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Motivational Interview So Important In Addiction Treatment

March 15, 2015

Crucial Stages of Motivational Interview as Part of Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a multifaceted issue that also needs to be given a multifaceted approach in treatment without which treating addiction will be a fallacy. There is required input and cooperation of the patient 100 percent. He has to have the will to quit using the drugs he is using; you can never force an addict to quit using a drug he has become addicted to. It also needs patience of both the doctor and the patient so that the addict will be able to completely recover from all the adverse effects of addiction especially during withdrawal. One of the ways through which an urge to quit using drugs can be imparted into an addict is through motivational interview. Motivational interview is often referred to as motivational therapy and us done by a motivational therapist. The main aim of the motivational therapist is to help the patient see the side effects that he is suffering as a result of the use of the abusive drug and help create a desire to quit using the drug in the addict. He will not try to victimize the addict or to oppose his views but uses the power of empathy to instill the desire to quit the use of the abusive drug into the addict.

Motivational Interview

For any motivational interview to be effective there is need of full cooperation from the addict. There is also need of input of an experienced motivational therapist to place the will to change from the use of drug abuse into the mind of the addict. The addict is the center of focus in motivational interview, he is the one who has to make the decision of whether to quit using the drugs or not. The motivational therapist is just there to help him make this decision by giving him a better option in quitting but he can’t decide for the addict, the addict has to own the decision to quit and that is when he is bound to succeed. In a journalistic point of view it appears that both the addict and the therapists are very crucial parties to this type of treatment because as much as the therapist may be good at his work. He may bear initial fruits in planting the desire to quit using the drugs in the mind of the addict but the addict must make the step of quitting the use of the drug.

Here are some crucial stages that the addict will be taken through by the help of the motivational therapist

  • Pre-contemplation
  • Contemplation
  • Preparation
  • Action
  • Maintenance and relapse

For effectiveness these stages should be followed in sequence, however if an addict may fall beck he should be encouraged to continue from where appropriate.

Pre-contemplation

This is the first stage in which the thought of changing has not even got into the mind of the addict. In most instances the drug users are in denial and they do not consider themselves as the right audience to the advice being offered. Here the will to change is not close even to the addict and it requires an input of an expert motivational therapist to let the drug addict see the need to overcome the addiction. During this stage, addicts do not consider change. They may not believe that their behavior is a problem or that it will negatively affect them or they may be resigned to their unhealthy behavior because of previous failed efforts and no longer believe that they have control over addiction. At this stage the therapist must be careful not be seen as opposing the lifestyle of the addict but as an empathizer who has placed his foot right in the moccasins of the addict. Here the therapist’s main goal is harmer the desire to quit using the drugs of abuse in the patient’s mind.

Contemplation Stage

At contemplation stage, patients are unsure about changing. They are weighing the benefits they get from the use of the drug against the benefits they will receive after quitting its use. At this stage the patients tries to look into the reasons why they can’t stop the use of the drug. Giving up an enjoyed behavior causes them to feel a sense of loss despite the perceived gain.  This is the stage where the patient needs the help of the motivational speaker most as he gets in conflict with himself. He is torn between stopping the use of the drug and continuing using it. He must know the advantages and disadvantages of quitting the drug use. The therapist will be of help in letting the addict choose wisely.

Preparation Stage

Motivational InterviewDuring the preparation stage, patients prepare to make a specific change. To test the waters of the new world, the addict may try using the drugs in lower doses and tests his body reaction to the deprivation. The therapist helps the patient to stay true to its course since the outcome of these experiments may make the addict to give up on the goal of quitting the drug use.

Action Stage

The action stage is the stage that needs more of the patient’s contribution to be successful. Many patients may fail once but with the help of the therapist they may get up and continue fighting addiction.  Every effort that the patient puts forward must be appreciated by the therapist as this gives the addict the morale to continue.

Maintenance and Relapse Prevention

Every motivational therapist would want his patient to reach this stage. However the addict may go through the initial stages many times before fully landing on this stage. Change is not always easy to deal with and any discouragement from the therapists over the addicts’ occasional slip may thwart his hopes of ever overcoming addiction and hence he may give up.

Finally, the need to quit using drugs of abuse is crucial in motivational interview; the therapist has to instill this in the addict failure to which the interview will bear no success. All the same addiction is a jail that many are chained but the need for liberation is the very reason for our existence. Here at AWAREmed we are dedicated to finding the best solutions to addiction and dependence on substances. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is always in the mood of helping any patient to be addiction free. Do not hesitate to call on her for help in managing any sort of chronic pain or any type of addiction as well as other diseases.

Crucial Stages of Motivational Interview as Part of Addiction Treatment

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Medical Tourism And Treatment of Addiction

March 11, 2015

The Role of Medical Tourism in Treatment of Addiction

Basically medically tourism can be defined as the act of a person leaving his country to seek medical care in a different country or simply beyond the country’s borders. In the past medical tourism involved patients from third world countries traveling to developed countries in search of qualified medical doctors to treat their diseases. This meant that the patient had good money to spend in treatment in the country he was visiting for medical care. However today medical tourism has taken a new dimension with patients traveling from the developed countries to developing countries for affordable medical care. These patients are evading heavy financial crisis that they may plunge into if they opt to treat the diseases in their own countries where the cost of treatment is higher than in the countries they are visiting.

It is important to appreciate the fact that the patients who leave their countries to come and seek medical attention in developing countries are not destitute. In their countries they may form part of the middle class but they certainly have higher purchasing power than the citizens of the countries they visit for medical attention. They are therefore welcomed in these countries by the governments who view medical tourism as a chance to create more national income from it therefore it is greatly encouraged.

Medical Tourism

Medical tourism is a multimillion business that is known worldwide. However medical tourism if not well managed may result in some problems to the countries the medical tourist visit. Just like the common tourism you always know of, I mean that of adventure and leisure that has both positive and negative impacts on the countries the tourists visit the medical tourism is also a double edged sword. It therefore needs to be well managed for the benefits to be enjoyed. Apart from all the benefits that a country visited by a medical tourist will get, we need to look at the role of medical tourism in treatment of addiction.

Medical Tourism avails effective treatment for addiction

Medical tourism has far many benefits to an addict seeking help. To begin with we know that that the biggest hurdle to addicts in overcoming addiction is the presence of triggers that lie just outside the rehab walls. A change in the environment especially leaving a country to a different provides an addict with an opportunity to evade these triggers that may make him to fall back into drug use. These triggers may include the people they were drinking with or even some type of music that is usually played in bars and other places of leisure as people drink and use other drugs. When a person is receiving treatment in a different country, not only the location changes but also the culture which places learning and adventure at the top of the list while pulling the triggers out of the way of an addict.

The addict will also have access to some of the most unique addiction treatment practices across the world, treatments that have been used for centuries in treatment of addiction and have been proved to be very effective. Without the limits of the addicts country’s borders, a whole new world of variety of effective treatments open up for the addict to explore and choose from, of course with help from highly qualified doctors and healers. An example of a unique treatment of addiction that medical tourism avails for an addict is the Ayurvedic herbal Treatment;

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments of addiction

Ayurvedic treatments are one of the oldest therapies in the world with its roots in India. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The primary focus of Ayurvedic medicine is to promote good health, rather than fight disease. But treatments may be recommended for specific health problems. The best thing with ayurvedic treatment is that it is holistic. That is to say that it focuses more on the wellness of the patient other than on treating the patient of the symptoms of the disease. It focuses on uprooting the disease by maintaining the delicate balance of the mind, the body and the spiritual being of the patient.

Medical TourismOne of the greatest Ayurvedic theories is that everything in the universe be it living or not are not is connected. Good health is achieved when your mind, body, and spirit are in harmony with the universe. Even the slightest disruption of this harmony can lead to poor health and sickness. A person should therefore coexist with the universe. To begin with you need to appreciate the fact that anything that affects your physical, spiritual, or emotional well-being can cause you to be out of balance with the universe and therefore bring you lots of diseases. Ayurvedic treatment is also known as Ayurveda. Through medical tourism addicts from all over the world have been travelling to India for Ayurvedic herbal treatments. This can be credited to its effectiveness in treatment of addiction. Ayurvedic medicine works through these mediums to help an addict overcome addiction and offer complete healing.

Ayurvedic Diet– through ayurvedic diet, a patient will get lost nutrients restored; ayurvedic healers will tailor a diet aimed at recovery for every patient.

Meditation – this is a crucial part of Ayurveda. Meditation helps addicts in the path of self-discovery and also helps them deal with stress and depression better. It effectively addresses depression which is common in addicts as a withdrawal symptom.

Yoga– this involves a series of exercise and postures that will help in deep purification that is needed in getting drug debris out of the system of the patient. It only improves good health and restores the balance of energy in the body.

Achieving Balance– when a person has recovered from drug addiction, ayurvedic medicine will help him to achieve and maintain the physical, mental, and spiritual health balance.

Finally, addiction is a disease that should be approached integratively just in order to be won. Medical tourism avails an opportunity for an addict to find integrative medicine that may not be in their countries. Here at AWAREmed we are dedicated to offer the best treatment available to addicts. Contact Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) for more help in any kind of addiction you may be wrestling with.

The Role of Medical Tourism in Treatment of Addiction

 

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Estrogen Imbalances Impacting on Addiction

March 10, 2015

The Effect of Estrogen Imbalances in the Disease of Addiction

Hormonal fluctuations affect women more adversely than men. The hormone estrogen plays crucial functions in the life of a woman and its supply should not be interrupted. However as a woman is aging the ovaries stop producing this hormone leading to a fall in the level of this hormone. When the level of the estrogen hormone has floored the duties of this hormone will be unattended to leading to myriads of health problems affecting women. Among other problems a woman will experience the following problems when the level of estrogen falls; vaginal dryness, irritability, low sex drive, mood swings, hot flashes and urgency of urination. Pellet implants have been used to treat migraine and menstrual headaches and have been found effective in dealing with menopause symptoms.

According to an article published in the Holy Hormones journal, Female hormones are potent modulators of brain chemicals, neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.  the article reports that when a woman receives the bio-identical hormonal replacement therapy it does not only help with its anti-aging effects but also improves the general quality of life in women as it helps in preventing depression, anxiety and insomnia disorders all of which cause subsequent addiction.

Estrogen Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances cause drug craving

An investigation done at  Florida Detox & Wellness Institute on all hormonal and brain chemical imbalance that can cause drug and alcohol craving it was proved that  many female patients develop addiction issues because of midlife changes in estrogen and progesterone production.  The Institute opines that the reason why these findings have gone undetected is because most addiction treatment centers do not routinely examine the hormones involved in the pituitary-adrenal-ovarian axis.

The involvement of estrogen hormone imbalances in addiction calls for a more integrated treatment to addiction. As opposed to treating only the visible symptoms of addiction, there is need for doctors to integrate spiritual counseling and modern brain science so that the imbalances in the brain chemicals can be corrected making the treatment whole. By evaluating the possible imbalance in the brain and correcting the imbalances by bio-identical hormone therapy, the electrical activity in the brain is balanced and this nullifies the chances of a patient attempting self-medication with drugs of pleasure and alcohol. Clinical studies done at Florida Detox & Wellness Institute have indicated that addicted patients will use drugs and alcohol either to stimulate under-active brain regions or to relax over-active brain systems. The unusual electrical activity in the addicted patient’s brain is typically caused by inherited or acquired biochemical and hormonal deficiencies.

The changes on estrogen levels in midlife causes hormonal imbalance in women and therefore for there to be a successful treatment of an addict there has to be an accurate diagnosis which is based on evaluation of neurotransmitter and hormonal and brain scan research.  By normalizing the underlying biochemical and electrical imbalance drug and alcohol craving can be stopped. There is also need to identify the specific brain chemical and hormonal deficiencies as this will allow for more effective diagnosis of the root cause of the patient’s craving, thus eliminating alcohol and drug addictions.

Addictions that are common in the middle age population can be eliminated by correcting hormonal imbalances.  As women approach menopause the decline in estrogen takes charge however the decline in progesterone hormone normally begins eight years earlier before estrogen begins to decline. It is important to note that the decline in hormones is a gradual process. The drop in levels of progesterone hormone in women will result in such experiences as anxiety and insomnia. Other clinical studies that were done at the Florida Detox & Wellness Institute have shown that the progesterone decline phenomenon is a common etiology of alcohol and drug abuse, which causes over 40 percent of our addicted middle age females.

The biochemical explanation for the increased anxiety experienced by midlife females is that suboptimal progesterone levels occurring in the presence of normal estradiol levels cause an increase in brain electrical activity. Progesterone essentially is a brain relaxing hormone because it converts to another hormone, allopregnanolone. This metabolite of progesterone, allopregnanolone, activates the same relaxing nerve receptor, the GABA-A receptor, as does Valium, Xanax and alcohol.

Estrogen ImbalanceThere is need for balance between the GABA activity and the estradiol production in the body. When there is a loss in GABA activity as a result of dropping progesterone levels a person will develop excess electrical activity in both, their central and peripheral nervous system. This phenomenon occurs because estradiol enhances the excitatory brain chemicals, dopamine and histamine. Their excitatory effect on brain electricity should be counter balanced with the GABA effect of progesterone. The new onset progesterone deficient middle aged female experiences newfound anxiety and insomnia that frequently precipitates the need for relaxing medication which ultimately causes subsequent addiction issues.

Women who have low levels of progesterone hormone will begin using alcohol and other drugs to relax their brain. When this happens, alcohol, just like Valium will activates the GABA-A receptor. This will make them drink more of alcohol increasing the units they take as time goes by as the wine will cease to be just a drink to her but a medication.

The effect of estrogen progesterone imbalance as well as other brain chemicals in causing addiction has been proved beyond any reasonable doubt and it is therefore very important for every addiction patient to ask for hormonal evaluation and restoration when receiving any addiction treatment.

Finally, if you are battling with addiction and is interested in the long lasting, effective addiction treatment therapy please call 843-213-1480 or contact Dr. Dalal Akoury is an experienced doctor who will be able to help you.

The Effect of Estrogen Imbalances in the Disease of Addiction

 

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NAC, the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter and Addiction

February 5, 2015

NAC, the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter and Addiction

Addiction is one complex problem faced by many. There is no limit to how many things people can get addicted to. If you cannot go a day without watching a movie, and then it gets to a point when you must slot in a couple of hours in your daily schedule to watch movies then that is your addiction.

If you keep getting those cravings for soda or sugary meals, you try to stay without them but the urge is so much that you only calm down after satisfying that thirst then that is an addiction.

Addiction can be good or bad. You can be addicted to work, you love your work that you can’t spend time away from your job. That is addiction. Such positive addictions too may be unhealthy. If you are addicted to work for instance, you will hardly spare time for other essential activities, such as being with your family.

Other forms of addiction often associated with the term, such as drug and substance abuse are detrimental to your health. A person who is addicted to alcohol for instance cannot live without it. Their lives often revolve around the liquor. The same applies to coke, cigarettes, marijuana and all other recreational drugs. The substance of addiction gets to dictate how you live your life.

the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter

Facts about addiction

The habit is a problem. You have to first admit it in order to be able to get over it. An addict who finds it difficult to get over the problem may often be tempted to blame it on someone, or something else. But that is not a solution, acceptance is key.

Giving in to one’s yearnings is a matter of choice. At the beginning of any addiction you often see yourself in control of the situation. You are not forced to do anything, you just do it because you enjoy the act. With time though, this control diminishes and you become increasingly more vulnerable to the substance of your addiction.

You are in a position to drop your addictions by saying ‘no’ to the substance. This is the premise under which psychosocial support for addiction recovery is usually built. Through guidance one is offered a way out of their drug or substance habit. At such point, it is upon you to decide whether or not you are going to adopt a clean lifestyle.

 

NAC and Addiction

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine is a chemically changed version of the non-essential amino acids in the body. NAC works by purifying your body by removing harmful toxins. It is highly essential in recovery from drug addiction. alcohol and other drugs commonly abused cause a lot of damage to the liver, lungs, kidneys and other organs and this is likely to result in chronic ailments that are life threatening.  This amino acid is essential as it protects cells from getting damaged in addition to its role in preserving functions of the liver.

It is a known precursor to Glutathione which is the most effective in destroying free radicals. The amino acid works to protect the brain and the liver from damages caused by toxins like alcohol, acidic mater, particles found in the air and cigarettes smoke. It also has other significant functions that are key to the wellbeing of an individual.

Among them, it helps the body to promote its burning of fat and aids the muscle building process. Studies also indicate that it can rid the body of copper by a chelating effect, and is used in the treatment of particular diseases including bronchitis, emphysema and certain respiratory problems among adults.

NAC plays a key role in the production of white blood cells necessary for body immunity. The white cells fight diseases that attack the body and help boost the natural immune response of the body. As such, the amino acid is essential for the defense of the body against disease attack.  It further helps in insulin metabolism and functions, which is key to the body’s blood sugar regulation.

the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter

Sources of NAC

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine can always be naturally manufactured by the body on its own. The high-protein foods such as eggs and meat are however potent dietary sources of this amino acid. Other good sources include foods such as broccoli, garlic, wheat, onions and red peppers.

Other sources that can be recommended for this important amino acid for those who are recovering from the damage caused by drug addiction include nutritional supplements found in a number of nutrition outlets in different continents. It is however important to seek recommendations form a physician since this product is largely unregulated and health consumers are likely to purchase a product that contains incorrect amount of ingredients recommended for the particular patient.

NAC, the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter and Addiction

 

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Complications of Female Sexual Dysfunction

September 13, 2014

Complications of Female Sexual Dysfunctions – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Female Sexual Dysfunction

It is one thing to have sex with your partner and it is another thing all together to satisfy your partner sexually and this bit is what will send you thinking on what is that you are not doing right. I don’t know what you are going through in your sex life but what I know is that all is not well with majority in our society today. The realization that all is not well is our motivation to creating awareness by wring useful information on this link and linking you with the experts to help you make things right. We have just posted an article discussing some of the causes of female sexual dysfunction and now we want to further on that by discussing the complications associated with sexual dysfunctions, and Female Sexual Dysfunction the diagnosis and possible solutions a discussion you don’t want to miss. We are going to be dwelling much on the female gender most of the discussion and so women who do not enjoy satisfying sexual experiences with their partners often report the following:

  • Lack of sexual desire (low libido)
  • Inability to attain an orgasm
  • Pain or other distress during penile penetration
  • An inability to fantasize about sexual situations
  • Indifference to, or repulsion by, having sex
  • Feelings of fear or anger towards their partners

These are pertinent experiences and must not be over looked in anyway. Ordinarily and quite often either or any of these responses have psychological complications. It may not therefore count whether the symptoms are associated with natural physical factors, such as menopause, or have their origins deeply rooted in the psychological triggers. The bottom line is many women are likely to have a perpetual feelings of inadequacy and dysfunctional this is a symptom of female sexual dysfunction.

These feelings necessitates the women to trade blame on themselves for not being sexually responsive, have trouble explaining to their partners about how they feel and experience low self-esteem as a result. You will agree with me that these are not very good feelings to have especially when it comes to sex and relationship. Nonetheless we have a problem before us and it is only right that we pool together to contain the problem by consulting with the experts. For instance doctor Dalal Akoury is one such professional who has been in medical practice for over two decades making her an ideal professional to reach out for, for lasting solution. I will be sharing more about this great doctor as we progress but in the meantime let us interrogate the diagnosis of this problem.

Diagnosing Female Sexual Dysfunction

Getting to know the cause of sexual dysfunction is half the battle – The stage of sexual activity at which a woman is having problems may offer some clues. Other evidence may be found through physical and psychological testing. Your family doctor can refer you to specialists who can help pinpoint what’s causing the problem and possible solution.

In sexual desire disorder – a woman experiences a decreased interest in having sex. If the lack of interest is new and extends to all partners and situations, the doctor will likely consider causes such as medications, medical conditions such as depression, hormonal changes, or imbalances in certain neurotransmitters (the brain’s chemical messengers). On the other hand, sexual desire disorder may be caused by interpersonal factors if it’s confined to one partner or one situation.

Sexual arousal disorder – this refers to a woman’s inability to become lubricated, aroused, or sexually excited, even after being sexually stimulated.

Orgasmic disorder – it means that a woman may enjoy sexual activity but has difficulty reaching orgasm or takes a very long time to reach orgasm. Physical causes are rare, except in cases of nerve damage in the spine. Psychological factors may range from;

  • Never having learned how to have an orgasm
  • Unrealistic expectations from a partner
  • Feelings of guilt at experiencing pleasure

It is important to note that orgasmic disorder is only diagnosed when a woman has no difficulty with arousal, only with climax. Having illustrated all this and you have been diagnosed the next question that follows on is, how do then get treated of this condition?

Treating and Preventing Female Sexual Dysfunction

The first step in managing a female sexual dysfunction is to see a health care provider for assessment and appropriate treatment and this is where doctor Dalal Akoury comes in. Your problem could necessitate certain corrections using the O Shot procedure, which doctor Akoury does best and therefore calling her for an appointment will be the starting point if you want to have your sex life back and get the desired fulfillment all round. As you contemplate that, it is important for you to know that physical disorders are actually treatable and so you need not to suffer in silence any longer because help is right here before you, all you need to do is call this great physician today. However as for a female sexual dysfunction associated with aging and dryness of the vagina, vaginal moisturizers or estrogen treatment (such as a vaginal cream, vaginal ring, or low-dose tablet taken by mouth) can be effective but even with these applications you will still need to be guided by the experts to avoid any form of complications from the possible side effects.

In the advent for seeking treatment however, when the psychological factors are very evident it may be necessary that you get the services of professional counseling from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or sex therapist to help you find ways and means of removing or reducing the causes. Psychotherapy may be more useful if there has been some trauma in a woman’s background, or problems that stem from stress or relationships. Therapy that includes a sexual partner is more helpful in increasing the chance of learning to experience orgasm. The good news I have for you is that all these services are very much available at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility founded by Doctor Akoury and once again I want to invite you to make a point of visiting the home of female sexual dysfunction solution today for total restoration of your sex life. Remember that the focus will be on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, unifying the threesome into ONE for those traumatic elements hindering your full sexual enjoyment.

Complications of Female Sexual Dysfunction – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

 

 

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