Tag Archives: coping with challenges of drug addiction

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Drugs chemical structure affects the brain

May 30, 2016
Drugs chemical structure

Drugs chemical structure affects the brain negatively and immediate remedial action needs to be taken

Drugs chemical structure affects the brain: How does it happen?

Anytime you take drugs, it must always register in your mind that you are taking in chemicals. From an expert point of view, doctor Akoury agrees that drugs are indeed chemicals. Therefore when consume these chemicals into their body, it will not matter the mode of administration whether it is taken through smoking, injection, inhaling, or eating or drinking their solution, the content will quickly tap into your brain’s communication system and interfere with the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. This interference cannot be taken lightly and that is why we want to find out how it happens because it has been established that drugs chemicals structure affects the brain badly.

We spoke to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury about this revelation and this is their professional opinion. Due to the diverse difference in drugs and coupled with the fact that drugs chemical structure affects the brain, we wanted to find out how. Doctor Akoury therefore confirms that there are at least two ways by which drugs work in the brain. That is to say; either by imitating the brain’s natural chemical messengers or over stimulating the “reward circuit” of the brain. And whichever way it takes, the effect/impact cannot be a healthy experience. It therefore means that timely treatment precaution needs to be taken to remedy the situation. As an addict to any of the drugs chemical structure or if someone you know is struggling with the same, you can be of help to them. All you need to do is to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of their recovery process. This is very important and needs not to wait another moment because the magnitude of drugs chemical structure affects the brain can also cause insanity or dual diagnosis.

Drugs chemical structure affects the brain: Varieties of drugs

Like we have also mentioned that some of these substances, like for instance marijuana or heroin, have chemical structures which are able to imitate that of a neurotransmitter which naturally occurs in our bodies. It is therefore possible that, these drugs can actually “fool” our receptors, lock onto them, and activate the nerve cells. However, they don’t work the same way as a natural neurotransmitter, and the neurons wind up sending abnormal messages through the brain, which can cause problems both for our brains as well as our bodies.

Finally many other substances including cocaine and methamphetamine, cause nerve cells to release too much dopamine, which is a natural neurotransmitter, or prevent the normal recycling of dopamine. This leads to exaggerated messages in the brain, causing problems with communication channels. We will as we progress with is discussion in the next articles further explore on the how it happens. Our focus is going to be on the specifics including the high from drugs, the repeat effect and the long term effect. This is healthy and you do not want to miss. We beseech you to keep on the link and be the first to know so that you can also help others take immediate remedial actions with doctor Akoury.

Drugs chemical structure affects the brain: How does it happen?

 

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Moral failing has no link with drug addiction

November 25, 2015

Why drug addiction is not a moral failing: Addiction medicine, new medical specialty

Why drug addiction is not a moral failing

Why drug addiction is not a moral failing? Research has established that drug addiction is a disease like any other and must be addressed medically without any form of victimization morally or otherwise.

Traditionally if you had problem with drugs and alcohol, the society would see you as one who is not morally upright. We are also told that old is gold but is this perception productive in anyway? And would you consider it as gold in the present generation? Those are some of the points we want to consider in this discussion and that is why we are choosing the topic “why drug addiction is not a moral failing by all standards? To be more specific with this tradition doctor Dalal Akoury MD, founder and also the President of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is a veteran addiction expert who has helped in the transformation of millions of people across the globe with their addiction complication is going to help us understand the variance between the old perception and the new scientific understanding of the complications relating to misuse of alcohol and drug addiction. She says that up until the early twentieth century it was common to view addiction as a moral failing. It is regrettable that those individuals who fell into cage of such behaviors were viewed as bad people who were willfully doing wrong. As time goes by and with new research studies revelations, this view begun to change in the early 1940s with the arrival of groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. This brought a new dispensation and people began to look upon addiction as a disease that could be treated if the right professionals are engaged. And according to the available statics we can now confirm that over the last few decades the medical professionals’ establishment has further endorsed the idea that such behaviors are a brain disease by creating a new specialty to treatment of addiction.

Moral failing has no link with drug addiction : Relationship between medicine and addiction is not a new one

We are all aware that western medication has been predominantly involved in the treatment of addiction for many years with some little restrictions in the applications. The explanation to this is that many alcoholics have traditionally sought their physician expert’s opinion from time to time when they decided to get help for their addiction and the complications that come with it. Under normal circumstance during such visits, the physician would in most cases refer them to other specific professionals such as psychiatrist, addiction therapist, or self-help group. Things are changing and now the medical establishment is viewing addiction as a disease that they can treat. This has led to the rise of a new specialty of addiction medicine. And according to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, doctor Akoury is registering that in the past it was not unknown for physicians to be highly knowledgeable about addiction. As a matter of fact, those who are regularly dealing with such patients may decide to do additional courses so as to increase their ability to help. The American Society of Addiction Medicine has been on the leading front in providing this training to those who willing to benefit from it. It is therefore important to appreciate that those groups that have also been the driving force for ensuring that addiction medicine became a recognized specialty had their dreams realized in 1988.

Why drug addiction is not a moral failing: Need for addiction to be a medical specialty

One clear fact that needs to be understood is that addiction has consequences that cut’s on both sides of the divide. That is to say that everybody has his or her portion of pain whether you are a direct or indirect victim. And remember that at the moment there are many different professionals involved in providing care for addicts and some of those professionals may include:

  • Addiction therapists
  • Addiction counselors
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Psychiatric nurses
  • Public health professionals

Even though a lot of progress has been made with the treatment of addiction patients, much more is still need to be done because of the following reasons:

  • There is increasing evidence that alcoholism is a physical disease – a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. If it is a medical condition then it is only natural that there should be a medical specialty that is focused on offering the most effective possible treatment.
  • High resonance imaging shows that addiction does actually cause damage to the brain meaning that it is a medical problem.
  • There are now a number of medical institutions across the globe including in the US offering accredited one year programs where doctors can gain the knowledge they need for the treatment of addiction – in the past such courses were not accredited. This means that these physicians will be in a much better position to offer the help their patients need.
  • Information is power and the lack of it about addiction is certainly going to be a gap that needs to be filled and this can be done by creating an addiction specialty in medicine to help in breaching the gap.
  • Addiction is viewed as similar to other chronic conditions such as diabetes. When it is not possible to offer a cure the focus should be on medical management of the symptoms.
  • The medical management of addiction can focus on relapse prevention. By getting somebody to stop abusing alcohol or drugs. This must be appreciated that this is just half the battle and the real task is to help them stay stopped.
  • There are a number of pharmaceutical drugs that people can use to overcome their addictions and of particular interest are drugs that may reduce the intensity of cravings or help the individual pass through withdrawals easier.
  • Sending addicts to psychiatrists might not always be the best course of action because many of these individuals do not have psychiatric problems although a high percentage of them do.
  • Physicians often feel helpless to help addicts. The growth of the specialty of addiction medicine means that they can do more than merely patch them up and send them back out to the world.
  • The physician is often in a good position to recognize the symptoms of an addiction.

Moral failing has no link with drug addiction: Future of addiction treatment

Finally with this fact that addiction has become a bona fide medical specialty out of the box, we need to start seeing real time improvements in the care of addicts such including the following says doctor Akoury:

  • There will be an increasing number of physicians who have a good understanding of addiction and treatment. These professionals will be able to help ensure that addicts who pass through the medical system receive adequate treatment.
  • It is likely to mean that there will be increased research into pharmaceutical and other treatments that may be of value to those struggling with addiction.
  • It should mean that physicians can do more than just pass the addict onto another specialty.
  • Physicians will be able to play a key role in relapse prevention.

All these are tailored towards ensuring that addiction victims get the best and this best can only be realized when you as a victim of an addiction schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for further professional guidance.

Moral failing has no link with drug addiction: Addiction medicine, new medical specialty

 

 

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Correct addiction treatment delivers good health

November 25, 2015

Correct addiction treatment delivers good health: Planning to making it through the treatment obstacles

Correct addiction treatment

Wants to Identify with the right and correct addiction treatment? Doctor Dalal Akoury will help you realize this. It is very important to note that this will help you stay focus to the ultimate goal of defeating addiction

What comes into your mind at the mention of this topic “correct addiction treatment delivers good health” Of course we are all aware that substance abuse is a multi-dimensional and disruptive condition in many ways and more so in the areas of an individual’s life alongside their well-being. In this regard it goes without saying that correct addiction treatment will only be effective if it incorporates many distinct components with each directed toward a particular aspect of the illness and its consequences. The humble beginning of addiction may be harmless and of voluntary choice, it doesn’t change the fact that addictive behavior do generate desperation and that is why it is always characterized by compulsive, and at times uncontrollable drug craving which continue consistently in the face of exceedingly negative consequences. So why is it necessary to identify with the right drug addiction treatment? We spoke with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center to put to perspective this concern. From the discussion with doctor Dalal Akoury the facilities MD, founder and also the President of the same, it was evident that prolonged drug exposure has damaging effect on the brain by altering an individual’s learning, memory, motivation receptors and inhibitory control, which then compromises any ability to self-regulate.

Doctor Akoury is registering that looking at the chronic nature of the disease and the complex form of chemical dependency it can only mean that one cannot simply stop using drugs without the serious intervention of medical professionals and especially those that are experts in addiction. Therefore to do this one will basically require a degree of medically monitored care that delivers a safe detoxification of the body and mind. Besides all these it is equally important to note that the administration of treatment will depend on the addict’s substance of choice and psychological stability, and further to that, treatments may also vary in how to achieve sustained abstinence. As we progress into the discussion, one of the treatment procedures that could be adopted is that of therapy. We have dealt with this previously but for the purpose of this discussion we will mention a few points about therapy as an alternative treatment for drug addiction.

Correct addiction treatment delivers good health: The role of therapy in drug addiction treatment

The ultimate goal for any treatment for drug addiction is to make a difference in the lives of both the direct and indirect victims. It must therefore help the individual to stop using their drug of choice, and also to guide them in the right direction of maintaining a drug-free lifestyle. In the line of treatment, it is still very important to note that even after detox, when physical dependence is cured; the psychological and social factors still remains a powerful stimuli which will put addicts back at high risk for relapse without a good program put in place to curb this. Some of the program that can be of great benefit to the patient after treatment may involve the use of self-help groups, aftercare or therapy paired with the motivation to practice continued use of the direction found in treatment for managing craving or impulse to use. Professionally experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center agrees that activities like cognitive behavioral therapy, family counseling, psychotherapy and other approaches are beneficial and will all ultimately promote sobriety as well as treating other mental health conditions contributing to drug abuse. Nonetheless it is important to appreciate that the ultimate goal of therapy, treatment of mental and emotional health as well as chemical dependence is to bring back an addict to productivity, full functioning place in the family, at work, and in society once again says doctor Akoury. The choices a recovering addict makes after treatment will set the stage, so to speak, for the degree of freedom from substance abuse and its effects he or she would like to achieve.

Correct addiction treatment delivers good health: The steps after treatment from addiction

The role of a drug addiction treatment program is to aid an addict in physically weaning themselves from abused substances and prepare them for leading a sober life. Staying sober in the caring and nurturing walls of a treatment facility can be unproblematic for many, but the challenge of confronting life on life’s terms again rests with the individual. This is why it’s so important that an addict truly accept their present condition that they have lost control of their ability to regulate substance use, and possess sincere motivation to stop. Denial is a serious impediment to success in the recovery process and so it must be dealt with expeditiously. It must therefore be appreciated that no one needs to be alone in and during recovery, remember that a strong support system in sobriety will certainly be worth its weight in gold to recovering addict struggling in a difficult moment; but ultimately the decision to continue to seek help and stay sober is an independent one and that is why addressing and redress of denial is very paramount in this whole process of drug addiction treatment.

Finally even as we work toward identifying with the right drug addiction treatment, at the back of our minds we must appreciate that drug addiction is something which is posing a serious threat to humanity and the most unfortunate thing about it is that it is never cured; that is to say that no length of sobriety will render someone incapable of relapse. What treatment offers are the tools necessary for addict to live without the need of a crutch, and the ability to navigate life with a self-generated strength and freedom. With that at the back of your mind, it is only fear that everyone of us and in particular people struggling with any form of addiction to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for further insight of what and how best they can be assisted overcome the scourge of addiction. You can make that call today on telephone number 843 213 1480 and all your concerns will be addressed timely and professionally.

Correct addiction treatment delivers good health: Planning to making it through the treatment obstacles

 

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Using aromatherapy in drug addiction recovery

November 24, 2015

Using aromatherapy in drug addiction recovery: Alternative therapies for people in recovery

Using aromatherapy

Using aromatherapy in addiction recovery can bring very tangible difference in the lives of young and old people doing drugs.

It is an open secret that alcohol or drug addiction is posing serious threat to human life and health. A lot is being done to find user friendly application that will the victims comfort during and after recovery. And even as this is everybody concern, it has not deleted the fact that recovering from the various kinds of addiction can be very challenging. Speaking to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we are able to share with you a variety of great resources available that can make the healing and reconstruction process much easier. According to doctor Dalal Akoury MD who is the founder and president of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, any minor discomforts that an individual experiences during the initial settling in period to sobriety will be worth it because of the benefits to be gained by this new way of living after the absolute recovery process is completed. We appreciate that the healing process will often come with some elements of discomforts like the withdrawal symptoms, but nonetheless it is important to note that there are possibilities of reducing these discomforts to a minimum and manageable levels. One of the ways of achieving this is to make use of alternative therapies such as using aromatherapy, and that brings us to our topic of discussion today which is “using aromatherapy in addiction recovery.” This will be very interesting and productive not only to the direct victims, but also to the indirect victims. We therefore want to kindly request you to stay with us on the link to get that facts right so that together we can make not just a difference, but a significant one.

Using aromatherapy in drug addiction recovery: Elucidation of aromatherapy

It is good that we understand what aromatherapy is and more so in relation to our subject of discussion. From the expert’s point of view, aromatherapy has been practiced for centuries by different cultures across the globe and the benefits have spoken for themselves. Anciently it is believed to date back to several generations and it is one of the oldest applications to date. It is no wonder that today it is classified as one of the types of alternative medicine or holistic treatment. It involves using various plant materials and aromatic ingredients in order to produce scents that are believed to benefit mental, physical, and spiritual health. The individual benefits from the properties of these mixtures through inhalation.

For better understanding, it is important to note that there are varieties of essential Oils which comes in liquid form and are used in aromatherapy. They are made up from the oils of plants or other compounds and in many instances they (oils) are often extracted through the process of distillation which is a method of separating solutions that involves boiling. The different essential oils that are created by this process are not only used for aromatherapy, but can also be applicable in a number of ways including being found in cosmetics and sometimes even food. Currently we do have many different types of essential oils that are used for a multitude of purposes with just one single essential oil can contain up to a hundred different compounds inside of it.

Using aromatherapy in drug addiction recovery: How aromatherapy works

When it comes to usage, many people are often perplexed of various things including cost and the duration of recovery. These are among the concerns that we will all have but one very important element that we must have is that despite such concerns, it is still possible to begin benefiting from aromatherapy without spending heavily. Doctor Akoury is advising that, all that is really needed is some essential oil and a diffuser. By now we all understand the use of essential oils however the purpose of the diffuser is to heat the essential oil so that it can diffuse into the air as a vapor. And besides this there are also some aromatherapy products that can be directly inhaled or applied to the body. Careful consideration should be taken so that this is only done with products designed for this purpose.

The other concern we noted is that of the cost element. I deadly doctor Akoury says that these products (essential oils) will definitely vary in price with smaller quantities of about 15 ml costing approximately $5 to $50. These figures may still be high for some client but the good news we have now is that these days it is possible to find things even cheaper online but even as you go online it is still very important to only deal with a reliable suppliers. The other point is that there are different types of diffuser available with some using candles while others will use a special electrical light bulb to heat the essential oil. It is usual to mix the oil with water in the diffuser. It is also suggested that people investigate the different types of products available to decide which ones will most benefit them, and this will depend on what function they wish the essential oil to perform for them.

Using aromatherapy in drug addiction recovery: Aromatherapy for people in recovery

One ultimate fact that we must not forget is that while aromatherapy is essential for people recovering from addiction and alcoholism, it is important to note that on its own, it cannot cure addiction, but these compounds can be of great importance to people recovering from any kind of addiction. For better understanding, the following are some of the benefits one would get when using these products:

  • Some essential oils can be effective at helping people relax. This can be particularly important for people in early recovery who can find adjusting to their new life a bit overwhelming at times.
  • It is fairly common for people in the first year of recovery to complain of a fuzzy brain – this can occur as a result of the initial withdrawals or post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). There are some essential oils that can increase mental clarity.
  • Many people complain of difficulties sleeping during the early days of recovery. Essential oils in evening will be able to relax them and put them in the mood for sleep.
  • Meditation can be of great benefit to those who are recovering from an addiction. Some people find that essential oils help them fall more easily into a meditative state – although people need to be careful because if the aroma is too noticeable it will act as a distraction.
  • Some of these products can be good at lifting people’s mood.
  • There are oils that can help people reduce their anxiety levels.
  • They can help lessen the impact of withdrawal symptoms such as body discomfort and nausea.

Finally the use of aromatherapy in addiction recovery is very essential in helping addicts stay comfortable even when the effects of withdrawal symptoms occur making them very effective in controlling instances of relapse. We are going to continue with this discussion progressively in our subsequent article and we want to invite you to continue being with us for more information about the efficiency of aromatherapy. In the meantime if you have any concern that you need to be addressed, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today and you will be attended to professionally.

Using aromatherapy in drug addiction recovery: Alternative therapies for people in recovery

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Crashing addiction

Aromatherapy effectiveness in addiction recovery process

November 24, 2015

Aromatherapy effectiveness of in addiction recovery process: What role can aromatherapy play during rehabilitation?

Aromatherapy effectiveness

Aromatherapy effectiveness in addiction recovery is a powerful tool for crushing drug addiction to its knees.

When we talk of the effectiveness of aromatherapy in addiction recovery, we must ask certain question and get straight answers to them. Like for instance we may want to know what role can aromatherapy play during addiction recovery in a rehabilitation facility? Doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and president of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is registering that recovery and rehabilitation are holistic processes in which an individual physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions can all be considered. This consideration can be done in several ways and aromatherapy effectiveness in addiction recovery has proven to be a successful ingredient in offering solutions for many people. Which then brings us to the question once again that “what role can aromatherapy play in your rehabilitation and efforts to stay clean and sober?” with the help of doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction expert of several decades we are going to discuss with you a simple rehabilitation guide of the effectiveness of aromatherapy and how it can help you during rehabilitation. But first thing first let us define aromatherapy.

It is important to note that aromatherapy stimulates the central function of your brain where the sense of smell originates. In other words we can say that anytime you are enjoying any smell that you find pleasant or relaxing, you are actually engaging in a form of aromatherapy. Besides essential oils and aromatic plant substances are typically used in successful aromatherapy. And like we had mentioned before, it is widely believed that the more natural the ingredients are, the healthier the therapy will be and the better the results achieved will be. Inhaling safe, organic aromas that you find enjoyable is the essence of aromatherapy which is very essential for soothing addiction and minimizing chances of relapse. It is believed that the inhaling of these aromas stimulates the brain to release chemicals that make you feel relaxed, calm, happy or positively stimulated to achieve what you desire in life. With this achievement, one is able to contain and cope effectively with all the withdrawal symptoms and live a normal and happy life says doctor Akoury.

Aromatherapy effectiveness of in addiction recovery process: Aromatherapy and recovery from alcohol and drugs

Following the achievements listed above, it is evident that aromatherapy is a fine tool for minimizing most triggers of addiction and alcoholism. Such triggers may include anxiety, apprehension, pain, stress, hurtful memories, fear, depression and insomnia. As a matter of fact many studies while applying large sample groups have demonstrated quite clearly that aromatherapy alleviates all of these triggers. Like for instance in one of the studies where women were involved, it was demonstrated that depression reduces the ability to smell. Aromatherapy increases olfactory functioning and alleviated symptoms of depression.

Aromatherapy effectiveness of in addiction recovery process: Essential oils effective in recovery and rehabilitation

There are many oils that can be used in aromatherapy to alleviate the triggers to drinking and drug use. When this occurs, you will be able to stay sober and drug-free more easily. Some of the more common essential oils used in aromatherapy may include:

Lavender oil – this is sometimes is also known as the oil of peace due to its ability to help people become calm and relaxed. It is a good option for people who want to be comfortable and in good mood for a peaceful sleep time or just want to peace of mind after a busy day.

Ylang Ylang – this is another essential oil that is believed to be good for relaxation in many ways.

Lemon oil – this is believed to enhance mood and trigger the feelings of sufficiency of energy to face the day’s challenges. Besides that there are is also some evidence to suggest that it can help people deal better with stress.

Peppermint oil – this is said to be good for helping people deal with minor body discomforts including mild headaches. It is also good for relieving nausea which is often a problem for people going through withdrawals.

The smell of Sandalwood – it is commonly found in Buddhist and Hindu temples where it is used in incense. It can be good for putting people in the mood for contemplation.

Bergamot oil – this is believed to help alleviate mild symptoms of depression.

Eucalyptus oil – is actually good for opening up the airways and it can make people feel like they have more energy.

Chamomile oil – this is another essential oil that is good for promoting relaxation and sleep.

Clary Sage – this is said to be good for reducing levels of anxiety and promoting sleep.

Dill oil – this is said to help people deal with feelings of being overwhelmed, and it is also good for general relaxation.

Ginger oil – this is said to be a mild stimulant. This means that it may lift mood and increase mental clarity.

Jasmine – this is said to lift the mood and can be used as a mild antidepressant.

Aromatherapy effectiveness of in addiction recovery process: Things to consider with aromatherapy

Even though aromatherapy is generally considered safe, the following elements are worth considering before using any of these products:

  • Take note never to ingest any essential oil unless it has been specifically designed for that purpose.
  • Aromatherapy is like most things in life – best in moderation.
  • Always follow the instructions for the use of the different products keenly.
  • If you have any type of respiratory problems such as asthma you will need to be very careful when opting for these oils. It is advised that they avoid them completely unless given the ok by their physician.
  • It is important to be aware of any potential side effects related to these products – for example, rosemary can sometimes lead to a rise in blood pressure and should be avoided by people who have hypertension.
  • Hyssop oil may trigger seizures in those people who have a history of convulsions.
  • Pregnant women are usually advised to avoid aromatherapy.
  • These products can be dangerous if they get into the eyes. People need to be careful to wash their hands if any of the oil has gotten onto their skin – otherwise they could accidentally rub the oil into the skin.
  • It is advised that those people who have any type of estrogen dependent cancers should avoid oils such as aniseed, fennel, and sage which are estrogen like compounds. This would include breast and ovarian cancer.
  • The cost of essential oils can vary a great deal so it is advisable to shop around. Some products cost far more than others, but the only real difference will be the brand name.

Finally these are points not to ignore if you want to get the best out of aromatherapy. And in case you have any further concern that you need to be addressed, you can use this opportunity to call the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and all your concerns will not only be addressed, but they will be handled professionally.

Aromatherapy effectiveness of in addiction recovery process: What role can aromatherapy play during rehabilitation?

 

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