Understanding Addiction Archives - Page 113 of 115

Dec302015Jan272016

Alcoholism – What You Need to Know

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction

When considering whether or not you have a problem with alcohol, consider the definition of alcoholism. Alcoholism is considered when having difficulty controlling one’s drinking, constantly thinking about consuming alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems in one’s life, needing to increase one’s consumption of alcohol in order to feel the same effects, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when drinking has ceased.

How do you know if you might be drinking too much?

Consider these signs if think you or a loved one might have a problem with alcohol indulgence:

Unable to limit the consumption of alcohol
Spending an exaggerated amount of time boozing
Unable to complete prior obligations
Cutting back on previous activities in order to consume alcohol or needing more swigs in order to have the same effect.
A strong need to hit the bottle and the inability to limit oneself when drinking alcohol
Not being able to stop oneself after beginning drinking or blacking out from drinking too much
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop drinking is also a sign to consider. An example may be experiencing shaking when trying to stop drinking or when you haven’t had a drink for an extended period of time.

The above are all signs that one might experience when their drinking habits become a problem.

What puts one at risk for developing an addiction to alcohol?

Consistently drinking over time. A family history of drunkenness. If someone in the family has had problems with drinking alcohol, it increases the risk of another family member developing an alcohol addiction. Also, having friends close to you who drink alcohol regularly can increase the risk of alcohol dependence. Drinking alcohol regularly with friends often increases the amount and frequency one consumes alcohol, which increases the likelihood to develop a drinking problem as well. Furthermore, there are genetic links to alcoholism. Moreover, using alcohol over time can change the biology of the brain. Alcohol stimulates the pleasure senses in the brain and over time the pleasure pathways can change creating more and more need to consume alcohol.

What effects can alcohol intoxication have on one’s life?

When one drinks, he or she has a higher likelihood of being in a car crash, especially while drinking and driving. A drop in performance in work or school can also be related to alcoholism. One who drinks regularly is also at an increased risk for legal trouble. Furthermore, those who become intoxicated are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. One could also develop liver disease, high blood pressure, sexual complications, pregnancy complications, neurological issues and even cancer. Family stress and other family issues are also often present when a family member has a drinking problem.

When can you tell if you need to seek help?

If any of the above information pertains to you or someone you know, even if they do not seem related to drinking dependence, please consider speaking to a professional. Consider your drinking habits and consider your overall health, including your physical and mental health. If you are feeling depressed, anxious or ashamed, it may be time to seek professional help. If drinking is affecting your health, either physically or mentally, seek professional counsel. If your obsession with alcohol is getting in the way of your everyday life or if family and friends are complaining about your misuse of alcohol, consider seeking professional help as well. Furthermore, if your alcohol misuse is getting in the way of your relationships, you may be abusing alcohol and need to seek help for this problem. If consuming alcohol is getting in the way of your work, it may also be time to seek aid from a professional.

What if you think you or a loved one has the symptoms of alcoholism?

Treatment is available. Outpatient counselling is an option for some, but a drug rehabilitation center is appropriate for others. Outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation centers can also help with co-existing mental health problems in addition to aiding you in the recovery of your alcohol problem. Aftercare programs are also important in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle following the initial help you receive. Spirituality is also often an important component to treating alcoholism as many believe this is strongly related to the recovery process. It also may be necessary to change other aspects of your life in order to change your drinking habits as well, such as finding new ways to do things that do not involve the need for alcohol. Treatment is easier for some and harder for others, but seeking help is the first step in the recovery process.

Aug072015Jan272016

Need for Addiction Treatment Rising In Middle East

Articles, International, Understanding Addiction

Need-for-Addiction-Treatment-Rising-In-Middle-East Civil unrest and violence in Middle Eastern countries are having far-reaching effects in terms of rising incidences of drug and alcohol addiction and the need for effective treatment. Our internationally certified staff makes it a point to stay on top of current affairs worldwide. We are prepared to offer needed services to individuals in the Middle East who are suffering from addiction. Reports from Baghdad, Iraq, in particular have shown that the high rate of personal loss among families as the result of war and related violence has contributed to substance abuse. The emotional trauma of grief and loss has caused people to seek solace in drugs and alcohol. Dependence on chemicals to ease the pain has reached alarming rates. Of equal concern is the number of children who are using illegal drugs. When they experience the psychological stress of violence, they, too, are turning to drugs as a way to cope with the loss of family members. Officials have noticed the uprisings that have occurred since 2011 seems to have sparked drug-related problems, including incidences of smuggling and dealing.

DARA Prepared To Help In International Setting

As a highly reputable provider of addiction recovery treatment in the international community, DARA has set processes in motion to help alleviate the repercussions of increased substance abuse in the Middle East. We already are serving clients from these war-torn areas, and we are taking steps to increase our capabilities. We want these people who are traumatized by the violence and upheaval in their countries to understand that we have compassionate solutions to their substance abuse problems. Starting August 1, we will have an Arabic-speaking counselor on our team as part of our recognition of the needs of this growing segment of the population. We also offer Halal foods, in accordance with the spiritual beliefs of many clients from the Middle East.

If you, or someone you care about, needs help for a drug or alcohol addiction,
contact us at 1-888-457-3518 US, 0-808-120-3633 UK or 1-800-990-523 AU.
We’re here to help you take that first important step.

Feb242015Jan272016

Managing Anxiety in Recovery

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction

Managing-Anxiety-in-Recovery Many people in substance recovery arrive with another condition such as anxiety. There is plenty of evidence from treating substance abusers who also have a mental disorder and the attitude is that both of these will be treated successfully. Research shows that “combining treatment medications with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches must be tailored to each patient’s drug and drug-related medical, psychiatric, and social problems.” Don’t think you are the only one to have another condition. It is very common.

The medications prescribed to treat your anxiety have a relaxing effect on your physiology. and Research says that the most common reasons for relapse are stress and being around illegal drugs or alcohol. The medications you will be prescribed in recovery are designed to interfere with your cravings. And you will need to be alert to avoid returning to places where drugs may be present. Changing the people and places from your using days is usually suggested. Counseling and learning new life skills to handle stress will help you recover from your anxiety.

Withdrawal from certain illegal drugs can cause anxiety, this is treatable and temporary. Certain prescriptions are intended to reduce the anxiety, making it more comfortable to stop the addiction and focus on recovery. The disruptive effects on your brain can often be reversed and you will return to a productive and useful life.

Because addiction can affect so many aspects of a person’s life, treatment must address the needs of the whole person to be successful. The top recovery programs use a blend of 12-steps, medical specialists, and counselors for the psychological needs of their clients. Even The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous says seeking outside help is not only suggested but often necessary. A.A. offers fellowship who shares the same disease but members are not medical professionals. Listen to your doctors for advice designed to complement your substance addiction recovery. We wish you healing for your mind, body, and spirit.

Feb192015Oct222019

How the 12 Steps Help Manage Stress

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction

How-the-12-Steps-Help-Manage-Stress Research shows that people often use alcohol and drugs for stress management. But most researchers also agree that these substances may actually induce stress rather than relieve it. So it’s important that individuals who have made the decision to stop drinking replace alcohol and drugs with more effective ways to manage stress. The 12 Steps, though not specifically designed as a stress management tool, use many of the techniques suggested by experts to deal with stress. For instance:

Numerous scientific studies have shown the positive effects of prayer and meditation on stress; as a result, health care practitioners often suggest prayer and meditation as a stress management strategy. The 12 Steps suggest the use of prayer and meditation as a means to sobriety. Though the writers of the 12 Steps weren’t aware of any science behind prayer and meditation at the time, they knew enough to include them at the heart of recovery.
Social support networks are known to relieve stress and promote mental health. While the 12 Steps do not explicitly mention group support as a way to stop drinking, they are written from a group perspective, using “we” and “our” in language, and they are recited at 12-Step meetings to provide common purpose, mutual understanding and a sense of community. The feeling of security that comes from group support can help manage the stress of being alone in the challenges of recovery.
Most individuals come to the 12 Steps with wreckage like financial debt, destroyed relationships and broken promises. The Steps help relieve the stress of a traumatic history by suggesting a complete inventory of one’s misbehavior, and amends to offended parties. By dealing with a troubled past, hope begins to take the place of stress, and individuals can start anew.

Jan272015Jan272016

Is Marijuana a Global Addiction?

International, Understanding Addiction

A recent U.N. report on drug use revealed that cannabis is the world’s most widely consumed drug, indicating a possible global addiction may be culminating. Marijuana is produced or consumed in some fashion in most countries today. The World Health Organization reports About 147 million people, 2.5% of the world population, consume cannabis annually, compared with 0.2% consuming cocaine and 0.2% consuming opiates.

In 2010, marijuana use was most prevalent in Australia and New Zealand; the U.S. and Canada came in second, followed by Spain, France, Italy and the Czech Republic third, and Nigeria, Zambia, and Madagascar were tied for fourth). With the legalization of marijuana in some countries, and across some states in the US, many people are being conditioned by arguments that the drug is basically harmless. The potential risk of cannabis use may not be demonstrated by overt or sudden seizures and overdose, but marijuana dependency controls and impairs its users, like any substance of abuse, procuring it and smoking it will become the most important aspect of life.

Studies have found marijuana interferes with attention, motivation, memory, and learning. Statistically, students who use marijuana regularly receive lower grades, are more likely to drop out of school, and will show an overall IQ drop of up to 8 points. Generally people who use marijuana regularly report lower satisfaction with their life, are more likely to earn a lower income and more likely to be unemployed.

The global addiction trend shows 5.7 million persons aged 12 or older living in major cities used marijuana on a daily or almost daily basis in the past 12 months. However accessible and available marijuana continues to be, it can’t adequately substitute the benefits found in living a life free of addiction, discovering the potential to contribute to the world in a positive and dynamic way.