Drug addiction treatment approaches that works

November 23, 2015

Drug addiction treatment approaches that works: How it should be done?

Effective approaches for drug addiction treatment are essential in delivering a drug free society

Because of the nature and complications of addiction, it is always very important to be very careful with the way one choses to handle the recovery process. Professionally doctor Dalal Akoury MD and addiction expert of several decades is registering that the effective approaches for drug addiction treatment should include and is not limited to medication and behavioral therapy, especially when combined. It is important to appreciate that these are very important elements of an overall therapeutic process that often begins with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Bringing the withdrawal symptoms complications to manageable levels can be very important in the commencement of treatment. And besides that, preventing relapse is also very necessary for maintaining the effects of treatment. And according to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, it is important to note that sometimes just as with other chronic conditions, incidents of relapse may require a return to the prior treatment components. A variety of care and services that includes a customized treatment regimen addressing all aspects of an individual’s life, including medical and mental health services and follow up options like for instance, community or family based recovery support systems can be crucial to a patient’s success in achieving and maintaining a drug free lifestyle says doctor Akoury.

Drug addiction treatment approaches that works: Medications

Medications can be used to help with different aspects of the treatment process including:

Withdrawal – From the past experience it is worth noting that medications is very essential as it facilitates the process of suppressing withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. And besides that it is also important to note that, medically assisted detoxification is not in itself treatment of an addiction, as a matter of fact, it is only the first step in the treatment process. It therefore means that patients who go through medically assisted withdrawal and fail to go for any further treatment show drug abuse patterns similar to those who were never treated.

Treatment – Medications can be used to help re-establish normal brain function and to prevent relapse and diminish cravings. Currently, we have medications for opioids which may include heroin and morphine, tobacco, (nicotine), and alcohol addiction. Efforts are also being made in developing others for treatment of stimulant e.g. cocaine, methamphetamine etc. and cannabis (marijuana) addiction. Most people with severe addiction problems, however, are poly-drug users meaning that they are using more than one drug at the sometime. Such people will definitely require treatment for all of the substances that they abuse like for instance:

Opioids: Methadone, buprenorphine and, for some individuals, naltrexone are effective medications for the treatment of opiate addiction. Acting on the same targets in the brain as heroin and morphine, methadone and buprenorphine suppress withdrawal symptoms and relieve cravings. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of heroin or other opioids at their receptor sites and should only be used in patients who have already been detoxified. All medications help patients disengage from drug seeking and related criminal behavior and become more receptive to behavioral treatments.
Tobacco: A selection of preparations of nicotine replacement therapies now exist including the patch, spray, gum, and lozenges that are available over the counter. In addition, two prescription medications have been FDA–approved for tobacco addiction: bupropion and varenicline. They have different mechanisms of action in the brain, but both help prevent relapse in people trying to quit. Each of the above medications is recommended for use in combination with behavioral treatments, including group and individual therapies.
Alcohol: Three medications have been approved by FDA for treating alcohol dependence: naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram.

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that are involved in the rewarding effects of drinking and in the craving for alcohol. It reduces relapse to heavy drinking and is highly effective in some but not all patients—this is likely related to genetic differences.
Acamprosate is thought to reduce symptoms of protracted withdrawal, such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and
Dysphoria (an unpleasant or uncomfortable emotional state, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability). It may be more effective in patients with severe dependence.
Disulfiram interferes with the degradation of alcohol, resulting in the accumulation of acetaldehyde, which, in turn, produces a very unpleasant reaction that includes flushing, nausea, and palpitations if the patient drinks alcohol.

Compliance can be a problem, but among patients who are highly motivated, disulfiram can be very effective.

Drug addiction treatment approaches that works: Behavioral Treatments

Behavioral treatments help patients engage in the treatment process by modifying their attitudes and behaviors related to drug abuse besides increasing healthy life skills. These treatments can also enhance the effectiveness of medications and help people stay in treatment longer. Treatment for drug abuse and addiction can be delivered in many different settings using a variety of behavioral approaches.

Outpatient behavioral treatment encompasses a wide variety of programs for patients. Most of the programs available involve individual or group drug counseling. Some programs also offer other forms of behavioral treatment such as:

Cognitive–behavioral therapy, which seeks to help patients recognize, avoid and cope with the situations in which they are most likely to abuse drugs
Multidimensional family therapy, which is targeting adolescents with drug abuse problems alongside their families. It addresses a range of influences on their drug abuse patterns and is designed to improve overall family functioning
Motivational interviewing, which capitalizes on the readiness of individuals to change their behavior and enter treatment
Motivational incentives also known as contingency management, which uses positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from drugs

Residential treatment programs can also be very effective, especially for those with more severe problems. For example, therapeutic communities (TCs) are highly structured programs in which patients remain at a residence, typically for 6 to 12 months. TCs differ from other treatment approaches principally in their use of the community treatment staff and those in recovery as a key agent of change to influence patient attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors associated with drug use.

Drug addiction treatment approaches that works: Treatment within the criminal justice system

We conclude with the treatment in a criminal justice setting which is tailored into succeeding in preventing an offender’s return to criminal behavior, particularly when treatment continues as the person transitions back into the community. Finally with these effective approaches for drug addiction treatment, you can call on doctor Akoury for professional help by scheduling for an appointment so that your concerns can be addressed effectively and professionally.

Drug addiction treatment approaches that works: How it should be done?

Eliminating drug addiction by leading from the top

October 17, 2015

Eliminating drug addiction by leading from the top: Pooling together from all angles

All leaders ores their subject the duty of care in offering guidance and leading by example when it comes to eliminating drug addiction.

In normal day to day life there will always be people in the position of leadership and subjects to be lead. These are positions that we will always have in life and there is very little we can do to avoid them. And if you think you can then you are wrong, take a look at this illustration of a family where there is the husband (male) and wife (female) and their children, in such a setup there will be some elements of leadership in different roles performed by each member of the family. That is just to explain why some people will be leaders and others will be the subject to be lead. Now in any good leadership, leading by example from top is always the secret to success. In this article however, we want to look at how best eliminating drug addiction by leading from the top can be made possible. This could be applicable everywhere including workplaces, families, learning institutions and many more. Our focus is however going to be on the taking good leadership about eliminating drug addiction in our work places. Previously we dealt with addiction in workplaces but now we want to see how good leadership can be an effective tool for effective management of the scourge of addiction. Experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury says that any effective health and safety performance in a work environment can only come from the top trickling down.

Doctor Akoury says that in an organization where there is the board of directors as the top decision making organ, it is always very important that members of the board have both collective and individual responsibility for health and safety as one of the pillars of the organizations’ policy. When it comes to alcohol and substance abuse, directors and boards need to examine their own behaviors, both individually and collectively, against the guidance given and, where they see that they fall short of the standards set by them as policy makers, then they must held themselves accountable to change what they do to become more effective leaders in health and safety matters. This is the only way through which they can be good implementers of the policies they formulate and that explain why they should always be seen to be leading by example from the top on addiction and any other matters of policy.

Eliminating drug addiction by leading from the top: Why directors and board members need to act

The question as to why the senior officers of any organization should and must always be on top of everything in terms of offering good leadership is one that many leaders often want to ignore by hiding under the umbrella of delegation. I agree that delegation is one of the leadership and management strategies, but it is important to note that the person delegating is responsible for any failures that may occur. Therefore the policy makers bear the greatest load in ensuring that all the health and safety policies are observed to the latter. The following are some of the reasons why directors and board members must lead from the front:

By doing so they will be protecting the health and safety of employees or members of the public who may be affected by the illicit activities including alcohol and drug addiction. This is an essential part of risk management and must be led by the board.
Failure to include health and safety as a key business risk in board decisions can have very serious catastrophic results. Many high-profile safety cases over the years have been rooted in failures of leadership.
Health and safety law places duties on organizations and employers, and directors can be personally liable when these duties are breached. Like for instance, members of the board have both collective and individual responsibility for health and safety.

Eliminating drug addiction by leading from the top: Strong leadership and workers involvement from the top

When an organization is based on strong leadership and the involvement of the workers is trickling down from the top, the following are possible:

Visible, active commitment from the board;
Establishing effective ‘downward’ communication systems and management structures;
Integration of good health and safety management with business decisions.
Engaging the workforce in the promotion and achievement of safe and healthy conditions;
Effective ‘upward’ communication;
Providing high quality training.

Leading by example from the top on addiction: Assessment and review

Identifying and managing health and safety risks including the alcohol and drug abuse
Accessing (and following) competent advice
Monitoring, reporting and reviewing performance.

Addressing health and safety should not be seen as a regulatory burden: it offers significant opportunities. Benefits can include:

Reduced costs;
Reduced risks;
Lower employee absence and turnover rates;
Fewer accidents;
Lessened threat of legal action;
Improved standing among suppliers and partners;
Better reputation for corporate responsibility among investors, customers and communities;
Increased productivity, because employees are healthier, happier and better motivated.

We must appreciate that the power to succeed is in the ability and willingness of your work force to deliver. This willingness can be impaired by alcohol and drug abuse badly. And that is why when it comes to addiction in workplace, leading from the top is not an option but a must. The problem that can arise to defeat this initiative could be when the top managers and directors are the ones struggling with the scourge. If this is the case and it is quite common these days, then the organization must seek for help immediately for her senior managers. These are the drivers of the economy of your organization and therefore drugs or alcohol must not be the reason of their underperformance. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, many highly ranked organizations have gone under receivership because of alcoholism and substance abuse. Doctor Akoury is a veteran addiction expert and has been impacting positively to the lives of many people across the globe and you and your organization must not do down because of a problem that can easily be fixed. All you need to do for the rebirth of you position of profitability is to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today by calling her on telephone number 843 213 1480 and she will gladly handle your individual and collective problems with utmost confidentiality while delivering lasting solutions professionally.

Eliminating drug addiction by leading from the top: Pooling together from all angles

Addiction habits concerns us to show solidarity in recovery process

October 15, 2015

Addiction habits concerns us to show solidarity in recovery process: Collective responsibility

Looking at the consequences relating to the circle of addiction it is only fare that addiction habits concerns us in equal measure in finding solutions to the problems relating to drug addiction.

If you are driving on the road the rule is you are the only sober person and the rest are drunk, insane and careless. What it means is that when you are on the steering wheel, you ore everyone around you whether pedestrians, other motorist or animals the duty of care. In the same way when it comes to drug abuse, it should all concerns us because the impact of the problem knows no boundary. We are all affected in one way or another and that is why addiction habits concerns us and we must show solidarity with the victims in their recovery journey even as we focus our discussion in finding lasting solutions. Doctor Dalal Akoury is a veteran addiction expert and has impacted positively in the lives of many people globally. In her desire to reach many, she founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where she has dedicated most of her life in transforming each and every individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering them into finding their own inner healing power. In her practice doctor Akoury’s focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms making her one in a million that you can always relay on for all your addiction concerns.

Now to our topic of discussion, doctor Akoury is going to share with us some of the things you can or not do to help your loved one from their struggle with addiction. Professionally we will be wrong to say that helping a friend or family member who is struggling with alcohol or drugs is a simple thing. This will be misleading because the truth is that it can be heartbreaking, painful, demoralizing and tiring. However with determination and persistence help from the loved ones, it can be remarkably rewarding. Nonetheless the process at times can seem to be so overwhelming that many may chose to go for the easiest way of ignoring it, pretending that nothing is wrong and hope it just goes away. These are possible ways of solace that one may opt for. However if one goes this root, however by denying it or minimizing it, in the long run there will be more damaging to you, other family members, and the person you are concerned about. The consequences can be very painful and therefore it is only reasonable that action is taken now without any further delays. In the spirit of being concern about someone, the following questions can be helpful for you to take action now:

Addiction habits concerns us to show solidarity in recovery process: Pointers to a loved one’s being addicted

Do you worry about how much your friend or loved one uses alcohol or drugs?
Do you lie or make excuses about their behavior when they drink or use drugs?
Do they get angry with you if you try to discuss their drinking or drug use?
Have you ever been hurt or embarrassed by their behavior when they’re drunk, stoned, or strung-out?
Do you have concerns about how much time and money they spend on alcohol and drugs?
Do your resent having to pick up their responsibilities because they are drunk, high or hangover?
Do you ever get scared or nervous about their behavior when they’re drinking or using drugs?
Do you ever feel like you’re losing it “going crazy” just really stressed out?
Have you ever considered calling the police because of their alcohol or drug use or their behavior while under the influence?

Alcoholism and drug dependence are complex problems, with many related issues. And, although there is no magic formula to help someone stop his or her drinking or drug use, you are not alone. We are here to help if only you can schedule for an appointment with experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury today for assistance and we will be more than willing and ready to meet all your needs professionally and in confidence. As an institution, we have a resource of professionalism and we have impacted positively on the lives of people by offering them a range of services including helping individuals and family members recover from their hopelessness in addiction. Therefore if you are concerned about your own alcohol or other drug use or that of someone you care about irrespective of their status whether a child or other relative, a friend or colleague I want to encourage you to immediately call doctor Dalal Akoury on telephone number 843 213 1480 and we will not hesitate to come to your rescue in the most humane and professional manner.

Addiction habits concerns us to show solidarity in recovery process: Some important suggestions to consider

For you to be able to help effectively in matters relating to addiction, you must have some levels of preparedness on your side. The following are some of the suggestions to consider in helping a loved one.

Be armed with the knowledge about alcoholism and drug dependence: to be effective you must first be informed of what the problem is before you can face it. Remember that you cannot face what you don’t know or can’t see.

Speak freely about the problem and offer your support: Talk to the person about your concerns, and offer your help and support, including your willingness to go with them and get help. Like other chronic diseases, the earlier addiction is treated, the better.

Express love, concern and support: Don’t wait for them to hit bottom. There will be obstacles like, denial or anger, but be prepared to respond with specific examples of behavior that got you worried.

Don’t expect the person to stop without help: remember that this is a process and not a one stop solution problem and therefore you will be promised to cut down, stop which may not work anyway. Instead treatment, support, and new coping skills will be needed to overcome addiction to alcohol and drugs.

Support recovery as an ongoing process: Once your friend or family member is receiving treatment, or going to meetings, remain involved. While maintaining your own commitment to getting help, continue to support their participation in continuing care, meetings and recovery support groups. Continue to show that you are concerned about and supportive of their long-term recovery.

Addiction habits concerns us to show solidarity in recovery process: Some things you don’t want to do

Don’t preach: in other words don’t lecture, threaten, bribe, preach or demoralize.

Don’t be a martyr: Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs.

Don’t cover up, by either laying or making excuses for them and their behavior.

Don’t assume their responsibilities: Taking over their responsibilities protects them from the consequences of their behavior.

Don’t argue when using: When they are using alcohol or drugs, they can’t have a rational conversation.

Don’t feel guilty or responsible for their behavior, it’s not your fault.

Don’t join them: Don’t try to keep up with them by drinking or using.

Addiction habits concerns us to show solidarity in recovery process: Collective responsibility

Understanding drug addiction facts and crime

October 14, 2015

Understanding drug addiction facts and crime: Treatment is possible and recovery is the goal

Understanding drug addiction facts and crime is very important for all of us so that we can overcome the misrepresentation of alcohol.

If you have any value attachment with your life, you will surely appreciate the need of understanding facts about alcohol drugs and crime. I know that a lot is being done in the management of crime and drug abuse, but this discussion is still very relevant to you owing to the magnitude of the problems that come with misuse of alcohol and substance abuse and their interrelationship with crime. If you have been to any rehabilitation center either because you were a direct victim being attended to or you were an indirect victim giving support to a loved one you will appreciate that these elements are destroying our fabric of uprightness and social life not to mentions the criminality that comes with it. It is for this reason that we want to engage the services of doctor Dalal Akoury a renowned addiction expert of more than two decades of exemplary service to the ailing and addicted societies. In her decades of practice doctor Akoury has brought significant changes in understanding drug addiction facts and crime and the way addiction matters are dealt with form the time when addiction victims were seen as people with weak moral standards to this time when professionals and even the authorities are now appreciating the fact that addiction is a health condition that needs to be approached medically without elements of discrimination.

In order to deliver effectively to her clients globally, doctor Akoury made a decision to create a medical center known as AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Under her competent leadership in this facility the primary objective is to make a difference to everyone through the total transformation of each individual’s life by increasing awareness about health and wellness and also by empowering individuals into finding their own inner healing power for a faster delivery of ideal solutions to their addiction problems. Besides that it will also interest you to appreciate that as a professional, doctor Akoury’s practice focuses primarily on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. As we progress into the discussion, it will be very important for you to consult with the home of experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center on telephone number 843 213 1480 so that your individual conditions can be evaluated professionally and the right medication administered that will leave you much healthier and comfortable for the rest of your future life. When this is done understanding drug addiction facts and crime will not be an issue to you.

Now to the understanding facts about alcohol, drugs and crime, doctor Akoury says that the use of alcohol and drugs by young people is the norm of the day despite the risks that come with it which may include personal, health, academic, safety, relationships and the risk of alcohol and drug addiction. One of the most significant risks is the connection between alcohol, drugs and crime. For a young person, with your whole life in front of you, avoiding the legal risks associated with alcohol and drugs is not only extremely important but also rewarding health wise.

Understanding drug addiction facts and crime: Types of alcohol and drug related criminal offenses

Alcohol and drug are defined as violations of laws prohibiting or regulating the possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of alcohol or illegal drugs. Like for instance alcohol or drug possession or use, cultivation, production, distribution or sales of illegal drugs. It also includes providing alcohol to persons under the age of 21.

The other area where alcohol and drugs are criminalized is when there is a violation of the laws as a result of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when trying to get cash to pay for alcohol or drugs. Like for example, criminal behavior resulting from the effects of alcohol or drugs where the user indulges into theft, vandalism, violence against friends and family. This also includes stealing to get money to buy alcohol or drugs and even violence against rival drug dealers.

Alcohol and Drug-Using Lifestyle: Violations of laws as a result of living a lifestyle where a person may not have a job or source of income and is exposed to situations and individuals that encourage crime. Examples include as of use of alcohol and drugs with friends, this may result into the development of a relationships with criminals where the individual has more opportunities to violate the law and learn more criminal skills from other offenders.

Understanding drug addiction facts and crime: Facts about criminality due to alcohol and drug use

It is no longer business as usual because of the close association of alcohol or drug use with crime. The following are some facts that have been established by various research bodies. According to the Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCRP) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), it is estimated that there were up to 1.7 million state and local arrests for drug abuse violations in 2009 in the US alone. And yet in other findings and that is according to the Department of Justice (DOJ), up to 37% of some 2 million convicted offenders currently in jail, reported that they were drinking at the time of their arrest. Finally in the year 2007, available statistics indicate that over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This actually represents less than 1% of 159 million self-reported incidents of alcohol-impaired driving in U.S. each year. The picture portrayed in the US from the mentioned studies is actually a reflection of what is happening across the globe and therefore every state and individuals needs to up their sleeves in ensuring that we are safe from the complications that come with the association of alcohol/drugs and crime.

Finally if we can all appreciate the benefits of understanding facts about alcohol, drugs and crime, the reaching some solution will not be a problem. With this understanding, the problem of denial will be significantly reduced and victims will be motivated to remaining focus even when they relapse along the way. It is therefore very important that if you or anyone you know is struggling with any kind of addiction, then you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for more insight and treatment for a better and health from all stated complications of addiction and misuse of alcohol.

Understanding drug addiction facts and crime: Treatment is possible and recovery is the goal

Reducing stigma and shame of drug addiction

October 7, 2015

Reducing stigma and shame of drug addiction: Addiction is a disease of free will

Together we can work hand in hand in reducing stigma and shame of addiction for a speedy treatment are eventual recovery. Reducing stigma is therefore a must if we have to win in this fight.

Over the last few decades of my practice as a medical professional I have come a cross so many patients from across the globe with different disturbing health conditions coming to my office for treatment which we have gladly offered to them to a resounding positive feedback. We have made it a routine in our facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) to give our very best to all our clients irrespective of their limitations because we believe in offering lasting solutions to all health complications that we can professionally handle. This has made us to move from strength to strength over the years. However one problem of drug addiction keeps recurring owing to the nature of its effects to people differently. This one story disturbs me the most. It disturbs be because it came to my attention several years after I was first introduced to the couple. That story is going to form part of our discussion in this article even as we focus on reducing stigma and shame of drug addiction both internally and externally. But before we get there we want to assure all people reading this article now that drug addiction is a real problem and the sooner we deal with it the better. It is very painful seeing people losing hope and giving up on treatment because they keep relapsing every time they are about to have a break through. We are not taking more seriously the issue of relapse so that we can be on the front lane in defeating the beast of addiction. Therefore if you or anyone you know is struggling with any kind of addiction, our doors are always open at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury to help you recover from it professionally and with a lot of dignity. So don’t keep in hiding come up and purpose to regaining your life back with us professionally.

Reducing stigma and shame of drug addiction: Stigma and shame

Now back to the story about two or three decades ago a couple visited my office with an addiction problem. Actually the man was alcoholic while his wife only accompanied her to seek for help. Before we could even start the session, they excused themselves shortly and I felt that they were consulting on something then we could commence together without any further interruption. I was surprised several minutes and hours later that my client vanished never to return. Several years later one of my student narrated this story to me and I was astonished. The student said “when I was still very young may be five or six years old, my maternal grandfather died of what I was always told was complications of heart disease.” She believed that because that is what she was told. It was not until several years later, after she had graduated from a medical school in psychiatry, and had secured a job for a very long time using neuroimaging to study the addicted brain, that she learned the real reason for the death of her grandfather. One day her mother gave her the revelation of the shock of her life and this was also coming when her mother was near the end of her life and she told her that, “I need to tell you something I have never spoken to you about.” She disclosed to her that her grandfather had been an alcoholic, and that he took his own life in his distress at not being able to control his strong urges to drink.

“Oh Jesus I almost lost my grip.” Her mother had out of fear of stigma and shame kept the real reason for her grandfather’s death a secret from her that long. What surprised her is that even though she knew that in her whole professional life was devoted to trying to understand what drugs do to the brain, and that she had heard her speak of addiction as a disease of the brain, still she was not going to tell her the whole truth.” So she wondered how she had miscommunication, and how she had not made her realize that it was not a taboo to speak about addiction and that there should be no shame in it. This really troubled her and so she came to confide in me says doctor Akoury.

Reducing stigma and shame of drug addiction: Is addiction a chronic brain disease?

In her practice as a medical professional she continues, she has actually thought about this question so many times, and had realize that describing addiction as a “chronic brain disease” is a very theoretical and abstract concept she says. And so we continued to share and she used this illustration that “if you are a parent or guardian with a very sick child, and you took the child to the hospital for medication and the doctor said, “Your child is in a coma because he has diabetes,” and in an effort to help you understand, the doctor went on to explain that diabetes is a chronic disease of the pancreas, would that really help you to understand why your child was so severely ill? Certainly not, that is because what would explains it for further and better understanding is that, the cells in the pancreas can no longer produce insulin, and the body actually need insulin in order to be able to use glucose as an energy source and that without it, the cells in our body are energy deprived. That is what will help you understand and so that explains why your child is so sick.”

To explain the devastating changes in behavior of a person who is addicted, such that even the most severe threat of punishment is insufficient to keep them from taking drugs where they are willing to give up everything they care for in order to take a drug, it is not enough to say that addiction is a chronic brain disease. What we mean by that is something very specific and profound: that because of drug use, a person’s brain is no longer able to produce something needed for our functioning and that healthy people take for granted, the free will.

Reducing stigma and shame of drug addiction: Dopamine

All drugs of abuse, whether legal or illegal, cause large surges of dopamine in brain areas crucial for motivating our behavior—both the reward regions (such as the nucleus accumbens) as well as prefrontal regions that control our higher functions like judgment, decision making, and self-control over our actions. These brain circuits adapt to these surges by becoming much less sensitive to dopamine, a process called receptor down regulation. The result is that ordinary healthy things in our lives like all the pleasurable social and physical behaviors necessary for our survival (which are rewarded by small bursts of dopamine throughout the day) no longer are enough to motivate a person; the person will therefore needs a big surge of dopamine from the drug just to feel temporarily okay and they must continually repeat this, in an endless vicious cycle.

Reducing the stigma and shame of addiction: Addiction and suicide

Back to the story doctor Akoury says that from the story you will notice that the shame was not just because the father had been an alcoholic, but because he committed suicide, out of hopelessness and helplessness at his inability to control the strong urges to drink. At this point I remembered that couple who visited my office and just walked out never to return. Now on digging deep I found out that the couples were actually the grand parents of my student. Now it pains me most that something that could be treated caused this great damage simply because of stigma, shame and fear. Dear reader if you’re following this story, let this be the last one, addiction is a treatable condition and stigma or shame are just perceptions that should not result in death. Come quickly for help today and together lets kick out of our lives the problem of drug addiction.

Reducing stigma and shame of drug addiction: Addiction is a disease of free will

Tag Archives: Drug addiction and stress