Dealing with the minds perception about cocaine addiction

February 7, 2016

Dealing with the minds perception about cocaine addiction: Coping with craving of cocaine (part two)

In our part one of this series of articles about the cognitive behavioral approach of treating addiction, we had highlighted some of the areas to focus on as listed below and we were able to explore on the first one i.e. understanding craving. You can actually make reference on that as we progress but for the purpose of this article we want to continue from where we left and see how best we can describe craving which is one of the biggest elements when it comes to solving the problem of addiction. Our team of experts from the home of addiction solutions (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of the facility, we want to explore on the possibilities of dealing with the minds perception about cocaine addiction with a view of finding lasting solutions to the scourge of addiction.

Understanding craving
Describing craving
Identifying triggers
Avoiding cues
Coping with craving

Dealing with the minds perception about cocaine addiction: Describing craving

Having understood what cravings is our next point would be to get the essential sense of the patients’ experience of craving. This can be very broad and may include having the knowledge about the following information.

What is craving like for you? – Doctor Akoury says that cravings or urges as it is commonly known is experienced in many different of ways by different patients. Like for instance an individual could say, the experience is primarily somatic that is to say, a patient would just get a feeling in the stomach or the heart races or just start smelling the element being craved for. For others, craving is experienced more cognitively; like for example one would say that “I need it now” or “I can’t get it out of my head” or “It calls on me.” Or it may be experienced effectively; for example, “I get nervous” or “I’m bored.” Depending on your individual experience, it is important that when seeking for help, you let your therapist know your experience with craving, this way they will be able to get to the roots of the problem and offer solutions effectively.

Are you bothered by craving? – There is tremendous variability in the level and intensity of craving reported by patients. For some, achieving and maintaining control over craving will be a principal treatment goal and take several weeks to achieve. Other patients deny they experience any craving. Gentle exploration with patients who deny any craving especially those who continue to use cocaine often reveals that they misinterpret a variety of experiences or simply ignore craving when it occurs until they suddenly find themselves using. Other, abstinent patients, who deny they experience any craving often, when asked, admit to intense fears about relapsing.

How long does craving last for you? – In this journey doctor Akoury says that to make the point about the duration and nature of craving, it is often very important for professionals to point out to their patients that they have rarely let themselves experience an episode of craving without giving in to it.

How do you try to cope with it? – Getting a sense of the coping strategies used by patients will help the therapist identify their characteristic coping styles and select appropriate coping strategies.

Dealing with the minds perception about cocaine addiction: Identifying triggers

The next point to focus on would be the identification of the triggers to the substance of abuse. It is important that therapists should work very closely with their patients to develop a comprehensive list of their own triggers. Some patients become overwhelmed when asked to identify cues. From experience doctor Akoury says that when handling addicts, you will notice that someone may even associate breathing with cocaine use. Again, it may be most helpful therefore to concentrate on identifying the craving and cues that have been most problematic to the patient in recent weeks. This should commence immediately during the therapy session and this should include self-monitoring of craving so that patients can begin to identify new and more subtle cues as they arise.

Dealing with the minds perception about cocaine addiction: Avoiding cues

When considering the avoidance of cues it is always advisable that you keep in mind the general strategy of “recognize, avoid, and cope.” These strategies are particularly applicable to craving for all substances and not necessarily cocaine. Doctor Akoury says that real experts would first identify the patients’ most problematic cues then make an exploration of the degree to which some of those could be avoided. This will come with certain sacrifices including breaking ties or reducing contact with individuals who use or supply you with cocaine, getting rid of paraphernalia, staying out of bars or other places where cocaine is used, or no longer carrying money, as in the following example:

Finally in dealing with the minds perception about cocaine addiction one needs not to let any stone unturned. I am saying this because we are all aware that cocaine is an illegal substance but other substances like alcohol which are legal can form a perfect avenue for the consumption of cocaine without being noticed. Besides that the ability to pay for the substance is another point of consideration. When the financial strength allows users to access cocaine could easily form a solution in an alcoholic drink. Therefore experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center recommends that for any meaningful treatment to be realized, therapists and other professionals in the line of substance abuse must spend considerable time exploring the relationship between alcohol and cocaine with patients who use them together to such an extent that alcohol becomes a powerful cocaine cue. Specific strategies to reduce, or preferably, stop alcohol use should be explored. We appreciate that doing this may not be easy for many people and that is why doctor Akoury will be readily available on call for you to schedule for an appointment so that any pending or unclear issues relating to addiction can be attended to professionally.

Dealing with the minds perception about cocaine addiction: Coping with craving of cocaine (part two)

Points of action when faced with alcoholism

December 14, 2015

Points of action when faced with alcoholism: How can I avoid drinking?

Points of action when faced with alcoholism will help you make the right decision towards your ultimate addiction recovery from your alcoholism problem.

Our children often find it very difficult to say no when offered a drink by their friends and this is not doing them any good in the fight against addiction. That is why it has become necessary for us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center to share with us some few points of action when faced with alcoholism and even other substances. Before we get to that, it will interest you to note that AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is the brain child of doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the MD, President and founder of the same. Doctor Dalal Akoury is a veteran addiction expert who has offered quality and relentless addiction treatment to millions of people across the globe and is still delivering real time solutions to people to date. If you, your child or any one you know is struggling with any kind of addiction, then you can consult with her today by scheduling for an appointment right away. Otherwise for the young people we appreciate that if you are keeping friends who drinking or using drugs are, you may be willing and desiring to let go the drink but their influence won’t let you. That is why we are tailoring this article to suit your individual situation as follows.

Doctor Akoury agrees that even though you inner-self may be saying No, it can be very hard to say “no, thanks” boldly and openly. This happens because we always want to safeguard our relationships and to avoid the risk of feeling rejected or being left out. Even with those challenges, it is still important to stand firm and say no and stick to your No, this can be done in several different strategies. Like for instance you may want to turn down alcohol work for different people without letting them see you as being difficult or distancing yourself from them. For this reason, some people will find it helpful to say no without giving an explanation while others may think that detailing their reasons works better e.g. (“sorry I’m not into drinking,” “sorry I ‘am sitting an exam tomorrow,” sorry I am taking part in a very important game tomorrow,” or “my parents died from drinking and I am not following their footsteps” these are some of the example you can give and still remain relevant to your friends.

Besides the above points, If you still find it difficult to say no to your friends when they offer you alcohol, you can as well shift the blame to your parents or another adult for your refusal by saying that “I am sorry my parents are coming to pick me up soon,” “I ‘am sorry I have already gotten in serious trouble for drinking once with the authorities and I can’t do it again,” or “better still you may say that “my coach would kill me if I drink before the game,” these are some of the better ways of communicating your refusal to your friend and because they too (teen) experience the same challenges, they will surely excuse you without any form of victimization.

Points of action when faced with alcoholism: Marry making and outings

Marry making and outings are serious threats to sinking into alcoholism and therefore it is important that as an individual, each time you’re going to a party where alcoholic drinks will be served, it is important that you up your game plan by coming up with a working strategy towards escape in advance. You and a friend can develop a signal for when it’s time to leave. Besides that you can also make sure that you have plans to do something besides just hanging out in someone’s basement drinking beer all night. Plan a trip to the movies, the mall, a concert, or a sports event. You might also organize your friends into a volleyball, bowling, or softball team any activity that gets you moving. Self-esteem is a factor to consider it therefore means that girls or guys who have strong self-esteem are less likely to become problem drinkers than people with low self-esteem.

Points of action when faced with alcoholism: Where you can get help from?

If you think you have a drinking problem, getting help as soon as possible is very necessary. The best approach is to talk to an adult you trust. If you can’t approach your parents, talk to your doctor, school counselor, clergy member, aunt, or uncle. It can be hard for some people to talk to adults about these issues, but a supportive person in a position to help can refer students to a drug and alcohol counselor for evaluation and treatment. In some states, this treatment is completely confidential. After assessing a teen’s problem, a counselor may recommend a brief stay in rehab or outpatient treatment. These treatment centers help a person gradually overcome the physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.

Points of action when faced with alcoholism: What if I’m concerned about someone else’s drinking?

Because we owe one another the duty of care we must show concern to our friends who are strongly into alcohol and drugs. It is normal to be living in a home with one or both parents who are abusing alcohol and not just parents even other relatives. This can be annoying and in the process may make you angry, scared, and depressed. Even though this is a possibility it is important to appreciate that many people can’t control their drinking without help and that is why we all must show concern because alcoholism is an illness that needs to be treated just like other illnesses. One important point about alcoholism is that people with drinking problems many at times can’t stop drinking until they are ready to admit that they have a problem that needs to be sorted out professionally. During this period of denial, many family members and loved ones have a feeling of depressed and helpless. However the good news is that we have experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury who can help you get well in the most human way with a lot of dignity and high standard of confidentiality. All you need to do is to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury and you will have your life back and live it to the fullest.

Points of action when faced with alcoholism: How can I avoid drinking?

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction

December 1, 2015

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Eliminating the confusion and getting facts right

The distinction between substance abuse and addiction

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction is often very confusing, nonetheless knowing the distinction marks the beginning of proper healing from the scourge of addiction

We are all familiar with the terminologies addiction and substance abuse from our common knowledge through the various sources including the media and information we get from our friends who in one way or another have been addicted or cared for an addict. But we may not know is the finer details of the distinction between substance abuse and addiction. Even though from our common knowledge we may have an idea, it is always very important that the distinction comes out clearly. This is what we want to discuss through this article with a view of placing to its rightful position. Putting aside what you already know doctor Dalal Akoury who is a veteran addiction expert of several decades is registering that there is a very slim difference between substance abuse and addiction and this may be the reason why many people often think that they are the same. The fact is when we make reference to substance abuse, it would mean using or consuming an illegal substance or even using a legal substance or element but in the wrong way whereas addiction begins as an abuse, or using a substance like marijuana or cocaine in a way that in their absence life stops until you have an access to the substance of preference.

With that explanation, doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is saying that for sure one can actually abuse any drug or alcohol without being addicted to it or them. To illustrate that let us take as an example, just because an individual is smoking or smoked pot a few times doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she has an addiction to the pot, in the same way it does not also mean that by this single act of abusing a drug then it is automatic that this will lead to an addiction. This is not always the case and in fact people can get addicted to all sorts of substances. It is always the norm that when we think of addiction, we usually think of alcohol or illegal drugs yes this is true however the scope of addiction is wide and vast and people can become addicted to a number of substances including medications, cigarettes and even glue among many others.

These addictive substances also come in different ways and intensities. Like for instance some substances are more addictive than others, and that is why drugs like crack or heroin are so addictive that they might only be used once or twice before the user loses control. Therefore when we talk of addiction we must be careful to note that it is a condition that will cause and individual to lose the ability to be in control over their lives. And in fact with addiction the person has no control over whether he or she uses a drug or drinks alcohol. Therefore what that communicates id that anyone who is addicted to drugs like cocaine has grown so used to the drug that he or she must to have it by all means and at all cost. In other words you became the slave of that drug when addiction set foot in. There are two types of addiction which can affect anyone and that is to say that addiction can either be physical or psychological and sometimes and individual can suffer both.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Physical addiction

Being physically addicted means a person’s body actually becomes dependent on a particular substance (even smoking is physically addictive). It also means building tolerance to that substance, so that a person needs a larger dose than ever before to get the same effects.

Someone who is physically addicted and stops using a substance like drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes may experience withdrawal symptoms. We have actually discussed in details some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal in the previous postings, however for the purpose of this article we can mention a few including: diarrhea, shaking, and generally feeling awful.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Psychological addiction

Speaking to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, Psychological addiction often happens when the cravings for a drug are psychosomatic or emotive. People who are psychologically addicted feel overcome by their desire to have their drug of choice and they will do everything including telling lies or stealing just to get the drug. It therefore means that a person is deemed to have crossed the line between abuse and addiction when he or she is no longer trying the drug to have fun or get high, but has come to depend on it. At this point his or her whole life centers on the need for the drug. An addicted person whether it’s a physical or psychological addiction or both no longer feels like there is a choice in taking a substance.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Signs of addiction

The most obvious sign of an addiction is the need to have a particular drug or substance. However, many other signs can suggest a possible addiction, such as changes in mood or weight loss or gain. These also are signs of other conditions too, though, such as depression or eating disorders. The following are some of the indicators that you or someone you know may have a drug or alcohol addiction:

Psychological signals

Use of drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax
Withdrawal or keeping secrets from family and friends
Loss of interest in activities that used to be important
Problems with schoolwork, such as slipping grades or absences
Changes in friendships, such as hanging out only with friends who use drugs
Spending a lot of time figuring out how to get drugs
Stealing or selling belongings to be able to afford drugs
Failed attempts to stop taking drugs or drinking
Anxiety, anger, or depression
Mood swings

Physical signals

Changes in sleeping habits
Feeling shaky or sick when trying to stop
Needing to take more of the substance to get the same effect
Changes in eating habits, including weight loss or gain

Finally having got the distinction between substance abuse and addiction, you can now make a self-evaluation on you or your loved ones and if you notice any indication of addiction, you must chose to take prompt decision towards getting help by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for a more in-depth professional treatment today.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Eliminating the confusion and getting facts right

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse

November 30, 2015

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse: How celebrities recovered from drug and alcohol abuse

Majority of ruined careers globally are as a result of alcohol and drug abuse. We are losing very good brains on account of substances and this must stop.

It is every ones dream to become somebody in life as they grow and make progress from one level to another. Meeting the challenges of life is such an uphill task in the current generation and so people have to work extra hard, smart and be consistent to realize the desired objectives. While this is a noble thing to do, it is always not a smooth sailing and many people have fallen along the way due to various reasons including misuse of alcohol and substance abuse. These substances have actually ruined careers, integrity, families, education, businesses, religion, health and many aspects of life. Because of the adverse effects of this, we want to seek the expert opinion of the professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury to help us understand certain facts under the topic of “ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse.” Even though drug addiction and alcohol abuse does not discriminate on who to affect, we want to focus this discussion on the effects these substances has had on the celebrities and how they have overcome or recovered from the jaws of drugs and alcohol abuse. From the available statistics, it is evident that alcohol and drug abuse has claimed several lives of many talented musicians and artists across the globe. These are people in the society that have contributed immensely in the development of our social fabric and even in our economic live yet at the mentioned of alcohol and drugs, we are losing several of these young talented brains to addiction.

It is true that a lot is being done to contain the scourge of addiction and because of that and despite the enormous challenges that come with drug addiction we have quite a number of celebrities that have it into successful journey of recovery. And without mentioning names of some of the celebrities who recovered from alcohol and drug abuse, we want to focus on some of the applications they relayed on as strength to be consistent and to keep motivated without stopping until they could finally live an alcohol and drug-free life. That now brings us to the worthy question that we all need to find answer to and that is “how did they or how were they able to change their lives?” doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of experts in addiction treatment are going to share with us some of the steps that are applicable into the journey of substance abuse recovery:

Resilient commitment to stop substance abuse
Objectives to motivate change
Support from people around you

The three may not be conclusive but for the purpose of this discussion, we want to seek the experts’ opinions of doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of expert about these three guidelines as follows:

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse: Resilient commitment to stop substance abuse

Before one can consider this as a problem in their lives, there will be a lot of push and pull, denial and hiding and secretiveness on the part of the direct victims. Many would not want to come to the realities of the problem at hand for the commencement of treatment in good time. Nonetheless today many celebrities have acknowledged their problems and have not just considered this a big stepping-stone for change, but have also appreciated the consequences of their former habits and choices. And even as this great step is made, the most challenging part of this journey however, squarely lies in the individual commitment of the victim to the journey of recovery. This is because even with this resolution to seek for help, there may still be some traces of denial even after admitting the drinking or drug problem. Doctor Akoury explains that because of this it is important that the victims take time to learn and to be motivated on how to accept the problem and do something about it. Therefore is necessary that you assess your choices and weigh the benefits to strengthen your commitment to stay sober and be drug-free for the rest of your life. If you find this an obstacle, then you need to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for further professional direction.

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse: Objectives to motivate change

Setting goals play a big role in quitting substance abuse and it is always very important that you work within some frame work in everything you do. Drug addiction and misuse of alcohol is no different. Therefore recovered and recovering alcoholics didn’t just make a big change overnight or stepped into rehab and got out after just a few hours, NO it is a process. Remember that the process is gradual and revolves around goals and objectives set to recover from substance abuse. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the more realistic and specific your goals are the better and greater chances of your fast recovery. Because of that is only fare for every addict that they remain focus on these goals and document all the ideas you want to apply on how you can achieve the set goals. It’s also important to remain upfront about your limits so you can better accomplish them says doctor Akoury.

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse: Support from people around you

Finally in this journey of recovery we must always appreciate that alone we may not move far. Therefore emotional and mental support will always be very necessary as they play a big role in substance abuse recovery. It is also true that you can recover on your own however the chances of relapse may be greater without proper supervision and support. That is why letting your family members and friends know that you’re recovering from substance abuse is necessary. Doing this may also mean that you distance yourself from people who don’t support your effort your resolve to live a drug and alcohol-free life. And remember that this is only the beginning of your recovery journey. It’s also important to create a new purpose in life where drug and alcohol have no place. We appreciate that this is not easy and that is why we are always ready to help you anytime at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, on making that very important appointment with us, will make sure that you undergo the best treatment for an optimum recovery that will leave you enjoying your life objectively thereafter.

Ruined careers due to alcohol and drug abuse: How celebrities recovered from drug and alcohol abuse

Post acute withdrawal complicates recovery process

November 24, 2015

Post acute withdrawal complicates recovery process: The variances with individuals

The knowledge and patterns of post acute withdrawal will go a long way in solving the problem and fear of enrolling for addiction treatment to avoid instances of intoxication.

Over the past few days we have been focusing on the significance of Post acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) in the life of many addicts which are not really the same in everyone. We can confidently say that the variation is very evident and that is why we want to focus our discussion on this article about understanding how post acute withdrawal complicates recovery and how best it can be managed. To do this effectively, we are going to relay on the experts experience of experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is a health facility that was established by doctor Dalal Akoury who is a medical and also a veteran addiction expert for several decades now. Her passionate decision to formulate this facility was motivated by the desire of making a difference in people’s lives especially those who are struggling with any kind of addiction whether directly or indirectly. With her input we are going to have the clear understanding of the patterns of post acute withdrawal. This is therefore very important and I want to request you to stay with us on the link and together get the vital information we all need to be on the safer side of any complications that are associated with drug addiction. Now back to the understanding the patterns of post-acute withdrawal, the variation can be categorized in various ways including how severe they are, how often they occur and how long they last. In the same breath some people will often experience certain symptoms while some will also have other symptoms and yet again some people will have none at all says doctor Akoury.

From the expert’s point of view, it is important to note that over a period of time PAWS may get better, it may get worse it may stay the same, or it may come and go. Now take note of this:

That every time it gets better we call it regenerative
If it gets worse it is known as degenerative
If it stays the same we call it stable and
If it comes and goes we call it intermittent.

We all need to be informed of the functionalities of each of these stages. Information is power and the more you know about post-acute withdrawal symptoms the better since you will not make certain mistakes that are predominantly being made by many uninformed people across the globe. Now take a moment and listen to the following facts as we progress into the discussion.

Post acute withdrawal complicates recovery process: Regenerative

Addiction is not a respecter of anybody and we must do all it takes to bring it to manageable levels. Doctor Dalal Akoury says that at this stage the good news about it is that the regenerative PAWS gradually improves over time. She adds that the reason why sobriety is very important is because the longer period of time a person stays sober the less severe the symptoms become. It therefore means that it become much easier for people with regenerative PAWS to recover because the brain rapidly returns to normal and that explains why we must all take the front lane in eliminating misuse of alcohol and all other substances of abuse says doctor Dalal Akoury.

Post acute withdrawal complicates recovery process: Degenerative

Having understood how regenerative PAWS works, the degenerative PAWS is the direct opposite. In this case the symptoms get worse the longer a person is sober. This may happen even when a person is going through rehabilitation to AA/NA or even when following some type of recovery program. It is regrettable to note that in many cases the people with degenerative PAWS often become relapse prone. The most devastating part of this is that at this point sobriety becomes so painful to the victims that they feel they must take it up on themselves by self-medicating the pain with the wrong substances including alcohol or drugs. The consequences of this may include the collapse physically or emotionally, or commit suicide to end the pain.

Post acute withdrawal complicates recovery process: Stability

Doctor Dalal is registering that under normal circumstances a person with stable PAWS experiences the same level of symptoms for a long period of time into recovery. There may be days when the symptoms are a little better or a little worse, but essentially the symptoms remain unchanged. Most recovering people find this very frustrating because they believe that they should be feeling better the longer they are sober. With sufficient sober time many people learn to manage these symptoms.

Post-acute withdrawal complicates recovery process: Intermittent

Finally with intermittent PAWS the symptoms come and go. At the initial stages, people with intermittent symptoms will appear to experience a regenerative pattern. That is to say that their symptoms will get better rapidly. But then they begin to experience periodic PAWS episodes that can be quite severe. It is equally important to note that for some people the episodes get shorter, less severe, and farther apart until they stop altogether while in others they occur periodically throughout life.

According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center these patterns actually describes people who have not had treatment for PAWS and who do not know how to manage or prevent the symptoms. It is also necessary to mentioned that the traditional treatment does not address these symptoms because until recently they were unrecognized. If you know what to do and you are willing to do it, degenerative PAWS can be changed into stable, stable into regenerative, and regenerative into intermittent PAWS.

Doctor Akoury is making emphasis that the most common pattern of PAWS is regenerative and over time it becomes intermittent. From there it gradually gets better until the symptoms disappear and then it comes and goes. It therefore means that the first step is to bring PAWS symptoms into remission. This means bringing them under control so that you are not experiencing them at the present time and the ultimate goal is:

To reduce how often they occur
How long the episode lasts and
How bad the symptoms are.

In all these you must always remember that even when you are not experiencing them there is always the tendency for them to recur. It is therefore necessary to build a resistance against them and you can always consult with the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Akoury for further professional guidance.

Post acute withdrawal complicates recovery process: The variances with individuals

Tag Archives: Substance abuse