Tag Archives: Substance abuse

Substance abuse solutions and associated disorders

May 13, 2016
substance abuse solutions

Solutions for substance abuse and other associated disorders

Substance abuse solutions and other associated disorders

Drug addiction is a problem that comes and triggers several other health complications. It is not a simple problem as addicts make it look like by consistently denying the fact that they have a problem. Doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are very consistent in the journey of finding substance abuse solutions and other associated disorders. Many patients are of the opinion that whenever they get sober, their addiction problem is soughed out. This is not true and a serious misleading factor in the recovery process. When addressing dual diagnosis, it cannot be business as usual. It is worth noting that effective recovery will depend heavily on the patient’s regular mental health treatment and observation, exploring effective and healthy coping mechanisms and making better decisions each time they are addressing any life challenges. And because this is not just a one off treatment program, the following insights can be helpful for you remaining consistent and responsive to treatment.

  • Identifying and managing stress and emotions
  • Staying connected
  • Healthy lifestyle changes

Substance abuse solutions and other associated disorders: Identifying and managing stress and emotions

Stress management – There is no doubt that at some point in life with or without substance abuse and mental health problems you will be stressed. It’s therefore important to be equipped with healthy coping skills to enable you overcome any stressful moments without seeking temporal relief from alcohol or drugs. With good stress management skills you will be able to adequately handle relapse when it comes.

Identify your triggers and have escape plan – If you’re coping with a mental disorder as well, it’s important to know all the indicators that are likely to motivate your illness to flare up. This could be necessitated by stressful events, eventful life changes including unhealthy sleeping and poor eating habits. Doctor Akoury advices that a pre-planned working plan will be very ideal in management of any eventualities.

Substance abuse solutions and other associated disorders: Staying connected

Support – You will definitely need some encouragement and guidance and you cope. A therapist or support group will be ideal to help you keep and remain focus says doctor Akoury.

Keep trail of your doctor’s instructions – There is this wrong assumption that when an addict has managed to be sober then that is the end of their addiction. This actually the beginning and so keep following all your physician’s instruction and always do make consultation with the experts from time to time before making any sudden changes.

Substance abuse solutions and other associated disorders: Healthy lifestyle changes

Relaxation techniques – This include techniques like mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.

Healthy eating habits – Breakfast is very essential and should be adequate. The subsequent meals also needs to observe but consumed in smaller units quite frequently within the day. Remember that staying too long without eating is dangerous and can cause low blood sugar which can make you feel more stressed or anxious.

Exercise regularly and get good sleep – Exercise is very healthy as it natural reduces stress, relieves anxiety and improve your mood and outlook. In all this never deny yourself quality sleep of between 7-9 hours in the night.

Substance abuse solutions and other associated disorders

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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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Addressing teens addiction problems objectively

May 12, 2016
Addressing teens addiction problems

Addressing teens addiction problems objectively begins with you.

Addressing teens addiction problems objectively: When your teen has problems with drugs

We all want to bring up children in the way that they will become useful people in the society. This duty is becoming difficult by the day thanks to the abundance of drugs on our streets and neighborhood. The pain parents go through with their teens is overwhelmingly disturbing. Just imagine discovering for the first time that your son/daughter whom you have believed is honest, discipline and trustworthy is doing drugs! It is painful, frustrating, confusing and annoying. But even with that state of confusion we still have a duty of addressing teen’s addiction problems objectively. Doctor Dalal Akoury is an addiction veteran expert who has over the past two decades been working with all categories of addiction complications and she is going to be of great help to us in addressing teens addiction problems.

Doctor Akoury explains that under such situations it is important that as a parent or guardian you remain calm in the way you approach your teenage child with this disturbing issue. Yes you are angry and disappointed but you still need to be sober in handing this situation. It is important that even as you address your children, they should get the tone of a concern and loving parent and not that of a police officer or a high court judge. They (teens) needs to feel that they are still loved and are being supported come out of this drug problem. And so that you are not caught off gourd, it is important that you are aware of the signs indicating that your teens are abusing drugs

Warning signs of teens abusing drugs

It may be true that experimenting with substances many not result in abuse, it possess a challenge in the sense that early introduction to drugs is a risk factor to serious future addiction. Statistic also indicate that teens are at risk of addiction during transition like when moving from one school to another or from highs school to college. Doctor Akoury therefore advice’s that parents needs to be very observant to some of the following teen’s red flags of addiction.

  • Sudden bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils resulting in application of eye drops to mask these signs
  • Skipping class; deteriorating grades; consistent disciplinary actions at school
  • Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions at home
  • Sudden change in hobbies and telling lies about new hobbies and activities
  • Dropping one group of friends for another and being secretive about the new peer group
  • Seeking for more privacy by locking doors and often avoiding eye contact and just sneaking around
  • Acting unusually isolated, reserved, angry, or depressed

Possible actions parents may take

Rules and penalties – Stern action points needs to be in place. Teens must never feel that it is business as usual when they make mistakes. All this must be supported by both parents and no spouse should relent when penalties are being executed.

Be observant about your teen’s activity – Be informed of who your teens keep as friends. Occasionally walk around inspecting possible drug dens around your territory or home. Ensure your teens understand that privacy is a privilege which when violated, can be withdrawn and therefore this luck of privacy is a penalty to them for using drugs

Motivate your teens to focus on other interests and social activities – You can do this by expose them to much productive hobbies and activities like team sports.

Discuss with your children about any underlying issues – Drug use can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce causing stress? These are fundamental issues that can lead them into drugs.

Finally children can be rebellious to their parents and so seeking help from other authorities, they are likely to heed and get transformed. That is why doctor Dalal Akoury and her able team of experts are every available waiting to help you get the best out of your teens. Make a point of contacting us today for a life changing session with your teens.

Addressing teens addiction problems objectively: When your teen has problems with drugs

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Tools of addiction

Understanding drug use addiction risks factors

May 12, 2016
Understanding drug use

Understanding drug use addiction risks factors becomes the genesis of a better treatment and recovery process

Understanding drug use addiction risks factors

Being addicted to drugs is one experience that many people are yet to understand. This is so going by the increase in number of people being addicted to drugs every day. Addiction in some areas is so common that certain streets have been isolated and even given names that promote drug use. Is this the way to go? Doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, disagrees. Over the many decades of her experience offering addiction treatment, she is very much knowledgeable and she is going to help us in understanding drug use addiction risks factors. One thing is very certain that people’s experience with drugs is never the same. Many have often gotten into drug addiction out of curiosity, peer pressure, just for having fun or as a tool of reducing their stressful or depressed situations.

Is it automatic that drug use leads to addiction?

Understanding drug use addiction is very important because it will help us appreciate this fact. This question is often asked and the answer to it is definitely NO. There are very many people using drugs in moderation and this has not led them into abuse. And according to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we do not have any parameters or turning point indication that an individual using drugs is now moving from casual to more serious problem. Doctor Akoury registers that primarily drug abuse and addiction has very little to do with the quantity consumed or consistency but more of why users turn to drugs and the repercussions of the use.

It therefore means that you may be using a given substance but still be out of addiction hook. The only problem is that you are at a greater risk of becoming one anytime soon. In the meantime, it is important to note that you can always know your addiction position by just being observant about your behaviors in the society. Like for instance, if you have noticed that your drug use is becoming a hindrance in your life, at school, home, and work station or in your relationship, then that is a red line and a pointer to the fact that you have an addiction problem. This may cause you to worry a lot. But we have a solution for you and your loved ones. Doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of most qualified and experienced professionals will be there to help you with your recovery program. All you need to do on your part is to call us to day on telephone number 843 213 1480 and schedule for an appointment with us. We will be there for you and professionally address all your addiction concerns.

The variance of addiction

Have you ever wondered why not all users of drugs ultimately get addicted to their drugs of choice? Doctor Akoury states that just like with other conditions and diseases, the effects of addiction will vary from person to person. In many instances this happens because of the variance in genes, family, mental health and social environment. Nonetheless understanding drug use addiction risk factors is very instrumental in help us appreciate all these variances says doctor Akoury. And finally as we close this article, the following are some of the known risk factors that may increase you vulnerability to substance abuse:

  • Family history or gene
  • Abuse, neglect or any other past or present traumatic experience
  • Mental disorders like depression and anxiety
  • Getting into drugs at tender/early age in life
  • The mode of administration like snorting, smoking and through injection.

Finally, with all these complications, AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is the home of all addiction solutions you need. Pick that phone and call today and be counted among the victors in fighting drug addiction.

http://www.awaremednetwork.com/

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female sex addiction2

Simultaneous treatment of sex and drug addiction

March 26, 2016

Simultaneous treatment of sexual addiction and drug abuse: Multiple addictions solutions

Simultaneous treatment

Simultaneous treatment of sexual addiction and drug abuse is very fundamental if recovery is to be meaningful and sustainable.

The trend with which addiction is changing is one that needs all the stake holders to join hand together and fight the problem from one common front. For a very long time all we have known is the monolistic addiction where one could be seen to be struggling with only one kind of substance say being an alcoholic. Things are now changing and multiple addictions are becoming the order of the day. This has necessitated experts including those from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury to think outside the box on the best treatment approach. In most cases multiple kind of addiction will involve substance abuse and sexual addiction. Therefore experts are now applying the simultaneous treatment where a number of addiction are treated all at the same time a patient enroll in addiction medical facility for treatment.

Looking at addiction critically, we have actually been brought up in the full knowledge that drugs whether illicit or prescription drugs are actually all candidates for abuse and because of this upbringing many people wallowing in that school of thought. The question that follows next is that really the true position of the understanding of what addiction is all about? Let’s get some expert opinion from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. From the discussion with the experts from this facility, it is very obvious that there are different kinds of addictions. That is to say that one could be addicted to drugs and alcohol, or to certain behaviors (e.g. sex) or even both. And just for clarity it is important to note that behavioral addiction may be so many and that may include addiction to sexual activities, gaming from the computer devices, gambling and many others. We are therefore at risk of either becoming victims of either of them or even both and that is when simultaneous treatment becomes relevant. Simultaneous treatment is very important in the sense that while on the surface, different addictions seem to be associated with their own unique set of behaviors they are often fueled by the same underlying feelings of guilt, shame, avoidance and trauma. Addictions interact within the individual making it difficult to tease them apart.

Simultaneous treatment of sexual addiction and drug abuse: The trends of problematic substances

When examining the trends of problematic substance use in individuals seeking help for a sexual addiction, it becomes clear that the two are indistinctly linked together. The available statistics also indicate that majority of people who are struggling with sexual addiction also meet the criteria for alcohol or drug addiction. Studies have also established that many individuals who are struggling with sexual addiction problems have actually admitted to using substances mostly to help them in dealing with, or escaping from, the pain that is caused by their sexual behavior. Besides that it is also very common that many people are currently using substances to get over their inhibitions in order to engage in sexual behaviors that might be uncharacteristic for them if they were not drunk or high. This further explains the significance of multi addiction and the need for simultaneous treatment.

We must therefore seek for information by way of investigating how multiple addictions can feed into one another. This is very important because it is possible that individuals may use one of their addictions to mask or dismiss the other addiction and this could be influenced by various reasons including fear and shames especially those elements that are considered shameful addiction. Like for instance, an individual may deny having a problem with sexual addiction and insist completely that their problematic sexual behavior is only caused by intoxication. However, the truth of the matter in this case may be that the drugs or alcohol are merely concealing the pain and shameful acts that are associated with the sexual addiction thereby helping the person to be spared from the emotional consequences of his or her actions. By the same token, both addictions may work on intensifying one another in such a way that the person only engages in their sexual addiction under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These rituals then serve to protect the addiction and ensure that patterns of use are stable and predictable and this can be very dangerous if not dealt with expeditiously.

A major concern with treatment of substance use disorder alone is that any untreated sexual addiction often precipitates a relapse of substance use. Dealing with one addiction while ignoring the other may end up intensifying the problem that has not been addressed. A good example would be when a person in early recovery from a substance addiction turns to sexual performance enhancers in order to continue the ritualized sexual behavior that was previously enhanced by the substance use. This sexual behavior can continue to be problematic for the individual. The individual may continue to feel a sense of shame and pain. Therefore recovery is about addressing the entire addictive process, not just those associated with a particular substance or behavior. The addictive process, whether it be related to sexual behavior or substances is often characterized by a pattern of secrecy, cognitive distortions and rituals. Therefore recovery from addiction regardless of type, would involve embracing and attempting to live a life of honesty, authenticity and emotional growth.

Fortunately, many underlying similarities between multiple addictions mean that the underlying framework for concurrent treatment is quite effective. According to a recent study conducted at Bellwood Health Services confirms that individuals with a comorbid sexual addiction and substance use disorder attending the same treatment centre as those with only sexual addiction, have comparable treatment outcomes at six months follow-up. Both groups demonstrated substantial improvement not only on measures of substance use and sexual impulse control but also on self-reported measures of well-being and quality of life.

Simultaneous treatment of sexual addiction and drug abuse: Replacing the maladaptive coping strategies

Finally, looking at some of the past psychological trauma, sexual abuse, abandonment and neglect, doctor Akoury reiterates that these are some of the very important issues that need to be addressed in treatment. Therefore any recovering addict must commit to learning on how to identify the signs of being actively involved in the addictive process and work hard primarily at replacing all the maladaptive coping strategies with positive and affirming ones. Moreover the individual addict needs to be empowered and be given the necessary tools to be able to function effectively in their environment and successfully meet all life’s challenges without turning to substance use or problematic sexual behavior. We know that this can be very difficult to some of you and if you’re that person, then you need not to give up because there is help on the way upon calling doctor Dalal Akoury today to schedule for a one on one meeting with her and your life will never be the same again thereafter.

Simultaneous treatment of sexual addiction and drug abuse: Multiple addictions solutions

http://regenerativepotential.com/integrativeaddictionconference/

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