Tag Archives: alcoholism

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse: Understanding the magnitude of the problem

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse begins very simple but leaves greater repercussions.

It is true that everyone is in one way or another has his own share of social and economic problems. These problems come to us from different quarters across the globe. Poverty is once such source and probably the greatest, however for the purpose of this article we want to focus on the social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse in the current society we live in. for sure alcohol consumption can have adverse social and economic effects on the individual users of this substance. The biggest problem we have with this substance just like in other substances, when an individual is directly affected, a whole lot more group of people are equally suffering with him or her indirectly. That is to say that the drinker’s immediate environment and society as a whole bears the consequence of that individual user. If you are wondering how this happens, then listen to the experts’ opinion at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and also the founder of the facility. She says that other than the individual user the whole society suffers in the sense that when an alcoholic under the influence of alcohol is on the steering wheel, everybody around him at that time is in great danger of suffering from eminent traffic accident. That is one perfect illustration of how indirectly the majority will be involved with just one single abuser of alcohol. The impact it will have on the society is enormous in terms of resources required for criminal justice, health care and other social needs that will come with it.

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse: Effects of alcoholism on work performance

Alcohol consumption can affect work performance in several ways including the following:

Absences – The abundance of evidence available indicate that majority of people with alcohol dependence and drinking problems are on consistent sick leave in relation to than other sober employees. Anytime a given personnel is off duty, there are cost elements attached not just to the employer, but even to the employee. Being absent from work is costly and it also succeeds in reducing the work morale of other staff who have to bridge the gap of their colleague with drinking problem.

Work accidents – The available statistics globally about work accidents is worrying. Like for instance in Great Britain, it is estimated that up to 25% of workplace accidents and around 60% of fatal accidents at work may be linked to alcohol. Alongside that in India about 40% of work accidents have been attributed to alcohol use. Those are just two examples says doctor Akoury.

Productivity – Heavy drinking at work may reduce productivity with statistics indicating that up to 10% of productivity losses are attributed to alcohol in most economies. Besides that performance at work may be affected both by the volume and pattern of drinking. Fellow employees are of the opinion that heavy drinkers have lower performance, problems in personal relationships and lack of self-direction, though drinkers themselves do not necessarily perceive effects on their work performance

Unemployment – Heavy drinking or alcohol abuse may lead to unemployment and unemployment may lead to increased drinking bringing the effect of poverty as a serious factor as had been alluded to in the introduction explains doctor Akoury.

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse: The burden the family will bear if one of their own is misusing alcohol

Drinking can impair how a person performs as a parent, a partner as well as how (s) he contributes to the functioning of the household. It can have lasting effects on their partner and children, for instance through home accidents and violence.

Children can suffer Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), when mothers drink during pregnancy. After birth, parental drinking can lead to child abuse and numerous other impacts on the child’s social, psychological and economic environment.

The impact of drinking on family life can include substantial mental health problems for other family members, such as anxiety, fear and depression.

Drinking outside the home can mean less time spent at home. The financial costs of alcohol purchase and medical treatment, as well as lost wages can leave other family members destitute. When men drink it often primarily affects their mothers or partners who may need to contribute more to the income of the household and who run an increased risk of violence or HIV infection.

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse: The relationship between alcohol and poverty

The economic consequences of alcohol consumption can be severe, particularly for the poor. Doctor Akoury says that besides the money spent on the alcohol itself; heavy drinkers may suffer other economic problems such as lower wages and lost employment opportunities, increased medical and legal expenses, and decreased eligibility for loans. We may not exhaustively deal with this now, but we will tackle it in our subsequent article as we progress. We therefore urge you to stay on the link for more productive health information’s that will help you make very healthy informed choices in life. In the meantime as an individual if any of these briefings describes your situation, you can make an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for further professional direction. Remember that doctor Akoury is an addiction veteran has found patients make the best results by receiving a combination of medications, natural therapeutic approaches and psychosocial therapies to synergistically align the body, mind and spirit, to ultimately provide a long-term life change.

Besides that AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, one of the leading pioneers in natural and holistic addiction treatment, will be conducting the first Educational, Functional and Integrative Addiction conference for doctors, counselors, nurses and addiction therapists. The conference is schedule for August 23-25 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This new frontier in Addiction Medicine will be conducted by the most influential group of leading visionaries specializing in the latest advances in natural and integrative addiction medicine, under the theme “The Future of Integrative Addiction”. This is one conference that you don’t want to miss since it will combine both the theories of doctor Dalal Akoury, together with research and case studies by many of the world’s leading addiction specialists to provide an all-encompassing interactive and educational conference that will enable doctors and therapists to go back to their clinics and practice a more comprehensive, new and integrative approach to treating addiction.

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse: Understanding the magnitude of the problem

 

 

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The process of inhibiting occurrence of alcohol withdrawal

The process of inhibiting occurrence of alcohol withdrawal: Why it is necessary to put to check alcohol withdrawal

The process of inhibiting occurrence of alcohol withdrawal

The process of inhibiting occurrence of alcohol withdrawal has become very necessary owing to the sufferings alcohol is imposing on individuals health

While looking at the mechanisms of preventing alcohol withdrawal in the previous article, we were able to find out about the three levels of alcohol withdrawal and right now we want to continue with the same discussion under the topic “the process of inhibiting occurrence of alcohol withdrawal.” This is very important since it has been established that alcohol is one of the substance which can be very fatal during the withdrawal process. Ours is to help you get the right information about these threats so that you may take precautionary action in good time. At this point of time we can’t plead ignorant of the dangers of misuse of alcohol because a part from these health information, every advert mounted on the advertisements platforms will be very glittering but in that glitters, there will be a warning remark that excess alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. As it is the norm in this site, doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center will be taking us through the discussion to unlock some of the hidden concerns we have progressively.

The process of inhibiting occurrence of alcohol withdrawal: What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal?

In many cases alcohol withdrawal is caused by neurotransmitter rebound. When alcohol overpowers the action of a neurotransmitter system over a long period of time the neurotransmitter system adjusts by working extra harder to defeat the effect of the alcohol and to try and function at normal levels in spite of the presence of the alcohol. When the alcohol is suddenly removed from the body the neurotransmitter system still continues to function far in excess of normal levels. Since alcohol is no longer present to suppress the effects of this hyperactivity, what we now see are effects which are precisely the opposite of those caused by alcohol. Just for a better understanding, let us illustrate this with the game of tug of war where two parties pool at a balanced position, in this game, if one party let loose the rope unexpectedly, then their opponents will fly in the opposite direction, in the same way, when alcohol is suddenly eliminated from the neurotransmitter system to which alcohol has been fighting to overcome its effects, the neurotransmitter will fly also in the opposite direction.

According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the main neurotransmitter system involved in alcohol withdrawal is the GABA system. The effects of alcohol on GABA system lead to relaxation, sleep, calm, and the soothing of panic. When alcohol is suddenly removed from the brain then the neurotransmitter rebound in the GABA system leading to insomnia, nightmares, hallucinations, anxiety, panic, muscle cramps, and seizures. Remember that benzodiazepines will affect the GABA system in a much similar way as doe’s alcohol and this is why benzodiazepine withdrawal is also life-threatening.

The process of inhibiting occurrence of alcohol withdrawal: The odds of going through alcohol withdrawal

What is the likelihood that you will go through life-threatening alcohol withdrawal if you suddenly stop drinking? The more that you drink per day and the more consecutive days that you drink, the more likely you are to go through alcohol withdrawal. If you never drink two days in a row you will not go through alcohol withdrawal. Drinking every night increases your chances of undergoing withdrawal. And drinking both morning and night every day of the week increases the odds of going through withdrawal even more.

Women are more sensitive to the negative effects of alcohol than are men. Like for instance if you are a woman of average weight and you have been drinking 6 standard drinks a day every day for a month then you have about a fifty-fifty chance of going through minor withdrawal, but it probably won’t be life threatening. On the other hand a woman who has been drinking 11 standard drinks a day for a month has about a fifty-fifty chance of going through major life threatening withdrawal. If you have been drinking a shorter period of time then you will have to have drunk more per day to be in danger of withdrawal. A woman who has 8 standard drinks per day every day for a week has about a fifty-fifty chance of having minor withdrawal whereas a woman who drinks around 15 standard drinks a day daily for a week has about a fifty-fifty chance of having major withdrawal. There is little chance of withdrawal for anyone who has been drinking for less than three days in a row.

As for men, they will have to drink more than women to get withdrawal syndrome. Therefore if you are a man of average weight and you drink 8 standard drinks a day for a month you are in danger of minor withdrawal symptoms. If you drink 13 a day for a month then you have about a fifty-fifty chance of having major life threatening withdrawals. Drinking 10 a day for a week will lead to minor withdrawal and 18 a day for a week to major life-threatening withdrawal. From the discussion so far it is very evident that alcohol misuse can be very devastating to human health. To keep distance with such frustrations, it will do you good to seek for help from the professionals who really understand the problem you are struggling with. Doctor Akoury has been in this profession for more than two decades now and has been of great help to many people globally. You can become one of the many who consulted with her and had their lives completely transformed to their comfort and fulfillment. If you or any one you know is struggling with any form of addiction, it doesn’t have to be about alcohol alone, but any substance of abuse then you are the right candidate to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for quick and professional remedy to whatever you are going through. Call right away and be the first to have your health back for enjoyment and comfort.

The process of inhibiting occurrence of alcohol withdrawal: Why it is necessary to put to check alcohol withdrawal

 

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The contributions of alcohol addiction to malnutrition

The contributions of alcohol addiction to malnutrition: Primary and secondary malnutrition

The contributions of alcohol addiction to malnutrition

The contributions of alcohol addiction to malnutrition is realistically here with us, the sooner we approach it soberly the better for everyone.

Malnutrition is an avoidable problem but some of our habits make it very difficult to do so. It is interesting to note that no one would want to be put in the category of malnourished people yet our actions does not really conform with the things that will prevent us from being malnourished. From the previous article, we have just established that alcoholic beverages are only rich in water and ethanol with very negligible patches of come nutrients. I do not know what you do with your life but one thing I do know is that if you are misusing alcohol consistently, then you need to stay on the link and follow keenly on the contributions of alcohol addiction to malnutrition. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center will be sharing with us on some of the things we need to know to be safe from both the problems of alcohol addiction as well as being malnourished out of our thirst for alcohol.

In general doctor Akoury the MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center states that from the observation made in various scientific studies, there are clear evidence that many alcoholics do not consume a balanced diet; moreover, as had been mentioned earlier, excessive alcohol consumption may interfere with these alcoholics’ ability to absorb and use the nutrients they do consume productively. Accordingly, many alcoholics suffer from various degrees of both primary and secondary malnutrition. Primary malnutrition occurs when alcohol replaces other nutrients in the diet, resulting in overall reduced nutrient intake. Secondary malnutrition occurs when the drinker consumes adequate nutrients but alcohol interferes with the absorption of those nutrients from the intestine so they are not available to the body.

The most severe malnutrition, which is accompanied by a significant reduction in muscle mass, generally is found in those alcoholics who are hospitalized for medical complications of alcoholism (e.g., alcohol–related liver disease or other organ damage). If these patients continue to drink, they will lose additional weight; conversely, if they abstain from drinking, they will gain weight. This pattern applies to patients with and without liver disease.

The contributions of alcohol addiction to malnutrition: Alcohol’s effects on digestion and absorption of essential nutrients

Alcohol consumption, particularly at heavy drinking levels, not only influences the drinker’s diet but also affects the metabolism of those nutrients that are consumed. Thus, even if the drinker ingests sufficient proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, deficiencies may develop if those nutrients are not adequately absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood, are not broken down properly or are not used effectively by the body’s cells. Two classes of nutrients for which such problems occur are proteins and vitamins.

The contributions of alcohol addiction to malnutrition: Amino acids and proteins

Proteins are essential components of all cells. They help maintain the cell’s structure, transport certain substances in and out of cells, and act as enzymes that mediate almost all biochemical reactions occurring in the cells. Proteins are composed of approximately 20 different building blocks called amino acids. Many of these amino acids can be produced by the body itself from various precursors or are recycled when proteins that are damaged or are no longer needed are broken down or degraded. Other amino acids however, must be acquired through diet. Alcohol can interfere with the uptake of these essential amino acids.

Patients with chronic liver failure also exhibit a number of defects in protein metabolism. These include decreased production of proteins in the liver that are secreted into the blood decreased urea synthesis, and decreased metabolism of a group of amino acids called aromatic amino acids. These defects have important clinical consequences:

The contributions of alcohol addiction to malnutrition: Vitamins

Vitamins are molecules that are present in small amounts in various foods and are essential for normal metabolism; insufficient vitamin levels in the body can lead to serious diseases. Alcoholics, even without liver disease, tend to have clinical or laboratory signs of deficiencies in certain vitamins, particularly vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), and C (ascorbic acid), as well as folic acid. The severity of these deficiencies correlates with the amount of alcohol consumed and with the corresponding decrease in vitamin intake.

The contributions of alcohol addiction to malnutrition: A person’s nutrition affects liver function

Malnutrition, regardless of its causes, can lead to liver damage and impaired liver function. For example, children in underdeveloped countries whose diets do not contain enough protein can develop a disease called kwashiorkor. One symptom of this disorder is the accumulation of fat in the liver, a condition known as fatty liver. Studies performed during and after World War II indicated that severe malnutrition also could lead to liver injury in adults. However, in these cases other factors, including exposure to certain toxins or parasites that are prevalent in war–ravaged or underdeveloped countries, may have exacerbated the relationship between liver injury and poor nutrition.

Because malnutrition also is common in alcoholics, clinicians initially thought that malnutrition, rather than alcohol itself, was responsible for alcohol–induced liver injury. Over the past 40 years, however, a more balanced view has evolved. Studies in humans, primates, and rodents have established that alcohol can cause liver damage even in well–nourished people.

It is becoming clear that nutritional effects and the toxic effects of alcohol often are intertwined at the biochemical level. For example, alcohol induces the MEOS to break down alcohol. Similarly, alcohol promotes the breakdown of nutrients such as vitamin A, of which alcoholics may already consume too little with their diet. All these addiction related complications can be corrected with the right professional’s involvement. You may want to consult with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury. Talking to doctor Akoury should be your starting point and you can do this by scheduling for an appointment with her to day for the commencement of your much desired breakthrough and comfort in life.

The contributions of alcohol addiction to malnutrition: Primary and secondary malnutrition

 

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Eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction

Eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction: Substance abuse recovery programs

Eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction

Eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction is key in helping solve the problem of substance abuse. All professionals must pool together to have this done.

The wise say our people suffer because of lack of knowledge. This is very true owing to the suffering we seen in our neighborhoods particularly in relation to the prevalence of drug abuse. The pain that is inflicted in the society by this problem is enormous and devastating to the point that several lives are being lost nearly every day. What then can we do to change the situation? Doctor Akoury and her team of experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are taking the lead role in eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction by focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. In her over two decades of administering solutions to addiction victims, doctor Akoury succeeded in restoring life back to those who were losing it and today so many people across the globe are freed from substance abuse thanks to her smartness in offering her exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to everyone including other physicians and health care professionals through various means including training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. In the fight against addiction, it is important to note that no one is safe, and therefore for a strong force it is important that even all those qualified professional can now be a part of this truly successful and fast addiction recovery treatment.

Eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction: When to seek help from alcohol and drug recovery programs

You will not know the principles of eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction before knowing when to seek for help should that becomes necessary. Ideally many people think that they have to reach at the bottom of hopelessness before they seek help. There is no justification for this concoction because in the first place this problem needed to have been prevented so that we don’t get to the point of administration of treatment. The truth of the matter is that in this journey of eliminating substance abuse, it is never too soon to get help but the opposite of that can be life-threatening. The sad thing about taking too long to seek for help is that, when the problem of addiction becomes more intense, it becomes very difficult to treat. Therefore, if drugs or alcohol is causing problems in your life, the time to get help is now probably yesterday. If you are concerned about the drug or alcohol use of a friend or family member, there is no reason to wait until their problem gets worse. You should talk to them now about the benefits of a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. They may not accept your help because of the problem of denial, but remember that it will cost you nothing for trying, and through trying you could be delivering great help to this individual that will transform his life positively.

Eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction: Symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse and addiction

Although the side effects of different drugs vary, the symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse are similar. If an individual is abusing alcohol or drugs, he or she may exhibit some of the following symptoms:

  • Ignoring responsibilities in school, at work or at home
  • Taking drugs in dangerous situations, including while driving
  • Engaging in uncharacteristically risky behavior like having unprotected sex or using dirty needles while high
  • Stealing to support a drug habit
  • Allowing drug use to cause issues in personal relationships with family members, friends or coworkers

It is important to note that abusing drugs or alcohol is not necessarily the same as being addicted to them. If people are abusing drugs, it is time to undergo intervention so that they can stop before they become addicted. To determine whether or not you or someone you love is already addicted to drugs, you should look for the following symptoms:

  • A life that seems too focused on finding drugs, using them and recovering from them
  • The continuation of drug use in spite of acknowledging that it is hurting you
  • Increased tolerance, which leads to increased use to feel the same effects
  • Uncontrolled use of drugs although you planned not to or even though you want to quit
  • The use of drugs to avoid physical symptoms of withdrawal
  • The abandonment of activities that you used to enjoy so that you can use drugs instead

Eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction: Helping loved ones with addiction problem

If you are worried about a loved one’s drug or alcohol abuse, you should look for the symptoms listed above. If you cannot identify any of the above symptoms, you may want to look for physical symptoms instead. These can be spotted easily. Some of the indicators are evident in the sense that when people are addicted to drugs, they may have bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, unexplained changes in their weight, alterations in their sleep patterns and changes to how much they eat. You may also notice that they lose interest in taking care of themselves physically. Their clothes may be dirty, and they may smell bad. They may also show signs like shaking, slurred speech or a lack of coordination.

Eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction: Medication during treatment

Many drug treatment programs rely on a combination of therapy and medication to help the patient get over his or her addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are several types of medication that have been approved for use during rehabilitation. People who are addicted to opioids may be able to treat their addictions using medications like methadone, buprenorphine and, in some cases, naltrexone. Those who are struggling with alcohol addiction may use medications like naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram during their rehabilitation. These drugs help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Finally remember that when opting for such medications, it is important to seek for the expert’s opinion before getting into medication. You may want to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury to help you with that to avoid getting into further problems.

Eliminating ignorance of alcohol and drug addiction: Substance abuse recovery programs

 

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Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide

Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide: Finding solutions of relapse

Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide

Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide is a working tool in defeating the prevalence of drug and alcohol addiction.

When medical experts say that prevention is better than cure what really get into your mind? In the context of relapse prevention it is possible that you might think that alcohol or drug relapse prevention is all about developing the ability to say no to your chemical of choice. However, a person who struggles with chemical dependency may not be able to say no to every temptation meaning that, prevention actually starts quite early even before the opportunity for relapse occurs. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center have stated categorically that in the process of addiction recovery relapse is almost in evitable. Nearly every patient who has gone through treatment has relapsed in one way or the other. And in fact a comprehensive plan should accounts for social interactions, emotional triggers and the development of positive coping mechanisms says doctor Dalal Akoury MD and also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide: Staying sober is not a solo performance

According to studies conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, men experience relapses more frequently than women do after completing treatment programs for drug addiction. The main reason for this difference is linked to the fact that women are more likely to seek outside assistance in the form of group counseling. Remember that whether you are dealing with drug or alcohol relapse prevention, it is important to note that staying sober is not a solo performance. Having close association with people is very healthy in the prevention of relapse. Therefore when one is feeling isolated in whichever way either by the disease process itself, it is vital that such people need to interact on a regular basis with other people who are able to identify issues and offer moral support. The following are some of the benefits one can get from a support group include:

  • Gaining assistance with alcohol or drug relapse prevention plans
  • Reducing stress or depression through appropriate social interactions
  • Developing positive friendships with individuals who will not encourage drug or alcohol use
  • Learning to empower yourself and develop control
  • Engaging with an anonymous source of support and communication

Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide: Relapse warning signs

Relapses do occur differently in people’s lives. Like for instance, relapse can occur suddenly, and individuals struggling with drug or alcohol cravings can give in without making any effort of seeking for help. In situations like that, the best way to prevent sudden relapse is to understand all the warning signs of addiction and factors that commonly lead to relapse. Remember that these factors are never constant and they vary for person to person’s individual situation. The following are some of the causes of relapse emotional triggers, social situations and physical changes. Besides that there are some specific situations that can lead to relapse and they may include:

  • Loss of a loved one
  • Major financial changes
  • Change in employment
  • Social pressures or conflicts
  • Change in marital status
  • Boredom with life
  • Health issues

The following are also some of the warning signs or indications that a person is entering a danger zone related necessitated with relapse:

  • Socializing with individuals from drinking or drug-use days
  • Sudden changes in routine, especially missing work, doctor’s appointments or support meetings
  • Exhibiting obsessive behavior in any area of life
  • Avoiding responsibilities or issues
  • Feelings of anxiety, worry or confusion
  • Changes in personal hygiene, sleep or appetite
  • Exhibiting excessive anger
  • Perfectionism in home or work life
  • Obsessing over drugs or alcohol

The reason why doctor Akoury made a decision to for this facility is to help in by all means. Therefore we know the great danger imposed to us by addiction and ours is to help you get your life back in the most professional way. Therefore if the above signs suit your case, then you need help without hesitation. Call us today and schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for the commencement of your total recovery.

Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide: Developing a Plan of Action for Addiction Relapse Prevention

Somebody once said that if you don’t have a plan to succeed then you are planning to fail. Therefore an important factor in planning for relapse prevention is to understand that you cannot control everything by yourself. You can’t give a prescription of what other people will do nor say, you can’t control what you might see on the television nor hide in the safety of your home forever. Doctor Akoury says that even though you can make positive decisions to minimize relapse triggers in your life, there comes a time when you must deal with strong cravings. And according to AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, certain actions can be beneficial during the time of craving. In fact Experts recommend calling someone who is also in recovery as soon as you experience a craving or feel like you are unable to control your craving. This is the basis of the sponsorship structure popular with programs like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Therefore it is important that you consider creating an index card you can carry with you in a wallet, purse or pocket. On one side, record the names and phone numbers for several people you can call as soon as you experience any sort of craving. Although you certainly want to include sponsors and hotline numbers on that card, you can also include contact information for supportive family members and friends. Sometimes, enjoying a funny conversation or sharing your emotions can redirect your mind, allowing you to move on from the craving in a positive manner. On the other side of the index card, write down five things you can do if you start to experience cravings. Options might include attending a recovery meeting, jogging, reaching out to your higher power or engaging in a social activity.

Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide: Avoidance is an effective tool

Finally, and according to a study published in The American Journal on Addictions, avoidance behavior is one of the most successful addiction-relapse prevention tools. Although it is not healthy to avoid issues related to finances, relationships or physical health, avoiding what some refer to as slippery situations can help reduce the chance that you will experience cravings or pressures to use drugs or alcohol. If possible, avoid locations where your chemical of choice is prevalent or easy to access. For some, this means avoiding bars or clubs. For others, it might mean avoiding the homes of certain friends or family members. Choosing not to hang out with anyone who abuses drugs or alcohol is also a good idea. If you cannot avoid a situation where temptation may arise, consider using a buddy system by asking a close friend, family member or sponsor to attend the event with you.

Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide: Finding solutions of relapse

 

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