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Managing Forms of Fear in Addiction Recovery

Forms Of Fear And Addiction And How To Manage

Ever found yourself at a scene of accident? Ever watched a horror movie? Well many of us have.

It is indeed dreadful. These two however brings out different kinds of fear in many of us. One is the kind you never want to experience ever. The other is the kind that despite the fact it holds our breaths and makes our hearts beat a little faster we still mole around and find some fun in them. Or who enjoys accident scenes; trust me not even the corps. How about anaconda, or the vampire diaries, aren’t they some of your favorites? The answer is obvious. Now back to our subject, fear and addiction.

One of the greatest concerns of an addict on rehab is fear. The following are some of the most common forms of fear among the addicts.

  1. Fear of recovery from addiction

As mentioned in many other reports, addiction is both rewarding and reinforcing. One major concern therefore is losing the very substances that gave them a sense of happiness and joy, losing their primary forms of pleasure and replacing the same with new ones that do not in essence give similar kind of pleasure quickly. Many addicts wonder whether really they are able to sustain recovery and their life after victory.

fear

  1. Fear of Failure to Recover

It has also been mentioned a number times recovery is a long journey. In the course of it, there are several pitfalls and failures. There are times of doubt; there are those times the addict thinks s/he set her/his goals so high. At which point they think they do not have what it takes. And they attempt to fall back due to fear and addiction.

  1. Fear of Victory over Addiction

Isn’t it ironical this comes after that of disappointment? Could be there are good reasons for this too. Naturally human beings are curious. They often wonder what it is on the other side. Usually they do not know. This develops into a form of fear similar to one of the most dreaded, fear of the unknown. Isn’t it true people fear walking in the dark? Similarly addicts may not know exactly what would happen once they recover. They may know the benefits yes, but they may not yet know a whole lot of other things including; how to deal with the past, and new identities.

  1. Fear of Denial by Family and Friends           

Many addicts are slow on coming to terms with reality. They fail to admit they have a problem. They go about recovery either discretely or normally and in total disregard of their situation. They find it hard in the face of mockery and or rejection by their old friends. It could be the ones who led them into the problem in the first place or the new recruits who are probably still blinded by the short-term benefits of addiction and are yet to face any real consequences. Many addicts fear being judged. However the worst form of fear under this category is the fear to seek support.

  1. Fear of Falling Back

There are never assurances to recovery. They are never clear cut treatment. These make this form of fear very real. Recovery demands a lot of commitment. Many addicts therefore fail to take any steps concerned the whole process might fail they shall be right back where they started, states of both fear and addiction.

The road leading to addiction is straight and smooth. Addiction is both rewarding and repetitive, literally making the ride fun. But there are consequences, most of the time dreadful. This reminds us the way back to recovery. Unlike the road down to addiction, the one back to sobriety is rough and bumpy. Sometimes it is so rocky we get stuck, other times it’s so muddy and slippery we get back down to addiction and wait for another season. Faced with both fear and addiction, it is important to be bold and take the right steps back to recovery. What then must we do to manage such fear and addiction?

  1. Based on Fear of Recovery

The first thing to do when faced with any form of fear is to recognize it. The other thing to do is to overcome. However the latter is never easy. It is advisable to take a step at a time. Also, it is advisable to share the same with a therapist who will be able to walk you through the steps. The other forum, rather one of the best is sign up in a support group where you will likely meet other addicts undergoing the process, probably harboring the same fears. Don’t they say always there is security in numbers?

Fear

  1. Based on Fear of Failure

It is simple, first recognize the fact there are failures along this path. Second everyone is unique; it might be a simple straight path as so and so. Once these facts have settled drop a perfectionist kind of attitude and go through the process. When faced with difficulties, share the same with the therapist and try another approach. Also, persistence is crucial in managing this form of fear and addiction.

  1. Based on Fear of Victory

How about try not resisting this kind of fear? How about identifying it and yet letting it be? Many however have found a secret in simply letting the future be and living in the present.

  1. Based on Fear of Denial

This form of fear demands great support by trusted family and friends. It is overcome by signing up into support groups.

  1. Based on Fear of Falling Back

This has been solved by the discovery of the brain’s ability to reorganize itself to a state of normal functioning, neuroplasticity. The secret here is in abstinence; this is so that the brain is able to remold back to a former state of sobriety. It also involves exposing yourself more to alternative forms of pleasure.

The above, very important, are a tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more to fear and addiction you may find very useful to you. Click on http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com to find a whole piece of information on fear and addiction.

Forms Of Fear And Addiction And How To Manage

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Hormones Linked to Sugar Addiction

Low Estrogen, Low Testosterone, Low Progesterone Cause Sugar Addiction

Sugar addictionThe hormones above are very crucial in our bodies but most of their functions are unknown to many people. Recently, researchers have been able to point out the relationships between these hormones and sugar addiction.

Low Testosterone and Sugar addiction

Low testosterone has been found to be a cause of Insulin resistance. Even a slight amount of insulin resistance keeps your body from managing blood sugar levels normally. When there is insulin resistance, it means that the glucose that you get from foods like carbohydrates that should give your cells instant energy is blocked from entering the cells. The cells therefore become starved leading to uncontrollable craving for sugar. Low testosterone in men induces insulin resistance. Testosterone is needed in sugar metabolism, insulin regulation and fat metabolism therefore when the levels of testosterone are low then the cells will starve and this will lead to a person becoming addicted to sugary substances.

Estrogens and Progesterone linked to sugar addiction

Estrogens are hormones that play important roles in matters of sexual and reproductive development in women. In most cases they are referred to as female sex hormones. Estrogen refers to all of the chemically similar hormones in the women which are estrone, estradiol and estriol. Contrary to what many people think estrogen and progesterone hormones play other crucial roles other than the sexual purpose that they are well known for. Apart from their sexual purpose they can also be useful in performing the following purposes that are equally crucial.

The estrogen hormone helps in fighting depression in women by boosting the levels of serotonin, a boost in the levels of serotonin improves the quality of sleep. Estrogen also increases GABA which are crucial as they help in calming the neurotransmitters.

Another crucial function of the estrogen hormones is that they responsible for good mood in women. They increase the levels of endorphins that help women to feel good. When the levels of estrogen go down the feelings of sadness and hopelessness will find their way in a woman and therefore it is necessary for a woman to stress free.

Estrogen hormone is also very important in bone formation and strengthening, it works with vitamin D and other mineral calcium in developing bones that are strong enough. As the level of estrogen declines women will begin to have weak bones and that explains why women in menopause are most likely to suffer osteoporosis.

Estrogen hormone also plays a role in blood clotting, maintaining the strength and thickness of the vaginal wall and the urethral lining, vaginal lubrication and a host of other bodily functions. It affects skin, hair, mucous membranes and the pelvic muscles. The hormone also affects the brain and literally estrogen rules a woman’s life.

Just like estrogen Progesterone also plays very crucial roles in our lives. This hormone is present in both men and women but it is more dominant in women than in men. This hormone helps in promoting healthy sleep, it also balances the levels of estrogen in the body. Progesterone has a natural calming effect and is a natural diuretic and antidepressant. When the levels of progesterone drop it will cause insomnia and lead to bad moods as well.

These hormones are produced in the ovaries and are available in the highest levels in women at puberty but may also be produced in lower levels in fat cells and the adrenal glands. During menopause the production of these hormones stops and that explains why women in menopause have lower levels of estrogen.

Some women will feel sugar cravings escalating in perimenopause periods in their forties, this may be caused by a fall in the levels of estrogen and progesterone and estrogen levels. On DR. Oz show Jacob Teitelbaum, MD opines that earlier in a woman’s life the cravings for sugar are likely to manifest as premenstrual syndrome. This is often associated with lower levels of progesterone and estrogen in them that may be accompanied by severe irritability that happens in during the periods. In his article he explains that when a woman hits mid-forties the levels of estrogen will drop. The drop in estrogen and progesterone causes deficiency of the hormones in the body and this causes increased craving for sugar. Other symptoms of low progesterone and estrogen fatigue, moodiness and insomnia as well as decreased vaginal lubrication.

According to Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, it is not only progesterone and estrogen deficiency that causes increased craving for sugar but testosterone deficiency associated with andropause can also cause sugar craving along with other severe problems in men. Depression, decreased libido, decreased erectile function, high blood pressure, weight gain, diabetes or high cholesterol can suggest testosterone deficiency. This problem can be solved by supplementing testosterone.

He reveals that blood testing for hormonal deficiency may not reveal the problem when still mild and manageable, it can only work in severe conditions that will leave a person debilitated for long time. He advises that it is very essential to eliminate sugar addiction that is caused by estrogen, progesterone or testosterone.

Treating Sugar addiction

There are natural therapies that can be used in restoring the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body and calm the sugar craving and break the addiction. These natural therapies may include edamane and black cohosh also known as remifemin, they are very effective in treating estrogen deficiency syndrome more effectively and naturally. In case the drop in level is more severe then prescription of natural bioidentical hormones can help.

Sugar addictionDr. Teitelbaum advices that using non-bioidentical hormones may not to be so safe and therefore encourages the use of the natural bioidentical hormones to help patients with low estrogen and progesterone levels hence break their sugar addiction and stop the craving. He advises that post menstrual syndromes characterized by increased sugar craving can be greatly reduced by taking vitamin B6 200 mg a day, magnesium 200 mg a day, and Evening Primrose oil 3,000 mg a day for 3 months. Then the dose can often be lowered. Bioidentical progesterone can also help in severe cases that persist after three months of the nutritional treatments above.

When you use the natural bioidentical hormones, your metabolism will be improved and your cravings for sugar will stop. With improved metabolism you will reap additional benefits like loss of weight hence a more satisfying life. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is committed to availing integrative care to all addicts call on her at Myrtle beach, South Carolina for help.

Low Estrogen, Low Testosterone, Low Progesterone Cause Sugar Addiction

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Opiate Use Leads To Decreased Sex Hormone Levels

Opiate Use Leads To Decreased Sex Hormone Levels

opiate addictionOpiates have been used for a long time in pain management. They are the best in dealing with chronic pain and so have been used worldwide to help patients with chronic pain especially cancer patients to cope with their pain and promote their recovery. The use of opiates in pain management however is little understood by the general public especially because the media has never portrayed them favorably. However the public are slowly waking up to the realization that opiates are not as bad as they are purported to be but are very essential in our hospitals to day. They have become a necessity for analgesia and patients undergoing chronic [pain have become dependent on them. Without these opiates the patients will suffer greatly.

The use of opiates in treatment of chronic pain has however been associated with deficiency in androgens. Testosterone is one of the most crucial hormones in the body as they are responsible for sex. In case deficiency in testosterone a person will suffer low sex drive. It may lead to hypogonadism which today is one of the problems that see men weep in the night for failing to rise to occasion and satisfy the sexual needs of their marital partners. Apart from hypogonadism and low levels of androgens, the long term use of these opiates may also cause such problems as adrenal dysfunction, pituitary dysfunction, and abnormality in growth and reduced bone density. When a patient has used the opiates for a long time it lowers the levels of testosterone, it is this hormone that is responsible for masculinity, bone density and even sound sex life. All these problems arise as a result of decline in testosterone and other sex hormones, opiates use being the cause of the decline in the sex hormones. Several studies have revealed that long term use of opiates in pain management causes opiate induced hypogonadism characterized by very low levels of androgens especially the testosterone hormones. The use of opiates in pain management has not only been linked to decline in sex hormones but also abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism.

There some side effects that patients who have used opiates in managing pain for a long time suffer, these side effects are often well managed through myriads of medical practices that may also involve hormone therapy to restore balance in hormones and help evade all the gross problems that are associated with deficiency in crucial hormones in the body. Specifically symptoms that are often associated with opiate induced hypogonadism include sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, lack of libido, low sex drive, reduced muscle mass and loss of strength in men. In most study reports osteoporosis and poor sex functions are credited to low levels of testosterone hormone. Women are also not spared since long term use of opiates will also alter the functions of estrogen hormones making them prone to these symptoms as well.

Hormone supplementation

opiate addictionA patient undergoing opiate treatment will suffer these side effects but all will be well after some time when they have broken free from the dependence on these drugs. The levels of testosterone will surge to normal levels and so will estrogen in women. This process occurs naturally, however some people will opt for hormone supplementation which may work as the process of treatment is going on but doctors advise that this may not be good as it discourages the body to signal its natural hormone production.

Patients have suffered opiate induced hypogonadism but most cases go unrecognized hence the patients are not easily helped to deal with the situation. The decline in testosterone levels is caused by opioid drug inhibition of Luteinizing Hormone often abbreviated as LH. LH is a pituitary hormone which is involved in testosterone production. LH also helps in direct inhibition of testosterone itself. It also causes the inhibition of the entire endocrine system and adrenal hormone suppression.

Researchers have also found that it is not only opiates that are used in pain management that causes decline in sex hormones and all the other symptoms associated with the fall in level of those hormones. Another cause of decline in these sex hormones is the treatments that are used to help the patients to overcome dependency on these opiates. These substances may include methadone which is commonly used in treating patients who have become dependent on opiates after long term use to manage pain. As shown in a new study treating opioid dependence with methadone can dramatically lower testosterone levels with men being the victims.

A cross-sectional study of more than 1000 adults led by Dr. Zena Samaan showed that the men who were treated with methadone for opioid addiction had roughly one quarter of the testosterone found in the men who did not use opioids. This study shows how methadone has adverse effects on testosterone levels in men. In women however there was no notable change.

“We expected that men would have lower testosterone. That was not something new,” principal investigator Zainab (Zena) Samaan, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences in the School of Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, told Medscape Medical News.

“What was surprising was the magnitude of the reduction,” Dr. Samaan concluded.

She opined that doctors should be updated by following research findings on this issue so that they will know how to manage these symptoms that are associated with decline in testosterone. She encouraged doctors to check the hormonal levels of patients before putting them on opioid therapy and continue with this check in regular intervals to help manage testosterone levels.

There are various natural addiction treatment mechanisms that can help patients addicted to opiates other using methadone that may lead to decline in testosterone levels. Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we encourage natural addiction training for physicians, Nurse, practitioners, Physician assistants and counselors so that they can avail a better alternative to opiates addicted patients. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is committed to availing help to every patient. Call on her at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Opiate Use Leads To Decreased Sex Hormone Levels

 

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