Tag Archives: Sexually transmitted disease

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence

September 11, 2015

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence: What is Addiction Treatment?

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence as a significant way of protecting your heath from all the chronic complications that come as a result of these substance and chemical abuse.

Understanding chemical abuse and dependence is very key in unlocking the stalemate that comes with all kinds of addiction complications. It is true that so many people these days are not using alcohol or other drugs instead they are trying the use of chemicals in order to achieve their desired goals. In the process some will rarely experience any negative consequences while others will. However, many people and this is very common, drink or use drugs problematically and disorderly thereby landing themselves in serious health and social problems. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, those who use chemicals and experience negative consequences are scientifically known as “chemical abusers.” Some of these people are able to stop abusing by modifying their own behavior and using community supports, allowing them to eliminate the negative consequences. However for those who are unable to effectively modify their behavior and whose use continues to be problematic, formal treatment interventions are recommended says doctor Akoury.

Chemical dependence is a complex disease. It is often characterized by compulsive which may be very difficult to manage. Take for instance the problem of uncontrollable – craving, seeking and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. This disorder is a chronic condition with a high probability of relapse; it affects both the physical and mental health of the dependent individual. It also negatively affects interpersonal relationships with family members, relatives and friends of the addicted person. As such, the disease results in both physical and behavioral manifestations.

The addiction and resultant compulsion for alcohol or drugs can take over the individual’s life, leading to a wide range of dysfunctional behaviors that interfere with the family, workplace and broader community interactions. The problem is further magnified with the fact that most chemical dependent live in denial and fail to admit that they have a problem. They may show poor judgment, lack impulse control, and show marked mood swings. Persons with addiction can become preoccupied with alcohol or drugs and can be extremely careful in protecting their supply. Glamorizing the use of chemicals along with joyous memories of being “high” is also frequently associated with addiction.

The expert at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are very categorical that people get into addiction for various specific reasons that are very unique to those individuals. Besides that it is also important to note that addiction is a chronic and progressive medical condition with genetic, physical and behavioral components. It is closely associated to other chronic medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, all of which can be treated effectively says doctor Dalal Akoury.

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence: Treatment of addictive disorders

Because chemical dependence is a complex disorder, effective treatment requires interventions that address the physical health, mental health, and interpersonal relationships of the affected individual. Therefore, the treatment process must be comprehensive and address the multiple and complex needs of addicted individuals and their families. Essential elements of comprehensive treatment for addictive disorders consist of many components, some of which should be employed for every person and some only for certain individuals. To the extent possible, the individual’s family should be engaged in part of the treatment process. The components we are making refence about are all available at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and they include the following:

  • Detoxification and medical management of withdrawal symptoms;
  • A comprehensive evaluation of the nature of use, and strengths and needs of the individual which results in a diagnosis;
  • An individualized treatment plan which is developed with the patient and is modified as the individual progresses;
  • Pharmacological therapy, when appropriate;
  • Monitoring of continued abstinence from alcohol and other substances;
  • Vocational and educational assistance;
  • Cognitive and behavioral therapy;
  • Clinical case management;
  • Continuing care;
  • Self-help or peer support as a complement to professional treatment.

Doctor Akoury reiterates that for effective result to be realized, the evaluation, diagnosis and resulting treatment plan must be developed by qualified and experienced professionals in the addiction field and must address the multiple aspects of the disease. Although addiction treatment provider need not provide all services directly, quality care then demands that services be planned for and provided through referral linkages with other appropriately qualified providers.

The treatment delivery process assures that all necessary and available services are delivered to address individuals’ needs relating to addiction. Other issues that may be addressed in a comprehensive treatment process, in addition to addiction management, include physical health, mental health, strengthening the family, legal, and financial, child care, housing, parenting, transportation, education, prevocational and work readiness. A quality process must include the availability of longer-term supports to sustain recovery and prevent relapse. Quality treatment also addresses public health concerns commonly associated with alcohol and substance abuse, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Further, many providers now integrate treatment for nicotine dependence into chemical dependence programs.

The process of treatment begins with educating the individual and his or her family about the disease of addiction and assuring that each individual recognizes the signs and symptoms of the disease in his or her own life. Motivational enhancement may be the first step since many patients may not accept that their addiction is not normal. Teaching the individual to both recognize the triggers of relapse and use preventive responses to these triggers is critical during the treatment process. The outcome of appropriate, comprehensive treatment should strive toward helping the persons receiving services to accomplish the following:

  • Understand the relevant issues associated with the disease as it affects their lives and the lives of those around them;
  • Understand the physical impact of chemicals and the implications of addiction on brain functioning;
  • Learn and practice the mechanisms, attitudes, skills and behaviors necessary to sustain the positive effects of treatment;
  • Develop the capacity or potential to practice normal life activities with responsibility;
  • Recognize the personal signs, symptoms, circumstances, and triggers of relapse and know how to respond;
  • Develop and sustain a social support network that will foster and reinforce ongoing recovery.

Finally with all these teachings done the individual patient must always keep in close touch with their physicians during and after the treatment process. Therefore if you are considering this worthy course and you are at cross road not knowing who to turn to for professional help, doctor Dalal Akoury’s office is ever open for you and you can schedule for an appointment with her so that you can have all your concerns professionally addressed.

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence: What is Addiction Treatment?

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Yeast Infection And Weight Gain

January 6, 2015

Yeast Infection Can Contribute To Weight Gain

Yeast infection is a common condition in women. Over 75% of women today have experienced at least one type of yeast infection in their lives. Not to say that men don’t get yeast infections. It’s just that women are affected by it more than men.

Today over 70 million Americans have yeast infections. Only 30% of these statistics are men. This clarifies that women are the victims of yeast infection in most cases.

Yeast infections starts with a fungus infestation. The fungus thrives in the gut. It produces toxins into the blood. These toxins are associated with fatigue and dizziness. They affect the thyroid causing a hormonal imbalance.

This hormonal imbalance is what causes cravings for things like sugar and alcohol. Well, it is common knowledge that these two are associated with weight gain.

Antibiotics are very common in our households. What you don’t know is that they cause yeast in your body to over grow. Eating a refined diet may also contribute to an overgrowth of yeast. Refined flour especially wheat flour and sugar feed the bacteria causing them to grow. Another bacteria overgrowth causing factor is the increase in stress hormones in your body.

yeast-infections

What is Yeast?

Normally yeast exists in the human bodies. Candida albicans is the common yeast that exists in our bodies. Yeast infection occurs when there is an over growth of Candida albicans.

It normally exists among good bacteria in the gut. They live together and maintain an optimum balance. The useful bacteria play a role in digestion of sugars and making of vitamins which are useful in human nutrition. Some bacteria form lactic acid which protect the body e.g. guts from yeast infection.

Candida thrives in the body in places like the digestive track, mouth, vagina and skin. It lives in harmony with other bacteria and yeast. Antibiotic are the major triggers of yeast overgrowth. The moment you start taking antibiotics disrupts this harmony and the balance that existed.

The useful and bad bacteria in the body are destroyed. However, antibiotics do not affect the yeast. When good and bad bacteria are destroyed by antibiotics it means the competition is over. Yeast can now thrive and this causes it to over grow.

The growth is facilitated by the refined sugars we take in our diets. They feed the yeast contributing to its growth. The antibiotics destroy even the bacteria responsible for production of lactic acid which counteracts the growth of yeast. The growing yeast therefore affects the tissues of where it thrives e.g. the intestinal walls.

Yeast Overgrowth and Weight Gain

The overgrowth of yeast has direct effect on weight gain. It leads to bloating that causes an increase in belly fat. This affects women most.

A woman may be cutting out calories in her diet and taking only a few yet she still gains weight. This may be hard for people to believe. However, she may be on a diet but the food she is eating containing sugars and carbohydrates may be contributing to this weight gain.

As seen refined carbohydrates and sugars act as food for the yeast. This causes an over growth of yeast in the body. Let’s take a case where she is on antibiotics. These destroy the good and bad bacteria that keep yeast in check. The yeast is therefore able to grow without competition. Adding a carbohydrate and sugar diet to this equation makes weight loss next to impossible even on the stickiest calorie diet.

The build-up of toxics combined with bloating causes a decline in the functioning of thyroid. This leads to a decrease in metabolism which eventually causes weight gain.

Yeast overgrowth creates a strong craving for sugars and carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in the body build up into fat that is stored in the tissues, a major cause of weight gain.

The yeast overgrowth also causes a considerable overworking of the immune system due to toxics. The toxic overload leads to chronic stress. Studies show that chronic cells lead to an increase in levels of cortisol. High levels of cortisol make it difficult to lose weight because of the chronic stress in the body.

yeast-infection

Managing Yeast Overgrowth

Diet: The best way of managing yeast overgrowth is to stay clear of refined sugars and carbohydrates. Also keep away from fermented foods and dairy product. These will only accelerate the yeast overgrowth.

Probiotics: these refer to good bacteria. They boost nutrition. When introduced into the body they enhance the balance of bacteria and yeast that had been lost and yeast growth is minimized.

Avoid Exposure to Chemicals and Medications: chemicals such as pathogens which are found in our homes in form of paints, perfumes, and paints should be avoided. Also stay away from medications such as antibiotics and birth control pills which cause yeast to over growth.

AwareMed is the best place to learn more about yeast over growth and its effect on weight gain. Dr. Dalal Akoury will provide more expert opinion on this and other health issues. This is the kind of knowledge you won’t find anywhere else. Just visit www.awaremednetwork.com and experience change today.

Yeast Infection Can Contribute To Weight Gain

 

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The Symptoms and Treatment of Chlamydia

September 20, 2014

Chlamydia: Symptoms, Effects and Treatment

Chlamydia is one of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases affecting people leading active sexual lifestyles. There are several reasons that make the disease quite common. To begin with, the disease has got little or no symptoms at all. To many people, the disease may completely fail to show symptoms and only manifest itself later in the form of effects. The second factor is that Chlamydia, which is a bacterial disease, may be easily transmitted during oral or vaginal intercourse. These two factors; the fact that the disease may not show symptoms in some people and that it can be spread even by means of oral sex; make Chlamydia a very common sexually transmitted disease.

Symptoms of Chlamydia in women 

Although it has been stated that for many people, the disease does not show its symptoms, it is important to understand that the disease, like any other disease, does have specific symptoms. The only unique thing about it is that even to those that experience its symptoms, this usually happens long after they have contracted the disease. The long period between the time of actual contraction and appearance of symptoms creates ideal conditions for increased transmission of the disease.

There are several symptoms that one may experience after contracting the disease. Furthermore, it has been known that women generally experience symptoms that are completely different from those experienced by men. Here is a brief outline of some of the most common symptoms that some women who have contracted Chlamydia may show after some time.

The first common symptom of Chlamydia in women is manifested in the virginal discharge. Although it is common for women to have vaginal discharge, depending on several other factors, its color, smell and frequency of occurrence really matters. When a woman experiences a sudden and excessive bout of vaginal discharge, this is definitely a sign of a serious infection. In such a case, the woman should see the doctor immediately so that tests can be done and treatment given immediately.

For women who have contracted the disease, there is a gradual change in the discharge from the vagina. To most women, the discharge changes in color and occurs suddenly. The discharge, which is usually white or creamy in color, is a result of the disease-causing bacteria affecting the cervix. Therefore, such a discharge in women is an abnormal sign which may directly point to infection by Chlamydia.

The second symptom of Chlamydia in women is manifested in the form of a burning sensation when one is passing out urine. In general, many sexually transmitted diseases do cause this symptom in women. Therefore, when a women is having a burning sensation when urinating, other sexually transmitted diseases cannot be ruled out. The burning sensation in women is a result of the disease-causing microorganisms invading the urethra where they cause an infection. The burning sensation may be accompanied by an increasing urge to urinate all the time. All these are sure symptoms that one has been infected by Chlamydia and therefore, when one sees them, she should see a doctor immediately.

The third symptom of Chlamydia in women is seen in the form of pain during sexual intercourse. Usually, a woman who has been inflected by Chlamydia will experience pain either during or immediately after sex. For most women, the pain is accompanied with bleeding. These two symptoms, pain and bleeding during or immediately after sexual intercourse, are a result of the effect that the bacteria that cause the disease have on the cervix and even fallopian tubes of an infected woman. Therefore, when an otherwise normal woman experiences pain during intercourse, which may be accompanied by bleeding, she should seek medical attention immediately.

The fourth symptom of the disease in women is that they experience pain in the lower abdomen. Many women who have been infected by the disease experience pain either at the abdomen, the lower back or even in the rectum. Pain in the general hip area may be accompanied by usual sins of fever and a frequent feeling of being nauseated. Although lower abdominal or back pain may not be a clear symptom of the disease, its occurrence in conjunction with the other symptoms that have already been discussed should be taken as a manifestation of the Chlamydia in women.

Effects of Chlamydia in men and women

Chlamydia DiseaseChlamydia has several destructive effects on women, that is, if it is left untreated for a long period of time. One of the most serious effects of the disease on women is blocking of the fallopian tubes which automatically leads to infertility. This happens as a result of the bacteria invading and affecting the tubes over the course of time. Another serious effect of the disease on women is manifested during pregnancy. Expectant women who contract the disease can easily pass it over to their unborn babies. This leads to the babies developing different kinds of complications like blindness.

Further, if left untreated for long, Chlamydia causes considerable damage to the pelvis. It is the destructive nature of the disease causing bacteria that leads to a lot of the symptoms discussed before. And when this is left unattended to, it may lead to a number of complications in the form of difficulties in one’s sexual life. More often than not, this translates to difficulties in getting pregnant.

For men, the most common effect of the disease is seen in its effect on the two important parts of the male reproductive system: the urethra and epididymis. Prolonged periods of infection lead to complications that affect the urethra and epididymis.  Also, men who contact the disease and fail to get treatment may experience serious infection of the rectum over the course of time.

Since these are serious effects whose treatment may take much longer and cost more, it is wise for one to get treatment the moment the initial symptoms of Chlamydia are seen. Further, it is good practice for one to get tested for Chlamydia at least once a year. This practice, which can be done in any suitable healthcare center like AWARE med, is a good precautionary measure.

Chlamydia: Symptoms, Effects and Treatment

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