Tag Archives: AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: The body responsiveness to Alcohol abuse

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today are evident on how users of alcohol live their lives. A life full of destruction

The life complications keep getting more and more frustrating because of several factors including alcohol abuse and drug addiction. These two health conditions directly affect the well-being of human life and cannot be over looked. Over the years people have been into the business of marry making while consuming alcohol and all other alcoholic beverages across the globe. It is through this marry making that today life is almost becoming unbearable for most families and especially those taking care on an alcoholic loved one. One may wonder how marry making and self-enjoyment of life while taking a few bottles of drinks could be a problem. If this is what is going on in your mind right now, then you are at the right place, because throughout this article, we are going to be discussing the general effects of alcohol abuse today in our lives. With the help of doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, one of the leading pioneers in natural and holistic addiction treatment we will be well informed of the health effects of alcohol abuse and even drug addiction. You can therefore take this earliest opportunity to schedule for an appointment with her for more guidance and professional help.

Individual’s patients struggling with substance abuse may opt for the appointment with the experts for lasting solution, however the experience doctor Akoury has garnered over the past few decades can be very beneficial to other professional in the same discipline. And if you are wondering on how you can be part of this doctor Akoury is organizing an Educational, Functional and Integrative Addiction conference for medical experts including doctors, counselors, nurses and addiction therapists. The conference will be 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”. You can get more information about this on www.integrativeaddiction2015.com or email sharon@integrativeaddiction2015.com. Just to give you a preview of those who will be attending this very important conference, we currently have confirmations from the who is who in the world of medicine including Dr. Mitch Ghen, DO, Ph.D, Sean Devlin, DO, HMD., Sahar Swidan, Pharma D. BCPS., Kenneth Proefrock, N.M.D., William Eidelman, M.D., and Gregory G. Smith, MD. That is just a preview you can get more information from the contacts given above and you are highly welcome to this one in a life time event. Back to the general effects of alcohol abuse today, the body is very much vulnerable to the toxic elements as we will soon find out from the explanations in this discussion.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effects to the Skin, Muscle, and Bone Disorders

Several studies have associated severe alcoholism with osteoporosis which is the loss of bone density, muscular deterioration, skin sores, and itching. Whereas women are the most concern with the beauty of their skin complexion as compared to men, alcohol-dependent women seem to face a higher risk than men for damage to muscles, including muscles of the heart, from the toxic effects of alcohol.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effects on Reproduction and Fetal Development

Sexual Function and Fertility – Alcoholism increases levels of the female hormone estrogen and reduces levels of the male hormone testosterone, factors that are closely associated with erectile dysfunction and enlarged breasts in men, and infertility in women. Such changes may also be responsible for the higher risks for absent periods and abnormal uterine bleeding in women with alcoholism.

Drinking During Pregnancy and Effects on the Infant – it is important to note that when nursing pregnancy even the so called moderate amounts of alcohol can have damaging effects on the developing fetus, including low birth weight and increased risk for miscarriage. High amounts can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition that can cause mental and growth retardation. Although there is no specific amount of alcohol intake, the risk of developing the syndrome is increased depending on the time of alcohol exposure during pregnancy, a pattern of drinking (four or more drinks per occasion), and how often alcohol consumption occurs.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effect on Weight and Diabetes

Moderate alcohol consumption may help protect the hearts of adults with type 2 diabetes. Heavy drinking, however, is associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for this form of diabetes. In addition, alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, a drop in blood sugar, which is especially dangerous for people with diabetes who are taking insulin. Intoxicated diabetics may not be able to recognize symptoms of hypoglycemia.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effect on Central and Peripheral Nervous System and Mental Functioning

Drinking too much alcohol can cause immediate mild neurologic problems in anyone, including insomnia and headache. Long-term alcohol use can physically affect the brain. Depending on length and severity of alcohol abuse, neurologic damage may not be permanent, and abstinence nearly always leads to eventual recovery of normal mental function.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

People with alcoholism should be sure to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Even apparently well-nourished people with alcoholism may be deficient in important nutrients. Deficiencies in vitamin B pose particular health risks in people with alcoholism. Other vitamin and mineral deficiencies, however, can also cause widespread health problems.

Folate Deficiencies – Alcohol interferes with the metabolism of folate, a very important B vitamin, called folic acid when used as a supplement. Folate deficiencies can cause severe anemia. Deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to birth defects in the infant.

Peripheral Neuropathy – Vitamin B12 deficiencies can also lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes pain, tingling, and other abnormal sensations in the arms and legs.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Drug Interactions

The effects of many medications are strengthened by alcohol, while others are inhibited. Of particular importance is alcohol’s reinforcing effect on anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications.

Alcohol also interacts with many drugs used by people with diabetes. It interferes with drugs that prevent seizures or blood clotting. It increases the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding in people taking aspirin or other non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and naproxen. Chronic alcohol abusers have a particularly high risk for adverse side effects from consuming alcohol while taking certain antibiotics. These side effects include flushing, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In other words, taking almost any medication should preclude drinking alcohol. If you were not aware of the effects of alcohol before, now you know and it is time for you to make a difference in your society. If you know of anyone who is struggling with alcoholism, you can be the bridge of recovery to them by arranging with then to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for help. But for the experts the Integrative Addiction conference for doctors, counselors, nurses and addiction therapists is a must attend for you and you can also consult with doctor Akoury for more information about Integrative Addiction Treatment on the following contact details:

Dalal Akoury M.D

AWAREmed

Tel: 843 213 1480

Email: dollyanis@hotmail.com

www.awaremednetwork.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILBEhjYkwKQ

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: The body responsiveness to Alcohol abuse

 

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Helping Addicts Accept their Addiction Problem

Helping Addicts Accept their Addiction Problem: Eliminating the spirit of denial

Helping Addicts Accept their Addiction Problem

The problem of denial is negatively affecting the success in the treatment of drug addiction therefore helping addicts accept their addiction Problem is for a worthy course

The spirit of denial is one big problem that we must deal with expeditiously if we have to make any meaningful progress in the fight of drug addiction and alcohol abuse. Dealing with all stumbling blocks in addiction recovery begins and ends with denial. It is very difficult to effectively take a patient who is in denial through the treatment programs because acknowledgement of the problem is one big step in the healing process. In fact it is the first step to be overcome in the process of addiction recovery. Therefore by all means we all have a duty in helping addicts accept their addiction problem for commencement of a meaningful treatment. Nonetheless it is important to note that dealing with addiction problem is not to be left for the medical experts alone. Family members of the addicts has a role in the healing process, it therefore means that this is a collective responsibility for the experts, loved ones and the victims themselves. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, friends and relatives of the victims can do a lot more in helping their loved ones get better. However when faced with such challenges of addiction, many are lost and do not know what to do. Doctor Akoury who is also the founder of this facility is going to help us understand some of the concerns people do have when helping their loved ones recover from drug and alcohol abuse.

Helping Addicts Accept their Addiction Problem: How Do I Help Someone Understand That He or She Has a Problem?

This question is often very common especially with the rampant denial by the victims. While we are appreciating that this is a genuine concern, it is very crucial that you step in up on noticing signs of substance abuse in your friend. Remember that charity begins at home and therefore friends and family members must brace themselves for the task and we are not promising that it is going to be easy. It is possible that friends and family members may feel that they constantly express concerns about a loved one’s substance use but never see any changes. When evaluating the efforts you have made in trying to bring some changes it may occur to you that you may have reached this point after weeks or months of giving lectures, making threats, ignoring behaviors, accepting promises of change, giving second chances or imposing consequences. But in these entire nothing seems to be working and so discouragement sets in, doctor Akoury says that it is very normal to feel that way but one thing that you must not do is giving up. Remember that this is a journey and not a destination keep the spirit and soldier on the break through is coming and you are almost getting there no matter the circumstances.

In an effort of helping loved ones keep to the task, experts have recommended developing and repeating a consistent, positive message: like for instance the message could read “we care about you and we want you to get help.” Define substance use as a problem for you and others who care about the person. And in doing all these, ensure that you avoid blaming, arguing and reproaching. And at the back of your mind create room to accommodate their denial, distortion, avoidance, rationalization and intellectualization of the problem. This is very important because unless you understand them beyond their habit you may not achieve much. Besides that when talking to the victims, it is very important that you understand the dos and don’ts as follows:

Helping Addicts Accept their Addiction Problem: DOs and DON’Ts

Doctor Akoury recommends that as you continue to talk to the person in need of help, the following important details are worth taking into consideration:

  • Don’t try to talk when either one of you is under the influence of any drug.
  • Do protect yourself and others around you from physical harm.
  • Do call police if there is violence.
  • Do set limits that will protect your home, finances and relationships, and stick to those limits.
  • And if you are at your wits’ end, you might consider a formal intervention.

Helping Addicts Accept their Addiction Problem: How do i help someone who may need treatment?

Mention the word “treatment” in relation to substance use and many people think of long-term residential facilities or detox. In fact, treatment includes both of these options and a variety of others.

Treatment addresses the individual’s physical, psychological, emotional and social conditions. Sustained reduction in alcohol or other drug use and sustained increases in personal health and social function are the primary goals.

The type of treatment is based on the severity of the problem. For risky users, treatment can be as simple as a screening and a brief intervention. For people exhibiting signs of dependence or addiction, a screening will probably lead to a referral for more intense level of care.

All treatment starts with a screening, which is a series of questions about the amount and frequency of alcohol or other drug use and the consequences it may be causing. Screening can be done by many types of professionals, including a physician in a hospital or an office, a nurse, a clinical social worker, or a licensed substance abuse counselor.

After a screening, some people may need a brief intervention, usually done by a health professional. During a brief intervention, people receive feedback on their substance use based on the screening results. Frequently, people are asked to cut back or stop their use. If they are ready to cut down, the health care professional will work with them to set a goal based on lower consumption. They may also be encouraged to reflect on why they use and how their lives will change by lowering their use. People who want to stop substance use will most likely be referred for additional evaluation or treatment.

To help someone you know who you think may have a substance use problem you first need to get them screened. Your best bet is to talk to your own physician or employee assistance professional about referring you to someone who can help, such as a licensed substance abuse counselor or family therapist.

Helping Addicts Accept their Addiction Problem: How do i help someone who needs treatment?

Formal treatment takes many forms, and no one type of treatment is best for everyone. There are many roads to recovery. Like for instance you may think that you need to choose just the right program for your family member and if you don’t, treatment will fail. But experts believe that any of a number of programs can lead to success if the person is willing to accept help from others and invest energy in working on recovery. A physician or another health care professional can also help you choose where someone should go for treatment.

Helping Addicts Accept their Addiction Problem: Eliminating the spirit of denial

 

 

 

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Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Why it is necessary to help drug addicts

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim may appear very difficult but it must be done for the safety of all victims

Knowing that majority of addicts will always be in denial and may take offence when this topic is introduced to them; it can be quite a challenge to initiate the discussion. It is because of these challenges that we often meet clients who visit this facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) specifically to get the best approach applicable. I remember one client asking “how can i bring up the subject with the substance user? Will the discussion make the situation worse?” from this concern you realize that the approach is a big problem and that is what doctor Akoury wants to addressed in this section. People often worry that initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim may cause them to pull a grudge with them and that this will lead him or her (the addict) to take drastic steps. They might make a scene in front of other family members, move out of the house, and drop out of school, secretly drink or use other drugs even more and hide it from everyone or retaliate against them or other family members.

These are actually very genuine concerns however, even though these concerns may be genuine, you will not know unless you try and for your information, you might find out that the reception may not be as bad as you thought. It may turn out that the conversation will be a wonderfully productive experience. It is perhaps possible that the person may have not noticed behavior changes, or doesn’t realize that his or her substance use was a problem or was causing problems to other members of the family. It is therefore necessary that you make effort and try because you will not know the outcome unless you try. Remember that when solutions are not realized, the problems may become so severe that the same drastic outcomes could result.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Guidelines for a healthy approach

The following guidelines could be helpful for you in the initiation of the discussion:

  • Don’t bring up the subject when the person is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. When people are high, they are less able to understand logic and are more likely to be impatient, dismissive, angry and blaming. Some people have poor impulse control and may act irrationally or violently if the subject is brought up while he or she is under the influence.
  • Don’t be under the influence of substances yourself when initiating the talk.
  • Ensure that you chose the best time to talk preferably when the two of you can have more than a few minutes alone. Remember that your objective is to have a dialogue and a healthy two-way conversation in which you can state your concerns and understand the person’s perception of the situation. Ask if you can set a time to speak in the next few days to discuss something on your mind. If the person responds by saying, “Now is fine,” tell them you’d prefer to set time aside and not be interrupted.
  • When you meet, tell your family member that you care for him or her. Emphasize that it’s this concern for their well-being that has led you to have this conversation.
  • List the behaviors you’ve observed, state that you are worried about the effect drinking or drug use is having and express concern about continued use.
  • Create a two-way dialogue so the person doesn’t feel lectured or badgered. Use open-ended questions.
  • If the person states that there is definitely not a problem, ask to talk again at some point in the future. Your goal is not to convince the person that there is a problem, but to let them know that you believe there is one and that your belief is based on observable behaviors.
  • Don’t try to speculate, explore motives or judge. It can sidetrack you from the main point.
  • Don’t expect a dramatic shift in thinking or behavior right away; this conversation may be the first time the person has thought about this problem.
  • Keep in mind that there is no quick fix and prepare yourself for the long haul and you will appreciate that initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim was well worth it.
  • If the problem has only occurred over a short period of time, or has not reached a severe stage, it is possible that the victim you care about could successfully cut back on the use of alcohol or other drugs. If the person has not tried cutting back, you could suggest this strategy as a first step. Some people in the risky or abuse stages of substance use, or even in the early stage of addiction, are able to cut back and consistently use only minimal amounts in the future.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Defeating the powers of denial

You may find, though as many do that people who can cut back are the exception, not the rule. Many people try to cut down and discover that they can’t. Or, they can only cut back for a few days or a few weeks before resuming heavy or excessive use. Trying to cut down and failing may help the person realize that the problem is more extensive than once thought. In the process of helping, you may also find that the person is able to stop completely. But many addicts have tried this strategy and couldn’t stop or remain abstinent for any significant amount of time. Ideally, the person should be assessed by a professional who can determine the best course of action depending on the severity of the problem and the person’s medical, psychological and social history. If you sense the person is willing to consider that there is a problem, suggest that an evaluation or a consultation with a trusted medical or mental health professional. (This suggestion may be too threatening for some people during a first conversation of this kind.)

Although you probably want the substance use to stop as soon as possible, immediate abstinence from certain drugs has risks, including withdrawal symptoms with serious medical consequences. Many people need to be admitted to a detoxification center to help them physically withdraw.

It is important to note that even if detoxification is not necessary, a formal, structured treatment program is vital for sustained abstinence. This is where a health care professional or substance use counselor would be very essential to help you and the person in need assess your options.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Why it is necessary to help drug addicts

 

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Why it is necessary to help drug addicts

Why it is necessary to help drug addicts: The benefits of helping out

Why it is necessary to help drug addicts

Why it is necessary to help drug addicts. This is very necessary not just for the victims but also to the whole societies

I once told us in one of the articles that our health is the most valuable assets we can ever have. In fact in that article I did mentioned that it is one asset that we cannot quantify its value into monetary by all standards. Even though various insurance firms are trying to quantify health in some instances, the compensations they give will only remain to be very insignificant compensations in relation to good health and life. This treasure is currently under threat and it is being attacked from all directions by different obstacles including substance abuse. It is because of these threats that we are now trying to understand in this article why it is necessary to help drug addicts recover from this epidemics of addiction. There are several benefits of helping victims get well some of which we discussed previously and we also want to further the discussion in that same direction even as we come to terms with the real challenges of substance abuse.

Why it is necessary to help drug addicts: Benefits of Early Identification and Action

Like in all other health complications, early detection of substance abuse is very vital for proper healing. Therefore because our children are the major targets of bad influence it is important for all of us to ensure that no trace of addiction is left unresolved. Any untreated problems if left to continue, it is possible that family members will develop their own issues out of the unresolved problems thereby creating further emotional complications. Common symptoms include headaches, backaches, digestive problems and depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Children of substance users can experience school behavior problems and poor academic performance and are more likely to become substance users themselves.

It is not easy to live with someone who is using mind-altering substances. Taking steps to begin treatment and recovery can be a painful process, but it is the only path that holds promise for something better. As long as family members deny that there is a problem, the problem will progress and so will be the suffering. Doctor Akoury suggests that your starting point in situations like this should be by seeking for help all for yourself. You can begin by restoring your own emotional stability by bringing in new direction and meaning to your life. You will be better equipped to deflect crises and arguments, and shift interactions with your impaired friend or family member. Getting help for yourself may seem counter-intuitive, but it is crucial for you so that you can cope better with the myriad problems that emerge and effectively overcome the obstacles to wellness and recovery.

Some people find when they seek help for themselves that the person with the substance use problem gets angry, perhaps because the efforts represent a loss of control. Also, getting help signals that you are serious about changing the situation. Some people threaten those seeking help to stop their efforts. Nonetheless these are normal set bucks and it is important that you remain firm in your resolve to go forward, and be aware of your personal safety. Remember that it is never too soon or too late for you or for the substance user to seek help, the best time is always now. This journey will not be a smooth one, there will be obstacles and challenges all the way but seeking for help from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury will be very ideal in ensuring that this problem is defeated and eliminated completely out of your life.

Why it is necessary to help drug addicts: The Ideal professional impact

The desire to help and make a difference made doctor Akoury to establish a health facility (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. 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. Over the years doctor Dalal Akoury has been helping people across the globe find lasting solutions to their individual addiction related problems. Therefore if you or any one you know is struggling with any form of substance abuse, then you can be the best link between them and the source of lasting solutions.

In the meantime doctor Dalal Akoury is also reaching out for other professionals in various forums in an effort to improve their expertise in dealing with matters relating to addiction. Through AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, one of the leading pioneers in natural and holistic addiction treatment, doctor Akoury will be conducting the first ever 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 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”. Opportunities like this are not easy to come by and therefore if you are a professional in your own right and you would want to meet and share your experiences with the other colleagues then this is the place to be.

This conference “Integrative Addiction Conference 2015” mission is to provide prevention education, awareness, options and support to patients and physicians dealing with addiction. Empowering physicians to be involved in determining their personal “best answer for addiction” and promoting physician/patient awareness of a natural, yet profoundly effective, addiction treatment options that result in you “thriving while surviving” during treatment and recovery. Integrative Addiction Conference 2015 will cover topics such as addiction as a holistic body ecosystem derangement, the interaction between stress, survivorship, pain and addiction, the role of hormonal imbalance in the disease of addiction, the genetic and epigenetic influences on the disease of addiction, psycho neuroendocrine immune restoration essential to reverse addiction as well as new and future therapies in the horizon for addiction treatment including stem therapy for psycho neuroendocrine immune restoration. This conference is all you need to move your career to the next levels and for more information you can log on www.integrativeaddiction2015.com or email sharon@integrativeaddiction2015.com.

Why it is necessary to help drug addicts: The benefits of helping out

 

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Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem: What you can do to help?

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem is a journey and not really a destination

In this time of age, it is becoming very difficult to find societies that are free from alcohol abuse or drug addiction. The easy accessibility and affordability of these drugs have made it very difficult in dealing with problems of addiction. Nonetheless with or without the prevailing challenges, we still have a duty to perform in containing the problem. You may overlook at certain things you do as very insignificant but when it is offering any help however negligible it may be, you must not be discouraged. You must soldier on for that little will be very important for the life of your loved one in the long run. We all have a role to play in helping loved ones with drug or alcohol problems and with the help of professionals like doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we will succeed. And now that we have a professional to consult, let me make enquiry to keep us moving, do you have any member of your family or friend who is struggling with drug addiction or alcohol problem? If you have then you’re probably wondering how you can help. If this describes you, then you are in the right place and with the help of doctor Dalal Akoury we are going to help you get the clarity of some of your concerns as follows:

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem: How Can I Tell If I’m Overreacting to a Substance Abuse Problem?

This is a worthy concern because we must always be careful not to raise false alarm particularly with substance abuse. Therefore when you are trying to help it must not be construed to be overreacting. In many situations people will often notice problems or indicators in friends or family member’s work, health, family, finances, relationships, social functioning, legal issues, self-esteem or self-respect these are some of the areas that will give indications that a problem is in the making. You must therefore not be afraid of facing the problem for fear of being accused of being overreacting. Remember that continuing to use substances in spite of the fact that such behavior is causing problems is a big problem in itself. It gives a clear reflection that substance use has become more important than the problems it causes. It therefore goes without mentioned that anyone who is not willing to discuss the issue or consider whether there might be a problem under such conditions clearly demonstrate that an addiction problem do exists. With these indications, the question that follows would be, what are the action points one can take to be safe? The following guidelines will be very helpful:

  • Knowledge of all the signs and symptoms of substance use is very important as this will help you make informed decisions on the direction and treatment options to take.
  • Before you can make decisions, keenly make observation about the person’s behavior closely over a period of time may be a few days or weeks to have a clear understanding of what is making you to think that there is a problem. Having such information will be very helpful especially when it becomes necessary latter for your to share the same with other members of the family. It is also very important that as you chose to share this with other family members, seeking for pieces of advice from professionals would be very necessary before any decision can be made about the next cause of action.
  • With that said and done you can now share your observations with other family members and friends seeking their opinion about the same. The purpose of this is to determine how other people other than you also see the situation. In the event that they are in agreement with your observation, then there is a problem which needs to be fixed and this introduces the next step which is figuring out who will initiate the talk to the person about getting help.
  • Up to this point your role would be to ensure that professionalism is observed all through by first contacting experienced substance abuse professional, mental health professional, physician, employee assistance professional, guidance counselor, clergy or other helping professional to help you help your loved one. When sharing with the professionals about your observations, it is important that you describe your family member’s substance use pattern to see whether the professional would deem it a problem. Don’t be mean with information and ensure that you provide details such as the type of alcohol or other drugs, how much the person is using, how often, how long the pattern has continued, negative consequences and the person’s response to discussions or confrontations about substance use.
  • Ensure that you and other family members are safe from potential physical or emotional harm. If there is a threat or feat of physical violence you should develop a safety plan.

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem: Benefits of Early Identification and Action

Where I hail from there is a wise saying that “the early bird catches the worm” meaning in this context timely identification of drug related problems will give a healthy opportunity for recovery. This is all we need to champion for because we can. It is regrettable that what we watch or read from the media like the movies, books and magazines often portray people who have the “hit bottom” before they can be helped. This is what we have been made to believe and so many people have given up even before making any attempt of seeking for treatment. This is a misleading myth because the truth of the matter is people do not need to bottom out to be helped. It has been established from various studies that early identification of the problem is a much more effective solution for substance use problems.

Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility which was established by doctor Dalal Akoury primarily to bring a difference in addiction treatment agree that early identification occurs at the first signs of a problem before anyone has suffered a traumatic event, dropped out of school or lost important relationships, jobs, their health or self-respect. It is important to note that identification can be done through various means including a screening by a health care professional, employee assistance professional or even a family member. What happens after the screening depends on the results of the test. Some people can learn to cut back, while some need further assessment and possibly treatment says doctor Akoury.

In general, though, all people are better equipped to work on recovery if their substance use problem is discovered and confronted early. Treatment in the early stages of a substance use disorder is likely to be less intense, less disruptive and cause less anxiety.

When we fail to identify the signs and symptoms in good time, we will be actually waiting for the occurrence of a risky strategy. In other words we all need help in good time and in the absence of that much needed help, family members can only expect crises like arrests for being on the wrong side of the law, medical emergencies due to intoxication, job loss because of bad influence and non-performance, public embarrassment and even death. We will continue with the benefits of early detection in the subsequent articles but in the meantime, you may want to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury for professional guidance in the journey of addiction recovery.

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem: What you can do to help?

 

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