Tag Archives: Alcohol And Drugs

What do you know about drugs and crime

August 21, 2015

What do you know about drugs and crime: Are they linked in any way?

What do you know about drugs and crime

What do you know about drugs and crime? Many people are familiar with these yet they don’t understand the impact they have in life. It is therefore necessary that you seek help from the various support groups to get the insight for proper action plan about elimination of substance abuse.

When this question is posed to us we quickly often think of the links between drugs and crime and we don’t hesitate to think about the dependent users of hard drugs like heroin and crack cocaine among other drugs of the same standard. And at the same time in most cases we often don’t consider how and who commit other crimes and particularly those who commit crimes like theft, burglary, fraud and shoplifting specifically to get money for the purchase of their supplies (drugs). It is therefore because of this that we want to seek answers from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center so that we can make very informed decisions whenever we chose to take action. According to the experts at this facility headed by doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) and also the founder of the same, drugs and crime are also closely associated with a number of other ways including the following:

Every time one is talking about drugs, it will not go unnoticed that reference is made about people who use or supply illegal drugs rubbing shoulders with the local authorities and this is very evident in the number of people who are being convicted of various drug offenses.

People who commit violent offenses while under the influence of drugs, with alcohol being the greatest casualty among other substances. From a professional point of view doctor Akoury states that besides all these, drunkenness is closely associated with a majority of crimes including murders, manslaughters and stabbings and half of domestic assaults. When users are under the influence of their substances, they become object of the substances they have used and while in that state of mind, they often do very stupid mistakes that they themselves live to regret when they become sober latter.

Alcohol and drug related to driving offenses. If you take a keen look at the statistics of both major and minor accidents that take place on our roads, you will be shocked to notice that nearly all of them are as a result of drunkenness. In India and most states in Africa where the use of motor bike for public transport is on the rise, many hospital institutions have specifically created special ward facility for motor bike associated accidents, and the common denominator about these accidents is that either the rider or their passenger was drunk at the time of the accident.

Another area of concern is the effect of alcohol to its users more so the gang of robbers or just ordinary individuals. Doctor Akoury has observed that in many cases when violence erupts between parties, in the middle of that violence you will not miss people who are seriously intoxicated with drugs and alcohol. Take for example violence involving drug dealers who may clash with rival gangs over unsettles financial deals or being violent towards drug users (their clients) who owe them money.

Some research studies have found that a lot of acquisitive crime (stealing) is committed by dependent users of heroin and crack cocaine trying to pay for their drugs. Some show a high proportion of people arrested for a range of offenses testing positive for drug use. To this effect the available statistic appears to suggest that one third to over a half of all acquisitive crime is either directly or indirectly related to illegal drug use.

What do you know about drugs and crime: Cost of drug related crime?

It will surprise you to note that people spend heavily to finance their illicit habits and in many cases they do so at the expense of very important family and domestic issues. Like for example, we have users who will be looking towards spending between £20,000 and £50,000 a year to fund their drug habits. This is not small amount of money and the matter becomes even complicated if the user will be raising these funds through other illicit activities like theft and mugging. If this is the case, then we may want to triple the figures because in many cases stolen commodities will often be disposed cheaply and the proceeds are likely to be about one third of the normal market value of the said commodity.

Doctor Akoury estimates that currently there are on average around 9milion heroin and crack users in the US alone, and out of this two thirds of them are enrolled for treatment in any year. From that statistic we can confidently say that is a lot of theft, burglary, fraud or shoplifting if all are stealing to pay for their habits. It is no wonder some studies have suggested that up to half of all acquisitive crime we experience today is drug-related and that the market value of goods stolen involved could be in the tune of billions of dollars annually.

Doctor Akoury says that professionally this can all seem very frightening and has often been sensationalized in the media. However, careful consideration must be taken because the picture given may be exaggerated for a number of reasons and the following could be some of the reasons for exaggeration:

  • Many people who are dependent on drugs like heroin and crack cocaine were involved in criminal activity before becoming dependent on drugs, so the drug use may not be the cause of the crime.
  • Poverty, unemployment and social exclusion are often underlying factors rather than the drug use itself.
  • Many people commit crimes in order to feed, clothe and house themselves and their families.
  • Some users have jobs, benefits or other forms of income that are used to purchase drugs.
  • Many users do not use large amounts of street drugs all the time. Dosage and frequency of use may go up or down and they may also have access to other substitute drugs, such as heroin users being prescribed methadone.
  • Most people who use illegal drugs (the majority are non-problematic users) do not commit crimes to get money to pay for the drugs.

Finally the fact that acquisitive crime is focused on poorer, inner city areas makes for a lot of stress and difficulty for people who live there. However, understanding the relationship between drugs and crime is about keeping matters in perspective rather than falling for media scare stories. But most importantly is that if you are struggling with any kind of addiction, you need to seek for help immediately and if you are wondering from where to start, you are at the right place for your healthy destiny. All you need to do is to call doctor Dalal Akoury today for help. You can schedule for an appointment with her today for the commencement of your recovery journey today.

What do you know about drugs and crime: Are they linked in any way?

 

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When alcoholism and alcohol abuse features in the family

August 17, 2015

When alcoholism and alcohol abuse features in the family: Helping a loved one with alcoholism or alcohol abuse

When alcoholism and alcohol abuse features in the family

When alcoholism and alcohol abuse features in the family, careful attention must be taken to ensure that the consequences of its addiction is eliminated before it affects the family

You may be wondering how people who are struggling with alcoholism and alcohol abuse cope in their families. Probably you have never had anybody from your own family going through this kind of life situation. If you are such a person, then this article is meant for you. Remember that the problem of alcoholism and alcohol abuse is a global problem and you need to have all your facts right. Therefore to respond to your question “when alcoholism and alcohol abuse features in the family what do you do?” doctor Akoury states that if everyone could be this concern to the point of asking worthy questions like this in readiness of any eventuality, dealing with drug addiction, alcoholism and alcohol abuse could become much easier. Now back to the point if someone you love has a drinking problem, a lot of things may be going on in your mind.  Like for instance you may be struggling with a number of painful emotions, including shame, fear, anger, and self-blame. Some of these problems may be so overwhelming that it seems easier to ignore it and pretend that nothing is wrong because that appears to be the easy way of doing it. But whatever the decision you make, it must down on you that in the long run denying it (the existence of alcoholism and alcohol abuse) will not only be more damaging to you the direct victim, but also to other family members and the society in general.

That is why doctor Akoury made a decision to create a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Therefore when alcoholism and alcohol abuse features in the family, the very best thing you can do to salvage the situation is to seek audience with doctor Dalal Akoury immediately. Remember that Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. You can therefore reach out for her o telephone number 843 213 1480 to schedule for an appointment with her to get all the insight of all you need to do to offer the very best help to your loved ones.

When alcoholism and alcohol abuse features in the family: What not to do?

When you get to doctor Akoury’s office she will not just tell you what you need to do in order to help, but she will also impact in you all those things that you need NOT to do if you are to succeed in helping your loved ones. Some of the don’ts may include the following:

  • Don’t attempt to be hostile by way of punishment, threats, bribe, or preaching to the victim.
  • Don’t try to be a martyr. Avoid any emotional petitions that may only resuscitate the feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs.
  • Don’t cover up, hide or make excuses for the alcoholic or problem drinker or shield them from the realistic consequences of their behavior.
  • In the process of helping don’t take over their responsibilities, leaving them with no sense of importance or dignity.
  • Don’t hide or dump bottles, throw out drugs, or shelter them from situations where alcohol is present.
  • Don’t argue with the person when they are impaired.
  • Don’t try to drink along with the problem drinker.
  • Above all, don’t feel guilty or responsible for another’s behavior.

Remember that dealing with a loved one’s alcohol problem can be an emotional rollercoaster. Therefore it’s vital that you take care of yourself and get the support you need. It’s also important to have people you can talk honestly and openly with about what you’re going through. A good place to start from is by joining a group such as Al-Anon, a free peer support group for families coping with alcoholism. Listening to others with the same challenges can be a tremendous source of comfort and support. You can also turn to trusted friends, a therapist, or people in your faith community.

You cannot force someone you love to stop abusing alcohol – Your intentions may be very good but remember that as much as you may want to help, and as hard as it is to watch, you cannot make someone stop drinking. The choice is up to them.

Don’t expect the person to stop drinking and stay sober without help – Your loved one will need treatment, support, and new coping skills to overcome a serious drinking problem.

Recovery is an ongoing process – Recovery is never a smooth road, it will require time, commitment and patience to sail through. Take note that an alcoholic will not magically become a different person once sober. And the problems that led to the alcohol abuse in the first place will have to be faced.

Admitting that there’s a serious problem can be painful for the whole family, not just the alcohol abuser. But all the same don’t be ashamed about anything because you’re not alone. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse affects millions of families, from every social class, race, and culture the most important thing is seeking for professional help from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center not just for the direct victims but also for the indirect victims too.

Finally dear reader when alcoholism and alcohol abuse features in the family, you must never panic. This is a treatable disease and the faster you seek for help the better for you and your family. Therefore take swift actions towards containing the problem by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury one of the best known addiction professionals of our time. Upon scheduling for that appointment, she will in the most professional way evaluate your individual conditions before putting you in the right treatment program. So waste no more time and call her today.

When alcoholism and alcohol abuse features in the family: Helping a loved one with alcoholism or alcohol abuse

 

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The frustrations of drinking problems and denial

August 17, 2015

The frustrations of drinking problems and denial: Are you almost alcoholic?

The frustrations of drinking problems and denialEven though alcohol consumption is legally acceptable in all societies, the frustrations of drinking problems and denial by alcohol consumers is becoming an impediment in the effort of alcohol addiction management. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury’s care, denial is one of the biggest obstacles when it comes to getting help for alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Professionally it has been established that the desire to drink is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drinking, even when the consequences are obvious. By keeping you from looking honestly at your behavior and its negative effects, denial also exacerbates alcohol-related problems with work, finances, and relationships. When an addict is in denial, treatment becomes very difficult and that is why before any treatment can be administered, it is always very vital that the patients gets to acknowledge the existence of the problem and be willing to be helped fix the problem. Doctor Akoury is pointing out at certain pointers that allude to the fact that one is in denial as we progressed into the discussion as follows:

The frustrations of drinking problems and denial: If you have a drinking problem, you may deny it by

  • Extremely underestimating how much you drink
  • Downplaying and underrating the negative consequences of your drinking to your health and that of your loved ones
  • Complaining that family and friends are exaggerating the problem
  • Blaming your drinking or drinking-related problems on others

When it comes to denial, users will always have a host of reason to validate their position of drinking. But the question is will this change the facts about their drinking habits? Certainly not and just take a close look around you and you will notice that our surrounding offers a lot more elements to pass the blame on. It will not surprise you to have an addicted alcoholic refusing to acknowledge the fact that they have a problem by blaming it on their ‘unfair and un accommodative boss’ for trouble at work or the married men passing it on their ‘nagging wife’ for your marital issues. These are common grounds for denial says doctor Dalal Akoury. Instead of them looking at the real problem which is their drinking habit as a contributing factor to the problem, they would rather lean on someone or something. Doctor Akoury is confirming that while elements like work environment, relationship, and financial stresses do happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of serious trouble and should not be overlooked. Therefore if you find yourself rationalizing your drinking habits, lying about them, or refusing to discuss the subject, it is very important that you take a moment to consider why you’re being so defensive. Remember that if you truly believe that you don’t have a problem, there should be no reason for you to cover up your drinking or make excuses says doctor Akoury.

The frustrations of drinking problems and denial:  Myths about alcoholism and alcohol abuse

Another serious problem that may bring the frustration of drinking problem and denial is that of myths or concoctions. There are so many myths around drinking and we are going to share with you just but a few as follows:

I can stop drinking anytime I want to – How I wish that this was true but more likely, you can’t but the bottom line is that this is yet another excuse to keep drinking. The truth is you don’t want to stop. By telling yourself that you can quit makes you feel in control, despite all evidence to the contrary and no matter the damage it’s doing.

My drinking is my problem. I’m the one it hurts, so no one has the right to tell me to stop – Doctor Akoury agrees with you that it’s true that the decision to quit drinking is up to you. But the truth is you are deceiving yourself if you think that your drinking hurts no one else but you. Alcoholism affects everyone around you and especially the people closest to you. Your problem is their problem.

I don’t drink every day, so I can’t be an alcoholic OR I only drink wine or beer, so I can’t be an alcoholic – Remember that alcoholism is NOT defined by what you drink, when you drink it, or even how much you drink. It’s all about the EFFECTS of your drinking that define a problem. Therefore if your drinking is causing problems in your home or work life, you have a drinking problem it therefore means that whether you drink daily or only on the weekends, down shots of tequila or stick to wine, drink three bottles of beers a day or three bottles of whiskey if they produce the negative effects then you have a problem which needs to be fixed.

I’m not an alcoholic because I have a job and I’m doing okay – You don’t have to be homeless and drinking out of a brown paper bag to be an alcoholic. Many alcoholics are able to hold down jobs, get through school, and provide for their families. Some are even able to excel. But just because you’re a high-functioning alcoholic doesn’t mean you’re not putting yourself or others in danger. Over time, the effects will catch up with you.

Drinking is not a “real” addiction like drug abuse – Alcohol is a drug, and alcoholism is every bit as damaging as drug addiction. Alcohol addiction causes changes in the body and brain, and long-term alcohol abuse can have devastating effects on your health, your career and your relationships. Alcoholics go through physical withdrawal when they stop drinking, just like drug users do when they quit.

Finally alcohol is a killer substance and the fact that it is legally consumable even makes it more dangerous. The little controls put by different authorities are very inconsequential when it comes to the real damages associated with alcohol abuse. We have discussed a lot but believe you me your health must come first and not the little pleasure you get when taking alcohol with your friends. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury care illustrates this with the wise say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Therefore you can either begin the journey of destruction by taking the first sip or start the recovery journey by acknowledging that you have a problem that needs to be fixes and then calling doctor Akoury to schedule for an appointment with her for the commencement of your recovery journey.

The frustrations of drinking problems and denial: Are you almost alcoholic?

 

 

 

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The journey through successful treatment of alcoholism

July 24, 2015

The journey through successful treatment of alcoholism: How to know when to seek treatment for alcoholism

The journey through successful treatment of alcoholism

The journey through successful treatment of alcoholism is a long one but very necessary. It is through working this journey that all your addiction misery to alcoholism will be sorted out

Of all the substance of abuse, alcohol is the most abused drug in the world. It is also the most celebrated drug that is used freely during the parties, and special occasions across the globe. Being as addictive as it is, we want to explore the journey through successful treatment of alcoholism in our current societies. For us to have a successful treatment plan, we must involve the services of the professionals in addiction matters. Therefore we are going to be talking to doctor Dalal Akoury MD a veteran addiction expert and also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, a facility she founded in order to offer her best in helping and restoring hope to the people lost in substance abuse. To start us off, doctor Akoury reports that the primary objective of alcohol addiction treatment is and must always be a lifelong commitment to abstinence from the use of alcohol. She says that this is achievable with good health, a strong support system and motivation. Professionally she says that the problem of alcoholism in many cases can go undiagnosed despite being the most frequently used drug worldwide. Even though as things stand right now there is no known cause of alcohol abuse or alcoholism, studies have established that how much you drink can influence your chances of becoming dependent. Nonetheless there are many brief and easy to use screening methods, designed to diagnose problem of drinking and alcoholism, and the good news is that they can be self-administered by a patient at the convenience of their homes.

Besides that one of the biggest challenges that are faced with treatment of alcoholism is that of patient’s denial. Many users are never willing to acknowledge that they have this problem. That problem not withstanding it is important to appreciate that treatment for alcoholism typically can only begin when the alcoholic accepts that the problem exists, and is motivated to stop drinking. The moment acceptance has been granted, then treatment can commence in the following three levels: detoxification, rehabilitation and maintenance of sobriety with each providing an integral step in the process of successfully quitting the use and abuse of alcohol. We at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury are always ready and in very good professional mood to help you go through this worthy process of addiction treatment. Therefore if you or anyone you know is struggling with any form of addiction, not necessarily alcoholism, you can call us today and schedule for an appointment with us and we will gladly help you into seeing the successful recovery of your addiction problem.

The journey through successful treatment of alcoholism: The medical significance of alcohol addiction treatment

Drinking alcohol is never good for anyone’s health. Remember that even though alcohol consumption is legally allowed, it is important to know that drinking too much, whether binge drinking or chronic, can take a serious toll on your health. To be honest with you says doctor Akoury, essentially alcohol is not good and in fact it is poisonous, meaning that taking it repeatedly will eventually affect every major organ in your body. It is characterized with the increase risk of developing disabling long-term health conditions including diabetes, obesity, liver disease, heart disease, dementia and some forms of cancer. Remember that alcohol abuse is not only damaging to the body and brain, it can traumatize psychological stability causing depression, and is one of the leading risk factors for suicide. Alcohol abuse is the principal lifestyle-related cause of disease and death, motor vehicle fatalities and injury. Despite the profound effect alcohol abuse has on the individual and society, the most dangerous consequence is chemical dependence. Seeking medical treatment for alcoholism is absolutely necessary because once physically addicted to alcohol; there is risk of life-threatening side effects such as seizures, delirium, high blood pressure, sudden fever and debilitating dehydration.

The journey through successful treatment of alcoholism: Treatment for alcoholism is available globally

The abuse of alcohol worldwide is a problem which compromises both individual and social development, resulting in over 2.5 million deaths each year and causing more than 200 different diseases and injuries. And did you know that statistics show that North Americans in general, and Canadians in particular drink more than 50 per cent above the global average and people in Europe and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa are the world’s heaviest consumers of alcohol on average? Studies documenting the amount and patterns of alcohol consumption by country indicate alcohol use is the third leading global cause of disease and death after high blood pressure and tobacco smoking, among 67 risk factors overall. These statistics illuminate how the risk of alcoholism is not limited to a particular ethnic community, socio-economic status or region of living. While regulations and laws about alcohol consumption vary geographically with trends and culture, at least 34 countries have adopted formal policies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Alcoholism treatment is available in medical centers globally where you can find an individualized care and treatment program that best suits you.

The journey through successful treatment of alcoholism: A daily reprieve from alcohol addiction

Treatment for alcoholism does not prescribe an easy cure for chemical dependency, but gives the individual all the tools with which to build a life based on promoting sobriety day to day. Since addiction and alcoholism affect almost every area of an individual’s life, the changes which will be made, while sometimes slow at first will be all encompassing. Remember that after completing detox and rehabilitation, then the maintenance of sobriety will be intrinsically connected to the willingness openness and honesty put into living one’s life by a new set of principles and values.

Finally is important to note that when it comes to treatment of alcoholism, there is no single defining treatment appropriate for everyone, and generating treatment settings, interventions, and services to an individual’s particular problems and needs is critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and society. What is most important to remember is that treatment and long-term sobriety are about discovering how to accept help, and manage life’s challenges without needing to escape or find a quick fix. This new way of living will provide new meaning and direction and those with rich participation in recovery will achieve freedom and serenity.

The journey through successful treatment of alcoholism: How to know when to seek treatment for alcoholism

 

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How substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds

July 16, 2015

How substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds: How does it get there and how does is leave?

How substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds

How substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds and when this is done, users of various drugs can do very crazy thing all in the name of satisfying their addiction.

The brain is the engine that drives life and the moment it stops, life equally stops. This is one organ which by all means must not suffer from any kind of pressure. However the kind of life we live today is exacting a lot of pressure to the brain. The prevalence of substance abuse is not helping either in keeping the good health of the brain and this is what we want to engage the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center on. This is a facility that was the brain child of doctor Dalal Akoury and its formation was primarily to offer solutions to people who are struggling with addiction. Therefore doctor Akoury is going to help us understand how substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds even as it causes other chronic health problems to the body.

How substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds: New understandings into a common problem

Owing to the consequences that comes with substance abuse, Ideally nobody would on a voluntary basis wants to desire to develop an addiction, however many people get caught in its snare from very humble beginnings. And today looking at the prevalence of addiction it is amazing that drug use is almost getting out of hand. Take for instance the latest statistics from the government America where nearly 23 million Americans are addicted to either alcohol or other drugs representing a worrying figure of one in every ten being an addict. The statistics also indicate that more than two-thirds of people with addiction abuse alcohol. While the top three drugs causing addiction are marijuana, opioid (narcotic) pain relievers, and cocaine.

In the past the perception about addiction was not right and people who developed signs of addiction were actually seen as people with questionable character and lacking in willpower. As such the remedy was punishment since they were considered wrongdoers besides that they were also encouraged making peace with the community by turning away from their bad habits. Nonetheless a lot has currently been done and scientific findings are changing this old perception of addiction. Today addiction is recognized as a chronic disease that changes both brain structure and function. Just in the same way as cardiovascular disease damages the heart and diabetes impairs the pancreas, addiction hijacks the brain. This happens as the brain goes through a series of changes, beginning with recognition of pleasure and ending with a drive toward compulsive behavior.

How substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds: Pleasure principle

One of the functions of the brain is to registers all pleasures in the same way, irrespective of their origin. That is whether they are associated with a psychoactive drug, a monetary reward, a sexual encounter, or a satisfying meal. The fact is in the brain, pleasure has a distinct role which is the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, a cluster of nerve cells lying underneath the cerebral cortex. Dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens is so consistently tied with pleasure that neuroscientists refer to the region as the brain’s pleasure center.

All drugs of abuse, from nicotine to heroin, cause a particularly powerful surge of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. The likelihood that the use of a drug or participation in a rewarding activity will lead to addiction is directly linked to the speed with which it promotes dopamine release, the intensity of that release, and the reliability of that release. Therefore addictive drugs provide a shortcut to the brain’s reward system by flooding the nucleus accumbens with dopamine. The hippocampus lays down memories of this rapid sense of satisfaction, and the amygdala creates a conditioned response to certain stimuli.

How substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds: Learning the process

Previously it was believed that an experience of pleasure alone was enough to compel people in to consistent seeking of addictive elements or activities. However new research findings indicates that the situation may be more complicated. This is because dopamine’s are not only responsible for the experience of pleasure but are also playing a role in learning and memory which are the two key elements in the transition from liking something to being addicted to it. Currently the philosophy about addiction is that dopamine interacts with another neurotransmitter, glutamate to take over the brains system of reward related learning. Remember that this system has an important role in sustaining life because it links activities needed for human survival (such as eating and sex) with pleasure and reward.

It may interest you to note that he reward circuit in the brain may include areas involved with motivation and memory as well as with pleasure. Addictive substances and behaviors stimulate the same circuit and then overload it. And therefore repeated misuse of any addictive substances or behavior will cause nerve cells in the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain involved in planning and executing tasks) to communicate in a way that couples liking something with wanting it, in turn driving us to go after it. That is, this process motivates us to take action to seek out the source of pleasure.

How substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds: Development of tolerance

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. 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.

How substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds: 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. A person addicted to heroin may be in danger of relapse when he sees a hypodermic needle, 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. If you have any concern about addiction, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery process.

How substance abuse is hijacking individual’s minds: How does it get there and how does is leave?

 

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