Tag Archives: Heroin

Psychoactive substance heroin opioid

psychoactive substance heroin

The psychoactive substance heroin opioid. Every puff of the substance has serious health consequences

Psychoactive substance heroin opioid: What is heroin?

The psychoactive substance known as heroin is a type of opioid drug which wears many faces. This is so because it is partially manmade and partially natural. It traces its origin from the morphine. Morphine is a psychoactive mind altering substance that occurs naturally in the resin of the opium poppy plant. If you were to describe this substance, one will have to depend on how it is made and the content of the ingredients in the mixture. With those noted, it is possible to mention the color and the appearance of heroin which can either be white or brown powder or a black, sticky substance called “black tar heroin.”

As things stand now, the psychoactive substance heroin opioid usage is taking a ne new dimension where it is becoming a preference for people abusing prescription opioid painkillers. Some of the notable painkillers include oxycontin and Vicodin. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, doctor Dalal Akoury is registering that many people are opting for the use of heroin in place of other opioid painkillers because its accessibility and affordability. They are also motivated with the fact that heroin equally produces similar high experience but at a much cost effective value.

Psychoactive substance heroin opioid: Usage of heroin

Heroin like any other stimulant is administered into the body through smoking, injection or snorting. It is injected with a needle when a solution of heroin powder is formed with water. Besides that it can also be snorted through the nose and smoked in the same way ordinary cigarette is smoked. It is increasingly becoming evident that many young people are using heroin in place of prescription opioids. If something is not done now, then we will be raising a generation of addicts and the future of our nations and communities will be very bleak. Because of this need, doctor Akoury in her establishment, is offering addiction treatment solutions tailored at transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Dear friend you can’t go down with heroin with this great opportunity. We want to encourage you to seek for help early so that you can have your life back in a more professionally way with doctor Akoury today.

Psychoactive substance heroin opioid: How does heroin affect the brain?

The brain is be biggest casualty each time heroin is abused. Meaning that, when heroin enters the brain, it react immediately by converting itself into morphine and then binds to molecules on cells known as opioid receptors. The receptors are mainly located in areas of the brain and in particular those areas involved in the perception of pain and pleasure. This therefore means that regular usage of heroin will cause changes in the functioning of the brain thereby resulting in tolerance, dependence and finally addiction.

Psychoactive substance heroin opioid: What is heroin?

 

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Distinction between substance abuse and addiction

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Eliminating the confusion and getting facts right

The distinction between substance abuse and addiction

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction is often very confusing, nonetheless knowing the distinction marks the beginning of proper healing from the scourge of addiction

We are all familiar with the terminologies addiction and substance abuse from our common knowledge through the various sources including the media and information we get from our friends who in one way or another have been addicted or cared for an addict. But we may not know is the finer details of the distinction between substance abuse and addiction. Even though from our common knowledge we may have an idea, it is always very important that the distinction comes out clearly. This is what we want to discuss through this article with a view of placing to its rightful position. Putting aside what you already know doctor Dalal Akoury who is a veteran addiction expert of several decades is registering that there is a very slim difference between substance abuse and addiction and this may be the reason why many people often think that they are the same. The fact is when we make reference to substance abuse, it would mean using or consuming an illegal substance or even using a legal substance or element but in the wrong way whereas addiction begins as an abuse, or using a substance like marijuana or cocaine in a way that in their absence life stops until you have an access to the substance of preference.

With that explanation, doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is saying that for sure one can actually abuse any drug or alcohol without being addicted to it or them. To illustrate that let us take as an example, just because an individual is smoking or smoked pot a few times doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she has an addiction to the pot, in the same way it does not also mean that by this single act of abusing a drug then it is automatic that this will lead to an addiction. This is not always the case and in fact people can get addicted to all sorts of substances. It is always the norm that when we think of addiction, we usually think of alcohol or illegal drugs yes this is true however the scope of addiction is wide and vast and people can become addicted to a number of substances including medications, cigarettes and even glue among many others.

These addictive substances also come in different ways and intensities. Like for instance some substances are more addictive than others, and that is why drugs like crack or heroin are so addictive that they might only be used once or twice before the user loses control. Therefore when we talk of addiction we must be careful to note that it is a condition that will cause and individual to lose the ability to be in control over their lives. And in fact with addiction the person has no control over whether he or she uses a drug or drinks alcohol. Therefore what that communicates id that anyone who is addicted to drugs like cocaine has grown so used to the drug that he or she must to have it by all means and at all cost. In other words you became the slave of that drug when addiction set foot in. There are two types of addiction which can affect anyone and that is to say that addiction can either be physical or psychological and sometimes and individual can suffer both.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Physical addiction

Being physically addicted means a person’s body actually becomes dependent on a particular substance (even smoking is physically addictive). It also means building tolerance to that substance, so that a person needs a larger dose than ever before to get the same effects.

Someone who is physically addicted and stops using a substance like drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes may experience withdrawal symptoms. We have actually discussed in details some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal in the previous postings, however for the purpose of this article we can mention a few including: diarrhea, shaking, and generally feeling awful.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Psychological addiction

Speaking to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, Psychological addiction often happens when the cravings for a drug are psychosomatic or emotive. People who are psychologically addicted feel overcome by their desire to have their drug of choice and they will do everything including telling lies or stealing just to get the drug. It therefore means that a person is deemed to have crossed the line between abuse and addiction when he or she is no longer trying the drug to have fun or get high, but has come to depend on it. At this point his or her whole life centers on the need for the drug. An addicted person whether it’s a physical or psychological addiction or both no longer feels like there is a choice in taking a substance.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Signs of addiction

The most obvious sign of an addiction is the need to have a particular drug or substance. However, many other signs can suggest a possible addiction, such as changes in mood or weight loss or gain. These also are signs of other conditions too, though, such as depression or eating disorders. The following are some of the indicators that you or someone you know may have a drug or alcohol addiction:

Psychological signals
  • Use of drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax
  • Withdrawal or keeping secrets from family and friends
  • Loss of interest in activities that used to be important
  • Problems with schoolwork, such as slipping grades or absences
  • Changes in friendships, such as hanging out only with friends who use drugs
  • Spending a lot of time figuring out how to get drugs
  • Stealing or selling belongings to be able to afford drugs
  • Failed attempts to stop taking drugs or drinking
  • Anxiety, anger, or depression
  • Mood swings
Physical signals
  • Changes in sleeping habits
  • Feeling shaky or sick when trying to stop
  • Needing to take more of the substance to get the same effect
  • Changes in eating habits, including weight loss or gain

Finally having got the distinction between substance abuse and addiction, you can now make a self-evaluation on you or your loved ones and if you notice any indication of addiction, you must chose to take prompt decision towards getting help by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for a more in-depth professional treatment today.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Eliminating the confusion and getting facts right

 

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Fighting opioid addiction

Applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation

Applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation: Making it through heroin withdrawals

Applying clonidine

Applying clonidine for heroin rehabilitation is becoming a common practice in the present times. Doctor Akoury recommends the use of clonidine for heroin eradication.

We are not new to the effects of substance abuse to our health because as things stand now, the problems relating to drug addiction are affecting everybody whether directly or indirectly. Time has come when we must explore all the avenues of healing so that we can find lasting solutions to the problems we are faced with from time to time. In our quest of finding solutions we want to narrow down this discussion to applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation as a way of bringing thins problem of addiction to manageable levels. We spoke to doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and president of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for all addiction solution about this and she professionally said that Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs known as central alpha agonists. This is commonly used for treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also classified as a sympatholytic drug because it inhibits Postganglionic nerve fibers, and thus alters the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system which is the part of the nervous system that it is responsible for fight of flight response. And now back to using clonidine for heroin rehabilitation, doctor Akoury registers that one of the reasons why heroin addicts like any other addicts always find it so difficult to break away from their habit is fear of withdrawal symptoms. Some of the unpleasant side-effects of the detoxification process we are talking about may include:

One very important point to note is that these unpleasant symptoms that are associated with withdrawals are a serious obstacle to recovery and therefore anything that will make the process easier is of value and should be encouraged says doctor Akoury. A medication called Clonidine has proved successful in the treatment of these symptoms and that form the basis of this discussion.

Applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation: Medical uses of clonidine

The question that we all beg to answer then would be “what are some of the medical uses of clonidine?” to respond to that the following are some of the current medical uses of Clonidine:

  • Treatment of high blood pressure and this is achieved by relaxing the blood vessels so that there is less pressure.
  • It can be used to treat chronic facial redness (Rosacea)
  • It can stop hot or cold flushes.
  • It is good for treating neuralgia type pain – this is pain due to stimulation of pain receptors in one or more nerves.
  • It can also be an effective treatment for insomnia.
  • It has been used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
  • It is sometimes given as a pre-med before surgery to help relax the individual.
  • It has proved effective in treating the night sweats.
  • Opioid detoxification
  • It may help eliminate the tics associated with Tourette syndrome.
  • It can be used as an anesthetic when treating animals.
  • It provides some relief for menopausal symptoms.
  • It can help people deal with alcohol, narcotic, or nicotine withdrawals.
  • It can effective in the treatment of restless leg syndrome.
  • It has been used in the treatment of a number of psychiatric disorder including post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders.
  • It can be used in the treatment of abnormally rapid pulse (tachycardia).

Clonidine for heroin withdrawals

Clonidine can be prescribed for the treatment of heroin withdrawals. This drug does not claim to eliminate all these unpleasant effects, but it can eradicate many of the most unpleasant ones. It has a number of effects which make these withdrawals easier to deal with including:

  • Combating the sympathetic nervous system response to heroin withdrawal thus making things easier for the individual.
  • It helps in the prevention of restless leg syndrome. This is a common uncomfortable symptom in withdrawal (some would say the worst symptom of withdrawals), and it means that people are unable to get comfortable – they feel like they have to keep moving their limbs.
  • It is also common with individuals who are going through withdrawals to complain of rapid heart-beat and this unpleasant sensation can also be eliminated by Clonidine.
  • It can induce people into relaxation mode and sleep better at nighttime.
  • There is evidence from recovering clients that it makes them feel more at ease with the process of heroin withdrawals. This therefore makes the whole process of recovery much easier and so the individual is more likely to see their detox all the way through to completion.

Applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation: Side effects of clonidine

Like any other medication application there are a number of side effects associated with Clonidine including:

  • It may occasionally cause low blood pressure (hypotension).
  • There are chances that it can lead to constipation.
  • Users of this drug can experience drowsiness.
  • Some people complain of a dry mouth. This experience of a dry mouth is common however this can be sorted out by drinking plenty of water or chewing preferably sugarless gums.
  • It can cause people to experience lightheadedness and dizziness.

Other rare side effects may include:

  • An allergic reaction to the drug
  • Irregular heart beat
  • Mood changes including symptoms of depression
  • Cold hands or feet
  • Rashes on the body
  • Swelling on the body
  • Breathing problems

Finally from an expert point of view doctor Akoury is stressing that while using this kind of medication, it is important that the patients is properly advised by the doctor before usage. And if you are already on this medication, consistency is very important and therefore patient must ensure constant supply so that they do not miss doses along the way. There will be instances where patient may experience discomfort and vomiting if this causes them not to take their medication, they will need to inform their doctor right away for professional guidance. However it is dangerous to stop using Clonidine abruptly because it can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms including:

Remember that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are usually not prescribed this drug. And for any further clarification, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for further professional advice.

Applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation: Making it through heroin withdrawals

 

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Oxycontin

Oxycontin the addictive pain killer of all ages

Oxycontin the addictive pain killer of all ages: What is oxycontin and why is it so addictive?

Oxycontin the addictive pain killer

Oxycontin the addictive pain killer is often misused by its users to attain certain high which makes it quite addictive for health

The need to eradicate pain from our life has made us to be very innovative and a lot of drugs are being produced daily into the market. Some of these drugs are available across the counter while another set can only be issued on the doctor’s advice. However, the world is suffering from substance abuse, some of which are prescription drugs which have not helped either. When they are prescribed to us for use, sometimes we often miss use them thereby causing further addiction related complications to us. In that regard, we want to narrow this discussion to one of the drugs available in the market under the topic “Oxycontin the addictive pain killer of all ages.” Experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD and the president of the facility says that OxyContin is a type of medication that can actually relieve pain. It is commonly prescribed to patients by doctors and this prescription is not just to any patient but to those who have severe injuries, arthritis or cancer. Doctor Akoury registers that this is a morphine-like drug which is classified under schedule II controlled substance, which means that people need a prescription to obtain it. She adds that in relation to other painkillers, OxyContin has a long-acting formula and it works well for those who need round-the-clock relief.

The other problem with pain killer drugs like Aspirin and Tylenol is that they are not strong enough to help people who are suffering from moderate to severe pain and as a result of that users will often opt for opioids to make the pain more bearable. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of oxycontin is what makes it to be a popular street drug. Even though the allowed mode of administration of this drug is through oral consumption, miss use has always led to many people to abuse OxyContin by either crushing the tablets so that they can swallow or snort them or sometimes, they even dilute the tablets in water to for a solution which they then inject into their veins. These methods destroy the time-release mechanism, which allows the user to experience the drug’s full effect immediately.

Oxycontin the addictive pain killer of all ages: The dangers of oxycontin addiction

Like with other drugs, if the procedure is not followed dully on acquisition, it becomes a major problem to the drug enforcement officials. It therefore means that if this drug (oxycontin) is obtained illegally it will be a major issue for drug enforcement officials. This drug is commonly known in the street as Kicker, OC and Hillbilly Heroin. The danger of an addiction to OxyContin is that it will make its users feel like they can tolerate more. Remember that too much use of this drug can lead to respiratory failure and the drug can become even more dangerous when people combine it with alcohol or benzodiazepines. And besides that just like with other opiates users can develop a tolerance if they use OxyContin on a regular basis. And once they develop a tolerance for the drug, they will require larger doses to elicit the drug’s euphoric effects. Besides taking larger doses, the users also need to take the drug more often to stay high. Over time, users begin to develop a dangerous OxyContin prescription addiction which causes them to become more and more addicted each time they use the drug.

Doctor Dalal Akoury also registers that it is important to appreciate that OxyContin addiction also occurs when people use the drug in a way that the manufacturer did not intend. Like for example, those who snort or inject the drug are likely to become addicted since this is not the proper ways of administration of this drug. When people snort or inject the tablets, they feel an intense high right away. The high that people experience while abusing OxyContin is similar to the euphoria that heroin users also feel. Once they experience an intense high, their body starts to crave more of the drug. Those who abuse OxyContin regularly are likely to need to professional help.

Oxycontin the addictive pain killer of all ages: Who is vulnerable to oxycontin addiction?

When it comes to vulnerability, it is worth noting that anyone who uses OxyContin can develop an addiction indiscriminately however, in most cases it often affects those who are prone to addictive behaviors in their lifestyle. Doctor Akoury is reiterating that OxyContin drug addiction is particularly prevalent among young adults in the rural areas in relation to their counterparts in the urban centers. This is so because in some cases those who have a legal prescription often resell the tablets to other people for a profit thereby making the drug easily available to the wrong people. Alongside with that it is emerging that some people also acquire the drug by visiting multiple doctors to have more than one prescription written out so that they are in possession of enough to distribute to their illegal clients.

Many chronic pain patients worry when their doctor increases their dosage of OxyContin, but this worry need not to be there because they are under medical supervision. Nonetheless it is worth noting that the body can develop a tolerance for the drug over time. It is therefore necessary that all patients take OxyContin as directed by their physicians so that they do not get a high from using it. Finally we must also note that those who worry about becoming addicted can suffer needlessly if they refuse to take painkillers. That is why doctors always examine each patient’s history before implementing a treatment plan and if the patient has a history of drug abuse, then the doctor is likely to prescribe something other than OxyContin. Abuse of oxycontin is risky and users risk respiratory failure since the drug depresses the respiration which may lead to slowness of breath beside causing users to feel weak, tired and dizzy. In conclusion it is always very important that when it comes to addiction, everyone needs to be in close touch with addiction professionals so that any emerging problem can be addressed in good time. And for that reason, I want to encourage you that if you have any point that you need to be clarified, then you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for a professional direction.

Oxycontin the addictive pain killer of all ages: What is oxycontin and why is it so addictive?

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Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Stress management

Post acute withdrawal symptoms

Taking early precaution in managing post acute withdrawal symptoms is the best thing you can do for comfort during treatment

Did you know that failing to effectively take part in managing post-acute withdrawal symptoms is actually promoting the wide spread of alcohol and drug addiction? This is practically true because the less you do to strengthen yourself against an episode of post-acute withdrawal, the weaker your resistance becomes. In other words you will become very vulnerable and may not succeed in your targeted objectives. Doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction expert compares this with a tetanus shot. That is to says that the longer it has been since you have had one, the more risk it is for you becoming seriously ill if you get an accident and cut yourself on a piece of rusty metal. Conditions that put you in high risk of experiencing post-acute withdrawal symptoms are usually lack of care of yourself and lack of attention to your recovery program. If you are going to recover without relapse you need to be aware of stressful situations in your life that can increase your risk of experiencing PAWS and that is where experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury comes in to help. Doctor Akoury is registering that post acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques are very paramount nonetheless it can also be affected by harboring stressful situations in your life. It therefore means that stress management must be done hand in hand with PAWS. Nevertheless we do appreciate the challenges that can be involve and so doctor Akoury suggest that because you may not be able to remove yourself from all stressful situations, it is only fair that you prepare yourself on how to handle them when they occur. This is very important because it is not always the situation that makes you go to down, but your reaction to the situation.

Experts are of the opinion that since stress triggers and deepens the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal adopting some useful stress management skills to control PAWS can be very important. With the help of professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, you can learn to identify sources of stress and develop skills in decision making and problem solving to help reduce stress. In that regard proper diet, exercise, regular habits, and positive attitudes all play important parts in controlling PAWS. Besides that relaxation can also be used as a tool to retrain the brain to function properly and to reduce stress.

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Stabilization

If you are experiencing post-acute withdrawal symptoms, it is important to bring them under control as soon as possible. Here are some suggestions that may help you be aware of what is going on and help you to interrupt the symptoms before they get out of control.

Sharing with the right people Sharing is very important, remember that a problem shared is half solved but even as you do this, it is important that you be very selective on who to share with. They must be people of high integrity and those who are not going to accuse, criticize, minimize or cause you to be ridicule. Sharing what you are experiencing will help you look at your situation more realistically. It will help you bring internal symptoms to your conscious awareness. And it will give you support when you need others to rely upon.

Ventilation – Express as much as you can about what you are thinking and feeling even if it seems irrational and unfounded.

Reality testing – Be accountable by ask someone if you are making sense. Not just what you are saying but your actions and behaviors. This is very necessary because your perception of what is happening may be very different from reality.

Problem solving and goal setting – What are you going to do right now about what is going on? You can choose to take action that can change things.

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Education and retraining

Learning is the endless debt we have and therefore seeking for information about addictive disease, recovery, and post-acute withdrawal symptoms is essential as it will helps in relieving the anxiety, guilt, and confusion that tend to create the stress a factor that intensify PAWS symptoms. As a recovering patient, you need information in order to realize what symptoms are normal during recovery. Besides that you also need to learn management skills so that you can be informed of what to do to put into properly control the stress and the symptoms when they occur. Through retraining you can improve your ability to remember, to concentrate, and to think clearly. Retraining involves practicing certain skills in a safe environment as you build confidence. It includes learning to take things step by step and to handle one thing at a time so that you do not feel overwhelmed in the process. It includes writing down what you want to remember and asking questions when you think that need to have something clarified. Remember that learning about the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal, knowing what to expect, and not overreacting to the symptoms increase the ability to function appropriately and effectively.

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Self-protective behavior

When all is said and done, you are responsible for protecting yourself from anything that threatens your sobriety or anything that triggers post-acute withdrawal symptoms. Reducing the stress resulting from and contributing to the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal must be of prime consideration for you. You must learn behavior that will protect you from the stress that might put your sobriety in jeopardy. This self-protective behavior is what will enable you to be firm in accepting your own needs and not allowing other people or situations to push you into reactions that are not in the best interest of your sobriety. In order to protect yourself from unnecessary stress, doctor Akoury is reiterating that you must first identify your own stress triggers, particularly those situations that might bring about an overreaction from you. Then learn to change those situations by either avoid them, change your reactions, or learning how to contain them before they get out of control.

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Nutrition

Finally nutrition is also very instrumental in managing post-acute withdrawal symptoms in very many ways. First of all the way you eat has a lot to do with the level of stress you experience and your ability to manage the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal. Poor health normally contributes to stress, and malnutrition contributes to poor health. You may be malnourished because of poor eating habits or because your body is damaged by alcohol or drugs thereby hindering your body from using the nutrients that you consumed effectively. Abstinence from alcohol and drugs is essential as it will bring about some improvement however this alone is not sufficient to rebuild damaged body tissue and maintain good health. New eating habits must be established and practiced regularly and permanently. Your daily diet should contain a well balance diet rich in vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and dairy products. This is an area where you will need a lot of expert’s input and together with the discussed points above, doctor Akoury can be of great help to you if only you can schedule for an appointment with her today.

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Stress management

 

 

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