface back 5 hours later because they went to indulge in drugs this is an act of dishonesty that brings lots of mistrust. Secretiveness and hiding are common to those suffering from addiction and often lead them to doing things uncharacteristic of their true nature which is why rebuilding relationships requires trust.

During the process of addiction recovery addicts normally achieve higher level of awareness and clearer thinking. The desire is to regain the lost times and opportunities due to addiction and also to restore the relationships which were injured by addiction. The key to proper restoration of relationships is restoring trust between the recovering addicts and their loved ones. It is important that both parties here appreciate that trust is earned and once broken will take time to rebuild. Doing this can take several dimensions to achieve therefore both the addicts and their loved ones can chose to start the journey or regaining trust by taking the following steps which will be full of love and les turmoil.

Once a person enters recovery, they achieve a higher level of awareness and clearer thinking. They want to regain the things in life that were lost due to the addiction and often most important is the restoration of relationships that were harmed by the addiction. Central to rebuilding relationships is restoring trust and both the recovering addict, as well as their loved ones, must begin to recognize that regaining trust takes time. There are several steps the addict and their loved ones can take to begin to restore trust with more love and less turmoil.

Open communication
Honesty

Restoring trust damaged by addiction-Recovering Person

At the early stages of recovery the addict may experience acute and post-acute withdrawal symptoms that affect their moods, emotions and psychological balance as well as how they relate with the society. This is a time of transition meaning letting go of unhealthy relationships and environments and creating new sober associations and healthy sober leisure activities. The transition period help the addict heal and reinvent themselves and should be encouraged and shared. However sharing can sometimes be difficult owing to the fact that some of the addicts may have been secretive, dishonest and hiding things for many years

Restoring trust damaged by addiction-For Loved Ones

Loved ones who have been under consistent assault and emotional decay will often remember past experiences and behaviors of the addiction and so changes made by the recovering person and by the loved one can be challenging because of mistrust. But all the same the lives of loved ones will definitely change once recovery begins. For sometimes they may feel upset, overwhelmed or left behind by the changes, even though the changes are desirable they may also not be used to sharing frequently because the effects of addiction kept the addict and the loved one separated.

Restoring trust damaged by addiction-Open, Frequent Communication

It is important for the recovering addict and their loved ones to talk freely of what each person is experiencing as changes begins to take shape. Increased communication and sharing the progress and challenges each person is facing during this recovery process helps everyone better understand each other and be more supportive. Here are some examples:

If the recovering addict feels ill due to withdrawal. They may begin to isolate, become distant or withdrawn. Those closest to them may suspect a return to using. If the recovering person instead shares their physical challenges, loved ones will have less cause for alarm.
A loved one may struggle with how to reorganize their life and responsibilities now that the recovering person is taking care of themselves. Sharing these feelings and concerns allow for the loved one and the recovering person to manage these changes together, which builds mutual trust.

In addition to increasing overall communication, it is vitally important that both the recovering addict and their loved ones discuss the fears and concerns driving any feelings of mistrust. Discussing fears and concerns take them from unknown and overwhelming to being manageable. Some fears may be unfounded, some may be based on years of past interactions, and some may be realistic only by expressing and dealing with the fears and concerns openly can they be handled well or dismissed as unnecessary worry.

Restoring trust damaged by addiction-Honesty

Lack of honesty is a primary reason for distrust. People are dishonest for many reasons but generally it is to avoid being confronted, to avoid disappointing others, to hide their true behavior, or to avoid hurting others. Unfortunately, dishonesty eventually leads to the very thing sought to be avoided. If loved ones make it safe and beneficial for the recovering person to tell the truth (and vice versa), there will be more honesty. If honesty is met with appreciation, truthfulness will continue while at the same time if the truth is met with arguments, penalties, and no chance for a healing discussion, honesty will not continue. Communicating with honesty takes courage, so everyone should show appreciation and gentleness in order for the honesty to continue and grow.

Seek Help at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care where focus is on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This will be helpful to you if you or your loved one is already suffering from addiction and you need an immediate recovery from whatever addiction you may be suffering from.

Restoring trust damaged by addiction-Drug Addiction

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