Tag Archives: anxiety

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Interpersonal therapy treatment process

July 16, 2016
Interpersonal therapy

Interpersonal therapy treatment process will help you manage instances of relapse effectively

Interpersonal therapy treatment process: Relationship

There is no human being living in isolation. Each of us needs some sought of association whether it is through having relationships, whether family-based, platonic or romantic, these are all part and parcel of what makes us human says doctor Dalal Akoury, MD President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. For the most part, these relationships enrich our lives and offer vital social interaction. Relationships are however incredibly complex by nature – and the way we deal with them can have a significant impact on our mental well-being and that is when interpersonal therapy becomes very essential.

According to doctor Dalal Akoury, Interpersonal therapy primarily focuses on the way our relationships affect us and also how other mental health difficulties can affect our relationships. Helping with a variety of concerns, the therapy has been recommended for depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Therefore for the purpose of this article, we are going to be exploring the role of interpersonal therapy in more depth, including what to expect in therapy, the various techniques used and areas this therapy can help with.

Understanding interpersonal therapy (IPT)

As we progress into the discussion, it is important to appreciate that interpersonal therapy is a structured, time-limited therapy that works characteristically and intensely on establishing all the interpersonal issues. The underlying belief of interpersonal therapy is that psychological symptoms like depression which is often a response to difficulties we have when interacting with others. The resulting symptoms can then also affect the quality of these interactions, causing a cycle. The thought process behind the therapy is that once a person is capable of interacting more effectively with those around them, the psychological symptoms can improve.

Expectations from interpersonal therapy

The first few sessions of interpersonal therapy are typically used as a means of assessment – allowing the therapist to gain a better understanding of what is concerning you and what you hope to gain from the therapy. Together with your therapist you will then have the opportunity to identify any interpersonal issues you want to address and rank them in order of importance. It will then be a case of working through the key issues raised.

The next few sessions will look to address these concerns in order to understand them better, learn how to make adjustments and apply these adjustments outside of your therapy sessions. To help this process your therapist will offer support in a number of ways, including the following:

In contrast to other more open-ended, introspective therapies, IPT therapy looks to focus entirely at the identified issues. This ensures optimum results in minimal time. Finally doctor Akoury ads that when you are going through this treatment, it is worth noting that towards the end of your therapy sessions, you and your therapist may choose to discuss termination issues which is very essential as it will allow you apply the skills you’ve learnt to ensure you can cope efficiently once your therapy is over. However should you meet any challenges along the way, then you can always call on doctor Akoury or help at any time.

Interpersonal therapy treatment process: Relationship

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alcohol problem

Understanding anxiety disorders

July 11, 2016
Understanding anxiety disorders

Understanding anxiety disorders and for sure it will never be business as usual when severe anxiety sets in an individual’s life.

Understanding anxiety disorders: The ever increasing rise of anxiety

It will never be business as usual when severe anxiety sets in an individual’s life. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, MD anxiety disorders is a serious health risk that ranges from feelings of discomfort to devastating sessions of terror. This can further be complicated if the individual is using alcohol or drugs. Available statistics according to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) up to 40 million adults in America alone are either affected directly or indirectly by anxiety. Just for you to take preventive measures, it will interest you to not that when you spend most of your time for the last six months worrying excessively about your daily activities or problems, then you could be harboring anxiety.

Because of what anxiety can do in your life, doctor Akoury advices that when offering treatment for anxiety disorders, it must be wholesome to address all the conditions that come along with other disorders like depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). That is why when you visit us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we professionally offer an all-inclusive treatment program to help you not only with your anxiety disorders but also other co-occurring issues symptoms by addressing all the underlying challenges like trauma and develop healthy coping skills. With that said it is important that you are well informed of some of the symptoms of this problem.

Understanding anxiety disorders: Signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders

It’s normal for people to experience occasional anxiety due to life circumstances or stressors, but prolonged, intensive episodes of anxiety are indicative of a problem that needs professional medical and behavioral attention. Symptoms of anxiety disorders may vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but generally include the following:

  • Continuous self-doubt and questioning every action or decision made
  • Difficulty in staying focused
  • Problem with swallowing
  • Digestive complications similar to irritable bowel syndrome
  • Excessive nervousness or obsessing over one’s performance in social situations or when speaking or performing in public, both before and after the event
  • Excessive worry that interferes with everyday life
  • Feeling out of breath without physical exertion
  • Headaches
  • Hot flashes
  • Inability to alleviate concerns even with knowledge that the situation does not call for the intense level of anxiety
  • Inability to relax
  • Insomnia and/or difficulty staying asleep
  • Irrational fears or phobias
  • Bad temper
  • Muscle tension, aches, trembling or twitching
  • Vomiting
  • Panic attacks
  • Sweating

Understanding anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorder treatment

Finally doctor Akoury agrees that, professionally in understanding anxiety disorders, it is important that treatment should be tailored to each patient’s specific type of anxiety problem, their individual physical and psychological make-up and situation, and any co-occurring disorders and underlying issues such as trauma. At our health facility, we have established that the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback to control muscle tension. Besides that upon evaluation of your situation, we will also where necessary apply anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants which can also be very helpful for your speedy healing. If therefore you’re struggling with anxiety, you can call us today and we will professionally address your problem effectively.

Understanding anxiety disorders: The ever increasing rise of anxiety

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Addicted brain

Central nervous system depressants

June 7, 2016
Central nervous system depressants

Central nervous system depressants. All depressant when used wrongly can have serious effects on the brain

Central nervous system depressants: What are depressant?

What is there in a name? It is amazing how drugs of abuse often has so many names. Depressants as drugs are also not left out they are also known as central nervous system depressant besides other street names like barbs, reds, red birds, phennies, tooies, yellows, or yellow jackets, candy, downers, sleeping pills, or tranks, A-minus, or zombie pills. Central nervous system tranquilizers derails the normal activities of the brain and even that of the spinal cord say doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is a health facility founded with soul objective of offering addiction solution to the suffering communities and the globe at large.

From her experience of over two decades in this profession, doctor Akoury agrees that medical doctors often prescribe depressants to people who are anxious or are just struggling getting quality sleep. This is a common practice and nothing is wrong with that. Depressant when taken religiously as prescribed by the doctor are beneficial to patients. However when central nervous system depressants are abuse or used wrongly, the consequences can be very severe. Doctor Akoury reiterates that when depressants are misused, dependence and addiction are inevitable risks. As individual users continues abusing these prescription drugs either by taking someone else medication or just taking your own inappropriately to get high, all the other chronic health conditions that are associated with drug addiction can easily attack such users.

As we continue exploring on the effects of depressants, it is important to note that, these drugs can be divided into three primary groups: barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and sleep medications. Each of these groups will equally cause harm if not used appropriately. Careful attention needs to be taken in ensuring that the right prescription is used and the doctors instructions followed religiously. In the meantime if for whatever reason you did not follow instructions well and you’re now suffering from its addiction, all is not lost. You can still get your life back if only you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for professional guidance.

Central nervous system depressants: How are depressant abused?

Depressants usually come either in pill or capsule form. They can be abused in different ways including some of the following:

  • Taking someone else’s prescription depressant medication.
  • Taking a depressant medication in total disregard of the doctor’s advice.
  • Experimenting with or taking depressants just for fun or to get high.
  • Taking a depressant while under the influence of other drugs.

Central nervous system depressants: How do depressants affects the brain?

Most depressants affect the brain by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that sends messages between cells. The increased GABA activity in turn slows down brain activity. This causes a relaxing effect that is helpful to people with anxiety or sleep problems. And like with other drugs, taking too much of GABA activity can be very harmful. Finally you can avoid all these harmful effects by seeking for help from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center today and you will not regret having done so.

Central nervous system depressants: What are depressant?

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brain

MDMA capsules effects on the brain

June 6, 2016
MDMA capsules effects

MDMA capsules effects on the brain

MDMA capsules effects on the brain: Neurotransmitters

MDMA capsules effects on the brain can be very systematic in the sense that once the pill or capsule is swallowed it doesn’t take long to take effect. From a professional point of view it only takes about 15 minutes for MDMA to enter the bloodstream and move to the brain. MDMA capsules then produces its effects by increasing the activity of three neurotransmitters which are the chemical messengers of brain cells. Such neurotransmitters include; serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, the serotonin system plays an important role in controlling our mood, aggression, sexual activity, sleep, and feeling of pain. The extra serotonin that is released by MDMA are likely to cause mood-lifting effects in users. People who use MDMA might feel very alert, or “hyper,” at first. Some lose a sense of time and have other changes in perception, such as a more intense sense of touch. Serotonin also triggers the release of the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin, which play a role in feelings of love, sexual arousal, and trust. This may be why users report feeling a heightened sense of emotional closeness and empathy.

Some users experience negative effects. They may become anxious and agitated, become sweaty, have chills, or feel faint or dizzy. Even those who don’t feel negative effects during use can experience negative aftereffects. These aftereffects are caused by the brain no longer having enough serotonin after the surge that was triggered by using MDMA. Days or even weeks after use, people can experience confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, and anxiety?

MDMA capsules effects on the brain: Effects of Long-Term Use

There are conflicting reports and researchers are not even sure if MDMA causes long-term brain changes in people, or whether the effects are reversible when someone stops using the drug. However, studies have shown that some heavy MDMA users experience problems that are long lasting, including confusion, depression, and problems with memory and attention. That is a clear indication that proper precaution needs to be taken to avert further damage. Therefore if you are struggling with MDMA you can seek for help from the home of addiction experts with doctor Dalal Akoury today and all your health concerns will be addressed professionally.

Other effects of MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly)

The changes that take place in the brain with MDMA use affect the user in so many other ways including the following:

  • Blurred vision
  • Chills or sweating
  • Faintness
  • Higher body temperature
  • Increased risk for unsafe sex
  • Increases in heart rate and blood pressure
  • Muscle tension
  • Nausea
  • Teeth clenching

Finally it is important to note that because MDMA does not always break down in the body, it can interfere with its own metabolism. This can cause harmful levels of the drug to build up in the body if it is taken repeatedly within short periods of time. High levels of the drug in the bloodstream can increase the risk for seizures and affect the heart’s ability to beat normally.

MDMA capsules effects on the brain: Neurotransmitters

 

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smoking

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction

December 1, 2015

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Eliminating the confusion and getting facts right

The distinction between substance abuse and addiction

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction is often very confusing, nonetheless knowing the distinction marks the beginning of proper healing from the scourge of addiction

We are all familiar with the terminologies addiction and substance abuse from our common knowledge through the various sources including the media and information we get from our friends who in one way or another have been addicted or cared for an addict. But we may not know is the finer details of the distinction between substance abuse and addiction. Even though from our common knowledge we may have an idea, it is always very important that the distinction comes out clearly. This is what we want to discuss through this article with a view of placing to its rightful position. Putting aside what you already know doctor Dalal Akoury who is a veteran addiction expert of several decades is registering that there is a very slim difference between substance abuse and addiction and this may be the reason why many people often think that they are the same. The fact is when we make reference to substance abuse, it would mean using or consuming an illegal substance or even using a legal substance or element but in the wrong way whereas addiction begins as an abuse, or using a substance like marijuana or cocaine in a way that in their absence life stops until you have an access to the substance of preference.

With that explanation, doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is saying that for sure one can actually abuse any drug or alcohol without being addicted to it or them. To illustrate that let us take as an example, just because an individual is smoking or smoked pot a few times doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she has an addiction to the pot, in the same way it does not also mean that by this single act of abusing a drug then it is automatic that this will lead to an addiction. This is not always the case and in fact people can get addicted to all sorts of substances. It is always the norm that when we think of addiction, we usually think of alcohol or illegal drugs yes this is true however the scope of addiction is wide and vast and people can become addicted to a number of substances including medications, cigarettes and even glue among many others.

These addictive substances also come in different ways and intensities. Like for instance some substances are more addictive than others, and that is why drugs like crack or heroin are so addictive that they might only be used once or twice before the user loses control. Therefore when we talk of addiction we must be careful to note that it is a condition that will cause and individual to lose the ability to be in control over their lives. And in fact with addiction the person has no control over whether he or she uses a drug or drinks alcohol. Therefore what that communicates id that anyone who is addicted to drugs like cocaine has grown so used to the drug that he or she must to have it by all means and at all cost. In other words you became the slave of that drug when addiction set foot in. There are two types of addiction which can affect anyone and that is to say that addiction can either be physical or psychological and sometimes and individual can suffer both.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Physical addiction

Being physically addicted means a person’s body actually becomes dependent on a particular substance (even smoking is physically addictive). It also means building tolerance to that substance, so that a person needs a larger dose than ever before to get the same effects.

Someone who is physically addicted and stops using a substance like drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes may experience withdrawal symptoms. We have actually discussed in details some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal in the previous postings, however for the purpose of this article we can mention a few including: diarrhea, shaking, and generally feeling awful.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Psychological addiction

Speaking to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, Psychological addiction often happens when the cravings for a drug are psychosomatic or emotive. People who are psychologically addicted feel overcome by their desire to have their drug of choice and they will do everything including telling lies or stealing just to get the drug. It therefore means that a person is deemed to have crossed the line between abuse and addiction when he or she is no longer trying the drug to have fun or get high, but has come to depend on it. At this point his or her whole life centers on the need for the drug. An addicted person whether it’s a physical or psychological addiction or both no longer feels like there is a choice in taking a substance.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Signs of addiction

The most obvious sign of an addiction is the need to have a particular drug or substance. However, many other signs can suggest a possible addiction, such as changes in mood or weight loss or gain. These also are signs of other conditions too, though, such as depression or eating disorders. The following are some of the indicators that you or someone you know may have a drug or alcohol addiction:

Psychological signals
  • Use of drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax
  • Withdrawal or keeping secrets from family and friends
  • Loss of interest in activities that used to be important
  • Problems with schoolwork, such as slipping grades or absences
  • Changes in friendships, such as hanging out only with friends who use drugs
  • Spending a lot of time figuring out how to get drugs
  • Stealing or selling belongings to be able to afford drugs
  • Failed attempts to stop taking drugs or drinking
  • Anxiety, anger, or depression
  • Mood swings
Physical signals
  • Changes in sleeping habits
  • Feeling shaky or sick when trying to stop
  • Needing to take more of the substance to get the same effect
  • Changes in eating habits, including weight loss or gain

Finally having got the distinction between substance abuse and addiction, you can now make a self-evaluation on you or your loved ones and if you notice any indication of addiction, you must chose to take prompt decision towards getting help by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for a more in-depth professional treatment today.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Eliminating the confusion and getting facts right

 

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