Acute substance abuse problems and medical tourism

July 28, 2015

Acute substance abuse problems and medical tourism: Would you travel abroad for addiction treatment?

Acute substance abuse problems and medical tourism, you realize that the most important thing is getting the problem sorted out. Therefore if traveling abroad would help then it is necessary and must be done.

The trend of treatment is changing from time to time due to various reasons. There are some illnesses that make people feel that they cannot be attended to from their locality again because of several factors. And as a result of this many are opting to seek for the same treatment far away from their localities. In this case distance may not matter but the interest and ability to meet the cost becomes the key factors for consideration. We spoke to doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center about her experience with clients in her over two decades of practice. And she said that addiction treatment is one that is being sought for by many across the borders. According to her most of her clients who are not residence of state are concerned about stigma. As it has been stated severally on this link that in the olden days individuals who were suffering from substance abuse were actually seen to be of weak character. And even though things are now changing, pockets of people are still harboring this old school of thought hence the reason of acute substance abuse problem and medical tourism in most parts of the globe.

If you are still wondering what medical tourism is then you are on time for the most cherished source of medical information. This simply refers to the practice of traveling across international borders in order to obtain health care. Ideally there are many reasons for why people might choose to do this but the most common are that it can be significantly cheaper to get treatment abroad, and it can also mean better options. Those individuals who are dealing with a substance abuse problem are now following the example of the medical tourist. They too are looking at their options in foreign countries and an increasing number of them are deciding that traveling abroad for addiction treatment just makes sense.

Acute substance abuse problems and medical tourism: Importance of choosing the right rehab

In order for the individual to have the greatest chance of success in recovery they need to choose the right rehab. The problem is that the facility that might be right for one person might not be such a good option for someone else. If there was one facility that was right for everyone the rest of the rehabs could follow this template and this could help to eliminate addiction completely. The reality is that no such facility exists and there can only be a rehab that is right for the individual. This is why when choosing where to go the individual needs to consider their own needs and how the treatment program will match those needs. For example, some people are quite secular in their beliefs, and they might struggle in a rehab that focused too much on spirituality. On the other hand, those people who have strong religious beliefs will probably benefit from a rehab that emphasizes spirituality.

Even if the individual knows what type of rehab is most likely to work for them it does not always mean that this option will be available to them. The most common reason for this situation is that the individual feels they would do better with some type of private facility, but they do not feel able to afford it. One way to overcome this obstacle to choosing the right rehab is to consider traveling abroad for addiction treatment. This can also mean that the individual has new alternatives that would not be available to them back in their home country.

Acute substance abuse problems and medical tourism: Benefits of traveling abroad for addiction treatment

People do not just travel overseas for no reason there must be some good things that motivate them to travel across the borders in search for treatment. The following are some of the benefits of traveling abroad for addiction treatment:

It means that the individual may have recovery options that would not be available to them at home. Some of the international rehabs offerunique programs that might be just what the individual needs.
By traveling abroad the individual will often find cheaper options than they would find in their home country. This could mean that even those with a modest salary can benefit from a stay in a moreluxurious facility.
There are some individuals who will not want other people to know about their stay in rehab. One way to protect their anonymity is to travel abroad to stay in a rehab in most of these placed they will not even need to use their real name further offering them the best of protection from any stigma.
It is possible to attend a facility in an exotic location such asThailand. By entering recovery the individual is building a foundation for a better future and it seems fitting that they do this in a special place.
Some people often feel or view rehab abroad as a reward for doing the right thing.
There will be some discomforts related to the rehab process that are unavoidable (e.g. being away from family), but there will be other discomforts that will be complete avoidable (e.g. staying in an environment that is not conducive to recovery). By choosing a foreign facility the individual may be able to eliminate many of the unnecessary discomforts associated with this type of treatment.
Combining rehab with a foreign holiday can make the whole process more meaningful. It will ensure that the start of the journey into sobriety will be special as well as memorable.
Some people will choose a remote location with stunning scenery. This ambience will make their stay in rehab all the more comfortable.

Finally the objective of traveling or medical tourism will always remain the same when it comes to fighting drug addiction. It is important to note that traveling alone will not offer the solution but all other factors of treatment must be observed if any meaningful result is to be attained. If the patient is still in denial and he/she is flown abroad for recovery treatment, such individual will not be able to optimize on their medical tourism and will probably return the same or even worse as they left. Therefore there must be good preparedness before this decision of traveling is arrived at. It will be very important that you talk with professionals in your region to help you understand some of the coping needs that you must observe. If you are looking for where to get this information, then look no further because we are here for you. Talk to us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and we will be of great help to you in all matters pertaining to drug addiction recovery process.

Acute substance abuse problems and medical tourism: Would you travel abroad for addiction treatment

Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide

June 20, 2015

Drug addiction recovery relapse prevention guide: Finding solutions of relapse

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

Unique Properties of Stem Cells

May 3, 2015

What Are The Unique Properties Of All Stem Cells?

The stem cells have been hailed for their efficacy in treatment of certain diseases especially those that are degenerative in nature like the Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis and even the Huntington’s disease. To accomplish all its medicinal capabilities the stem cells must have certain properties that are not present in other body cells. They therefore differ from other cells in the body. The stem cells are available majorly in the bone marrows and the adipose tissues but can also be harvested from placentas after a safe delivery. The stem cells have three general properties regardless of their source. These properties are; they are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods; they are unspecialized; and they can give rise to specialized cell types. It is these distinct characteristics of the stem cells that make them effective in treatment of degenerative diseases.

The other cells found in the body like the nerve cells, the muscle cells and the blood cells are not able to replicate themselves unlike the stem cells that are able to proliferate after long periods of time. Typically, a starting population of stem cells that proliferates for many months in the laboratory can yield millions of cells. What is more is that the daughter cells are capable of long term self-renewal giving rise to more unspecialized cells.

Despite the vast research that has been done on the stem cells and their ability to treat certain diseases there are some information that are still required which we can only hope that researchers will one day find an answer to. These questions are as follows:

Scientists are trying to understand two fundamental properties of stem cells that relate to their long-term self-renewal:
Why can embryonic stem cells proliferate for a year or more in the laboratory without differentiating, but most adult stem cells cannot; and
What are the factors in living organisms that normally regulate stem cell proliferation and self-renewal?

When these answers are addressed there will be a valid explanation to how cell proliferation is regulated during normal embryonic development or during the abnormal cell division that leads to cancer. Such information would also enable scientists to grow embryonic and non-embryonic stem cells more efficiently in the laboratory to help in treatment of diseases.

The stem cells are unspecialized

Stem cells remain unspecialized even after long hours in the laboratory after getting harvested. The scientists have spent years of research trying to find out factors that make the stem cells unspecialized and differentiating into different cell types. It took two decades to learn how to grow human embryonic stem cells in the laboratory following the development of conditions for growing mouse stem cells. In a similar manner the scientists must first understand the signals that enable adult stem cell population to proliferate and remain unspecialized before they will be able to grow large numbers of unspecialized adult stem cells in the laboratory for medicinal use.

The stem cells are not specialized and hence are not able to perform specific functions. Unlike heart muscle cells, the stem cells are not able to pump blood through the body, they can neither carry oxygen molecules through the bloodstream like red blood cells nor can they kill pathogens like the white blood cells but they can give rise to more of all these cells; they can form bone, heart muscle cells, blood cells and even nerve cells. So they are then unspecialized cells that have the unique ability to give rise to specialized and more vital functional specialized cells.

The process through which undifferentiated stem cells give rise to specialized cells is known as differentiation. It is through this process of differentiation that the stem cells become even more specialized. Scientists are just beginning to understand the signals inside and outside cells that trigger each step of the differentiation process. The internal signals are controlled by a cell’s genes, which are interspersed across long strands of DNA and carry coded instructions for all cellular structures and functions. In contrast, the external signals for cell differentiation include chemicals secreted by other cells, physical contact with neighboring cells, and certain molecules in the microenvironment. The interaction of signals during differentiation causes the cell’s DNA to acquire epigenetic marks that restrict DNA expression in the cell and can be passed on through cell division giving rise to more specialized cells.

There are however some questions that should be addressed and these may include; Are the internal and external signals for cell differentiation similar for all kinds of stem cells? Can specific sets of signals be identified that promote differentiation into specific cell types? Finding answers to these questions may help scientists to find new ways to control stem cell differentiation in the laboratory, thereby growing cells or tissues that can be used for specific purposes such as cell-based therapies or drug screening.

With these distinct characteristics of the stem cells especially their ability to give rise to different specialized cell types, the stem cells are a cutting edge to treatment of diseases. Degenerative diseases have debilitated many people but it is treatable. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert in integrative medicine and a founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Center located at Myrtle Beach South Caroline. Visit her for more information on most lifestyle diseases.

What Are The Unique Properties Of All Stem Cells?

Vitamin D for Fibromyalgia

March 26, 2015

The Use of Vitamin D for Fibromyalgia

Vitamin D As mentioned in an earlier written article, Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, joint stiffness, and fatigue. The condition is chronic but pain comes and goes and moves about the body. The cause of this disorder is unknown and therefore it is often misdiagnosed or unrecognized and is most of the times complicated by anxiety and mood disorders. this is a common disorder that according to the American College of Rheumatology diagnosis criteria affects about 3-5% of women, most of whom are between ages 20 and 50, but only 0.5- 1.6% of men. This disease is more common in adults than in children but it affects women more than men. This disease is debilitating and is not easily cured. The patients also suffer a lot of pain and use of drugs to manage this pain can result in problems of addiction and dependence on the pain management drugs. The quest to find effective treatment for this disease has led to many researchers doing lots of research on possible treatments or therapies that can be utilized to help mitigate on the adverse symptoms of fibromyalgia. One of these possible alternatives that have been unearthed by past researchers is the use of vitamin D.

Vitamin D being associated with fibromyalgia should not be a surprising discovery as vitamin D has been known to be a strengthening factor to bones especially during early life in a person’s life. Practice such as basking in the sun is common in most parts of the world with biggest benefits being that the sun helps in activating vitamin D that hence works to strengthen bones. Deficiency of vitamin D in children is often characterized by bone deformities such as bowed legs.

Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) in Boston studied patients with fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, they found that the patients who had levels of vitamin D fared much better than those with lower levels. The result of this study was published in JAMA Neurology.

During this study the vitamin D levels of 465 participants were examined. The patients were then followed over a five year period as part of a study to monitor patients given Betaseron which is an FDA-approved multiple sclerosis drug. They discovered that increasing vitamin D levels within the first 12 months of drug therapy resulted in a 57 percent lower risk of relapse. According to the study, patients with low vitamin D levels early on in the course of the disease had a higher risk factor for long-term multiple sclerosis progression. However this study did not show whether multiple sclerosis causes a fall in the level of vitamin D in the body or whether low vitamin D plays a role in aggravating the disease. however the lead author of the study expressed a belief that the disease is most likely worsened by a fall in the levels of vitamin D. the lead author Alberto Ascherio, D.P.H., M.D., a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at HSPH said, “Most likely, disease activity is exacerbated by low vitamin D levels,” based on what they found in the study when interviewed by Healthline.

Vitamin D supplementation for fibromyalgia

The research on the effects of vitamin D on patients suffering from fibromyalgia was done in Vienna, Austria by Dr. Florian Wepner, of Orthopedic Hospital Vienna Speising. This research showed that higher vitamin D levels are associated to lower levels of pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia patients. In this study there were thirty participants who were all suffering from fibromyalgia. The thirty participants were divided into two groups. One group received vitamin D supplements while the other group was put on a placebo treatment. The researchers noticed that the patients who were put on vitamin D supplements had shown significant reduction in both pain and fatigue symptoms.

According to the findings of this study it can be shown that supplementing vitamin D can help alleviate the suffering of pain that patients suffering from fibromyalgia have to put up with. However the study lead investigator Wepner, M.D advised that fibromyalgia is a very complex condition that cannot only be explained by vitamin D deficiency alone.

“[Vitamin D] may be regarded as a relatively safe and economical treatment and an extremely cost-effective alternative or adjunct to expensive pharmacological treatment,” Wepner said in a journal news release.

Apparently, Dr. Wepner is not the only person that has promoted Vitamin D supplementation as a viable therapy for those suffering from fibromyalgia. Another doctor Dr. Kiran Patel has endorsed the same thought. Dr. Kiran is a pain medicine specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and often deals with fibromyalgia, he said, “Fibromyalgia patients and those with chronic pain should certainly have their vitamin D blood levels checked and, if low, consider supplementation under the guidance of a physician,”

It’s good to bask in the sun

Despite the failure of this research to show the link between vitamin D and fibromyalgia or better yet the mechanism by which vitamin D helps mitigate on the symptoms of the disease, the benefits of vitamin D supplements have been seen and therefore it is good to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D for overall health purposes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for people ages nine and up, the safe, maximum intake level is 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day. This level of vitamin D can be enough to keep you on the safety levels of vitamin D.

Finally, fibromyalgia is a serious threat that has no known treatment. There is need to come up with safer yet effective alternatives of treating it. This is why here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing the best integrative approaches to treatment of diseases. Visit as at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) will be of help.

The Use of Vitamin D for Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue and Mitochondrial Imbalances

January 29, 2015

Chronic Fatigue and Mitochondrial Imbalances

Chronic fatigue is a condition that affects 2.6% of the American population. It involves fatigue that tends to affect more than one part in the body and is worsened by mental or physical activity. Many people believe that chronic fatigue can be treated by bed rest but this is not the case. As you put yourself through physical and mental stress, fatigue becomes more severe leading to a condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome.

There has not been an official explanation as to what causes the disease. However several theories revolve around it which tends to explain its causes. Such include toxics, mitochondrial dysfunction, stress, hormonal imbalances, pathogens, allergens and many more.

Chronic fatigue not only affects your health but also the quality of your life. It can be a real issue to deal with when you find out that you are unable to carry out your duties because you feel tired all the time. Chronic fatigue can thereby be a risk factor for obesity. Since fatigue comes about because your body does not produce the necessary energy for normal body functions like breathing and blood circulation, you are unable to exercise.

Now we all understand that exercise is necessary for normal body functioning and general wellness. When we do not exercise, we are likely to start gaining weight a risk factor of obesity and other chronic illnesses. This is what chronic fatigue does. It renders you inactive and most of your time is spent in bed rest because you don’t have any energy to do anything not to talk about the muscle pains experienced.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue include depression, muscle aches and tenderness, anxiety, impaired mental ability, insomnia and general body weakness. Mitochondrial imbalances are among the factors that can cause chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic Fatigue

What are mitochondria?

To understand how chronic fatigue comes about, there is need to understand mitochondria and the role they play in the production of energy. Each and every cell in our body has mitochondria components that play the role of converting nutrients into energy. The foods we take consist of different nutrients which must be broken down to produce energy.

The mitochondria are present in each cell and they are responsible for giving cells the energy they require to carry out their functions. They supply the cells with energy in form of ATP. When the mitochondria are not functioning, this means that the cells are deprived of energy. Due to lack of ATP the cells are not able to function with the same speed they are used to. This translates then to slowing down of normal body functions.

Mitochondrial Imbalances

Since cells require ATP to function normally any factor that interferes with this process leads to fatigue of the body organs and muscle pains. When the mitochondria are not functioning properly the body ends up relying on anaerobic respiration in order to produce energy. This kind of respiration mostly causes fatigue, decline in concentration ability, muscle pains, gastrointestinal dysfunction, headaches and inability to recover energy lost during exercises.

Studies show that mitochondrial dysfunction is responsible for chronic fatigue syndrome as well as fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that this dysfunction is present in the leukocytes of patients suffering from chronic fatigue which explains the muscle aches experienced by such patients. The damage of the mitochondria can either be genetic or as a result of environmental changes. Studies show that mitochondrial dysfunction can be as a result of medications which inhibit the normal functioning of mitochondria, oxidation stress, toxic compounds, lack of enough nutrients and inheritance of genes that interfere with mitochondrial functioning.

Chronic_fatigue

Al these factors affect the ability of the mitochondria to produce ATP required by the cells. This then leads to a number of health problems such as chronic fatigue. Mitochondrial dysfunction not only leads to chronic fatigue but can cause tissue damage. A tissue is a mass of cell. When cells do not get the energy they require to function, the whole tissue can end up being destroyed and finally leading to organ dysfunction. This results in health disorders such as cardiovascular, metabolic, neurologic and immunologic problems.

The mitochondria are necessary for normal cellular activities. Basically our health depends highly on our diet and lifestyle. Adjusting these may prove a helpful way of treating mitochondrial dysfunction. This information can be found freely at www.awaremednetwork.com. Dr. Dalal Akoury restores the mitochondria to cure chronic fatigue. Many people who have been her patients bear witness to her good works. You too can be part of this by visiting AwareMed today.

Chronic Fatigue and Mitochondrial Imbalances

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