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Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: The endless list of substance abuse elements

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge

Defeating drug addiction begins with understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge and taking the correct action

The reason why many people are suffering from various health complications is because of luck of luck of knowledge. This can be very painful more so if something could be done and an individual suffers ignorantly. That is why doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are taking the lead role in posting very informative blogs to the general public so that together we can find solutions to this problem. In that regard we want to focus this discussion into understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge and some of the substances that we need to disassociate with by all means. The list of substances is endless and they include the following:

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: Cocaine

Cocaine is one of the most abused drugs and it is also known as crack, coke, snow, rock. Taking the US as an example it will be noted that cocaine use has gone down in the last few years; from 2007 to 2012 with the number of current users in the U.S. ages 12 or older dropped from 2.1 million to 1.7 million. Derived from the coca plant of South America, cocaine can be administered into the body by smoking, injection, snorting or just by swallowing. The intensity and duration of the drug’s effects depend on how you take it. Desired effects include pleasure and increased alertness. Short-term effects also include paranoia, constriction of blood vessels leading to heart damage or stroke, irregular heartbeat, and death. Severe depression and reduced energy often accompany withdrawal. Both short- and long-term use of cocaine has been associated with damage to the heart, the brain, the lung, and the kidneys and this are the complications we want this blog to help you address by scheduling for an appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of a veteran addiction expert doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery journey.

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: Heroin also known as smack, horse

There is no doubt that heroin use has been on the rise from time to time and according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2012 about 669,000 Americans reported using heroin in the past year, a number that has been on the rise since 2007. The biggest increases are among users ages 18 to 25. Effects of heroin intoxication include drowsiness, pleasure, and slowed breathing. Withdrawal can be intense and can include vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, confusion, aches, and sweating. Besides that any overdose of this substance may result in death from respiratory arrest (stopping breathing). And because heroin is usually injected, often with dirty needles, use of the drug can trigger other health complications including destruction of your heart valves, HIV/AIDS, infections, tetanus, and botulism.

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: Methamphetamines

This substance is also known as meth, crank, ice, speed, crystal and its use has also increased significantly especially in the West. Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant with the potential abilities of increasing alertness, decreases appetite, and gives a sensation of pleasure. The drug can either be administered into the body by injection, snorting, smoking or taken in as a mixture with food. It shares many of the same toxic effects as cocaine including effects like heart attacks, dangerously high blood pressure and stroke. It is also associated with several withdrawal symptoms including depression, abdominal cramps and increased appetite. Besides that it is important to appreciate that, methamphetamines other long-term effects may also include paranoia, hallucinations, weight loss, destruction of teeth, and heart damage. These are not the only substances that bring complications to your health.

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: Club drugs

The club scene and rave parties have popularized an assortment of other drugs. Many young people believe these drugs are harmless or even healthy. And as we had mentioned before that the list is endless, the following are some of the club drugs that we need to be careful about even as we desire proper understanding of the scourge of addiction in our societies.

Ecstasy also called MDMA, Adam, STP – This is a stimulant and hallucinogen used to improve mood and to maintain energy, often for all-night dance parties. Long-term use may cause damage to the brain’s ability to regulate body temperature, sleep, pain, memory, and emotions.

GHB also called Liquid XTC, G and blue nitro – Once sold at health food stores, GHB’s effects are related to dose. Effects range from mild relaxation to coma or death. GHB is often used as a date-rape drug because it is tasteless, colorless, and acts as a powerful sedative.

Rohypnol also called roofies, roche – This is another sedative that can be used as a date-rape drug. Effects include low blood pressure, dizziness, abdominal cramps, confusion, and impaired memory.

Ketamine also called Special K, K – This is an anesthetic that can be taken orally or injected. Ketamine (Ketalar) can impair memory and attention. Higher doses can cause amnesia, paranoia and hallucinations, depression, and difficulty breathing.

LSD (also called acid, microdot) and mushrooms (also called shrooms, magic mushrooms, peyote, buttons) – Popular in the 1960s, LSD has been revived in the club scene. LSD and hallucinogenic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, numbness, nausea, and increased heart rate. Long-term effects include unwanted “flashbacks” and psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and mood disturbances).

PCP also known as angel dust, hog, love boat – PCP is a powerful anesthetic used in veterinary medicine. Its effects are similar to those of ketamine but often stronger. The anesthetic effects are so strong that you can break your arm but not feel any pain. Usually, tobacco or marijuana cigarettes are dipped into PCP and then smoked.

Finally the list above is represent may not be conclusive but it represent the magnitude of the problem that we are likely to go through if we don’t act expeditiously as required to defeat drug addiction and all other complications that are associated with it. Therefore individually and collectively you need to consult with your physician before taking any action so that any further complication can be addressed in the most professional way for a better, healthier and more comfortable life of full productivity thereafter.

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: The endless list of substance abuse elements

 

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Understanding the residential and outpatient addiction treatment

Understanding the residential and outpatient addiction treatment: The broad categories of addiction treatment and care

Understanding the residential and outpatient addiction treatment

Understanding the residential and outpatient addiction treatment is very essential for all addicts if any meaningful treatment is to be offered

All over the world the problem of substance abuse is a thorn in every one flesh and the pain is unbearable not just to the direct victims of addiction but even to their loved ones who are caring for them. Relationships and families often bear the greatest consequences as they are hit the hardest whenever an addiction enters the corridors of families and relationships. We are aware that a lot is being done globally to offer lasting solutions to both the direct and indirect victims of substance abuse and as experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury we are not left out and that is why we want to be very informative in this article by focusing our discussion on the topic “understanding the residential and outpatient addiction treatment.” With this understanding, it will be much easier to settle in for the best treatment categories as we are just about to find out going forward.

Understanding the residential and outpatient addiction treatment: Residential services

Doctor Akoury reiterates that it is important to note that chemical dependence residential services assist individuals who are unable to maintain abstinence or participate in treatment without the structure of a 24-hour/day, 7 day/week residential setting, and who are not in need of acute hospital or psychiatric care or chemical dependence inpatient services. We have three levels of residential services, which vary by intensity of service provided and they include:

  • Intensive residential treatment and rehabilitation
  • Community residential services and
  • Supportive living services

Length of stay ranges from an average of four months in a community residential service to up to two years in the other residential service categories. Besides that all residential chemical dependence services also provide the following procedures: counseling, peer group counseling, supportive services, educational services, structured activity, recreation, and orientation to community services. In addition, some provide the following additional services, either directly or by referral: vocational assessment and services; job skills and employment readiness training; and parenting, personal, social and community living skills training, including personal hygiene and leisure activities.

Understanding the residential and outpatient addiction treatment: Outpatient Services

Outpatient services may be provided in a freestanding setting or may be co-located in a variety of other health and human service settings. Ideally, outpatient services are delivered in the community where the individual lives. This encourages access to the person’s family and other community supports that will help the client maintain an alcohol and substance free life.

There are two types of chemical dependence outpatient services:

Rehabilitation services see clients more frequently (daily initially) and these programs have more staff per client than the more general outpatient programs because persons attending rehabilitation service programs have greater needs. The length of stay and the intensity of services as measured by frequency and duration of visits vary from one category of outpatient services to another. The frequency with which a patient participates in outpatient services also varies during the course of treatment depending on how he or she progresses toward recovery. In general, people are often engaged in outpatient treatment up to a year, with more frequent visits during the earlier stages of treatment process and becoming less frequent as treatment progresses. Even as we progress into the discussion, it is important to note that each chemical dependence outpatient service provides the following procedures:

  • Group and individual counseling
  • Education about alcohol and substance abuse disease awareness and relapse prevention
  • HIV and other communicable disease education, risk assessment, supportive counseling and referral and family treatment

In addition, and as with all levels of service, patients are given orientation to, and opportunity for participation in, relevant and available self-help groups. In this case, providers must make available either directly or through written agreements social and health care services, activity therapies, information and education about nutritional requirements, and vocational and educational evaluation. And remember that all these services are provided according to an individualized evaluation and treatment plan.

Understanding the residential and outpatient addiction treatment: Who Provides Treatment?

Depending on the treatment program and the individual circumstances, a wide variety of professionals can be involved in a person’s treatment. Most commonly, people receive treatment which is overseen by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals under the employment of a treatment program as has been stated earlier. Doctor Akoury further registers that in most cases where chemical dependence treatment program is involved the alcoholism and substance abuse counselor will typically provides the core treatment service. These kind of treatment can also be done by among other professionals including the following:

  • Social Workers;
  • Rehabilitation Counselors and other Vocational Specialists;
  • Physicians;
  • Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants;
  • Nurses;
  • Psychologists;
  • Family Counselors; and
  • Recreation Therapists.

Finally chemical dependence is a disease for which there are accessible and effective treatments. And with the advancement in research, treatment practice has of late improved leading to the restoration of hope and self-sufficiency among chemically dependent persons and to stronger families that can provide the love and support which is very essential for recovery. Improvement in treatment has also reduced the enormous economic toll this disease takes on the nation. Therefore you will be doing yourself a lot of injustice if you know that you are struggling with any kind of addiction and you keep silence about it. From this discussion you cannot afford to die in isolation. It doesn’t matter the level of your addiction or the period of abuse. You must rise to the occasion and be part of the many people giving successful stories of their recovery after seeking for help from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is the home of veteran addiction experts headed by doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of the facility. It will also interest you to note that doctor Dalal Akoury has been in this practice for several decades making her one of the most experienced addicted expert you can always relay on at any time of the day for all your addiction related complications. Therefore waste no time and schedule for an appointment with her today and experience the comfort life can offer in the absence of substance abuse and toxic elements in your body system today.

Understanding the residential and outpatient addiction treatment: The broad categories of addiction treatment and care

 

 

 

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The broad categories of addiction treatment and care

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care: Where does treatment occur?

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care includes among others group counseling which is very good for you and your family too.

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care normally occur in a variety of settings. These categories can be diversified and every individual patient has a choice to settle on any depending on the intensity of their addiction levels. Many people with addictions start their initial treatment at one level like for instance at the crisis services for detoxification and then move through the system until they can function as a productive and independent member of society. These treatment stages are not cast on stone and therefore can be changed according to convenience. Nonetheless when one is through with treatment and has attained the maximum benefits from the treatment experience, he or she can then be discharged says doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) who is a veteran addiction expert of many decades having been of great help to many people across the globe. Doctor Akoury says that it is important to appreciate that each category of care provides a different intensity of treatment provision and so expert’s opinion will be very vital in settling to any of the categories of treatment.

In the recent consolidation of alcohol treatment services and substance abuse treatment services into chemical dependence treatment services has resulted in four broad categories of care. We therefore want to focus our discussion on the four categories of treatment taking into consideration that currently even private licensed practitioners also provide alcohol and substance abuse treatment even though they are not reflected in the four categories. Now let us take a look at the summery of the four categories as follows:

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care: Crisis services (Detoxification and Withdrawal)

According to the professional explanations given by the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, chemical dependence crisis services manage the treatment of alcohol or substance withdrawal, as well as acute disorders associated with alcohol or substance use. These services are often provided early in a person’s course of recovery and are relatively short in duration, and to be more specific, the process takes approximately three to five days, although some chemicals may require up to 30 days of managed withdrawal. It is also important to note that when administering crisis services it is most likely to lead to a referral for a continued care in a longer-term treatment setting. Crisis services may include medically managed detoxification in a hospital, medically supervised withdrawal in either an inpatient/residential or outpatient setting and medically monitored withdrawal in community-based settings. Doctor Akoury further says that while services will vary with the patient and the setting, in many instances such services may include:

  • Medical management of acute intoxication and withdrawal
  • Assessment
  • Stabilization of medical and psychiatric problems
  • Counseling
  • Pharmacological services
  • Determination of appropriate long-term care and
  • Referrals for other services.

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care: Inpatient Rehabilitation

Chemical dependence inpatient rehabilitation services provide intensive management of chemical dependence symptoms and medical management and monitoring of physical or mental complications from chemical dependence to individuals who cannot be effectively served as outpatients and who are not in need of medical detoxification or acute care. These services can be provided in a hospital or freestanding facility. Lengths of stay are usually in the 20-40 day range.

Providers conduct intensive evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation services in a medically supervised 24 hour/day, 7 days/week setting. Chemical dependence inpatient services include the following basic clinical procedures:

  • Individual and group counseling and activities therapy
  • Alcohol and substance abuse disease awareness and relapse prevention
  • Assessment and referral services for patients, families and significant others
  • HIV education, risk assessment and supportive counseling and referral
  • Vocational or educational assessment and
  • Medical and psychiatric evaluation

In addition, patients are given education about, orientation to, and opportunity for participation in, available and relevant self-help groups. These are very fundamental points that you and I must not take for granted by all means. We have since discussed the first tow treatment categories and we are certainly going to proceed with the remaining two in our next article. Therefore I want to encourage you to remain with us on the link and be the first to know of the broad categories of addiction treatment and care so that together we can all find lasting solutions to this scourge.

Finally even as we talk about the broad categories of addiction treatment and care, it is equally important to appreciate that this is not just any other treatment procedure. Many people often fail to realize their treatment objective because of various reasons including denial and ignorance. Doctor Dalal Akoury registers that in dealing with drug addiction, the biggest enemies of successful addiction treatment denial and ignorance are the biggest obstacle which must first be addressed. Many users often refuse to acknowledge that they have a problem which really needs to be fixed for them to live a normal and productive life. Therefore if you or anyone you know falls in this category of people who are struggling with any kind of addiction and are in denial, we want to help you get out of that cocoon so that you can be helped go through the recovery journey effectively. You may want to reach out for doctor Dalal Akoury for professional help. And remember that because of her passion in helping the addicts regain their lives back, doctor Akoury made a decision to create a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Besides Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms and you can reach out for her help on telephone number 843 213 1480 by scheduling for an appointment for the commencement of your recovery journey today.

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care: Where does treatment occur?

 

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The effectiveness of addiction treatment process

The effectiveness of addiction treatment process: What happens during the treatment process?

The effectiveness of addiction treatment process

The effectiveness of addiction treatment process should be all inclusive bringing everyone on board including the professionals, the victims and their loved ones.

When talking about the effectiveness of addiction treatment process we must always consider the degree of professionalism involved. It is only treatment that is done by real experts that will stand the test of time and deliver the much needed lasting solutions to the addicts. By now we all understand the damage caused by addiction whether it is substance abuse or chemical abuse. Therefore we must be on top of the game to realize our dream of defeating this scourge. Therefore to effectively do this we spoke to doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction expert of several decades passionately delivering healing to all her patients professionally and timely. It will interest you to note that due to her passion in offering addiction solution, Dr. Akoury made a decision to create a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Through this health facility, many testimonies of great success keep coming and you can be one of them if you are struggling with any kind of addiction today by scheduling for an appointment with the real expert for your break through now.

As we progress into the discussion, it will also interest you to note that doctor Dalal Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. This is the place to be for all your addiction treatment needs and you can reach out for her through telephone number 843 213 1480 today. Now doctor Akoury says that upon securing that appointment, it is important for you to note that on commencement of treatment, every person participates in a complete diagnostic evaluation that will culminate to an individualized treatment plan. Take note that the evaluation and treatment plan are used to determine the types, level and intensity of services to be given to that individual and to manage the course of the treatment over time.

She reiterates that normally what happens during treatment to any one individual will be unique and specific to his or her personality and life circumstances. Nonetheless, several typical treatment strategies may also be offered singularly or collectively to patients some of which may include the following:

Detoxification

Ordinarily detoxification should be the starting point in the treatment of drug addiction and more so when the toxic substances have been used for a long time. As such some may have serious physical dependency that they may be carefully withdrawn from the addicting chemicals with a view of addressing any potentially serious medical consequences of abrupt stopping of usage. In this case professionalism will be very vital and a qualified physician will often supervise this process. Even as detoxification is employed, it is important to note that because it does not treat the behavioral or psychosocial causes leading to the chemical dependence, detoxification often precedes involvement in behavioral treatment.

The effectiveness of addiction treatment process: Individual and group therapy through family Strengthening

Typically, individual patients will work with a professional therapist like counselors, social workers or psychologist to understand the factors contributing to the compulsive abuses of alcohol or drugs and to develop coping strategies to deal with the compulsions in order to cease the chemical abuse. Doctor Akoury is very categorical that when patients establish therapeutic trust with their counselors, strength is gained to learn about them, their addiction and new ways of living.

Most chemical dependence treatment providers make professionally led group counseling or therapy a central part of treatment. By offering mutual support, these sessions allow participants to use the group format to share insights, reinforce member therapeutic gains and to exert group accountability on individual behavior. Often, group therapy is provided to individuals who share some common experience or unresolved issue such as trauma survivors, gender specific focus, criminal justice involvement, parenting focus, etc. and because chemical dependence strains and sometimes destroy very important family relationships doctor Akoury reports that sometimes treatment programs may be applied to offer either directly or through referral services to strengthen family functioning and promote family reunion. These include a wide range of services depending on the individual’s circumstances and could include family counseling, parenting education, childcare and services to prevent or respond to domestic violence, trauma or child abuse.

The effectiveness of addiction treatment process: Pharmacological therapy, health and medical services

Some patients receive medication typically in combination with behavioral therapy to help decrease the physical craving for chemicals. By relieving the symptoms, medications allow persons with addictions to participate more easily in other aspects of treatment. The most commonly used and best known of these medications is methadone, a medication given orally, which is highly effective in treating heroin and opiate addiction. It is also important to appreciate that normally treatment programs will give a complete physical examination or arrange for one to be provided upon initial admission. They also monitor other health conditions and diseases. Treatment programs are especially alert for certain diseases that are highly prevalent among chemical dependence patients like sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

The effectiveness of addiction treatment process: Case management

The multiple, complex needs of most patients extend beyond the specific chemical dependence services. For example, patients may need help with housing, transportation, court advocacy, childcare, or child welfare services. The treatment provider often works with the individual to arrange these critical services, make referrals, and assist in the exchange of vital information with other human service agencies. They help the person with the addiction overcome difficulties accessing or participating in such services.

Finally doctor Akoury states that it should be noted that historically alcohol and drug treatment programs have concentrated on returning each person to be a self-sufficient, productive member of his or her community which is very much in order in the fight against addiction. If you can revisit our introduction in this article, you will realize the immense input doctor Dalal Akoury is putting to make the effectiveness of addiction treatment process successful and productive. It can only be fair on your part that you do the same by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury to be one of the millions of beneficiaries of her tender care and professionalism in dealing with all manner of substance and chemical abuse today.

The effectiveness of addiction treatment process: What happens during the treatment process?

 

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Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence: What is Addiction Treatment?

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence as a significant way of protecting your heath from all the chronic complications that come as a result of these substance and chemical abuse.

Understanding chemical abuse and dependence is very key in unlocking the stalemate that comes with all kinds of addiction complications. It is true that so many people these days are not using alcohol or other drugs instead they are trying the use of chemicals in order to achieve their desired goals. In the process some will rarely experience any negative consequences while others will. However, many people and this is very common, drink or use drugs problematically and disorderly thereby landing themselves in serious health and social problems. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, those who use chemicals and experience negative consequences are scientifically known as “chemical abusers.” Some of these people are able to stop abusing by modifying their own behavior and using community supports, allowing them to eliminate the negative consequences. However for those who are unable to effectively modify their behavior and whose use continues to be problematic, formal treatment interventions are recommended says doctor Akoury.

Chemical dependence is a complex disease. It is often characterized by compulsive which may be very difficult to manage. Take for instance the problem of uncontrollable – craving, seeking and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. This disorder is a chronic condition with a high probability of relapse; it affects both the physical and mental health of the dependent individual. It also negatively affects interpersonal relationships with family members, relatives and friends of the addicted person. As such, the disease results in both physical and behavioral manifestations.

The addiction and resultant compulsion for alcohol or drugs can take over the individual’s life, leading to a wide range of dysfunctional behaviors that interfere with the family, workplace and broader community interactions. The problem is further magnified with the fact that most chemical dependent live in denial and fail to admit that they have a problem. They may show poor judgment, lack impulse control, and show marked mood swings. Persons with addiction can become preoccupied with alcohol or drugs and can be extremely careful in protecting their supply. Glamorizing the use of chemicals along with joyous memories of being “high” is also frequently associated with addiction.

The expert at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are very categorical that people get into addiction for various specific reasons that are very unique to those individuals. Besides that it is also important to note that addiction is a chronic and progressive medical condition with genetic, physical and behavioral components. It is closely associated to other chronic medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, all of which can be treated effectively says doctor Dalal Akoury.

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence: Treatment of addictive disorders

Because chemical dependence is a complex disorder, effective treatment requires interventions that address the physical health, mental health, and interpersonal relationships of the affected individual. Therefore, the treatment process must be comprehensive and address the multiple and complex needs of addicted individuals and their families. Essential elements of comprehensive treatment for addictive disorders consist of many components, some of which should be employed for every person and some only for certain individuals. To the extent possible, the individual’s family should be engaged in part of the treatment process. The components we are making refence about are all available at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and they include the following:

  • Detoxification and medical management of withdrawal symptoms;
  • A comprehensive evaluation of the nature of use, and strengths and needs of the individual which results in a diagnosis;
  • An individualized treatment plan which is developed with the patient and is modified as the individual progresses;
  • Pharmacological therapy, when appropriate;
  • Monitoring of continued abstinence from alcohol and other substances;
  • Vocational and educational assistance;
  • Cognitive and behavioral therapy;
  • Clinical case management;
  • Continuing care;
  • Self-help or peer support as a complement to professional treatment.

Doctor Akoury reiterates that for effective result to be realized, the evaluation, diagnosis and resulting treatment plan must be developed by qualified and experienced professionals in the addiction field and must address the multiple aspects of the disease. Although addiction treatment provider need not provide all services directly, quality care then demands that services be planned for and provided through referral linkages with other appropriately qualified providers.

The treatment delivery process assures that all necessary and available services are delivered to address individuals’ needs relating to addiction. Other issues that may be addressed in a comprehensive treatment process, in addition to addiction management, include physical health, mental health, strengthening the family, legal, and financial, child care, housing, parenting, transportation, education, prevocational and work readiness. A quality process must include the availability of longer-term supports to sustain recovery and prevent relapse. Quality treatment also addresses public health concerns commonly associated with alcohol and substance abuse, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Further, many providers now integrate treatment for nicotine dependence into chemical dependence programs.

The process of treatment begins with educating the individual and his or her family about the disease of addiction and assuring that each individual recognizes the signs and symptoms of the disease in his or her own life. Motivational enhancement may be the first step since many patients may not accept that their addiction is not normal. Teaching the individual to both recognize the triggers of relapse and use preventive responses to these triggers is critical during the treatment process. The outcome of appropriate, comprehensive treatment should strive toward helping the persons receiving services to accomplish the following:

  • Understand the relevant issues associated with the disease as it affects their lives and the lives of those around them;
  • Understand the physical impact of chemicals and the implications of addiction on brain functioning;
  • Learn and practice the mechanisms, attitudes, skills and behaviors necessary to sustain the positive effects of treatment;
  • Develop the capacity or potential to practice normal life activities with responsibility;
  • Recognize the personal signs, symptoms, circumstances, and triggers of relapse and know how to respond;
  • Develop and sustain a social support network that will foster and reinforce ongoing recovery.

Finally with all these teachings done the individual patient must always keep in close touch with their physicians during and after the treatment process. Therefore if you are considering this worthy course and you are at cross road not knowing who to turn to for professional help, doctor Dalal Akoury’s office is ever open for you and you can schedule for an appointment with her so that you can have all your concerns professionally addressed.

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence: What is Addiction Treatment?

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