Tag Archives: Alcoholism and addiction

alcoholism

Alcoholism treatment methodologies

February 1, 2017
Alcoholism treatment methodologies

Alcoholism treatment methodologies that work for all alcohol addicts

Alcoholism treatment methodologies: Inpatient and Outpatient treatment

Like with all substance of abuse, alcoholism treatment methodologies do not change. Patients struggling with alcoholism can be treated either as inpatients or outpatients. To understand this better, we spoke to doctor Dalal Akoury MD, who is a veteran addiction expert for now over two decades and has been of great help to many across the globe.

Inpatient Treatment – this is usually a reserved for patients whose conditions of alcoholism places them in danger normally this is done in a general or psychiatric hospital or in any other facility dedicated to the treatment of alcohol and other substance abuse. Factors that indicate a need for this type of treatment include:

  • Coexisting medical or psychiatric disorder
  • Delirium tremens (a neurological condition associated with withdrawal that involves uncontrollable trembling, sweating, anxiety, and hallucinations or other symptoms of psychosis)
  • Potential harm to self or others
  • Failure to respond to conservative treatments
  • Disruptive home environment

A typical inpatient regimen may include the following stages:

  • A physical and psychiatric work-up for any physical or mental disorders
  • Detoxification – this phase involves initiating abstinence, managing withdrawal symptoms and complications, and ensuring that the patient remains in treatment
  • On-going treatment with medications in some cases
  • Psychotherapy, usually cognitive behavioral therapy
  • An introduction to AA

Some studies have established better success rates with inpatient treatment of patients with alcoholism. However, resent studies strongly suggest that alcoholism can be effectively treated in outpatient settings as opposed to the inpatient.

Outpatient Treatment – People with mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms are usually treated as outpatients. Basically, treatments methods are similar to those in inpatient situations and may include:

  • Psychotherapy or counseling
  • Medications that target brain chemicals involved in addiction
  • Social support groups such as AA
  • Cognitive therapies
  • Involvement of family and other significant people in patient’s life

The current approach to outpatient treatment uses medical management a disease management approach that is used for chronic illnesses such as diabetes. With medical management, patients receive regular 20-minute sessions with a health care provider. The provider monitors the patient’s medical condition, medication, and alcohol consumption.

Alcoholism treatment methodologies: After-Care and Work Therapy

This kind of care uses services to help maintain sobriety. For example, in some cities, sober-living houses provide residences for people who are trying to stay sober. They do not offer formal treatment services, but the people living there offer each other support and maintain an abstinent environment. The treatment of alcoholism is a process that involves many stages and serious commitment to the recovery process. When an addict makes the first step of seeking help the journey will be a long one and a difficult one for that matter. Like indicated earlier treatment process may be complicated and fall back or relapsing may be the order of the day. But in all this, you must take courage because you have chosen a worthy course for your life and doctor Akoury will be with you all the way until it is finally done. You can take that to the bank because seeing you get better is our job and it can only be done well at AWAREmed health center if only you can schedule an appointment with us now.

Alcoholism treatment methodologies: Inpatient and Outpatient treatment

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Obesity addiction

Alcoholism close relationship with obesity

January 30, 2017
Alcoholism close relationship

Alcoholism close relationship with obesity is becoming the concern of many and experts are working round the clock for solutions

Alcoholism close relationship with obesity: Alcoholic behaviors

Early 2010 researchers from Washington University School of medicine released one of the most important findings regarding the connection between obesity and alcoholism. The study was based on two large alcoholism surveys previously done where 80,000 people participated in both. They then put proper control on all the factors of the study and the ultimate finding was that in a survey those with a family history of alcoholism had a greater chance of being affected by obesity. For women, who had a 49 percent greater chance, this was especially true. One possible reason is that in trying to avoid the alcoholic behaviors observed in their families, people replace alcohol with a different addiction hence our motivation towards looking at alcoholism close relationship with obesity.

Surprisingly enough researchers did not find any connection or association between obesity and family history of alcoholism in the first survey. The fact that the link strengthened as much as it did in the relatively short amount of time between the two surveys suggests that environmental factors are involved. According to the experts at AWAREmed health and wellness resource center lead by doctor Dalal Akoury MD, who is also the founder of this facility, analytically what it means is that a genetic risk is possible where maintaining individual’s weight is made easy however, where this is hindered, the problem of obesity will be inevitable particularly because of changing food environment and increased availability of highly palatable foods.

Alcoholism close relationship with obesity: Overlapping brain pathways

More and more, neuroscientists are finding similarities in the pathways leading to excessive eating and dependence on alcohol and other drugs. Both obesity and alcohol addiction have been linked to the brain’s reward system. Overconsumption can trigger a gradual increase in the reward threshold, requiring more palatable high-fat food or strengthening alcohol to satisfy cravings. It is no secret that addiction and obesity are the major health problems in U.S and many other nations across the globe today. Because of this, we must learn from these research findings and walk the talk by implementing all the knowledge we have gathered about addiction alongside overeating and obesity.

Every day possesses an opportunity to learn something new and we are privileged to be learning more about how eating and drinking are indistinguishable connected at the physiologic level. These physiologic commonalities help to explain why the behaviors of excessive food intake and excessive alcohol consumption share so many similarities. Nonetheless, we all have a duty to unlock the link and use the findings to understand, treat and most importantly prevent these two diseases from further damaging our societies and families.

It will finally take a collective approach for all of us to win. If this discussion describes your situation, you may want to schedule an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today to help you professionally in dealing with these problems and help you have your life back and live it to the fullest.

Alcoholism close relationship with obesity: Alcoholic behaviors

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alcohol-addiction

Obstructing alcoholism treatment

January 14, 2017
Obstructing alcoholism treatment

Obstructing alcoholism treatment is very much prevalent with all addicts in denial

Obstructing alcoholism treatment: Drinking problems and denial

Denial is one of the biggest problems many faces when making effort in seeking help for alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The desire to drink is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drinking, even when the consequences are obvious, a fact which is seriously obstructing alcoholism treatment greatly. Because of this fact, each time users make an attempt of seeking for help, they are blinded from looking honestly at their behaviors and the subsequent negative effects. Professionally doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President, and founder of AWAREmed health and wellness resource center say that denial also exacerbates alcohol-related problems with work, finances, and relationships problems which if not addressed, can lead to catastrophic problems in one’s lifetime. And be keen in taking note that, if you have a drinking problem, you may deny it by:

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

For example, you may blame an ‘unfair boss’ for trouble at work or a ‘nagging wife’ for your marital issues, rather than look at how your drinking is contributing to the problem. While work, relationship and financial stresses happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of trouble. If you find yourself rationalizing your drinking habits, lying about them, or refusing to discuss the subject, take a moment to consider why you’re so defensive. If you truly believe you don’t have a problem, there should be no reason for you to cover up your drinking or make excuses.

Obstructing alcoholism treatment: Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can affect all aspects of your life. Long-term alcohol use can cause serious health complications, affecting virtually every organ in your body, including your brain. Problem drinking can also damage your emotional stability, finances, career, and your ability to build and sustain satisfying relationships. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can also have an impact on your family, friends and the people you work with.

The effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse on the people you love

Despite the potentially lethal damage that heavy drinking does to the body including cancer, heart problems, and liver disease the social consequences can be just as devastating. Alcoholics and alcohol abusers are much more likely to get divorced, have problems with domestic violence, struggle with unemployment, and live in poverty. But even if you’re able to succeed at work or hold your marriage together, you can’t escape the effects that alcoholism and alcohol abuse has on your personal relationships. Drinking problems put an enormous strain on the people closest to you.

Finally, and quite often most family members and close friends feel obligated to cover for the person with the drinking problem. So they take on the burden of cleaning up your messes, lying for you, or working more to make ends meet. Pretending that nothing is wrong and hiding away all of their fears and resentments can take an enormous toll. Children are especially sensitive and can suffer long-lasting emotional trauma when a parent or caretaker is an alcoholic or heavy drinker.

Obstructing alcoholism treatment: Drinking problems and denial

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alcoholism

Overcoming alcoholism problems at family level

January 14, 2017
Overcoming alcoholism problems

Overcoming alcoholism problems at family level marks the genesis of a health lifestyle.

Overcoming alcoholism problems at family level: Denial and emotional attachments

Dealing with a loved one’s alcohol problem can be an emotional rollercoaster. And so helping loved ones in overcoming alcoholism problems must be prioritized. According to the experts at AWAREmed health and wellness resource center. 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 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. As much as you may want to, 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 a bumpy road, requiring time and patience. 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 don’t be ashamed. You’re not alone. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse affect millions of families, from every social class, race, and culture. But there is help and support available for both you and your loved one.

Overcoming alcoholism problems at family level: When your teen has a drinking problem

Discovering your child is drinking can generate fear, confusion, and anger in parents. It’s important to remain calm when confronting your teen and only do so when everyone is sober. Explain your concerns and make it clear that your concern comes from a place of love. It’s important that your teen feels you are supportive.
Five steps parents can take:

Lay down rules and consequences: Your teen should understand that drinking alcohol comes with specific consequences. But don’t make hollow threats or set rules that you cannot enforce. Make sure your spouse agrees with the rules and is prepared to enforce them.

Monitor your teen’s activity: Know where your teen goes and who he or she hangs out with. Remove or lock away alcohol from your home and routinely check potential hiding places for alcohol in backpacks, under the bed, between clothes in a drawer, for example. Explain to your teen that this lack of privacy is a consequence of him or her having been caught using alcohol.

Encourage other interests and social activities: Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports, Scouts, and afterschool clubs.

Talk to your child about underlying issues: Drinking can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce, which is causing stress?

Get outside help: You don’t have to go it alone. Teenagers often rebel against their parents but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more inclined to listen. Try seeking help from a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or counselor.

We have been together trying to understand the real effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse and from the discussion, it’s clear that this substance is a time bomb waiting to explode. Before it does, you need to take precautions to be safe by scheduling an appointment with doctor Akoury for a more professional approach in dealing with the problem at hand.

Overcoming alcoholism problems at family level: Denial and emotional attachments

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Drunk young man resting head on bar counter

Compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependence

December 26, 2016
Compulsive behavior

Compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependence are a time bomb waiting to explode if not addressed in good time

Compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependence: Alcoholism

Alcoholism is an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependency. It intrudes into a person’s life with very negligible or no notice at all because normally consumers of this substance majorly take it for pleasure and then in its own will graduates to other unintended levels. Professionally doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President, and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center reiterates that it’s not always easy to see when your drinking has crossed the line from moderate or social use to problem drinking. But you can be rest assured that if you consume alcohol to cope with difficulties or to avoid feeling bad, you’re in potentially dangerous territory. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can sneak up on you, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and take steps to cut back if you recognize them. Understanding the problem is the first step to overcoming it and this is going to be our focus point in this article.

Compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependence: Understanding alcoholism and alcohol abuse

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are due to many interconnected factors, including genetics, how you were raised, your social environment, and your emotional health. Some racial groups, such as American Indians and Native Alaskans, are more at risk than others of developing alcohol addiction. People who have a family history of alcoholism or who associate closely with heavy drinkers are more likely to develop drinking problems. Those who suffer from mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder are also at risk because they are likely to use alcohol to self-medicate. With this understanding, the next question we need to ask is, how do you get to know if you have a drinking problem? Doctor Akoury is very emphatic that most of the drinking problem indicators come from the consumers themselves and the following are some of the observations you are like to come across under these circumstances:

  • Feel guilty or ashamed about your drinking.
  • Lie to others or hide your drinking habits.
  • Have friends or family members who are worried about your drinking.
  • Need to drink in order to relax or feel better.
  • “Blackout” or forget what you did while you were drinking.
  • Regularly drink more than you intended to.

Since drinking is so common in many cultures and the effects vary so widely from person to person, it’s not always easy to figure out where the line is between social drinking and problem drinking. The bottom line is how alcohol affects you. Meaning that if your drinking is causing problems in your life, you have a drinking problem which needs to be addressed professionally and that is where doctor Akoury and her team comes in. which the problem of alcoholism on your shoulder, you will be in danger of very many associated health complications. Scheduling an appointment with doctor Akoury now is the best you can do to have all these addressed timely and professionally.

Compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependence: Alcoholism

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