Epigenetic Mechanisms of Addiction

June 26, 2014

Epigenetic mechanisms of addiction-What is Epigenetic

Epigenetic is used to denote the heritable alterations in gene expression which are not associated to the fundamental of DNA series

Epigenetic is a phrase used to denote the heritable alterations in gene expression which are not associated to the fundamental of DNA series; the alteration in phenotype without the alteration in genotype. Epigenetic alteration is a common and authentic happening though it may also be influenced by other factors like age, the surrounding or lifestyle, and the condition of illness. Epigenetic improvement can appear significantly like the way cells are terminally distinguish to end up as skin, liver, brain cells etc. or epigenetic alteration have more serious effects which can result in complications like cancer. By the way, we have about three systems include:

DNA methylation
Histone modification
Non-coding RNA (ncRNA)

These systems are related gene silencing and are currently believed to pioneer and a withstand epigenetic alteration. This is an area that needs further studies and research to uncover the role of epigenetic in variety of human disorders and lethal diseases. Because a lot more research needs to be done let us use the introduction we have given in a bid to discussing the epigenetic mechanisms of addiction to better understand how it affects substance abuser health.

Epigenetic mechanisms of addiction-Drug addiction

The scourge of drug addiction demands massive medical, economical and emotional clung on the society in the form of excess and health complications, family crumbling, loss of income and crime. The estimates according to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) indicate that in US alone the total cost of drug abuse is beyond US$600 billion yearly. The greatest concern is that of the steady increase in drug abuse by the young people and the consistent abuse of prescription drugs. It goes without saying that these statistics confirms the serious need of more research into the neuronal effects of substance abuse and the mechanisms of addiction with a view of finding the original targets for administering treatment and thwarting the addictive ailments.

Even though we are all faced with great risk of substance abuse, a hand full of us will not be strong enough to resist the temptation of drug use and coercion for pursuing drugs and eventually suffers an addiction. Being in this category is majorly swayed by ones genetic composition and the mental and communal background in which drug coverage occurs. Even though the genetic involvement to risk for addiction is approximately 50%, the precise genes which are intricate remain virtually unidentified. The addictive phenotype can continue in one’s life like forever with drug craving and relapse taking place even after decades of self-discipline signifying that drugs prompt lasting alterations in the brain fundamental addiction behaviors.

The many cells of specific organism, even though they encompass basically identical complements of DNA, differentiate to form different tissues and organs through controlled variations in the transcriptional potential of each gene, based on environmental cues, cell-to-cell signals and probably other random factors. It is becoming indistinct that many of the same processes of gene regulation which are intricate in the usual differentiation of cells and tissues during development are also tied up in the adult organism to mediate cellular adaptation to environmental stimuli.

The procedures involved in the instruction of transcriptional potential are diverse and highly complex, and include activation and inhibition of transcription factors, alteration of chromatin and DNA structure, and initiation of non-coding RNAs. Increasing evidence which supports the hypothesis that each of these mechanisms of epigenetic regulation is directly affected by substance abuse and that such adaptation is one of the main processes by which drugs bring highly stable variations in the brain that mediate the addicted phenotype. This Review summarizes the findings that support this hypothesis, and highlights areas in which future research will extend this fundamental knowledge of addiction and exploit it for new therapeutics.

Epigenetic mechanisms of addiction-Drug action and gene transcription

Apparently similar syndrome of addiction may result from acquaintance to a wide variety of chemical substances or even rewarding activities, from cocaine to gambling to sex. One collective mechanism in these various forms of addiction is thought to be activation of the brain’s reward circuitry, which centers on dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain and their projections to the limbic system in particular, the nucleus accumbens (NAc; also known as the ventral striatum), dorsal striatum, amygdala, hippocampus and regions of prefrontal cortex. This reward circuitry is activated by stimuli or pursuits that encourage evolutionary fitness of the organism, such as nutrient-rich foods, sex and social stimulation. As drugs of abuse activate this circuitry far more strongly and persistently than natural rewards, and without being associated with productive behavioral results, chronic exposure to drugs modulates brain reward regions partly through a homeostatic desensitization that renders the individual unable to attain sufficient feelings of reward in the absence of drug. An alternative, but not mutually exclusive, hypothesis of addiction focuses on incentive sensitization, whereby drugs alter the reward circuitry to cause increased assignment of incentive salience to drug cues, effectively making drug-associated environmental stimuli more difficult to ignore and leading to intense drug craving and relapse. Pathological drug-induced alterations in the reward circuitry further impair behavioral control over drug taking.

Essentially all rewarding drugs escalates dopaminergic transmission from the VTA to the NAc and other target limbic regions, even though they both employ partially distinct mechanisms and in some cases involve other neurotransmitter systems as well. The activities of drugs on the NAc are further complicated by the cellular heterogeneity of this brain region. Although drugs differ in their acute mechanisms of action, the common syndrome of addiction suggests that chronic activation of these distinct, acute mechanisms induces some shared molecular adaptations in brain reward regions that mediate the lasting nature of the addictive phenotype.

Transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms of addiction

Having discussed the dynamics of epigenetic mechanism of addiction you must have noted that it is such an interesting medical application in the effort of solving the problem of addiction. Now let us bring the whole article down a summery form and expand your desired scope of research on this particular topic of epigenetic.

I will suggest that alterations in the transcriptional potential of genes, through the actions of drug-regulated transcription factors, chromatin modifications and non-coding RNAs, contribute substantially to the neuroadaptations that motivate addiction. This Evaluation is to highlights key examples of such transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms of addiction, and identifies some of the novel potential targets for therapeutic intervention during the addiction process.
The nucleus accumbens a region which is central to the dispensation of reward and the addicting actions of nearly all substance abuse contains a difficult milieu of cell types. It receives input from and sends signals to several brain sections. Chronic revelation to drugs of abuse alters gene expression patterns, as well as the morphology (and ultimately the functional activity) of nucleus accumbens neurons neuroadaptations which pay significantly to the addiction process.
Epigenetic regulation causes many adaptations of an adult organism to environmental stimuli similar to those seen in drug addiction. Post-translational improvement of histone tails and direct modification of DNA, as well as transformed levels or activity of a host of other chromatin remodeling proteins, mediate the ability of drugs of abuse, after chronic exposure, to change the expression of precise genes in the brain’s reward circuitry.
The current study of chromatin regulation in addiction models backs the view that epigenetic changes at individual genes do not only change the steady-state levels of their expression but also their inducibility in response to a subsequent stimulus. I will suggest that these latent epigenetic changes, termed gene ‘priming’ and ‘desensitization’, alter an individual’s adaptability and contribute substantially to the addicted state.

In conclusion because a lot of further research needs to be done I will make suggestions about some of the possible areas that need to be researched on and they include the following:

What controls the recruitment or expulsion of individual transcriptional and chromatin-regulatory proteins to a particular target gene?
What controls the formation and maintenance of distinct epigenetic states at particular genes?
How are the actions of drugs of abuse, all of which initially target the synapse, transduced to the neuronal nucleus to regulate the epigenetic state and transcriptional potential of individual genes?

Epigenetic mechanisms of addiction-What is Epigenetic

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment

June 21, 2014

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-Drug Addiction

Amino acids are precursors to brain chemicals such as serotonin, a natural anti-depressant-like chemical produced from the brain.

The efforts of kicking addiction out of our systems and societies is on and gaining momentum every passing year as people become more informed of the adverse effects of substance abuse in our families, neighborhood and the society as a whole. In an effort to eradicate addiction the use of amino acid as a means of treatment was invented several decades ago and this is what is going to form the basis of our discussion in this article. It is such an interesting discussion that you don’t want to miss and so I take this earliest opportunity to invite you into the discussion for the real truth which will go a long way in ensuring that problems of addiction is reduced to a manageable level globally. Remember this is just one of the many methods of administering treatment several of which has been discussed in our previous articles which are also available for you on this link.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-Personalized Amino Acid Therapy

The term amino acid is used to denote the use of alternative amino acids to help regulate brain chemicals also known as neurotransmitters and other aspects of physiology. This kind of treatment will only be effective when we incorporate a specialized urinalysis test which provides a reliable method of measuring excretory values for neurotransmitters. With the results obtained from these test personalized amino acid supplementation is recommended to improve the quantity and ratios of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-History of Amino Acid Therapy

There is a long, well documented, history of using amino acids for depression and other issues related to brain chemistry imbalances. Discovered in the early 1900s, amino acids were used up to a few decades ago as the physician’s mainstay for administering treatment to these kinds of conditions. However with the introduction of pharmaceutical medications all but eliminated this natural treatment option from the allopathic repertoire nonetheless amino acids have continued to be a popular option for an alternative medicine modalities and very important for those seeking natural methods for brain chemistry balancing.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-What are Amino Acids

Amino acids are the breakdown products of proteins, some of which are not readily available in our normal diet and may need to be supplemented in a more concentrated form. They are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins play a very important role in maintaining our health and make up a big part of the diet. The three main macronutrients found in food include carbohydrates, fats and proteins. We need proteins in our diet for among other roles being the building block of muscle and brain tissues.

Those derived from protein intake (Amino acids) are precursors to brain chemicals such as serotonin, a natural anti-depressant-like chemical produced from the brain. Serotonin requires the amino acid tryptophan they are available in foods such as turkey, for its production. Without the proper amino acids in our diet, our brains can become depleted of these crucial chemicals which are also known as neurotransmitters as had been indicated earlier. The depletion of neurotransmitter can not only lead to depression, it is also connected with insomnia, Attention Deficit Disorder, anxiety, memory loss, weight gain and addictive disorders.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-Amino Acids from Food Stuff

The amino acid profile of various proteins varies greatly. Foods that contain
protein, whether they are vegetarian or animal in origin, contain different combinations of amino acids. While we do need to keep up our overall daily intake of protein in order to maintain our health, proper neurotransmitter balance cannot always be achieved through diet alone. Protein intake increases the level of amino acids circulating around in the blood stream. Once proteins are broken down into amino acids by the digestive system, they are then released into the blood stream.

In order for these amino acids to be taken up into the brain, they have to be carried across the blood-brain barrier using a specific transport system. This transport system will not help to correct amino acid imbalances within the brain. For example, if you have become depleted in serotonin because of high stress, dietary deficiencies or other lifestyle factors, the tryptophan uptake will not increase in any capacity across the blood-brain barrier.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-The Need for Amino Acid Supplements

The question we need to ask ourselves is how can we increase the amount of serotonin in the brain utilizing tryptophan as a precursor? The answer lies in the timing of supplementation. Between meals, the levels of circulating amino acids in the bloodstream decreases. By supplementing with an individual amino acid when one is between meals, we are allowing that particular amino acid to become more available to be taken up by the transporter at the blood-brain barrier. Once the amino acid is taken up in the brain, it can then be used for neurotransmitter production.

Since each of us has a unique neurotransmitter profile, the recommended supplements in any program should be proportionate to your imbalances. While single amino acids can work to balance the brain, using this method often requires several different products and should also include mineral cofactors, vitamins and a high quality omega-3 fatty acid. Neurogistics protocols incorporate your individual requirements and provide a program of highly targeted amino acids specific to your imbalances. All of your brain nutrient needs are combined into a few products making it easy and convenient to buy and use. Individual protocols can make the difference when based on proven testing methods.

Restoring neurotransmitter levels and achieving your correct balance can have a profoundly positive effect on issues like depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, headache, migraines, memory, focus, chronic pain and more. You can achieve this by consulting an expert who will help you determine the right protocol for you. Talking of expert it is important that the expert should be one who has vast experience and has been administering treatment in the same discipline. AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is a facility founded by doctor Dalal Akoury who is a medical expert with over two decades experience in various addiction related problem and offers natural treatment while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. You need to look no further for the expert because doctor Akoury will have all you medical needs professionally attended to.

Amino Acid for Addiction treatment-Drug Addiction

Athletes and Drug Abuse

June 13, 2014

Athletes and Drug Abuse-Olympic Athletes

Athletes involvement in drugs is raising great concern in the sporting industry

The global society is experiencing a new trend of entertainment which is appreciable by their funs across the board. In a bid to achieve these athletes would go an extra mile to ensure they remain on the top and in the process indulge themselves in drug use. It is important to note that it doesn’t matter whether at high school, college, or professional athlete, drug use is a jeopardous mixture with sports. Due to the physically high demands, drug abuse puts too much at risk. Athletes push themselves and their bodies, already putting themselves at risk for injuries.

Professional athletes, especially those in the spotlight, must recognize that they are role model figures to many young upcoming athletes. But it is known that many of them do subject themselves to drugs, in many cases with performance enhancement drugs such as steroids. There are also the unfortunates that become full blown addicts to substances like crack, alcohol, and meth, destroying their careers and experiencing public humiliation. The high demands of their careers can make using drugs seem like an answer or as practical as training. The reality is that being dependent on drugs is no way of living.

Performance Drug Abuse

When addressing the topic of athletes abusing performance-enhancing drugs, statistics are inaccurate. In sports, performance-enhancing drug abuse is much like the “pink elephant” nobody dares talk about; a blind eye is turned to the issue. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy agrees that many athletes abuse performance-enhancing drugs but were not able to establish to what extent. Athletes and drug abuse must not be tolerated. Prevention, treatment and recovery can dramatically change the abuse in the world of sports.

Commonly Abused Performance Enhancing Drugs

Anabolic Steroids and Androstenedione: A synthetic testosterone, steroids increase strength and muscle mass. When taken as prescribed these drugs can aid in an athlete’s training and injury recovery. However steroids are far too commonly abused. When taken beyond the recommended dose they risk: liver problems, tumors, and high cholesterol. The psychological impairments include dramatic mood swings of anger, violence and depression.

Stimulants: Athletes gain energy from taking stimulants such as caffeine, cocaine and methamphetamines. Stimulants can mask fatigue but is followed by a crash. Even abusing caffeine puts the athlete at great risk. Side effects of stimulants include increased heart rate that can result in a heart attack, insomnia, weight loss causing muscle deterioration, convulsions, and brain hemorrhages.

Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery of Athletes and Drug Abuse

Early in an athlete’s career, like rising stars of high school basketball and football, education and prevention of drug abuse should be highly influenced. There is something to say about the influence and responsibility that a sports prodigy has. The rise and fall of an athlete’s career can be greatly shortened by the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Prevention and abstinence should be the primary concern for these athletes. Unfortunately many athletes are already in the grips of drug abuse and addiction. Finding treatment and recovery is imperative to their health and career, as well as ending the suffering from addiction.

Performance enhancement drug use in the Olympics is not a new concept. For as long as mankind has been performing in physical competitions, athletes have been looking for ways to improve their performance. Even Ancient Olympians have used peculiar methods, hopeful to increase their strength and stamina. In 1967, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) put a ban to performance enhancement drug use. That ban may have deterred many from using, but abstinence to these substances has yet to be the case for competing Olympians.

Testing for Olympic Doping

The IOC, in attempt to control Olympic doping, has integrated testing for these substances. Upon admission to the Olympics a testing regimen is required. You would think that these athletes would sustain from using drugs? The actual amount of athletes that fail the drug test is scary. The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games had a startling number of 30 athletes that failed the drug test, in Beijing they had 70 athletes fail. They were banned from the competitions. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) annually compiles a list of substances banned.

The list of drugs that WADA prohibits includes:

Anabolic Agents: A lengthy list of steroids, testosterones and other chemicals
Hormones, Growth Factors, and Hormone Antagonists
Diuretics and masking Agents
Oxygen Transfer Enhancements
Physical and Chemical Manipulation
Stimulants
Narcotics
Cannabinoids
Alcohol
Beta Blockers

The IOC has a no tolerance policy for the athletes that fail, they are banned from competing. As the list declines of Olympians using, hope for future Olympic athletes rise. Enhancing performance by means of drugs is essentially cheating; a clean competition is a fair competition.

Expectations of an Olympic Athlete

The high demands of an Olympic competitor consequently fuel the illicit drug use. In many cases athletes are prescribed prescription medications like steroids to aid in their training and recovery. But many become depended to the substance and surpass the recommended does to improve their performance and stamina. Dependency comes easily for these unfortunates. The physical risks they subject themselves to generally do not outweigh the rewards of use. Health risks of illicit and prescription drugs affect their immune, respiratory and psychological systems. The risk of their career and the negative message that Olympic Doping has can cause a battery of collateral damage. While appreciating the pressure the athletes have to deliver result to their funs abusing drugs is not and must not be an option for whatever reason.

Olympic doping is a harmful concoction that should be prevented by all means and treated immediately. Like any other addiction problem the involvement of experts to offer treatment is very important and the choice of such professionals matters a lot. Dr. Dalal Akoury who is the Founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center has been administering treatment to addiction patients the world over for over two decades now and she is also offering exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. Any athlete suffering from addiction at whatever level will be professionally handled in her care and walk out of AWAREmed a healthy person full of life.

Athletes and Drug Abuse-Olympic Athletes

Sugar Addictions; the Psychology behind Sugar Addictions

June 10, 2014

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Drug Addiction

Sugar hides itself between cookies, cakes, sodas because these are what we use daily, be careful of sugar addictions

Who doesn’t like sweet things? This is a question whose answer would probably be the same across the divide in our global society today. I am almost attempted to believe that you have a positive answer to my introduction. But all the same we all need sugar to make our food staff much tasty and we can find sugar nearly everywhere in our homes, supermarkets, social places and even in the religious setups. You may be wondering how sugar finds its way nearly in all places, to help you on that, sugar hides itself between cookies, cakes, sodas and other foods you may be thinking of. Now all this food stuff is found everywhere and that is how we are surrounded with sugar which in itself is an addictive substance.

Food molecules enter the body in three different ways that is through fats, carbohydrates and protein. Of this sugar is categorized as carbohydrates which are composed of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Sugar is relatively a simple molecule and it is easier to break down in the body intestinal system. This element sugar can be found in many different forms today. This forms can include anything from simple white cane sugar (what we usually use in baked goods) to the more exotic sugars like agave nectar or molasses. All of these substances contain the same mixture of simple sugars, which are glucose, fructose, and sucrose. These three types of sugars can be mixed and matched in order to create a unique combination.

Saying that sugar is addictive then what is addiction? It is something that causes psychological dependence, addiction can be classified as dependence which is characterized by compulsive, sometimes uncontrollable, behaviors that occur at the expense of other activities and intensify with repeated access. Looking at addiction in relation to sugar would mean that consumption of sugar consistently and without any form of control can cause injure the operations of daily activities.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Signs of Sugar Addictions

For one to be diagnosed with a sugar addictions, most likely the psychologists and doctors would look at three different signs:

Bingeing
Withdrawal
Craving

Anyone of these symptoms can be an indicator of initial stages of an addiction but all the three combined together points to a serious dependence on a certain substance. Ordinarily we would think of alcohol and other drugs as addictive substances, but for sure sugar is a very real addiction too. The consumption of sugar increases the serotonin levels in the body which is a calming and mood elevating neurotransmitter. Serotonin is an anti-depressant and regulates pain levels and sleep cycle. When sugar levels increase, serotonin levels rise and individuals can feel better about themselves both physically and mentally. Many times we think of cookies and ice cream as comfort food, so this could be one reason why some people have a hard time staying away from these sweets.

Ingesting sugar can also increase dopamine levels. Studies have proven that addictive substances like cocaine and heroin cause elevated extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. This same process occurs when foods rich in sugar are ingested. It has also been found that the dopamine receptors are critical for people to experience pleasure for normal life events like watching movies, exercising, or reading books. A deficiency in this receptor can lead to depression, so many times those who are deficient in the dopamine receptors may turn to drugs or sugar for pleasure. A deficiency in the receptor has also been linked to a variety of disorders like alcoholism, bulimia, or binge eating.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Effects of Sugar on the brain

Intermittent sugar access can also act through the opioids in the brain. The changes in the opioid systems of the brain caused by eating sugar lead to the addiction-like signs of withdrawal. “Intermittent, excessive intake of sugar can have dopaminergic, cholinergic, and opioid effects that are similar to psycho-stimulants and opiates, albeit smaller in magnitude” (Avena, 2008). Even though the effects of sugar on neurochemicals are mild, it can lead to a dependency or addiction over time.

In addition to the neurochemical reasons for sugar addictions, there is also an area in the brain that shows signs of sugar addictions. In a study where participants consumed sugar and brain activity was analyzed, it was found that the orbitofrontal cortex was active after sugar consumption. The orbitofrontal cortex is an area in the front of the brain where human’s process rewards. This means that eating sugar is a rewarding activity, so we are likely to continue to eat sugar in order to feel reward and pleasure.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Who is affected the most by sugar addictions

Those at risk for sugar addictions include:

Those with bulimia, binge eating disorder, obesity, alcohol dependent, smokers and those with chronic pain. This is because sugar addiction is comparative to these disorders, and many times these disorders may occur congruently with sugar addictions.
Healthy, normal weight individuals, by definition, do not suffer from food addiction; however, overweight and obese individuals could meet clinical criteria. The reason for sugar addictions is not because sugar tastes good, but rather it is in the way it is consumed with alternating binging and restricting.

Environmental factors can also trigger sugar addictions for example watching a commercial about candy, smelling cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, or simply being around sugar can cause someone to start eating it uncontrollably. Eating sugar can also become a learned response by simply eating sugar when hungry, bored, or tired so that someone craves it whenever they feel this way. Overtime it will be a habit to simply reach out and eat sugar when these cues arise.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Summary-Why is Sugar Addictive?

Sugar addictions, or sugar dependence, is based off the three basic stages of bingeing, withdrawal, and craving. Sugar can cause the neurochemicals dopamine, tryptophan, and serotonin to increase. All of these are involved with pleasure, reward, and pain tolerance that can make sugar irresistible. These neurochemicals are also released with other drugs of addiction, which links sugar addictions to any other addiction. Finally sugar is addictive because:

We Feel Better When We Eat It. Eating sugar increases the serotonin levels in the body, which is a calming and mood elevating neurotransmitter. Serotonin plays an important part in regulating pain levels and sleep cycles, and it is an anti-depressant. When sugar levels increase, serotonin levels rise and individuals can feel better about themselves both physically and mentally.
It’s as Addictive as Drugs like Cocaine. Ingesting sugar can also increase dopamine levels, which also happens when someone ingests cocaine or other addictive drugs. This can cause a binge and withdrawal cycle and lead to a dependence on the substance.
The Brain thinks it Is Rewarding. The orbitofrontal cortex is an area in the front of the brain where humans process rewards, and this is activated when someone consumes sugar. Therefore, sugar is seen as rewarding to the body.

We can never conclude without offering an avenue for help in case you or your loved ones are suffering from sugar addiction. The over two decades experience of doctor Akoury in helping people suffering from addiction is an experience you would want to be part of. She is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where emphasis is made on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) as a means of treating addiction to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This is a resource you would not want to miss.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Drug Addiction

Major effects of Addiction

June 9, 2014

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological and Physical

Don’t let drug addiction break your family. The effects can be very painful not just for you but to the children as well.

Like many problems people go through addiction is one that has been associated to humanity for as long as you can imagine. It is interesting to note that addiction has no limit on whom it affects and does not choose when to strike. Anytime can be said to be appropriate for one to be addicted to anything that is addictive, because of this untimeliness of addiction we must make efforts to be ready when it comes and most importantly prevent its effects on us. We will be discussing the major effects of addiction in this article and for this reason we will categorize then into two segments:

Psychological effects of drug addiction
Physical effects of drug addiction

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological effects of drug addiction

While it is true that in both cases the specific physical and psychological effects of drug abuse and addiction is not consistent and varies based on the particular addictive substance involved, the general effects of drug abuse or addiction to any drug can be devastating.

Psychologically, intoxication with or withdrawal from a substance can cause everything from euphoria as with alcohol, Ecstasy, or inhalant intoxication, to paranoia with marijuana or steroid intoxication, to severe depression or suicidal thoughts with cocaine or amphetamine withdrawal. An individual who has been living with a condition of drug addiction for some period of time may begin to experience a number of serious psychological problems as a result of their dependence on the drugs. As mention these conditions can range from mild to serious but the common denominator is that all of them will impact to the life of the addicted person in a negative manner. Let us now take a look at some of the most common long-term psychological effects of drug addictions as mention above:

Depression

As an individual develops a tolerance to drugs, it will take ever-increasing amounts of the substance to get high. When the individual is unable to achieve their desired state of euphoria, they may become depressed. Chronic depression also occurs as the drug addict feels shame and remorse about their condition. This creates a cycle of addiction; the more depressed they feel, the more likely they are to continue using drugs.

Paranoia

People suffering from a cocaine or marijuana addiction often report a feeling of paranoia over the course of their dependence. The feeling that “everyone is out to get them” is heightened by the fact that buying or using drugs is illegal and the belief that law enforcement is waiting around every corner. Over time, drug addicts tend to get more and more paranoid.

Anxiety

Drug addicts get their supply from time to time and the waiting period of the next dose of supply causes many of the addicts to begin feeling anxious or unsettled. During this moment of anxiety it will be noticeable to the society that these people have a problem and do not stay focus to their activities. When one is not focused a lot of people are affected for instance the family members will feel neglected. The negative effects on their relationship can be very devastating because it can break a family. Besides this drug induced anxieties and lack of focus can cause them to fail in their employment responsibilities and become less productive which can cause them to lose their source of livelihood. The effects of anxiety can be many and these are just but a few.

Major effects of Addiction-Physical effects of Drug addiction

In terms of effects on the body, intoxication with a substance can cause physical effects that range from marked sleepiness and slowed breathing as with intoxication with heroin or sedative hypnotic drugs, to the rapid heart rate of cocaine intoxication, or the tremors to seizures of alcohol withdrawal. In addition to the numerous mental health issues that spring up as a result of long-term drug addiction, there are also a number of issues affecting the physical health of the person who is has been living with a dependence problem for many years. Some of the known physical effects include:

The kidneys

The human kidney can be damaged by habitual drug use over a period of time. Several studies have established that kidney failure is very much associated with long-time of drug abuse. Users of crystal meth, heroin and other dangerous drugs are a common testimony of this.

The liver

Liver failure is a well-known consequence of alcoholism but it can also be triggered by other substances like using vicodin and OxyContin over a period of time possibly years.

The heart

Drug addicts and in particular Cocaine addicts and stimulant users are doing causing damage to their heart each time they use these drugs. The most common conditions among drug addicts are heart disease and heart failure.

The lungs

Any individual who smokes the drug to which they are addicted is putting the proper functionality of their lungs in jeopardy. Smoking crack cocaine or crystal meth causes great damages to the lungs with a ferocity that rivals or resembles long-term nicotine habits. Besides all these regular use of marijuana also causes damage to the lungs. When one uses drugs over a long period of time they not only become drug addicts but will also begin to build a tolerance to drugs they use. Tolerance is dangerous as it causes the individual to use more and more of the drug in order to achieve the desired euphoric or stimulated state. This puts the individual at a constant risk for overdose and even death.

Major effects of Addiction-Conclusion

In conclusion we are privileged to live this life and we can only do so once. What you do with your life can either make you see many years ahead or shorten them. You need not to be in dilemma on this there is help around you and all you need is to get in touch with doctor Dalal Akoury who is an expert in addiction and has helped many people globally over the past decades is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where addiction and obesity are treated in a friendly way by focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This is what you need my dear reader like I said we live this life only once take that step and call and live life to the fullest.

Major effects of Addiction-Psychological and Physical

Tag Archives: Substance dependence