The long and short term effects of cocaine

May 4, 2015

The long and short term effects of cocaine: The chronic nature of Cancer

The long and short term effects of cocaine are all manageable is only preventive measures can be taken

There is no doubt that cocaine is very addictive substance. Its power of addictiveness makes it to be very unpredictable and thus users may not be able to tell or control the extent to which they will continue to want or use the drug. Doctor Akoury says that with these characteristics, if one is to become addicted, the risk for relapse will be very high even after long periods of abstinence. Some studies have established that during periods of abstinence, the memory of the cocaine experience or exposure to cues associated with drug use can trigger tremendous craving and relapse to drug use. It is this craving element that will necessitate the long and short term effects of cocaine which is going to form the basis of this discussion.

Cocaine causes a short-lived, intense high that is immediately followed by the opposite intense depression, edginess and a craving for more of the drug. Users of cocaine often don’t eat or sleep properly. They can experience greatly increased heart rate, muscle spasms and convulsions. The drug can make them feel paranoid, angry, hostile and anxious even when they are just sober and not high. Doctor Akoury says that irrespective of the quantity of drugs used or frequency with which it is used, cocaine increases the vulnerability of addicts into contracting chronic diseases like heart attack, stroke, seizure or respiratory (breathing) failure. These conditions can be life threatening and any of them can result in sudden death.

The long and short term effects of cocaine: What are the long term effects of cocaine?

The phrase “dope fiend” was originally coined many years ago to describe the negative side effects of constant cocaine use. As tolerance to the drug increases, it becomes necessary to take greater and greater quantities to get the same high. Prolonged daily use causes sleep deprivation and loss of appetite. A person can become psychotic and begin to experience hallucinations. And because cocaine interferes with the way the brain processes chemicals, users will in many instances need more and more of the drug just to feel “normal.” People who become addicted to cocaine and even addicts of other drugs may lose interest in other areas of life. Doctor Akoury says that coming down from the drug causes severe depression that an addict will do all that it takes to get the supply even if it would mean that he has to commit murder. In the event that the individual fails to get the drug (cocaine) he or she will suffer even greater depression that can be so much intense that can push them beyond the limit and even turn suicidal. That is the power of cocaine and the reason why we all need to know the long and short term effects of cocaine. This way we will be able to take timely precaution and remedy the situation before it stretches beyond the redeemable levels. Now let us consider some of the long term effect which is associated with cocaine abuse.

The long and short term effects of cocaine: Long term effects

When people abuse cocaine over a period of time, a lot of things can happen in the lives of such individuals. Some of those health implications may include the following:

Permanent damage to blood vessels of the heart and the brain
High blood pressure that will occasionally leads to other chronic health conditions including heart attacks, strokes and even death
The damage of vital organs like the liver, kidney and the lungs
Damages of the nose tissues especially when sneezing
Respiratory failure if smoked
Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected
Malnutrition, weight loss
Severe tooth decay
Auditory and tactile hallucinations
Sexual problems, reproductive damage and infertility which will affect both men and women in the same way
Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion
Irritability and mood disturbances
Increased frequency of risky behavior
Delirium or psychosis
Severe depression
Tolerance and addiction (even after just one use)

The point we have highlighted may not be conclusive as far as the long term effects is concern. It would be better if you are up to date will all health information surrounding this substance abuse. Such information in their conclusiveness is available at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is a facility with was founded by doctor Dalal Akoury primarily to offer her exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to everyone including other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. It may not matter what kind of addiction you are struggling with, there is hope for you with the experts at this facility. All you need to do is to seek for help by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury any your condition will be professionally addressed timely leaving you to enjoy life to the fullest. In spite of the long term effects of cocaine abuse, there are also other factors which may not necessarily be of long term but of short term. They may include the following:

The long and short term effects of cocaine: Short term effects

Loss of appetite causing the addict not to feed properly
Intense drug craving
Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior
Convulsions, seizures and sudden death from high doses (even one time)
Tactile hallucination that creates the illusion of bugs burrowing under the skin
Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
Contracted blood vessels
Dilated pupils
Disturbed sleep patterns
Nausea
Hyper-stimulation
Intense euphoria
Depression
Panic and psychosis
Increased rate of breathing
Hallucinations, hyper-excitability, irritability
Anxiety and paranoia

Finally it is not just enough to know the long and short term effects of cocaine but it is equally very important that you learn from the past people who had gone through the same experience. And I want to conclude this discussion with a testimony from one former addict who is now sober and he says “don’t touch cocaine. I had to spend four years behind bars just because of this drug (cocaine). And when I got out he continues, life was so hard and unbearable. I started taking the drug again. In this drug business, I have known 10 girls who were full of life but who became prostitutes because of cocaine. It’s much more extreme and degrading than we believe. At the time we don’t realize to what degree it destroys us he concludes.” Choose life and seek for help doctor Akoury will be waiting for your call.

The long and short term effects of cocaine: The chronic nature of Cancer

Female Sex Addiction Treatment

May 3, 2015

How to Treat Female Sex Addiction

Addiction is a serious problem that should be addressed amicably to avail the best of solutions to those affected. As it stands people get addicted to different things and while some kinds of addictions are more common like drug addiction, behavioral addictions are also dangerous just as much and so should not be overlooked. Sex addiction is real and has enslaved many people men and women alike, however while sex addiction affects both males and females, the challenges faced by female addicts are greater. However contrary to what many people thin sex addiction is never really about sex, but about a hungry heart that craves intimacy. Sex is merely the vehicle that a person uses to find nurture and acceptance. The mechanism behind sex addiction is the very same mechanism behind alcohol, drug, and other addictions. Due to the fact that many women are victims of sex addiction it is therefore necessary to come up with a better understanding of this vice so as to help relieve women who are addicted to sex.

Sex addiction is also catapulted by other factors that may include the need to medicate emotional pain or escape an unsatisfactory situation, and the impulsive or even compulsive quest to satisfy unmet emotional needs. In short, sex addiction is best viewed as an attachment or intimacy disorder.

Sex addiction in itself is a problem but it may also lead to other forms of addiction like addiction to drugs and other substances. Addiction from sex can also span from highly dysfunctional families where members are not given the warmth of the family embrace. In absence of this females most likely seek this affection elsewhere, an affection that is mostly actualized in sex. Women who are addicted to sex may also suffer from, eating disorders are common, as is chemical dependency, and compulsions for work, spending, and gambling. There is a perception that women continue to be underrepresented in health and addiction studies. This perception is trues as many individuals, both professionals and non-professionals, assume sex addiction is for men only. Research demonstrates that the majority of abuse survivors are female, making them more susceptible to addiction. It is quite unfortunate that many women continue to go undiagnosed and often treatment of past sex abuse will be too limited to prevent later sex addiction. In most cases even if counselors recognize that females can be sexually addicted, they may fail to recognize the feminine nuances that typically define female sex addiction.

Researchers have also linked childhood abuse to sex addiction in adulthood. Some of the abuses that many females are subjected to in childhood include; verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, and spiritual abuse. When a person is subjected to any of these abuses whether with illicit intentions or without intending to cause hurt, they may develop the craving for affection and even a need to be appreciated and loved, it’s these vacuum that they eventually opt to find in sexual activities that they get stuck to after sometime. When one considers the need for intimacy to be the primary motivator of a human being, it’s easy to see how abuse of any type undermines this core need and damages one’s ability to foster healthy attachment to others.

Treatments for female sex addictions

Due to its adverse effects on the lives of women, several hospitals are now offering varied avenues for treatments of female sex addiction. Most of the time any treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s life, relationship and sexual history. This information is utilized throughout treatment to help clients develop more loving relationships, greater intimacy and healthy sexuality which are key in sex addiction treatment.

Some of the sex addictions that have been specifically used for women include;

12-Step meetings onsite and via electronic media
Weekly experiential learning days, including climbing, equine therapy and a ropes course
Fully gender-separate living, eating, recreational and treatment environment
Weekly equine therapy
Multi-day family program, which includes couples equine therapy sessions
Pastoral counseling available when requested
Dedicated, gender-specific residential support staff
A licensed and highly experienced female therapist specifically dedicated to guiding clients throughout their entire CRSR stay
Gender-specific, trauma-focused therapy with a trauma specialist
Daily group therapy and other individual work

When an effective sex addiction treatment is put in place then all the co-occurring issues with sex addiction like substance abuse, emotional trauma, eating disorders and other addictions are also curbed. Through an effective sex addiction treatment, women are invited to address underlying issues that support unhealthy relationship patterns. Women are also encouraged to help establish boundaries that may help them work toward genuine self-esteem and stable intimacy as opposed to that appreciation achieved only with sex.

Women who are struggling with sex addiction are also encouraged to work with communities that may help to ease the guilt that they feel especially if their sex addiction is fuelled by childhood abuses or bitter sexual memories that may stem from sex abuse. With these communities women are able to share their experience, an act that serves as a safety valve that helps them exhale the bitter insecurities that spur into them irresistible craving for sex.

Finally, sex addiction is a problem that many women are enslaved to. This problem needs to be treated effectively through integrative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert at this. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

How to Treat Female Sex Addiction

The Relationship Between Addiction and Adrenal Fatigue

April 21, 2015

Addiction Causes Adrenal Fatigue

Addiction is a serious problem, addiction is the genesis of many health issues and it is even complicated to know that it is one of the wars that few people win. In the past addiction to drugs and other substances have been linked to myriads of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and other neurodegenerative disorders. This explains why addicts are not always on the good side of health, when a person is addicted to drugs and alcohol he will begin to feel sick, generally an addict is never in good health and that is why most of them may have certain strange behaviors such as irritability and even slurred speech. The reason for this is that when a person takes drugs that are rewarding in nature he will be compelled to increase the doses day by day so as to get the euphoric feeling they seek in drugs. Even the drugs that are used in pain management like the opiates have specified dosages beyond the patient will not only get addicted to the drug but will suffer other diseases that come with overdose of such drugs. Drugs of abuse majorly affect the neurotransmitter and this will be extended to the central nervous system (CNS) which is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain is the engine that drives all the activities in the body of every human being but these drugs will interfere with chemical balances in the brain making it unable to perform normally. In some instance even the neurotransmitters that work to transmit signals so as to provoke certain necessary responses may get debilitated hence everything will be messed up. As expected when the neurotransmitters are affected and the entire nervous system is adversely altered then the proper coordination within the nervous system is tampered with and this is what causes a series of health complications.

Adrenal Fatigue

Recently researchers have shown that substance addiction may be linked to adrenal fatigue. Adrenal Fatigue refers to a stress-related condition that is suffered when the adrenal glands, hypothalamus and pituitary gland are functioning below their optimal level. Adrenal gland is the source of various neurotransmitters that are very vital in our nervous systems. These neurotransmitters include; cortisol, DHEA and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters are used to regulate your heart rate, immune system, energy storage and improve the general health and stability. When the adrenal glands have malfunctioned and fail to release these neurotransmitters in good amount then it will not be easy for any individual to have good health. It is suspected that prolonged stress on the adrenal glands is what causes adrenal fatigue.

Some drugs of pleasure not only affect the dopamine but also the release of other neurotransmitters like adrenaline which is the fight or flight neurotransmitter. Even an addiction to caffeine does this. Ralph T. Golan, ND, in his book, Herbal Defense explains how using caffeine for prolonged periods can exhaust your adrenals: “Caffeine forces your glands to secrete when they don’t have much left to give, and they have to keep digging deeper and deeper, making you more and more tired over time. And over the years, it takes more and more coffee to get the same result. Some people reach the point of drinking half a dozen or more cups of coffee to get the same result and it’s barely keeping them awake. That’s severe adrenal depletion.”

Role of adaptogens in addiction

Adaptogens are herbs that help in enhancing your immunity and ability to deal with stress, anxiety trauma, and even fatigue. Some adaptogens have been used as anti-aging herbs and have been found to have a capacity to rejuvenate the body and aid longevity. They also work to correct defects that the body is subjected to as a result of long term use of drugs of abuse.

Siberian Ginseng also known as Eleutherococcus senticosus root. This adaptogen is known for its ability to combat lack of appetite, correct insomnia, and improve memory. Siberian ginseng also increases mental alertness that is known to be lacking in those who have been addicted to substance use for quite a long time. This adaptogens also helps in healing nervous disorders and enhances energy. This adaptogens increases the body’s ability to adapt to metabolic stress and helps in recovery from substance abuse.

American Ginseng also known Panax quinquefolius root. American Ginseng is known to be a superior tonic herb with an immense ability to strengthen metabolism and the entire endocrine system. Like other species of Ginseng, the American ginseng also has adaptogenic properties, and is quite useful for the recovering addict. American Ginseng combines well with Siberian Ginseng and can be used together to heal an addict.

Adrenal Fatigue

Astragalus, also known as Astragalus membranaceous root. This adaptogens helps in promoting overall body function by strengthening digestion among other core benefits. This herb can be used to help in restoring energy and balance the immune system in recovering addicts. It is good for some of the withdrawal symptoms of addiction like stress, colds and even chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also safe and be taken on a daily basis without it having negative side effects.

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil. In the past this herb was used for treating such illnesses as stomach upsets and bronchitis. This herb has been found to be effective also in reducing stress that most addicts battle with. It has been found to reduce mental confusion that is common with most addicts using cannabis.

Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing the best integrative approaches to treatment of diseases. We advocate for dietary as well as natural healing to diseases wherever possible. Visit as at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) will be of help.

Addiction Causes Adrenal Fatigue

The Efficient way of Overcoming Drug Addiction

April 7, 2015

The Efficient way of Overcoming Drug Addiction: It begins from the mind set up

The Efficient way of Overcoming Drug Addiction include seeking for help, advice and support from the family

In the past few posted articles we have been talking about treatment of drug addiction and particularly heroin. It has become clear that the cost has been steadily on the increase and this to some point has been a hindrance for effective treatment. However in this article, we want to look at the efficient way of overcoming drug addiction not necessarily heroin but in a wider spectrum. The experts have pointed out that when one is struggling with drug addiction, attainment of sobriety may appear to be dwindling to the extent of giving up on hope of ever recovering or meeting your treatment objectives. That is normal and nearly all addicts will have the same feeling but the truth is that addiction recovery is within reach. It may not matter how hopeless your situation may seems to be. Doctor Akoury says that change is possible with the right treatment and support which are tailored to addressing the root cause of your addiction. She says that once you have started, don’t give up even if you’ve tried and failed before. The road to recovery is never a walk on a straight path. There will be good times and bad ones full of bumps, pitfalls, and setbacks. However by examining the problem and thinking about change, you’re already on your way to total recovery if you could adopt the following strategies.

The Efficient way of Overcoming Drug Addiction: Decide to make a change

Just like we had indicated in our previous article that for many people struggling with addiction the biggest and toughest step towards addiction recovery is the very first step of making a decision to change. It’s normal to feel conflicted about giving up your drug of choice, even when you realize it’s causing problems in your life. Change is never easy and committing to sobriety involves changing many things including:

The way you deal with stress
Who you allow in your life
What you do in your free time
How you think about yourself

Certainly all these will trouble your mind, and among the things that will be disturbing would be whether you’re really ready for all that change or if you have what it takes to quit. Take courage if this concerns you because you are not alone everyone goes through the same process. Remember that recovering from addiction is a long process, one that requires time, commitment, motivation, and support. But in all these your willingness to get help is the most important first step. Now having made that step the following tips can motivate your decision into progressing with the recovery program.

The Efficient way of Overcoming Drug Addiction: Thinking about change

It is important for you to keep track of your drug use, including when and how much you use. This will give you a better sense of the role the addiction is playing in your life.
List the merits and the demerits of quitting and not forgetting the costs element and benefits of continuing your drug abuse.
Outline all the things that are important to you, such as your partner, your kids, your career, or your health. With that outline, evaluate how drugs affect them?
Don’t keep it all to yourself, share it over with someone you trust. Enquire from them how they feel about your drug use.
Ask yourself if there’s anything preventing you from changing. What are some of the things that could help you make the change?

The Efficient way of Overcoming Drug Addiction: Explore your treatment options

Once you’ve made the decision to challenge your drug addiction, it’s time to explore your treatment choices. As you consider the treatment options, have the following at the back of your mind:

There’s no magic bullet or single treatment that works for everyone – When considering a program, remember that everyone’s needs are different and unique. Drug addiction treatment should be customized to your unique problems and situation. It therefore implies that you must only go for that program which will serve your recovery needs.

Treatment should address more than just your drug abuse – The effect of addiction is not limited to your health alone. It cuts across your whole life, including relationships, career, health, and psychological well-being. The success of treatment will depend on changing your general lifestyle and facing head on all the reasons which lead you into drugs in the first place. Like for instance it be due to your inability to manage stress, in which case you’ll need to find healthy ways to handle stressful situations.

Commitment and sticking to the objective – Drug addiction treatment is not a quick and easy process. In general, the longer and more intense the drug use, the longer and more intense the treatment you’ll need. But regardless of the treatment program’s length in weeks or months, long-term follow-up care is crucial to recovery.

There are many places to turn for help – Not everybody requires medically supervised detox or an extended stint in rehab. The level of care you need depends on your age, drug use history, and other medical or psychiatric conditions. In addition to doctors and psychologists, many clergy members, social workers, and counselors can also offer addiction treatment services. Even as you seek help for drug addiction, it’s also important to get treatment for any other medical or psychological issues you’re experiencing. Your best chance of recovery is through integrated treatment for both the substance abuse problem and the mental health problem. This means getting combined mental health and addiction treatment from the same treatment provider or team.

Finally the efficient way of overcoming drug addiction is not all about what we have highlighted in this article. There are so many other directions you can take guided by the healthcare provider. At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and also the founder of the facility, all that you may need pertaining treatment of heroin abuse or any other drug addiction are readily a available. Up on scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury, you will be evaluated individually and professionally taken through personalized treatment procedure that will deal with the root cause of the problem, thereby addressing the problem as it is, leaving you enjoying your lost times and focusing on a more meaningful life ahead.

The Efficient way of Overcoming Drug Addiction: It begins from the mind set up

Prevention of Relapse after Heroin addiction Recovery

April 6, 2015

Prevention of Relapse after Heroin addiction Recovery: What can be done within reach?

Prevention of Relapse after Heroin addiction Recovery forms one of the fundamentals of treatment of addiction

If only we could prevent all the harms that affect our wellbeing life could be very enjoyable. The society we live in is saturated with toxic pollution that even if you are not using any drug, your safety can not be guaranteed. If this is the position, then you can imagine the kind of life people who are addicted with drugs are living. It is one that you would not want to associate with if given a chance. But because we are not living in isolation we have a duty to care for our friends who are struggling with various kinds of addictions. Treatment then becomes a must for those affected and proper follow up thereafter. The process or practice of follow up is very important because besides being part of the treatment process, it is also a way of prevention of relapse after heroin addiction recovery or treatment. This article is going to dwell much on the prevention of relapse as a way of keeping healthy. Therefore we can say that relapse is generally the deterioration in someone’s state of health after a temporary improvement. Nevertheless in the context of addictive behaviors, a relapse would occur when the addict resumes his or her addictive behavior after a period of abstinence.

Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of the facility states that, for people who are trying to control their behavior rather than trying to quit entirely, a relapse is a period of uncontrolled behavior. Like for instance, for one trying to control his/her drinking, the occurrence of relapse could result in a session of binge drinking. In the same way when it comes to shopaholics who are trying to follow a spending plan, a relapse could be going on a shopping spree. In whichever way you look at it, relapse is not healthy. It takes you back several steps from the steps you have made in recovering from the bigger problem. Doctor Akoury explains that the way to prevent a relapse is to primarily recognize and deal with some of the elements that are likely to get in the way of recovery. Effective learning on how to overcome these challenges will go a long way in helping you to keep up the changes you’ve made during treatment. There are several things that a person can do to prevent relapse. And the following are some of the strategies that you may find helpful:

Prevention of Relapse after Heroin addiction Recovery: Identify a support system and stick to it

It is all about pooling together, what you know is not known by another and vice versa. It is therefore very important to surround yourself with people who are positive, those who loves, support and encourage you. Such people could come from your family, your friends, or your care providers. They will be there to help you when you are struggling with a difficult situation and experiences. I appreciate that opening up may not be very easy, however it is still very crucial that you should feel comfortable seeking for help whenever you need it. Some people find it useful to make a list of names and phone numbers to call if they start to slip back into old thought patterns or unhealthy eating behaviors.

Prevention of Relapse after Heroin addiction Recovery: Eliminate all negative influences

Try to get rid of any negative influences in your life. That includes people who make you feel bad about yourself or who constantly obsess about their own weight and appearance. Remember that your own thoughts can also be a bad influence. It is therefore very important that you learn on how to question any destructive thoughts you have about yourself. You could start by making a list of all of your good qualities and use it when you feel critical or pessimistic.

Prevention of Relapse after Heroin addiction Recovery: Get to know your Triggers

This is very important since you will be guided when there are indications of relapsing. Knowing your triggers is very helpful in defeating relapse since these are the biggest enemies of sustainability. A trigger is anything that can cause you to return to disordered eating or thoughts about disordered eating. Each person has their own triggers. They can include feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or lonely. Sometimes a traumatic experience, such as the death of a loved one can be a trigger. Some people are more likely to relapse at certain times of the year, such as during holidays or exams. To identify your triggers, think of times when you were tempted to relapse. Try to figure out what made you feel that way.

Prevention of Relapse after Heroin addiction Recovery: Prepare your coping plan

Make a list of different triggers that could cause you to relapse. Then, come up with a plan for dealing with each of these triggers in a healthier, more constructive way. Your coping plan might include calling a friend, taking a walk, or writing in a journal something that will destruct you from thinking of going back to your old habits.

Prevention of Relapse after Heroin addiction Recovery: Eat your meals regularly

A meal and snack schedule can prevent you from going back to disordered eating or even thinking of your drugs. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time, and remember not to skip any. Take seriously taking the three meals a day plus snacks, at regular times (about every 3 hours). A consistent schedule will be good for both your emotional and physical health. Your family may be able to help by making sure that you don’t skip any of the three meals and also incorporating snacks in between.

Prevention of Relapse after Heroin addiction Recovery: Keep busy and stay involved

Creativity can be of help to you in keeping you busy. Your mind needs to be engaged in productive things. This will help you escape the temptation of getting back to the old habits. Activities which could help you engaged may include anything from arts & crafts, to volunteering, to nature walks, to joining a club. If you make time to do the things you enjoy, or to do nice things for others, your focus will shift away from your addictions and eating disorder. It can also help to keep you motivated to recover and to stay connected to your surroundings and the people in your community. Finally always seek for assistance from the experts from time to time. Doctor Akoury and her team of expert at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center will be there for you should you need any help.

Prevention of Relapse after Heroin addiction Recovery: What can be done within reach?

Tag Archives: Addiction