Alcohol consumption consequences and hidden facts

December 2, 2015

Alcohol consumption consequences and hidden facts: Alcohol addiction

Getting the facts right about alcohol consumption is a must for everyone whether you are directly or indirectly affected because we all have a duty to perform in the eradication of alcohol abuse

Different state across the globe has put certain parameters aimed at controlling the consumption of alcohol. With all these efforts the rate at which alcohol is being consumed is worrying ad so we ask are these parameters working. Is there a need of doing more? To answer that questions we want to narrow down the discussion to getting the truth about Alcohol consumption consequences and hidden facts, and with the help of professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we are going to reveal certain facts which you really don’t want to miss. I want therefore request you to stay with us on the link because doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is up to the task having practiced in this discipline for over two decades, she will be able to address all your concerns professionally. You can therefore seek for more professional information about alcohol consumption direct from the experts by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury even as we progress into the discussion.

And just like we have mentioned it is no secrete anymore that everyone is well informed of the legal drinking age throughout the globe. And in the United States where most of our references are going to made as we build on this discussion the acceptable drinking age is at a minimum of 21. That is the government ceiling however and according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, it is shocking and sincerely regrettable that almost up to 80% of our young high school students have at least tried alcohol. The rules have not been effective in keeping the teens to testing the waters with alcohol. And since the decision as whether to drink is a personal decision that we each eventually have to make, many young people have found themselves drinking out of peer pressure and fear of being left out. The sense of belonging and fitting in has not worked well for our teen more so when it comes to the consumption of alcohol and drug abuse. It is because of such that we have prioritized on this article to provide some information on alcohol, including but not limited to how it affects your body so that you can make an educated choice in your life about the consumption of alcohol. Now what exactly is alcohol to you? Let’s find out from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury.

Alcohol consumption consequences and hidden facts: What is alcohol?

The production process of alcohol is funny and interesting. It is actually created when certain grains, fruits, or vegetables are fermented through a process known as the fermentation. This is a process that that involves the usage of yeast or bacteria to transform the sugars in the food into alcohol. Doctor Akoury is registering that the process of fermentation is one that is used to produce many necessary items including everything from cheese to medications. Alcohol is actually produced in different forms and can serve or be used in different multiple ways including being used as a cleaner, an antiseptic, or a sedative. And that brings us to our next focal point which is “if alcohol is a natural product, why then do teens need to be concerned about it is consumption? Professionally doctor Akoury explains that when people drink alcohol, it’s absorbed into their bloodstream. From there, it affects the central nervous system which includes the brain and spinal cord, which controls virtually all body functions. At the moment a lot of studies are being conducted more so with regards to the teens alcohol consumption. And with the knowledge that the human brain is still developing during our teens growth and development, scientists are researching are working around the clock to establish the effects and consequences of drinking alcohol can have on the teen brain. We will be responding on that as it develops from time to time so this is the place to be for all the health information you need to have about alcohol consumption.

Alcohol consumption consequences and hidden facts: How does it affect the body?

I am certain that it will not pass your conscience that alcohol is a depressant, which means that it slows down the function of the central nervous system and essentially affecting the whole body operations. How does it succeed in this? According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, Alcohol actually blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. When this happens, alcohol will alters a person’s perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing thereby rendering the victim totally incapacitated to function normally.

One reason why people often get into drinking is because of the passive benefits of its consumption, like for instance it is believed that when alcohol is consumed in very small amounts, it can help a person feel more relaxed or less anxious. However any consumption of alcohol above normal will certainly cause greater changes in the brain, resulting in intoxication. People who have overused alcohol may stagger, lose their coordination, and slur their speech. They will probably be confused and disoriented. Depending on the person, intoxication can make someone very friendly and talkative or very aggressive and angry. Reaction times are slowed dramatically and that explains why people are often advised not to drink and drive. This is because when under the influence of alcohol also known as intoxication, such individuals may think that they’re moving properly when they’re not. They may act totally out of character.

When large amounts of alcohol are consumed in a short period of time, what is commonly referred to us alcohol poisoning may occur. Alcohol poisoning is exactly what it sounds like, that is to say that the body has become poisoned by large amounts of alcohol. There are several indicators of this but normally the first one will be violent vomiting. When this goes to the extreme, experiences like extreme sleepiness, unconsciousness, difficulty in breathing, dangerously low blood sugar, seizures and sometimes even death may result. These feelings are realistic and are no fix ion, therefore the sooner you chose life the better for you and your whole family and the society as a whole.

Alcohol consumption consequences and hidden facts: Why do teens drink?

Experimentation with alcohol during the teen years is common. Some reasons that teens use alcohol and other drugs may also include: curiosity, to feel good, reduce stress, and relax and the sense of belonging also referred to us fitting in. Finally doctor Akoury say that owing to the content about alcohol in the media very young kids see advertising messages showing beautiful people enjoying life giving the impression that for one to enjoy life alcohol has a role to play. And because many parents use alcohol like beer or wine at dinner time children often feel that alcohol seems harmless and so they get motivated to try. Is that what you want for your kids?

Alcohol consumption consequences and hidden facts: Alcohol addiction

The effects of drugs on clinical depression

July 29, 2015

The effects of drugs on clinical depression: Depression and addiction

The effects of drugs on clinical depression is almost getting out of hand in the current life set up.

The complications of drug addiction and misuse of alcohol will continue to be with us thanks to the life demands in the twenty first century. Everybody is having their own share of life demands and expectations which in many times we often fail to meet. Those failures always form the biggest reasons why people feel depressed and stressed. When these two (depression and stress) are present in ones’ life there will be high chances that some of those people may resort to using drugs to minimize their depressed and stressed situation. And with that in mind, we want to discuss through this article the effects of drugs on clinical depression and stress. Our objective is to inform you of their interrelationship and the best possible means of eliminating them from your life. Meanwhile in one of our discussion forums a question was asked to the experts’ at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury that “does depression cause addiction by triggering a need for intoxication? Or does substance abuse cause depression by changing the way the brain functions?” In response to that, doctor Akoury said that it is important to note that depression and substance abuse intertwine on several levels including the following:

Under normal circumstances depression can trigger drug or alcohol use as a form of self-medication.
Drugs or alcohol can also precipitate depression by altering the brain chemistry.
The effects of intoxication or withdrawal can resemble the signs of a depressive disorder.
The neurological factors that cause depression may predispose the individual to alcohol or drug addiction.

One very challenging thing about depression and drugs is that a lot has been and is still being done to conclusively establish the difference between the two but as things stand now, even to the most experienced clinicians, it can be difficult to tell the difference between clinical depression and the effects of drugs or alcohol. Many of the most widely abused substances are central nervous system depressants, including:

Alcohol: Includes beer and wine as well as hard liquor and spirits
Benzodiazepines: Includes sedative/muscle relaxants like Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam)
Cannabis: Includes smokable and edible forms of marijuana
Opiates: Includes illicit and prescription drugs derived from opium, such as heroin, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone
Barbiturates: Includes powerful sedatives like Seconal (secobarbital) and Nembutal (pentobarbital)

From the expert’s point of view, doctor Akoury says that substance induced mood disorders occur when the psychological effects of drug intoxication or withdrawal cause abnormal emotional states. Withdrawing from cocaine, meth or other stimulants can cause changes in brain chemistry that lead to severe depression. Depression may also be a side effect of withdrawal from heroin or other opium-based drugs.

The effects of drugs on clinical depression: Symptoms of substance-induced depression

Symptoms of substance-induced depression include: fatigue, poor appetite, lack of concentration, tearfulness, suicidal ideation and they resemble the symptoms of major depressive disorder. And besides that, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the symptoms of substance-induced depression usually does not take long and normally resolve within a few days after the drug is cleared from the patient’s system. However when depression is not diagnosed in good time, getting clean or sober can actually make the symptoms worse. Further to that it is important to appreciate that when alcohol or drugs have been used as a form of self-medication, the depressive symptoms may come to the forefront once the individual has been through detox. Nonetheless in the event that depression is treated in a mental health setting without addressing the problem of substance abuse, the patient may never be motivated to stop abusing drugs or alcohol, and depressive symptoms may never really be resolved.

The effects of drugs on clinical depression: Treatment of depression

First of all it is important to appreciate that depression is a chronic condition that in many instances may never be completely cured. However, its symptoms can be managed effectively through a combination of psychotherapy, behavioral modification training and participation in support groups. Doctor Akoury adds that in the event that talk therapy alone can’t resolve the symptoms of depression, then the application of antidepressant medication can be a valuable addition to the treatment plan. Besides that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has also been proven to be a highly effective method for changing the negative thought patterns associated with depression.

Feelings of hopelessness, low self-worth, and despair are treated as learned thought patterns that can be replaced with positive, self-affirming beliefs. According to JAMA Psychiatry, CBT is an effective therapy for depressed individuals within all age groups, and positive results continue over time. The therapeutic strategies learned in CBT can be applied to co-occurring disorders like anxiety, personality disorders or substance use disorders.

Alongside that doctor Akoury alludes that with consistent, medically supervised use, antidepressant medications can improve symptoms in a matter of weeks. Antidepressants in the SSRI category (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that is considered to be in the first line pharmaceutical treatment for depression, these medications include popular drugs like Prozac (fluoxetine), paroxetine (Paxil) and citalopram (Celexa). When SSRIs are not effective, older antidepressants in the tricyclic or MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) may be prescribed instead. And according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, depressive symptoms improve with treatment in up to 80 percent of cases. Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of depressed individuals either do not seek or do not receive treatment for this serious, disabling disorder. Out of those individuals who struggle with both depression and substance abuse, only a small percentage receives research-based, dual diagnosis treatment for both conditions. It therefore means that we still have a lot to do in order to bring these chronic conditions to manageable levels. Finally if you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, depression or even stress, your help is now within reach just by making a phone call on Tel: 843 213 1480 to schedule for your appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center today and all your concerns will be professionally addressed.

The effects of drugs on clinical depression: Depression and addiction

Overcoming Stress to solve Drug Addiction Problem

April 7, 2015

Overcoming Stress to solve Drug Addiction Problem: Learning healthy ways of coping with stress

Overcoming Stress to solve Drug Addiction Problem can be very devastating if not addressed in good time.

It is true that stress is in evitable in the current lifestyle we are living in however; we can bring stress to manageable levels so that its effects to human life are significantly reduced. Take the endless problem of addiction for example, if this is to be experienced and at the same time the victim is under some stressful situations, the magnitude of the complication may be overwhelming. Addiction on its own is very stressful not just to the victims but also the relatives caring for the addict. Treatment would be very ideal but even once treatment is done, the recovered addict will still have to face the problems that led to their addiction in the first place. This is so because in many instances people get into drugs in an attempt of trying to confuse certain painful emotions, calming themselves after an argument or just to forget that bad day or a problem they are going through. The most painful part of it is that when the effect of the drug is gone and you become sober, that which you were trying to escape from returns in double portions. It is because of this that overcoming stress to solve drug addiction problems become very necessary.

Doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center states that for one to be treated successfully and maintain sobriety for a long time we must individually and collectively resolve these underlying issues of stress and addiction. It is important to note that with the life situations we have today, conditions such as stress, loneliness, frustration, anger, shame, anxiety, and hopelessness will remain in your life even when you’re no longer using drugs to cover them up. Nonetheless, you will be in a healthier position only when you finally address these issues by seeking for help from the experts and professional like those at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

Overcoming Stress to solve Drug Addiction Problem: Reliving Stress without drugs

Drug abuse often shoots from ill-advised attempts to manage stress. In fact many people turn to alcohol or other drugs to unwind and relax after a stressful day, or to cover up painful memories and emotions that cause us to feel stressed and out of balance. This is what is commonly done by many people, but it is the wrong approach to stress solution. We have much more healthier ways to keep your stress level in check. Such steps may include exercising, meditating, using sensory strategies to relax, practicing simple breathing exercises, and challenging self-defeating thoughts says doctor Akoury.

Overcoming Stress to solve Drug Addiction Problem: Strategies of reliving stress without drugs

A time has come when we must do what it takes to ensure that we eliminate all the stressors out of our lives if we are to keep healthy. For instance you may feel like doing drugs is the only way to handle unpleasant feelings, that feeling is very common and you are not the only one feeling that way. The truth is doing drugs will only land you into being more stressed. Instead you can learn to get through such difficulties without falling back on your addiction. Different quick stress relief strategies work better for some people than others. The secret is to find the one that works best for you, and helps you calm down when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed. When you’re confident in your ability to quickly de-stress, facing strong feelings isn’t as intimidating or overwhelming. The following tips can be helpful to you in reducing stress:

Exercise releases endorphins, relieves stress, and promotes emotional well-being. Try running in place, jumping rope, or walking around the block.
Step outside and savor the warm sun and fresh air. Enjoy a beautiful view or landscape.
Yoga and meditation are excellent ways to bust stress and find balance.
Play with your dog or cat, enjoying the relaxing touch of your pet’s fur.
Put on some calming music.
Light a scented candle.
Breathe in the scent of fresh flowers or coffee beans, or savor a scent that reminds you of a favorite vacation, such as sunscreen or a seashell.
Close your eyes and picture a peaceful place, such as a sandy beach. Or think of a fond memory, such as your child’s first steps or time spent with friends.
Make yourself a steaming cup of tea.
Look at favorite family photos.
Give yourself a neck or shoulder massage.
Soak in a hot bath or shower.

Overcoming Stress to solve Drug Addiction Problem: Keep triggers and cravings in check

While getting sober from drugs is an important first step, it’s only the beginning of the recovery process. Once sober, the brain needs time to recover and rebuild connections that have changed while addicted. During this time, drug cravings can be intense. You can support your continued sobriety by making a conscious effort to avoid people, places, and situations that trigger the urge to use drugs like for instance:

Make a break from old drug buddies – be careful when choosing friends after healing from drug abuse. Desist from hanging out with old friends who are still doing drugs. Instead chose to surround yourself with people who support your new life of sobriety and not those who tempt you to slip back into old habits.

Avoid bars and clubs – keep distance from all social places like bars and clubs even if you don’t have a problem with alcohol. Remember that drinking lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, which can easily lead to relapse. Drugs are often readily available and the temptation to use can be overpowering. Also avoid any other environments and situations that you could easily associate with drug use.

Use caution with prescription drugs – Stay away from prescription drugs with the potential for abuse or use only when necessary and with extreme caution. Drugs with a high abuse potential include painkillers, sleeping pills, and anti-anxiety medication.

Finally keep regular visits to your health provider for periodic assessment. This is very important because it help you know if there is any symptom of other infection that needs to be addressed before they escalate into chronic problems. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury are very much available to helping you get the best no matter your situation. All you need to do is to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today and you will live to tell the story of great recovery.

Overcoming Stress to solve Drug Addiction Problem: Learning healthy ways of coping with stress

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