The compound nature of addiction and recovery

July 24, 2015

The compound nature of addiction and recovery: The destructive nature of substance abuse

The compound nature of addiction and recovery can be so complex for addicts that if they are not properly rehabilitated, then the whole society will suffer the consequences of drug addiction uncontrollably.

The compound nature of addiction and recovery is one fact that many people who haven’t experienced addictive behavior in their lives do not understand. In fact this ignorant of facts is the reason why people are becoming addicted to drugs. People have this wrong perception that drug abuse, alcoholism and addictions are occurring because of social problems and the imagination that those who take drugs are morally weak. One common misunderstanding is that drug abusers should be able to quit taking drugs if they are only willing to change their behavior, the reason behind this being that if they tried hard enough or cared enough, they could change. This is not really how it should be, doctor Akoury is saying that what is often underrated is the profound complexity of drug addiction that because it is a disease that impacts the brain, changing addictive behavior is not simply a matter of willpower alone. She continue to say that it is important to appreciate that drugs are chemicals which interact with the brain’s communication system and disrupt the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. In all our postings about drug addiction we have ben highlighting several facts touching on the ways substance abuse deteriorates the life of an individual and why. You can go through our both previous and future articles so that you can get the relevant information about the entire preventive, causes, signs and symptoms, treatment procedures and all that you need to know about drug addiction. If you have further concerns, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and she will be able to professionally address all your concerns.

Besides that, when we appreciate that the compound nature of addiction recovery takes place when an individual recognizes he or she has a destructive substance abuse problem they can’t control and that they’re motivated to change and are willing to seek help. The at this point meaningful treatment process can begin. However while it is true that medical detoxification will safely remove harmful substances from an individual’s body, it is very important to have at the back of your mind that addiction is as much as a psychological disorder as a physical dependence. It therefore means that facing life challenging situations typically prompt substance abuse and won’t necessarily cease cropping up; therefore it is important that those in recovery process should honestly evaluate all those elements that contribute to their addiction. And remember that the process of recovery is a continuous one and it does not only happen in a treatment facility, but in the daily life of an addict after they leave the rehabilitation facility. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are reporting that recovery being a continuous process it involves creating a new life based on principals that promote sobriety, health and well-being.

The compound nature of addiction and recovery: Finding total liberty in addiction recovery

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.

The compound nature of addiction and recovery: Addiction recovery’s 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.

The compound nature of addiction and recovery: The destructive nature of substance abuse

ADDICTION and INTIMACY!

July 24, 2015

Addiction and Intimacy the Relationships

Isn’t it common knowledge excessive consumption of alcohol has more often than not been a major reason behind many family; scandals, fights, separations, divorce or worse deaths? Well finding the golden balance between drug abuse, addiction and intimacy is tricky. Even though supposed to avoid the prejudice to say it is one of the most difficult things to balance between addiction and intimacy, it is tempting to assert this is the truth. These require commitment that is terms of time and finances. It is more difficult to manage an intimate relationship while deep into addiction. The following is an account of addiction triggers and how they influence intimacy.

Elements of Addiction and Intimacy

Addiction is an intricate condition of the brain, usually categorized as a disease that involves reward and motivation cerebral systems structurally and chemically altered. The condition involves a number of behavioral and substance related things an individual finds difficult to control. It is a chronic brain disorder that despite several attempts to leave, one constantly finds him/herself falling back to. Usually, addiction manifests itself in various forms. This is dependent on a wide range of behavioral and substance related triggers among them: gambling, sex, food, work, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, bhang, and the latest one, computer and the internet.

Intimacy on the other hand is an interpersonal relationship between two individuals. It involves both emotional and physical engagements. Whereas emotional intimacy refers to how a person’s being feels closer to the other, physical intimacy essentially is about sexual involvement. An intimate relationship requires a good balance of various dear elements among them: trust, care, affection, expectations, beliefs, cognitive perceptions, opinions, experience, and commitment. Intimacy comes along with a number of human benefits that all together show its significance in our lives. These incudes: a deeper understanding of self, spiritual growth, feelings of completion, and sexual reward.

Addiction and Intimacy

Substance Addiction and Intimacy

Excessive use of drugs often leaves one obsessed. Excessive substance abuse often takes control of one’s body. The result of such addiction literally is little or no space for other commitments. Further drug abuse often drives one into a state of illusion and selfishness. Drug abuse is also said to reduce feelings of true affection and love. With time drug addicts are said to think not beyond their own needs, to satisfy their addiction. Sometimes they spend most if not all their money drinking alcohol and or taking drugs, forgetting the simple things that once mattered in their relationships and the needs of their partners.

Addiction and Intimacy explains that sometimes, drug addicts wake besides strange sexual partners. Often it starts as a simple one time occurrence which the victim feels remorseful but soon it becomes a habit. Of course you can imagine effects of the same including unplanned pregnancies and possible infection with sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) or HIV-AIDS. In extreme situations, substance abuse may generally lead to loss of sexual interest and ability to perform well at it.

Behavioral Addiction and Intimacy

Relationships bring people of different backgrounds together. It may be difficult to know from the start everything about one’s partner. However at times it is easier. One may not accept some behavior exhibited by the other. But still they agree to get into relationships with expectations to influence one another to change. At times they achieve desired behavioral attributes in the said partners, but at times they seem to do the same things repeatedly it becomes difficult to control. One great hindrance to behavior change is addiction. When a person is addicted to gambling for instance, they will always want to do that. They will do whatever it takes, including keeping it a secret from their partners. In the end the partner who expected change may become wary hence confrontation, separation or divorce. Once a relationship reaches such levels, intimacy is lost.

Intimacy and Addiction Recovery

In order to maintain intimacy, an addict may have to take the bold step of recovery. Once the victim gives up addiction, they begin to restore their life. Intimacy therefore becomes one area they work on seriously. It is actually one of the toughest to fix. However with a good recovery plan coupled with the right forums such as the upcoming August integrative addiction medicine conferences, they may as well be able to meet various professionals who will help them fix their intimacy, their partner’s, or that of their friends or neighbors. One expert sure to attend the conference is Dr Dalal Akoury of Integrative Addiction Institute and International Organization of Integrative Cancer Physicians.

Addiction and Intimacy

Intimacy and Addiction Recovery Tips

Other than recovery, following are tips on addiction and intimacy that would be very useful in learning how to overcome.

Avoid getting into a relationship within the first year of recovery. Simple, you have enough to deal with yet another sexual relationship may do the honors to destroy it all.
It is important to have realistic expectations. During recovery or even immediately after, it is important to know the relation will not be back on its knees in a fortnight.
Effective communication between the partners is essentially also an important part of recovery.
As earlier stated, counseling is a good way to recover. Only this time it is recommended both partners attend the sessions as directed by the doctor.
Loss of sexual libido might as well be caused by another thing all together. It is therefore important talk to a specialist.
In some cases the situation may be so bad, it would be best to end the relationship all together, however caution has to be taken especially if children are involved.

For more information on the above, click http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com. The link will be your guide to sign up for the conference as well give you a backgrounder about speakers lined up for the mega integrative addiction conference.

Addiction and Intimacy, the Relationship?

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 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

BEAT ADDICTION WITH LOVE AND HOPE

July 23, 2015

Beat Addiction With Love And Hope

Beat Addiction. The road leading to addiction is straight and smooth. Addiction is both rewarding and repetitive, literally making the ride fun. But there are consequences, most of the time dreadful. This reminds us the way back to recovery. Unlike the road down to addiction, the one back to sobriety is rough and bumpy. Sometimes it is so rocky we get stuck, other times it’s so muddy and slippery we get back down to addiction and wait for another season. After a few more attempts, we lose hope and let nature take its course. Recovery then seems impossible, however it is within reach. And we can give it one more shot. Only this time differently. How about beat addiction with love and hope?

Beat Addiction with Love for Others

It has been said over and over, and this will serve a reminder, this time because we have to beat addiction, the path to recovery requires great deal of support by others. These include members of the family, friends, neighbors, class mates, and medical care givers. Well you must be wondering about that small concern, the fear to share deep and personal information with others.

It is important to note not everyone is willing to help as some of these same people led you into addiction in the first place and are willing to stifle your efforts for as long as it takes, especially when there is the risk of losing certain mutual benefits. In order to beat addiction one needs to trust someone, or some people. On the other hand others have to be lost. This is where we get to discriminate. See, it is simple. Identify one or two people you are willing to share with, and remain accountable to them. On the other hand drop those buddies who do not support your bold steps along the long dusty and rusty road back to sobriety.

BEAT ADDICTION

Beat Addiction with Love for Self

The prime way to beat addiction is making the decision. The secret lies in making the first step. However there is magic in doing the same with love. Other than love for those wonderful people helping you recover, there is love for self. C’mon who doesn’t need a healthy life? Who wants stay in bed while others go about their businesses? The answer to the questions is obvious, NO.

It is also obvious we do love ourselves. But we hardly think about it, about us. Just like you would buy yourself a gift on a special day, you must take the challenge to reward yourself a healthy life. If addiction is the obstacle to your achieving true happiness, why not make the step, at least make an effort. C’mon I do not mean the short lived pleasure brought by the addiction substance itself. There is a challenge though. Maintaining love is a difficult thing in itself. And many have failed a number of times at it. It is demonstrated by commitment and persistence to forever show care, to cherish and like a rose flower always keep fresh. This is the challenge we must take. It should be much easier to prove love for ourselves.

Beat Addiction with Love for God

The last form of love is a rare one. Not very many of us are recognize it. Unfortunately not even the very experienced of specialists. It is however as important as any other kind of love listed to beat addiction. This is love for a higher power, God the creator. Love for God is marked by constant communication with Him. As earlier stated, the road to recovery is difficult; it is characterized by failures and pitfalls. Sometimes hope is all we need. In as much as we make various initiatives and stay true to them, we also need spiritual intervention. Those who have been successful to beat addiction, the few of them however have actually often confessed the great power of the knee in rebuilding from addiction. Further when a person loves God, he/she recognizes the body is His temple and would strive to keep it clean, healthy and holy hence abstain from many forms of behavioral and substance addiction.

BEAT ADDICTION

Winning Addiction at a Glance

However in order to beat addiction, we need more than love and hope. Actually we must have employed several other initiatives. The following are some of those I summary:

Exercise Regularly: Work outs release endorphins. It gets rid of stress. And helps in building emotional stability.
Meditate Regularly: Yoga is a great way of dealing with one’s inner emotions. It is another yet excellent way to handle stress.
Enjoy Nature: Stepping out to a beautiful view and a warm mildly scotching sun is a great way to come to terms with your present.
Listen to Music: Simply music is a healer. It blows away your mind. It takes one off present hassles and soothes your emotions.
Keep Records: Of course you need to make an extra step. Mean you cannot do the same thing every day and expect a different result.
Start a project: Keep yourself busy at something positive. Spend all your free times at it that at the end of each day you have very little energy to tolerate an addiction.
Be the expert: Help someone beat addiction. While giving a list of convincing reasons to fight an addiction, you might benefit as you reflect on them.

For more information to beat addiction click on www.awaremednetwork.com. You may as well call up Dr Dalal Akoury (MD) of Integrative Addiction Institute and International Organization of Integrative Cancer Physicians. Also click on: http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com for more information about this year’s August Integrative addiction medicine conference. The site also contains info about how to sign up for the same as well as speakers at the integrative conference.

BEAT ADDICTION WITH LOVE AND HOPE

How addiction changes the brains communication pathways

July 18, 2015

How addiction changes the brains communication pathways: Neuronal plasticity

it is a pity how addiction changes the brains communication pathways is directly causing many a lot of suffering both physically and psychologically.

It is very interesting to study some of the things that cause problems in your life and particularly in your health. For quite some times now we have been studying the brain and how it is affected by various substances. In we deed mentioned something about the brain’s electro-chemical communication system stating that it is a communication system that sends information through a vast network of interconnecting neurons. By and by the brain begins to develop a preferred or standard pathway to send signals between neurons (neural pathways). Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of the facility can now confirm that in the past it was believed that the brain’s neural pathways will be completely formed by the time we reached adulthood. Nonetheless the recent scientific findings have established that this is a continuous process and in fact the human brain continues to create new neurons and form neural pathways throughout our entire lifespan. That is why neurons are seen as dynamic cells that are constantly adapting to changing circumstances. It therefore means that if an injury or damages happens to an individual’s brain (such as a stroke or injury) the neurons will make new communication route around the damaged area. Scientifically doctor Akoury says that this ability of recreation of neurons is known as neuronal plasticity. Nevertheless we want to focus on the response the question of the discussion that “how addiction changes the brains communication pathways”.

Doctor Akoury says that neuroplasticity is responsible for the regulation of our learning processes and this enables us to adapt to our surroundings conveniently. To better understand neuroplasticity let us consider using this illustration. The brain forms neural pathways in a way that is similar to the formation of a demarcated hiking pathway. The more we travel a path, the faster, easier, and more familiar that path becomes. As the routine continues it becomes more visible, smoother, and easier to travel on. It therefore becomes a preferred route for many. This is also how neural pathways are formed. With time the brain forms familiar neural pathways which then become habitual routes. And in the event that the familiar route is blocked the brain responds swiftly by forming a new route around the blockage. And from the illustration, suppose you walk through the bush each day to visit a friend. You use the same trail each time and one day as you travel along your familiar path, you discover a huge tree has fallen over. It’s blocking your passage. You will need to forge a new path to go around the tree. At first, this new path will be narrow, difficult, and slow. It might even be uncomfortable. However with time, it will become a well-worn, comfortable path. It will be just as easy as the original path.

How addiction changes the brains communication pathways: Substance abuse chemically altered the brain’s operations

New neural pathways are formed as addiction develops. This is because addiction chemically altered the brain’s communication system. When you take that drug away, the brain must again form new neural pathways. Just as when we had to forge a new trail in the bush, this is initially uncomfortable. Neuroplasticity explains why the initial period of recovery is difficult and uncomfortable. But we know from our hiking trail example, this difficulty is only temporary. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center this information is very helpful to know when attempting recovery. We can be successful if we preserve through this brief, uncomfortable period. Remember, it was difficult and uncomfortable to forge a new pathway around a fallen tree. The same is true for the initial period of recovery. It can be difficult and uncomfortable while these new neural pathways are forming. As long as the recovering person does not give up during this initial period of discomfort, new neural pathways will form that support recovery. These new pathways will become more established and better developed over time. As they do, recovery becomes easier and more comfortable.

How addiction changes the brains communication pathways: The effects of addictive substances on the brain

By now I believe that from the emphasis we have made about the adaptive and the dynamic qualities of our brains ensure our survival, you are somewhere as far as keeping the brain healthy is concern. The next point I want to raise on how addiction changes the brains communication pathways may be quite unfortunate. Why do I say so, it is because the brain’s ability to be so adaptive is also at the root of addiction. Doctor Akoury says that the brain has the ability to adapt not only to the harmless substances and activities but also to the strong effects of addictive drugs and activities. And when it does, there will be damaging changes happening in the brain regions which are associated with reward including the memory and emotion, decision-making and stress regulations. These changes to our brain make the repeated use of addictive substances or activities very compelling. The good news is that our brains’ neuroplasticity allows us to correct these changes! Therefore, although addiction leads to structural changes in the brain, we are capable of learning new coping skills. The brain’s plasticity allows these new coping skills to be imprinted.

Finally we will be discussing these structural changes in the next series of articles and we want to urge you not to go away but to stay with us on the link and where possible invite a friend too. In the meantime having such powerful information about the most sensitive organ in your body the brain is very helpful in keeping you healthy. I am saying so because when you know, you will not do things that will cause herm to your health, and if you have already caused an injury, then you can take measures to remedy the situation by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury to professionally take your through the recovery treatment process today.

Tag Archives: alcoholism