Dual complications of alcohol and medication interactions

September 22, 2015

Dual complications of alcohol and medication interactions: Mixing alcohol and medications

Dual complications of alcohol and medication interactions can pose serious threats to your health and the sooner you seek for help the better

We are all aware that alcohol is the most abused substance by many users and the consequences are chokingly devastating. What is worrying is that even with this knowledge, many people are still drinking disorderly and to further complicate the matter, they are not only drinking but are also using other toxic substances as accompaniments in their drinking spree. This is what we want to focus on even as we look at the dual complications of alcohol and medication interactions. Speaking to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of the facility, we were able to establish that alcohol consumption often has very harmful interactions with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and even some herbal remedies. To shade more light on this doctor Akoury registers that the interaction of alcohol with other prescribe medications is likely to cause problems including some of the following: nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, changes in blood pressure, abnormal behavior, loss of coordination and even savvier accidents. And besides that it is also very important to appreciate that mixing alcohol with other medications may also increase the risk of complications such including but not limited to the following:

Liver damage
Heart problems
Internal bleeding
Impaired breathing
Depression

In instances where such chronic health complications are present in an individual’s life, it is only fare for that person to seek for medication immediately. Nonetheless when medication is administered, in some cases, the consistent use of alcohol may decrease the effectiveness of such medications or render them useless all together says doctor Akoury. She continues to say that in other cases, alcohol interactions may make drugs harmful or even toxic to the body. And when we make reference to alcohol usage, it is important to note that even what is considered moderate consumption of alcohol may also intensify medication side effects such as sleepiness, drowsiness, and light-headedness, which may interfere with the individuals’ concentration and ability to operate machinery or drive responsibly on the road thereby causing serious or even fatal accidents. It is therefore very essential that when using any kind of medication, careful attention should be taken since alcohol can adversely interact with hundreds of commonly used medications. In that respect, taking time to scrutinize and make clear observation on the warning labels and ask your doctor or pharmacist questions if it’s safe to use alcohol with any medications and even other herbal remedies that you may be using.

Dual complications of alcohol and medication interactions: Alcohol interactions is significant and increases the danger

Do you have any idea about the significance of alcohol interaction? If you don’t, stay tuned and be informed professionally by our team of experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Therefore doctor Akoury reports that according to the CDC, about two-thirds of American adults over age 18 at least occasionally use alcohol. Of this population about 51% are currently regular drinkers meaning that they have taken at least 12 drinks in the past year while about 13% are infrequent drinkers and that also means that they have taken up to 11 drinks in the past year.

Use of prescription and non-prescription drugs, as well as herbal remedies, also is extremely prevalent. Partly because of the obesity epidemic, most people of all ages are taking more drugs to control chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol. Because the incidence of chronic conditions increases with age, older individuals are especially likely to take prescription medications often as many as 10 per day many of which likely react adversely with alcohol. As the population ages, the problems associated with mixing alcohol and medications are certain to increase.

Dual complications of alcohol and medication interactions: Older people are at special risk of alcohol interactions

In older adults especially, alcohol use may increase the risk for falls, serious injury, and disability related to balance problems. Alcohol use also may trigger or worsen certain medical conditions. When alcohol use is combined with multiple medications, it may magnify these problems. Older adults don’t metabolize alcohol as quickly as younger adults do, so alcohol stays in their systems longer and has a greater potential to interact with medications. Even though most people over 65 drink less than the maximum recommended amount, this drinking is still considered harmful for many of them, due to their general condition, medical problems and medications.

Dual complications of alcohol and medication interactions: Drugs associated with alcohol interactions

We are living at a time when so many administered drugs are easily available over-the-counter. Most of these drugs that can adversely interact with alcohol are administered for treatment of various health complications including:

Depression
Diabetes
Angina and coronary heart disease
Anxiety and epilepsy
Arthritis
Blood clots
Cough
Pain, fever, and inflammation
Seizures
Severe pain from injury, post-surgical care, oral surgery, and migraine
Sleep problems
Enlarged prostate
Heartburn and indigestion
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Allergies, colds, and flu
Infections
Muscle pain
Nausea and motion sickness

Examples of commonly used prescription drugs associated with serious alcohol interactions include heart medications, which can cause rapid heartbeat and sudden changes in blood pressure; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can increase risk of ulcers and stomach bleeding; blood-thinning medications, which can lead to internal bleeding; and sleep medications, which can lead to impaired breathing, motor control, and unusual behavior.

One of the most common causes of severe liver damage including some cases requiring a liver transplant is a combination of the pain reliever acetaminophen (available over the counter as Tylenol and in some prescription drugs) and alcohol. Other serious alcohol interactions are associated with over-the-counter antihistamines and herbal remedies such as kava, St. John’s wort, chamomile, valerian and lavender.

Dual complications of alcohol and medication interactions: Guidelines for preventing alcohol interactions

Doctor Akoury reiterates that although most drugs are often safe and effective when used as directed by the physician, it’s however very important to read the warning labels on all medications. Many popular pain medications and cough, cold, and allergy medications contain more than one ingredient that can adversely interact with alcohol. Finally as a precautionary measure, if by any chance you’re not certain if a medication can be combined with alcohol, it is advisable to avoid any alcohol consumption until you’re are properly advised by either a doctor or pharmacist that it’s safe to use the two concurrently. In the meantime as you put the above into practice, when faced with situations of addiction and you don’t know what to do, help is on the way at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury. All you have to do is to can and schedule for an appointment with her today and all you concerns will be professionally addressed.

Dual complications of alcohol and medication interactions: Mixing alcohol and medications

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin

August 12, 2015

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Why Ritalin can be addictive

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin is very crucial if we are to defeat all the elements of addiction that are associated with it.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin begins by first appreciating their roles into the brain. These drugs can be very addictive if taken in higher doses. In fact Ritalin works by increasing the dopamine output in the brain, which helps to improve concentration. Dopamine is also the neurotransmitter very much associated with reward and pleasure in the brain, and for this reason when Ritalin is taken in higher doses than the recommended amounts it can result in euphoria. Anything that causes a psychotropic reaction (a high) can result in a psychological addiction, and Ritalin is no different. Patients with ADHD who require Ritalin therapy are given the medication in gradually increasing dosages to slowly and steadily build up base levels of dopamine in the brain, and when this process occurs over time and in a controlled manner, there is no intoxication, and there is no risk of addiction.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Addictive if abused

When people take the medication for non-clinical reasons, they tend to take a higher dosage, do get high, and with prolonged abuse do find themselves addicted. Adults and children taking the medication for a legitimate medical condition, and following a doctor’s recommendations for dosage amounts and frequency, have little to worry about. Adults prescribed Ritalin sometimes do experiment with higher doses, and there have been thousands of cases where parents may also take and abuse their children’s medications. Although not as potent as a strict amphetamine, the abuse of Ritalin can be quite pleasurable, and is also associated positively with weight loss, and as such can be quite tempting.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Ritalin withdrawal symptoms

Doctor Dalal Akoury says that once a person becomes addicted to Ritalin, when they try to stop taking the drug, they will experience a syndrome of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms of withdrawal include: Tiredness, anxiety, depression, lethargy, hunger, cravings and many other symptoms.

The withdrawal and detox off of Ritalin presents very similarly to other psycho stimulants like crystal meth and cocaine, and the symptoms are predominantly internal and psychological in nature. Detox can best be accomplished in a facility away from access to the drug, and with the prescription of appropriate psychiatric medications that can take the edge off the depression and anxiety.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Adderall

Adderall is commonly prescribed to patients who have difficulty controlling their actions, maintaining focus, or staying awake. It contains the active ingredients dextro-amphetamine and levo-amphetamine, both of which are psycho-stimulant amphetamine molecules. Adderall was first introduced into the public in 1996 as an instant-release (IR) drug by Shire Pharmaceuticals. In 2006, a new version, Adderall extended release (XR), was made available as well. While the instant-release drug requires 3 hours to reach its maximum plasma concentration after consumption, the extended release version takes up to 7 hours to do so. Some of the known side effects of Adderall include insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, and hallucination. Adderall has been found to be addictive and dangerous to the health of some patients. Several withdrawal symptoms include panic attacks, seizure, fatigue

, and depression.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: The Chemistry and Mechanisms behind Adderall

The structure and action of Adderall resembles that of recreational drugs such as methamphetamine and MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) (also known as ecstacy). Adderall is a phenylalkylamine, consisting of a phenyl ring and nitrogen group. The molecular resemblance of Adderall to catecholamine neurotransmitters underlies the similarities in physiological function between Adderall and these natural neurotransmitters.

The amphetamines in Adderall can bind to receptors that are normally activated by specific catecholamines produced by different glands in the body (including the hypothalamus and adrenal medulla). Amphetamine can also result in the release of more neurotransmitters that can activate sensory regions throughout the nervous system. When these psycho-stimulants activate receptors in the brain, the emotional response consists of euphoria, insomnia, increased alertness, and, sometimes, anxiety or psychosis. Peripherally, the binding of amphetamine compounds to catecholamine receptors can result in a physical response that may include the vasoconstriction of blood vessels, tachycardia, and hypertension.

In addition to stimulating the release of catecholamines, the amphetamines in Adderall also inhibit the function of monoamine transporters, which function in the re-uptake and recycling of catecholamine neurotransmitters in order to terminate the neural signal by removing the neurotransmitters from the synapse. In effect, Adderall stimulates sensory systems by maintaining the concentration of neurotransmitter in the synapse. Adderall also partakes in a “reverse-transport” or efflux process in which the amphetamines are transported from the synapse through the transporters into the presynaptic neurons and the catecholamines are simultaneously transported from the presynaptic neurons through the transporter into the synapse. This leads to an increased concentration of neurotransmitters in the synapse, allowing them to trigger receptors and activate the neuropsychological effects mentioned above. Finally, amphetamine and its analogs also enhance the synaptic neurotransmitter concentration by acting as competitive inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. In all these if you want to be safe, it is necessary that you keep in constant consultation with the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury and you will not be caught an aware.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Potential for Abuse

Adderall has high risk for dependence and addiction. It is hypothesized that the addictive characteristics of Adderall are due to the activation of the mesolimibic dopaminergic pathway, in which the amphetamine in the drug binds to the transporter of the neurotransmitter dopamine to prevent removal of dopamine from the synaptic cleft. By prolonging the presence of dopamine in the synapse, amphetamine produces the long-lasting side-effects of euphoria, pleasure, and concentration. In addition, the highly connected neural circuits in the central nervous system can transport dopamine from one part of the brain to another, resulting in the proliferation of the chemical signal.

Adderall abuse can also cause dangerous physiologic effects such as hypertension, seizures, and mydriasis (dilation of the pupil). Increase in blood pressure is thought to be caused by the continued release of norepinephrine. The constant stimulation of nerve receptors is the mechanism behind Adderall addiction. With continued use over time, a tolerance is developed to Adderall, as seen with other addictive drugs as well – the more frequently these drugs, including Adderall, are used, the greater the amount that is needed to supply a response. The reinforcement behavior produced by Adderall can eventually cause long-term dependence.

Research has found that under some circumstances, Adderall can induce psychosis in adolescents comparable to schizophrenia. Though the precise mechanism is not clear, it is possible that this effect is due to an increased amphetamine-induced dopamine release. The symptoms cleared in patients who withdrew from using Adderall. The chemical similarity between natural neurotransmitters in the body and Adderall increases both the likelihood and degree of abuse. Thus, until the risks of psycho-stimulants are understood in more detail, it is advisable to remain cautious about prescribing Adderall to those with ADHD.

Understanding the substance Cocaine and Adderall Ritalin: Why Ritalin can be addictive

The illusion that substance abuse offers stress relief

July 31, 2015

The illusion that substance abuse offers stress relief: Substance abuse provides temporary relief from stress

The illusion that substance abuse offers stress relief is one that should not be taken seriously because the consequences can be life threatening.

Over the years research has established that the effects of stress on human life can damage individual’s mental and physical well-being. Despite of this establishment, we are somehow bound to be stressed in life owing to the nature of life’s demands today. Experts are very categorical that stress will always be there and reasonable stress may not be bad anyway however, our inability to deal with stress effectively when it strikes is the problem we need to work on. Ordinarily and this is where we all miss the point, when we are faced with stressful situations and circumstances we often go for the wrong elements of solutions. Doctor Dalal Akoury a respected drug addiction experts registered that one of the ways that people often run to for help is the use of alcohol or drugs. Whereas this type of self-medication can provide temporary relief, it however important to note that this is ultimately self-defeating. The consequences is that the individual will have more stress in their life than ever before and besides that they will lose their strength and ability to handle it progressively. Therefore the illusion that substance abuse offers stress relief is misleading and dangerous. Nonetheless there are so many different techniques that people can use to better manage stress effectively. We will be discussing some of those ways as we progress into the discussion and therefore I request you to stay on the link to the conclusion of this article and you will not regret it.

The illusion that substance abuse offers stress relief: Stress Defined

People often struggle to give the precise definition of stress yet in their life this word is used almost on a daily basis. A lot of us will give numerous examples of what stress does in an attempt to define the adjective however giving the precise specification of what stress is remains an uphill task to many a challenge that we want to pull off your shoulders now. Ideally stress is very subjective and people are even struggling to agree primarily on which things are stressful and those that are not. Like for instance so many people will be taken off gourd and fell stressed when they are asked to make a public speech, and yet again for others this won’t be such a big deal. We are all different as to what stressed us but we all have the common fact that despite being different on how and what stress us, we are all getting stressed at one point or another.

Therefore we can make several definitions of stress and one way of defining stress would be to simply register that it is the body’s way of dealing with a demand at any given time. This will involve the release of different chemicals in the body in preparation to taking action. It is also important to appreciate that the fight or flight response is produced by the body when there is a sense of danger. We may not shy away from the fact that stress has developed a bad reputation in our lives and societies, but the again it is also somehow essential for survival. That is because if people didn’t react to external events they would be in great danger from those events. Besides that stress can also be highly beneficial when it comes to preparation for exams or other important events. Does that surprise you? If it does I will explain for your understanding. From various studies it has been established that stress can encourage people to put in a lot of effort and it keeps them focused to their ultimate goal whether it is an exam or any other thing they want to excel in. now that we are all at par with what stress is, let us further into the discussion by addressing some of the elements that triggers stress.

The illusion that substance abuse offers stress relief: Stressors – Triggers of stress response

Anything that triggers the stress response is referred to as a stressor. Therefore some of the most common stressors include:

Sudden death of a loved one
Consistent conflicts at work or home
Chronic Illnesses
Overwork and undue targets
Poor time management
Legal problems
Major life changes such as changing house or job
Relationship breakdown
Unhealthy habits such as substance abuse

It may not be possible to put all the stressors here on paper because they are many and diversified but these are just a few that may help you know what are likely to cause you stress so that you can take action accordingly.

The illusion that substance abuse offers stress relief: The dangers of chronic stress

According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) and founder of this health facility, it is important to understand that the moment people spend a lot of time feeling stressed, a lot of changes will take effect in their lives. Like for instance when one is stressed he or she can begin to feel the effects of stress which can cause damage both physically and mentally. This is because the chemicals associated with the stress response are only meant to be in the bloodstream for short periods. Those who are chronically stressed will have such chemicals working overtime. Therefore, the following are some of the dangers of chronic stress that we need to take note of:

Chronic stresscauses the immune system to become less effective. This is because stress forces the immune system to release chemicals so that they end up being overused. Instead of helping people fight off infections, these chemicals begin to damage the individual’s own organs. This can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes among other chronic complications.
Chronic stress leads to fatigue and depression. Those who are dealing with a lot of stress in their lives will have poor mental health.
It can increase the risk of developing ulcers and digestive problems.
Many people who are dealing with chronic stress will turn to substance abuse.

Finally we will certainly continue with this discussion in our subsequent articles but in the meantime, it is important that if you are stressed and using the wrong substance for relief, it is time for you to choose life and live it in a healthy way. Doctor Akoury is an expert in all lines of addiction and your stressful life is one that she will help you fix in the most professional way if only you can schedule for an appointment with her today for the commencement of your treatment and full recovery.

The illusion that substance abuse offers stress relief: Substance abuse provides temporary relief from stress

Role of Addiction Rehabilitation Therapy in Recovery

June 18, 2015

Role of Addiction Rehabilitation Therapy in Recovery: When rehab is all you need

Role of Addiction Rehabilitation Therapy in Recovery is very important in the treatment process of drug addiction because it is much detailed

In the course of treatment of drug addiction, the physician will have several options that he can administer to the patient. Before any physician can enroll a patient for whatever treatment, they will first carry out an evaluation on the patient and from the findings of the evaluation; an appropriate treatment method will be applied. Rehabilitation is one of the most commonly used in the treatment of drug addiction. Therefore we are purposing in this article to find out the role of addiction rehabilitation therapy in recovery process or as a means of treatment. With the help of doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of expert from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center the brain child of doctor Akoury we are going to explore in details all the benefits of rehabilitation therapy and a treatment mode of drug addiction. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the effects of drug and alcohol abuse can be significant in an individual’s life however, with the right addiction recovery therapy program; victims of drug addiction can still have an opportunity to lead a healthy life. Nonetheless it is important to note that when this problem is not addressed professionally, drug and alcohol abuse can take a heavy toll on every aspect of your life. It cause strain in family relationships and can impact on your health badly.

Role of Addiction Rehabilitation Therapy in Recovery: When should one opt for an addiction therapy?

Before we get to this, it is important that we erase from our minds the concoction that we can do it on our own. This has been the norm with many people suffering from drug or alcohol addiction that they can overcome their addictions alone. The truth is that, drug addiction is quite complex and that is why in many cases you or your loved ones may very well have a strong desire to quit on your own and you keep relapsing, this is a testimony that for a successful recovery from drug or alcohol addiction you can’t do it all by yourself and so you will need the professional help from the experts and doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of experts will be glad to give you just that if only you could schedule for an appointment with her today.

Remember that with drug addiction, even the most strong-willed person will still find it difficult to conquer addiction without the help of an addiction recovery program. The reason behind this is because drugs and alcohol actually alter the way the brain functions. The chemicals contained in drugs and alcohol creates changes in the brain that actually foster substance abuse on a compulsive level. Doctor Akoury advices that if you or any of your loved ones have tried to quit unsuccessfully in the past, don’t lose hope or give up, it is important knowing that it is possible to pick up the pieces again and again and finally recover from this scourge of addiction.

Role of Addiction Rehabilitation Therapy in Recovery: The strength of scientific advances

As time lapses more new useful scientific findings are being discovered about drug and alcohol recovery therapists. And now there is a lot of information about this problem and we understand far more about the way substances work in the brain. This new insights has made it possible to successfully treat drug and alcohol addiction, so patients are able to once again lead productive lives. Besides that one sole problem with addiction is that of denial. Admitting that you or a loved one may need addiction recovery therapy can be difficult sometimes. Therefore it is important that you are aware of some of the indicators that can make you suspect that an addiction is cropping in your life or on your loved ones. The following may help you blow the whistle:

Mood swings
Red or glassy eyes
Social withdrawal
Behavioral changes
Irritability
Sniffy or runny nose
Careless grooming
Changes in sleeping patterns

If you have noticed any of the symptoms of drug abuse listed above in yourself, a family member or a friend, it may be time to seek out professional addiction therapy. Obtaining professional help is essential to drug and alcohol abuse recovery. And remember that there are many different types of addiction recovery therapy that will suit your situation up on seeking for help.

Role of Addiction Rehabilitation Therapy in Recovery: The Role of Therapy

The role of addiction recovery therapy in the entire recovery process is quite important. Without addressing the reasons that led to the initial addiction and understanding how to cope with those challenges in the real world, many patients may find they are vulnerable to relapse once they leave the treatment program. As part of the addiction recovery therapy process, you will often have the opportunity to meet with other patients. Drug and alcohol recovery therapists work one-on-one with patients to help them understand emotional addictions that can complicate drug and alcohol recovery. A variety of methods may be used to help treat such emotional dependencies, including:

Twelve-step programs
Group therapy
Talk sessions
Cognitive therapy

Doctor Akoury says that the primary objective of group therapy is to help drug addiction patients in connecting with other patients on an emotional level. This process also often helps in building bonds that provide patients with much-needed support once they leave the program. Peer support can prove to be a crucial element in successful recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The benefit of this is that once a patient has left the program, he will be able to continue attending therapy sessions on an outpatient basis in the quest to maintain an addiction-free and healthy lifestyle. This can help to greatly reduce the chances of relapse. In fact, a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that such programs can dramatically increase the chances that patients will abstain from drug or alcohol use in the future.

Finally the effects of drug and alcohol abuse on your life and the life of your family and friends can be very devastating. Therefore it is possible to counter those powerful effects with a comprehensive addiction recovery therapy program. When a treatment approach is customized to a patient’s individual abuse patterns while also addressing co-occurring social, psychiatric and medical problems, the result can be a sustained recovery and productive life free from abuse. Regardless of how long you or a loved one have suffered from addiction or how severe the addiction may be, help is available. Get to your phone and contact us today at 843 213 1480 to get the help you deserve and begin the path to a happier, sober life full of comfort and fulfillment.

Role of Addiction Rehabilitation Therapy in Recovery: When rehab is all you need

The process of detoxification of cocaine and opiate

June 18, 2015

The process of detoxification of cocaine and opiate: The reasons why detoxification must be done

The process of detoxification of cocaine and opiate are very necessary for the eventual recovery from addiction

When one is suffering from drug addiction, the first thing that the individual needs to do is to accept that he or she has a problem that needs to be fixed. This is always one step that often looks very easy but on paper but always very difficult in practice. However when we succeed in this then the next step would be to detoxify. This is what we want to concentrate on in this article so that we can begin to appreciate the positive solutions accruing from the process of detoxification of cocaine and opiate. We will be relying heavily on the expertise of the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center to shed more light about this first step of drug addiction treatment.

The process of detoxification of cocaine and opiate: Cocaine Detoxification

First of all medical detoxification is a process that systematically and safely withdraws people from addicting drugs this process is usually done under the care of a qualified physician. The consequences of drinking alcohol or using drugs is that when abused over a period of time, they can cause physical dependence and stopping them can result in withdrawal symptoms in people with this dependence. Therefore detoxification process is designed primarily to treat the immediate bodily effects of stopping drug use and to remove toxins left in the body as a result of the chemicals found in drugs or alcohol.

While at the present time, no proven pharmacologic therapy for cocaine addiction exists, several kinds of medications have been used in the detoxification of cocaine. Withdrawal from chronic cocaine use produces anxiety, depression and intense cravings for the drug. Several types of medications address these issues in different ways.

Antidepressant drugs such as desipramine or a combination of phentermine and fenfluramine have been used to reduce cocaine withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Benzodiazepines, tranquilizers such as Diazepam, have been used to reverse anxiety induced by cocaine withdrawal.
Amantadine, a drug used to treat Parkinson’s Disease, may be an effective treatment for cocaine-dependent patients with severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms and may reduce cocaine craving.
Bromocriptine, a drug that works on the brain’s dopamine system, has been used to decrease the craving for cocaine during detoxification and to reduce mood disturbance.
Propanolol, a beta-blocker drug used to treat high blood pressure, may be useful for severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms, as it slows down the effects of adrenaline, thereby calming the body’s “fight or flight” response to stressful situations.

This type of drug has been used to treat general anxiety and anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal. Propranolol’s lessening of symptoms such as palpitations and sweating has helped reduce cocaine craving. Its use, however, is not risk free in patients who have taken cocaine and can be associated with decreased blood flow to the heart and other changes that predispose patients to arrhythmia and a severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. Delayed toxic effects are possible. Any use of beta-blockers in this setting requires careful monitoring and caution.

The process of detoxification of cocaine and opiate: Opiate Detoxification

Medical Detoxification: In order to withdraw from certain addictive substances safely, it may be preferable and in some cases necessary to undergo medically supervised detoxification in a hospital or residential treatment center that has a detoxification unit. This would be advisable for patients that have been using an addictive substance heavily for a longer period of time and are more likely to have more severe withdrawal symptoms, or those with other significant health problems. Inpatient detoxification allows the patient to be closely monitored throughout the process and given appropriate medication to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms. It commonly involves the gradual administration of decreasing doses (tapering) of an agent that is related to the original drug of abuse that is now substituted to prevent withdrawal.

Rapid Detoxification: In this procedure drug withdrawal occurs while patients are asleep under general anesthesia. The patient is given intravenous injections of medications called opiate blockers which stop the action of narcotics and opiate drugs as well as injections of other medications that reduce the symptoms of withdrawal such as muscle relaxants or anti-nausea medications. This process results in rapid withdrawal from the physical effects of addiction. Through the use of opiate blockers such as naltrexone, naloxone, and nalmephine, physical detoxification is achieved within 4 to 8 hours. Rapid detox takes place in an intensive care unit of a hospital. Patients are usually discharged within 48 hours following recovery from anesthesia and assessment of their physical status.

Rapid detoxification helps reduce the distress of opiate withdrawal for people who are chemically dependent on narcotics such as heroin, Vicodin, Percocet, Demerol, Dilaudid, Darvocet, OxyContin, opium, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, prescription painkillers, and all narcotic type drugs. It shortens the detoxification period and spares patients the pain and physical discomforts of withdrawal. It may be of great benefit to patients who suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms and who have failed repeatedly to complete conventional withdrawal programs. However, there are significant costs as well as risks associated with the use of general anesthesia. It is imperative that the procedure be performed by medical professionals who are highly trained in these procedures in a medical setting that is fully equipped to deal with any complications that may arise.

Ultra Rapid Detoxification: This procedure involves putting patients under general anesthesia and giving them a drug called Naltrexone which blocks all of their endorphin receptors. This accelerates the withdrawal process, pushing them into 100% detoxification within a 5-30 minute period. Although this is an extremely painful process it is tolerable under anesthesia. As with rapid detoxification, it is very costly and has significant medical risk.

Outpatient Detoxification: Outpatient medical detoxification is usually safe and effective for people who are more likely to have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. For instance, opiate detoxification in the outpatient primary care setting can be accomplished with a variety of medications such as buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP/NX) or clonidine alone or combined with naltrexone. Buprenex, approved by the FDA, can be given on an outpatient basis by physicians who receive required eight-hour training. Using Buprenex, the detoxification can take between 7-14 days.

Methadone: The most common method of opiate detoxification is to use Methadone in an approved clinic and slowly taper the patient down from the usual dose to zero over a period of approximately 21 days. This process still entails an uncomfortable withdrawal period and patients often use drugs during the withdrawal period. Now that you know what detoxification can do to those who are struggling with drug addiction, and being the first step of treatment, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for the process of detoxification of cocaine and opiate to begin in good time. Doing this is the best thing you can either do to yourself or to your loved ones because the result is comfort and productive life full of enjoyment and fulfillment.

Tag Archives: Cocaine