Tag Archives: alcohol and drug addiction

Crashing addiction

Three significant stages of drug addiction

October 15, 2016
Three significant stages

Three significant stages of drug addiction must be well understood for effective recovery to take place

Three significant stages of drug addiction: physical and psychological health impairment

If somebody was to tell you that you are addicted to certain drug would you agree with him? And if you would what would be your facts in other words how do you know that you are addicted to drugs? These are some of the questions we want to address even as we focus on our topic of the day “understanding the three stages of drug addiction”. From the experts and psychologist point of view drug addiction is a disease characterized by both physical and psychological health impairments. It can also be defined as a pattern of substance use leading to significant impairment in physical and mental functioning. In whichever way you look at it there will be some level of physical and psychological impairment in the process a factor which doctor Dalal Akoury concurs that is the most significant problem in addiction. For our understanding of the problem, doctor Dalal Akoury is going to share with us the three stages of drug addiction as follows:

Three significant stages of drug addiction: The first stage of drug addiction

At the introduction levels of addiction the psychological dependence on the drugs (stage of Preoccupation or Anticipation), is characterized by the following symptoms:

The constant craving for the drug – An overwhelming desire to use the drug of choice to relieve the state of psycho-emotional stress preoccupies the user despite the other responsibilities and events in his/her life.

The altered psyche – Nervousness, frequent mood swings, depression, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, difficulty with concentration are the common signs of progressively developing addiction.

Three significant stages of drug addiction: Second stage and symptoms of drug addiction 

Is the stage of intoxication? – This stage is characterized by the further worsening the above mentioned symptoms of drug addiction and appearing the new ones

The growing tolerance – The longer the drugs are introduced into the body the larger amounts of drugs are necessary to continue experiencing the same euphoric effects. The increased doses of the drug (binging) push the effects of intoxication to a dangerous level.

The emergence of withdrawal syndrome – Uncomfortable, very disruptive, physical and mental condition that happen when the body is sharply deprived of the psychoactive substances that it is used to getting. The clinical picture of withdrawal syndrome varies and mostly depends on the type of the using substance. The most common symptoms of drug addiction and opioid withdrawal include the constant, deep, exhausting pain in muscles and bones all over the body, sensation of almost unbearable inner cold, frequent cold-and-hot flashes, shivering, sneezing, watery eyes, sweating, cramps in stomach area, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restless legs, increased nervousness and irritability, sleep disorders, insomnia, and many more.

 The negative and persistent changes in personality – It will interest you to note that at this stage there will be increased emotional sensitivity, explosiveness, frequent mood swings, narrowing of vital interests, aggressiveness, apathy, impaired memory and intelligence, tendency to depression, dishonesty, permanent conflicts at work and home, problems with the law. Finally as we get to the third stage in the next article, you can consult with doctor Dalal Akoury if you have any concern about these stages of addiction or any other problem you may be having that is associated with substance abuse.

Three significant stages of drug addiction: physical and psychological health impairment

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Alcohol and work

Understanding alcohol abuse journey to alcoholism

October 12, 2016
Understanding alcohol abuse journey

Understanding alcohol abuse journey to alcoholism through in life to remain stead fast

Understanding alcohol abuse journey to alcoholism: Alcohol dependence

While discussing the in depth understanding of alcoholism complications, we elaborately introduced ourselves to the knowledge of alcoholism and how it develops from a social friendly consumption to a very intoxicating health problem. We also found out that due to the addictiveness of the substance, users often find themselves to have drunk beyond what is considered to be moderate drinking into problematic drinking. With those findings well understood, we now want to focus our discussion on this article to exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism. We are aware that the alcoholic drink is not illegal and therefore when it brings some complications in the lives of its users, it concerns all of us. Therefore what exactly is the path way from alcohol abuse to alcoholism? We spoke to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This facility was established by doctor Dalal Akoury a renowned veteran in addiction treatment solution for over two decades now. Professionally doctor Akoury registers that ordinarily not all alcohol users or abusers will become full-blown alcoholics. Even though this is an indication of a big risk factor, it may not always be true. Majority will progress into alcoholism but in many instances some alcoholism develops suddenly in response to a stressful change in life like for instance if one is declared breakup, retirement or any another losses. Other times, it gradually creeps up on you as your tolerance to alcohol increases. If you’re a binge drinker or you drink every day, the risks of developing alcoholism are greater.

Understanding signs and symptoms of alcoholism

Alcoholism is the most severe form of problem drinking. Alcoholism involves all the symptoms of alcohol abuse, but it also involves another element: physical dependence on alcohol. If you rely on alcohol to function or feel physically compelled to drink, you’re an alcoholic.

Understanding alcohol abuse journey to alcoholism: Tolerance

Tolerance is the first major warning sign of alcoholism and when this is noticed both the users and their loved ones must take the initiative of remedying the situation before it gets out of hand. Therefore in handling such situations, you must be ready to respond to some of these questions like for instance ask yourself if you are compelled to drink a lot more than you are a costumed to in order to get  buzzed or to feel relaxed? Or alternatively are you that person who will drink the largest number of bottles without getting drunk? If your answers to these questions are yes, then you have a greater risk of being a candidate of alcoholism. Doctor Akoury is confirming that these are the known signs of tolerance and a serious pointer to early warning signs of alcoholism. Remember that tolerance means that, with over time the user of alcohol will consistently need more and more alcohol to feel the same effects and this is therefore forms the first significant journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism and must be dealt with the seriousness it deserve professionally.

Understanding alcohol abuse journey to alcoholism: Alcohol dependence

 

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heroin addiction

Drug addiction tolerance development

October 6, 2016
Drug addiction tolerance

Drug addiction tolerance development can be motivated by depression

Drug addiction tolerance development: When the brain is under attack

By nature, rewards usually come only with time and effort. And like I had mentioned before, addictive drugs and behaviors provide a shortcut, flooding the brain with dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Our brains do not have an easy way to withstand the onslaught. Addictive drugs, for example, can release two to 10 times the amount of dopamine that natural rewards do, and they do it more quickly and more reliably. In a person who becomes addicted, brain receptors become overwhelmed. The brain then responds by producing less dopamine or eliminating dopamine receptors an adaptation similar to turning the volume down on a loudspeaker when noise becomes too loud. As a result of these adaptations, dopamine has less impact on the brain’s reward center. People who develop an addiction typically find that, in time, the desired substance no longer gives them as much pleasure. And because of that, the development of drug addiction tolerance begins  hence they have to take more of it to obtain the same dopamine “high” because their brains have adapted and that is what is known as tolerance.

Drug addiction tolerance development: Compulsion takes over

At this point, compulsion takes over. The pleasure associated with an addictive drug or behavior subsides and yet the memory of the desired effect and the need to recreate it (the wanting) persists. It’s as though the normal machinery of motivation is no longer functioning. The learning process mentioned earlier also comes into play. The hippocampus and the amygdala store information about environmental cues associated with the desired substance, so that it can be located again. These memories help create a conditioned response—intense craving—whenever the person encounters those environmental cues.

Cravings contribute not only to addiction but to relapse after a hard-won sobriety. From experience, experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD, says that any person addicted to heroin is likely to be in danger of relapse when he or she sees a hypodermic needle, like for example, while another person might start to drink again after seeing a bottle of whiskey. Conditioned learning helps explain why people who develop an addiction risk relapse even after years of abstinence. And that is why keeping close touch with the experts is very important.

The formation of this facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) by doctor Akoury is to primarily make a difference in your life. We understand the dangers drug addiction tolerance can do to your health and all we want to do is to help you get back to your productive life and live it meaningfully. That is why, if you have any concern about addiction of any kind, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery process.

Drug addiction tolerance development: When the brain is under attack

 

 

 

 

 

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Drug Addiction recovery

Total liberty in drug addiction recovery

October 4, 2016
Total liberty

Total liberty in drug addiction recovery includes prevention campaign and awareness

Total liberty in drug addiction recovery: The compound nature of addiction

The genesis of finding total liberty in addiction recovery is rested on the understanding the deep connections between the psychological, emotional and physical aspects of addiction which are at the heart of every addiction recovery program. Doctor Akoury recommends that in order to break the habit and culture of relying on substance abuse as a solution, it is very important that the individual makes simultaneous changes in their attitudes and coping skills taking into consideration that drugs are chemicals which not only change the way the brain works, but often have been used to numb or dull unwanted emotions by the user. When thoughts and feelings begin returning from the haze of drug abuse, their force and clarity can be shocking to an addict, who has in many ways stunted their ability to appropriately manage them. That is why it is always advisable that this be done in good time since early recovery can be a roller coaster of relief, anxiety and a spectrum of emotional responses while an addict begins to confront their life again. The tools learned in treatment will prepare a recovering addict for the challenges ahead, ensuring they have the help and support necessary to achieve freedom from addiction and have the full restoration of their lives to live it to the fullest.

Total liberty in drug addiction recovery: Recovery program of relapse prevention

Like we have mentioned before that recovering from the scourge of addiction is a continuous process it is important to note that there is a lot more in staying sober than just trying to cultivate the strength and spirit of saying no to one’s substance of choice. The training and treatment being done during addiction recovery will prepare an individual to prevent falling back into his or her old habits of using alcohol or drugs and also to help then in dealing with all the problems and stress. Relapse prevention is a cognitive-behavioral approach with the goal of identifying and preventing high-risk situations and understanding warning signs. It is worth noting that for an effective prevention to be realized, it has to begin well before the opportunity for relapse occurs, with a comprehensive plan accounting for social interactions, emotional triggers and the development of positive coping mechanisms.

Finally we must appreciate that staying sober is not going to be a one man show, it is essential that recovering addicts and alcoholics interact on a regular basis with other people including those who understand the complex nature of addiction and who can offer moral support. Remember that in the process of recovery, there are times when individuals are feeling isolated by the disease process itself and having a figurative set of tools to handle these situations is important. Cognitive techniques provide people with ways to reframe habitual thinking patterns and change the process, this is what we want to offer to you at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and paired with behavioral techniques including the use of lifestyle modifications to promote individuals healthy coping mechanisms, and keep sobriety as a stable way of life. Therefore if you have any further concerns then you can now schedule for a one on one appointment with doctor Akoury for that session of professional sharing.

Total liberty in drug addiction recovery: The compound nature of addiction

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drug abuse

Pursuing drug usage and cravings to the brain

September 30, 2016
Pursuing drug usage

Pursuing drug usage and cravings to the brain

Pursuing drug usage and cravings to the brain: Addictions effect on the brain’s reward system

Pursuing drug usage and craving to the brain can be very interesting more so when considering how the brain functions. It is true that the brain has evolved over time in a way that ensures human survival. And in fact our brain’s reward system is part of that survival system. In many instances we often experience an urgent need for food whenever we are starving and generally have a powerful desire for sex too. According to doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the brain’s reward system rewards food and sex because they ensure our survival. Unfortunately, drugs of abuse operate within these reward systems which leads people to experience an urgent need or powerful desire for drugs or addictive activities.

The brain’s reward system has ensured our species survival. You may have not known but food, water, and sex are some of the elements that activate the reward system. Therefore when the brain’s reward center is activated, it releases dopamine. Dopamine then creates a pleasing, enjoyable sensation which then motivates us into repeating these behaviors which are necessary for our survival. The reason why this is happening is because dopamine has rewarded us with a pleasurable feeling. Doctor Akoury recommends that from an evolutionary standpoint of view, it is very helpful to have a reward system that works. Like for instance, imagine that there is very little food and you’re wandering about looking for food. When you finally find something to eat, this triggers your reward system. This pleasing feeling (dopamine “reward”) will become associated with whatever behavior that led you to that food. This causes you to want to repeat that behavior. Moreover, the reward system is closely tied to emotional and subjective memories. If you were successful and found food in a particular place for instance, in the future you will want to look for food in the same location. This reward system increases the likelihood that you will be successful in finding food there the next time. This is because your brain chemicals are rewarding you with a pleasing sensation. It also helps you to remember how and where this pleasant feeling occurred.

Pursuing drug usage and cravings to the brain: The negative dopamine reward sensation

It will come to you as a surprise that the element that motives your survival is the very same reward system that ensures your survival and also rewards drug use. Doctor Akoury reiterates that all addictive substances and activities will trigger the release of dopamine which rewards us with a pleasant sensation thereby succeeding in motivating us to continuously indulge in these harmful behaviors. It is nowadays common knowledge that peoples with addiction problems will all it takes to get their drug of choice and in the same way, they continue with their addiction despite the harm it causes to themselves or their loved ones. It is therefore very important to note that all these characteristic of addictive behaviors arise from the brain’s pleasure and rewards centers. Therefore seeking for lasting solutions becomes a must to do for all victims. This may not be a very popular thing owing to the addictiveness of some of these drugs, but nonetheless it is the best option if you want to have a healthy life that is free from all sorts of addiction. You can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for the commencement of your journey to recovery.

Pursuing drug usage and cravings to the brain: Addictions effect on the brain’s reward system

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