Tag Archives: Mental health and Addiction

Mental health problems and substance abuse

May 14, 2016
mental health problems

Mental health problems and substance abuse

Substance abuse and mental health problems: Good treatment plan

Denial may be an obstacle to finding lasting solution with substance abuse and mental health problems but this must not be entertained. Health comes first and so seeking for treatment must be prioritized. Therefore when one is suffering from dual diagnosis (suffering from both mental health problems and substance abuse), it is important that the right and qualified medical officer be consulted. This is not a condition that you can attempt to self-medicate. You will be doing yourself a lot of injustice if you walk that line. And to help you make the right decision, we spoke with doctor Dalal Akoury addiction veteran with over two decades or working experience over the same. Professionally doctor Akoury says that the best treatment for dual diagnosis would be to have an integrated treatment approach. This situation demands that both conditions are treated simultaneously if any meaningful result is to be realized. It is worth noting that when approaching substance abuse and mental health problems, it will not matter the order in which they happen. What may have come first or last is insignificant and so treatment must commence simultaneously.

Finding the right treatment program for dual diagnosis

One may be scared at the mention of simultaneous treatment approach and begin asking questions like where do I start from? It is in order that the treatment point must be conducive and when we talk of conducive we are not addressing the building. It is all about professionalism, competency and experience. If your health be your wealth then these components must never be over looked. Doctor Akoury advices that such values can only be found in properly licensed and credited institutions. Besides the certification the program must be backed by confirmed research. These are very fundamental observations one needs to look for when considering treatment for this condition. Remember that the ultimate goal is healing and so due diligence is the starting point.

As you are contemplating for the best treatment options, it is also important that your health provider is able to offer the aftercare programs to take care of instances of relapse. One of such facilities could be “AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center” a facility established by doctor Dalal Akoury who is passionately involved in the treatment process is working with a team of experience medical doctors who will be able to handle all substance abuse and mental health problems including treatment of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders among many other complications that come with these tow conditions.

Finally there are a variety of approaches that treatment programs may take, but there are some basics of effective treatment that must never be overlooked:

  • The said treatment must conclusively addresses both the substance abuse the specific mental health problem the patient is having.
  • The patient needs to be fully involved in the decision-making process and actively be engaged in setting goals and developing strategies for change.
  • Treatment must in cooperates the basic education relating to the specific disorder the patient is struggling with.
  • Teaching about healthy coping skills and strategies of reducing substance abuse, coping with any upset and strengthening relationships.

These may not be conclusive and therefore you can schedule for an appointment to have one on one deliberations with doctor Dalal Akoury today.

Substance abuse and mental health problems: Good treatment plan

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Substance abuse mental health complications

May 12, 2016
Substance abuse mental health

Substance abuse mental health complications characteristics

Substance abuse mental health complications: Addiction

Drug addiction is never friendly for anyone. When one member of the family is struggling with addiction, the whole family unit suffers. This can become even more complicated when the victim is also struggling with another health problem. And that introduces us to this discussion of substance abuse mental health complications. Doctor Dalal Akoury of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center acknowledges the complexity of the two conditions put together in an individual’s life. She says that having drug addiction problem coupled with mental health issues like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder is medically known as dual diagnosis and sometimes also referred to as a co-occurring disorder. These are not simple complications to have in life. However if this description suits your situation, then you need not to be scared. Our team of experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are well trained and fully equipped with all the skills to help you regain your life back and live it to the fullest.

Substance abuse mental health complications: The relationship between substance abuse and mental health

There are several links between these two chronic health situations. Like for instance doctor Akoury registers that in both cases, we have very unique symptoms capable of causing harmful alterations to one’s ability to function normally by way of addressing life’s difficulties and even in line with association with other people around you. This can further become complicated especially in the event that the mental health complication is not treated in good time. The consequence of that delay would cause the substance abuse problem to deteriorate further causing more harm to the addict. On the other hand when the use of drugs and alcohol increases, the mental health problems equally increases. It therefore means that to be safe all this conditions must never be allowed in an individual all at the same time.

Treatment must be sought for immediately for comfort and health to be appreciated. As we address that it is important that we are acquainted with the order of occurrence of these two conditions. We are all aware with the prevalence of addiction in our societies there is bound to be more people with mental health problems owing to their interrelationship. Nonetheless, even though substance abuse and mental health disorders are closely linked, ordinarily one does not in any way directly cause the other begging the question which one comes first?

Substance abuse mental health complications: Substance abuse vs. mental health

Substance abuse and mental health are two conditions which are complimenting each other to destroy and kill. Doctor Akoury in her campaign of creating awareness about drug abuse encourages that the public needs to be fully informed about these conditions. The following are some of the points worth nothing about the two conditions.

  • Alcohol or drugs are often used to self-medicate the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, substance abuse causes side effects and in the long run worsens the very symptoms they initially numbed or relieved.
  • Alcohol and drug abuse can make symptoms of a mental health problem worse. Substance abuse may sharply increase symptoms of mental illness or trigger new symptoms.
  • Alcohol and drug abuse also interact with medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, and mood stabilizers, making them less effective.
  • Alcohol and drug abuse can increase underlying risk for mental disorders.
  • Mental disorders are caused by a complex interplay of genetics, the environment, and other outside factors. If you are at risk for a mental disorder, drug or alcohol abuse may push you over the edge.

Finally having understood the consequences of the two conditions, it is important that you take precaution to be safe by calling doctor Akoury today for a more professional treatment approach.

Substance abuse mental health complications: Addiction

 

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Successful mental health away from smoking ice

November 26, 2015

Successful mental health away from smoking ice: Why are they the drug of Choice for many?

Successful mental health

Getting a successful mental health away from smoking ice is realistically possible when treatment is done timely and professionally.

Stimulant is the common denominator that brings all these together. Therefore when we make reference to the successful mental health away from smoking ice, we are certainly looking at the content and how they affect our mental health individually and collectively as a society. We spoke to doctor Dalal Akoury the MD, President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center help us understand the Successful mental health away from smoking ice and according to her team of experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, Methamphetamines or as it is commonly known by its street name of ice, are a highly addictive stimulant that is easy and economically pocket friendly to produce and that explains why it is growing in popularity across globe at an alarming rate. Doctor Akoury is registering that currently the use of ice is wreaking havoc across the globe and particularly in the west and developed countries. It is disturbing that the indigenous populations of many states with rehabilitation centers are reporting up to half of their client who are walking through their doors are actually visiting primarily to seek treatment for their addiction to these highly potent and addictive substances.

As if that is not enough, the available statistics indicate that addiction and use of ice or meth and cigarette has steadily grown by ten-fold between the late 90s and early 2000s, and it has grown in use tenfold between in the last decade to date. From a professional point of view, doctor Akoury is saying that Ice use and being addicted to it alongside other substances is very dangerous not just to the user but to the community as well. The danger is that Ice addicts are likely to act out violently, have paranoid misunderstandings, experience brain damage, memory loss and even heart attacks. Besides that it is important to note that when this substance is used intravenously Hepatitis B, HIV, and other deadly diseases will definitely become a massive risk for the direct victim.

Successful mental health away from smoking ice: The intensity of suffering

The intensity of suffering is so heavy from the west in relation to other states across the globe. If you want to know why this disparity then the answer is simple, it is because ice is a cheap drug to produce and it is essentially accessible to the people. Practically it is made from every day household items, batches of ice are quick to cook up and do not need to travel far to be used and a profit being turned from the sales of the locally cooked meth. This is of particular importance when looking at the geographical landscape of many of these states with rugged land and territory. It therefore means that many of the Indigenous population from these states live in rural setups where there is potentially luck of quick highway trips into the urban population where rehabilitation, education, and medical treatment are nearby enough to seek proper treatment or help. Because of such challenges it is always very important that serious awareness is created so that people are able to make the right and timely decisions towards achieving a successful mental health away from smoking ice which will help them in solving the problem before it escalates to unmanageable levels.

The best way to get any population out of poverty and staying healthy is through education and offering or creation employment opportunities. It is always said that the idle mind is the devils workshop. We must therefore ensure that people are properly engaged not just because Ice puts a lot of financial and social strain on addicts but because when engaged there are high chances that little attention will be given to the illicit behaviors. The other serious problem is that of stigma and social discrimination. The use of ice is very strong in most states thereby making it hard for addicts to turn for help or find work to keep them out of drug use. Doctor Akoury is sounding a warning that substances like ice if used for longer period of time, can cause irreversible mental problems including but not limited to paranoia, anxiety, depression, or brain damage. It is possible that issues like these may hinder a person’s ability to work regularly. However and with better access to rehabilitation treatment centers and social programs catered specifically designed and tailored to the direct victims, some ray of hope is guaranteed to the users. This is actually one of the pillars that lead to the formation of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury. Therefore if you or any one you know is struggling with this problem, then you can be of help to them by scheduling for an appointment with the experts from this facility and all your needs will be addressed professionally.

Successful mental health away from smoking ice: Cigarette addiction and health complications attached

There is no doubt that most people today are aware of the physical health risks of using tobacco, with the tobacco and nicotine there is nothing known as moderation, any unit consumed has it level of consequences and research has established that smoking also impacts negatively in people’s mental health. Meaning that any time an individual smokes, nicotine will affects the brain by improving attentiveness and triggering the flood of dopamine, which is a chemical that relaxes and temporarily relieves anxiety. Doctor Akoury says that just like any substance abuse that activates dopamine, smoking will facilitates the brain to turn off the natural switch for this and the long term supply of dopamine decreases over time.

Finally even as we conclude this discussion about the link between smoking ice and mental health, experts say that many individuals who are struggling with mental health issues will most likely report that they got into smoking to help them in the management of their symptoms. Currently the number of adult smokers diagnosed with depression is significantly higher as much as 2 to 1, compared to the rate for those not suffering from depression. The idea that people who smokes to ease the signs and symptoms of stress, depression or other mental health issues is misleading and it is known as self-medicating. Doctor Akoury encourages that anyone who is struggling with any kind of addiction must not chose to self-medicate. This is very dangerous and un-procedural to be done by anybody. The most appropriate step is to seek for professional help from the experts in the line discipline. Any temporary relief you may experience will soon turn into serious complications you may not be competent enough to handle. So speak to us at the home of addiction solutions at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and we will help you get well the best way.

Successful mental health away from smoking ice: Why are they the drug of Choice for many?

 

 

 

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Having a guide to drug addiction recovery

June 20, 2015

Having a guide to drug addiction recovery: Defeating drug addiction

Having a guide to drug addiction recovery

Having a guide to drug addiction recovery is not only very important but healthy in giving direction on how you will be handling your addiction problem

For consistency in the fight against the prevalence of drug addiction, all of us need to purpose to having a guide to drug addiction recovery process. Knowing what to do, when to do it and how to have it done is very important. Therefore when it comes to drug addiction, it even becomes more significant to be on top of everything. Doctor Akoury states that addiction recovery programs generally include any process that treats patients for a dependency on psychoactive drugs or behavioral addictions. In the case of the former, this typically includes alcohol, opiates, barbiturates and amphetamines. The general purpose of drug rehab is to allow the patient to stop abusing these drugs, which can have serious financial, legal, physical and psychological consequences. Many specific types of drug addiction treatment exist, although they can generally be divided into medical and psychological methods. Psychotherapy is usually used in drug rehab programs, but medical treatments are typically used only for some types of drug addiction.

Drug recovery programs generally try to teach the patient ways to live in a drug-free environment. They encourage the patient not to associate with people who are still using drugs, and some programs explicitly prohibit this behavior. These programs typically emphasize the concept that recovery from drug dependency is a continuing process without a specific resolution. Some programs may advocate a reduction in the use of illegal drugs rather than outright abstention, although this is typically not a sustainable treatment plan in the long term. However, programs that deal with illegal drugs typically recommend abstention due to the legal consequences of consuming any amount of these substances. Some plans such as the 12-step programs used by Alcoholics Anonymous also encourage patients to change habits that may have led to their drug addictions.

Having a guide to drug addiction recovery: Disease Model

The disease model is one of the methods that have been use time immemorial in viewing drug addiction and it is still applicable currently. Under this model, the understanding is that the patterns of behavior leading to drug abuse have some biological causes that are intensified by environmental factors. In this model of drug addiction the understanding is that all addicts are not able of abstaining from drug abuse by themselves. Drug rehab programs based on this model require patients to admit their addiction and cease the behaviors that caused them to use drugs. These programs also instruct patients to obtain a support network of friends and family members in their effort to remain clean and sober. The 12-step programs are strongly based on the disease model of drug addiction.

In one of the studies conducted in 1999 and published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research shows that participation in 12-step programs is an accurate predictor of success after one year of abstinence. However, these programs have also received significant criticism based on the spiritual orientation of these programs. A socio-cognitive analysis of substance abuse appearing in a 1999 issue of Psychological Science challenges the psychological basis for 12-step programs. A class-action lawsuit in 2006 opposed the constitutionality of court-ordered 12-step programs. These programs are most successful with alcohol abuse, which was their original focus. They are less successful with opiate addiction, which tends to do best with maintenance therapy.

Having a guide to drug addiction recovery: Facility Types

In the advent of fighting drug addiction, it is important to note that drug rehab facilities may take many specific forms including some of the following:

Some centers cater to population groups based on criteria such as age, gender and religion. Organizations such as the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors classify treatment providers according to the providers’ spiritual beliefs. Most treatment centers currently treat multiple issues for each patient rather than just the addiction. Medical treatment for drug addiction in particular is generally viewed as ineffective by itself. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends that detoxification should be the first step in a drug rehab program and be followed by behavioral and medical therapy. NIDA also recommends that these therapies be followed up by a program to prevent relapse. Patient motivation is generally regarded as a critical factor in the success of a drug rehab program regardless of the specific methods used.

Having a guide to drug addiction recovery: Psychological Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most common types of psychological therapy used in the treatment of drug abuse. The purpose of this therapy is to allow patients to recognize the situations that are most likely to result in a relapse and help them to cope with the situations. Family therapy is intended to improve a family’s functioning to support the patient’s recovery. The intent of motivational interviewing is to increase the patient’s motivation to enter a rehab and recovery treatment program. This technique relies primarily on positive reinforcement as an incentive for abstaining from drugs.

Having a guide to drug addiction recovery: Chemical Therapy

The medical treatments for drug dependence can generally be grouped according to the brain system affected by those drugs. For example, the same medications are used to treat opiate addiction regardless of the specific opiates the patient is abusing. Methadone is the traditional medical treatment for an addiction to opiates, which includes cocaine, heroin and morphine in addition to similar prescription drugs. Buprenorphine is a more recent medical treatment for opiate addiction. These medications are used as a detoxification aid and as maintenance addiction therapy as a patient can take them indefinitely. Maintenance therapy is especially important for addiction illegal drugs, given the high relapse rate of opiate addiction.

Having a guide to drug addiction recovery: Counseling

Finally in her over two decades of practice, doctor Akoury agrees that counseling is one of the traditional treatments of drug addiction that has been used for decades and it is still effective even today. Counseling as mode of treatment may deliver good result in the addiction recovery even though this process may be more difficult when the patient has a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is most often performed in a group setting where the patients have some traits in common. Individual counseling is more likely when the patient has unique psychological issues. Counseling often takes the form of regular sessions, typically on a daily or weekly basis. Additional counseling sessions may occur as needed, such as crisis counseling or drop-in counseling. Intervention is a similar process in which family members request that a counselor convince the addict to enter treatment. And when going through all these it is important for you to always be in close touch with the professionals in addiction. You may want to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury to help you in your struggle with addiction today and she will be of great help to you and your family.

Having a guide to drug addiction recovery: Defeating drug addiction

 

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health

May 30, 2015

Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Co-Occurring Disorders

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Substance Abuse and Mental Health put together can really frustrate your life and immediate solution is very necessary

We are living at a time when substance abuse is becoming the order of the day and drugs are on a daily basis become very accessible to our children. The use of these drugs comes with serious health complications that destroy the very vital organs of the body including the heart, kidney, brain, lungs just to mention a few. When one abuses drugs consistently, the brain will be affected thereby causing mental health complications. The effects of substance abuse can be very frustrating if not dealt with in good time. That is why doctor Dalal Akoury founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center to help drug addicts get their life back professionally. We are going to be focusing on the substance abuse and mental health throughout this article so that you and your loved ones can get to know where to start from should there be an addiction and metal health problem in your family. From her over two decade of working experience doctor Akoury says that when you have both a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety scientifically this is called a co-occurring disorder or simply dual diagnosis as is commonly known by many. I have seen so many people struggling with various addictions but surely dealing with substance abuse, alcoholism, or drug addiction is never easy. This problem can even become more complicated and frustrating if the patient is also struggling with mental health problems. However, the good news is that when you visit our facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) we have highly trained medical staff who will administer treatments that will help you get better. She says that with proper treatment, support, and self-help strategies, you can overcome a dual diagnosis and reclaim your life. Therefore if you are struggling with any form of addiction, you may want to call doctor Akoury to schedule for an appointment for the commencement of your recovery journey.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Understanding the link between substance abuse and mental health

In a dual diagnosis, both the mental health issue and the drug or alcohol addiction have their own unique symptoms that may get in the way of your ability to function, handle life’s difficulties, and relate to others. To make the situation more complicated, the co-occurring disorders also affect each other and interact. When a mental health problem goes untreated, the substance abuse problem usually gets worse as well. And when alcohol or drug abuse increases, mental health problems usually increase too.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health: What comes first Substance abuse or the mental health problem?

Addiction is common in people with mental health problems. But although substance abuse and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are closely linked, one does not directly cause the other.

Alcohol or drugs are often used to self-medicate the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, substance abuse causes side effects and in the long run worsens the very symptoms they initially numbed or relieved.

Alcohol and drug abuse can increase underlying risk for mental disorders. Mental disorders are caused by a complex interplay of genetics, the environment, and other outside factors. If you are at risk for a mental disorder, drug or alcohol abuse may push you over the edge.

Alcohol and drug abuse can make symptoms of a mental health problem worse. Substance abuse may sharply increase symptoms of mental illness or trigger new symptoms. Alcohol and drug abuse also interact with medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, and mood stabilizers, making them less effective.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Recognizing co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis

Doctor Akoury says that it may not be an easy task to diagnose a substance abuse problem and a co-occurring mental health disorder like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. However it takes time to tease out what might be a mental disorder and what might be a drug or alcohol problem. Like it is said that the very first step of treatment of any kind of addiction is the acknowledgement of the problem, this as easy as it may be is one of the most difficult thing to most addicts. Many addicts are in denial and this is hindering treatment by greater percentage. Because of this problem it’s very difficult for addicts to admit how dependent they are on alcohol or drugs or how much the drugs affect their lives. Denial frequently occurs in mental disorders as well. The symptoms of depression or anxiety can be frightening, so you may ignore them and hope they go away. Or you may be ashamed or afraid of being viewed as weak if you admit the problem.

We appreciate that this can be very difficult for you but we want to encourage you that you are not alone and we want to help you in this journey of recovery. Many people have been there and all that you are going through they also went through but with the kind of professionalism approach we give we have heard countless testimonies of great recovery and they are now enjoying their lives free from addiction. You too can be one of them if only you can talk to us today. Pick up the phone and call right now because somebody is waiting to help you start the journey of great recovery. If you are wondering you chose AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, I will help you by giving brief insight of what you will get with us. When she realized that very many people were struggling with substance abuse and mental health with very little help coming, Dr. Akoury made a decision to create a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. This is the place to be for your recovery.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Co-Occurring Disorders

 

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