Wednesday, 30 December 2015

Health Book English

PENIS ENLARGEMENT TREATMENT

PREMATURE EJACULATION TREATMENT

 

During my experience as an Unani Medical Practitioner, in the field of sexual disorders, I have found many of the youths adopting wrong and unnatural means and ruining their lives in the process. This is primarily because of their ignorance about natural sexual behaviour. I have written this book according to the Unani point of view, for the physical and moral welfare of the younger generation. My intention is to give them proper guidance so that they should know the real facts about sex and be able to make their lives happy and healthy. I have used a very simple style in writing this booklet, so that a common man is able to understand it easily. Sometime it may prove very useful for you or your friends.
After 70 years of dedicated service to mankind, today Hashmi Dawakhana grew into a formidable health care centre in North India. We cure not only sexual disorders like impotency, infertility but also chronic ailments such as Diabetes, Arthritis, Piles etc. After years of ceaseless effort and research we come up with successful treatments for Weight loss, Beauty enhancement, Penis enlargement, Breast treatment etc.

Importance of Sex Knowledge

 

Male and female are incomplete without each other. Their lives become really meaningful only when they reach the stage of complete mental and physical harmony. Nature has created man and woman for each other and sex has got a vital role to bring them as close as possible. If the sexual life of married couple is fully satisfactory and blissful, only then they can remain mentally and physically healthy, otherwise a gap of unhappiness and frustration starts developing between them which is a curse of modern society. Ignorance of sexual behaviour can be a cause for this situation. These days it is our ambition to give best possible education to our children so that they achieve the highest goal in their lives. We tell them about every part of their bodies except the sexual organs. Why so? Simply because the society considers it bad? Perhaps they are not aware of the fact that children have natural curiosity about sex. When their queries regarding sex are not answered properly by parents, they revert to their equally ignorant friends, who try to satisfy their curiosity by wrong notions and distorted facts in the tender brains of the children. Therefore it is a moral duty of the parents to impart all necessary knowledge and information to their growing children about sex and its importance in life. This only can save them from wrong notions and disastrous results.

Youth

 

When a boy crosses the childhood and enters into youth, he gets lots of imaginary ideas. This is the most delicate period of his life. Every part of his body blooms. At this age if he controls himself and his passion, he florishes like a flower and his personality shines. He tries to climb higher and higher and he is successful in his life. But I feel sorry to note that many of the youth adopt wrong ways. It may be due to bad company they are keeping or for want of necessary sexual knowledge. Then indulge in some unnatural means to satisfy their sexual urge and ruin the lives. At that time they are not aware of the fact of life but they realise their mistakes when they get married as they unable to perform well in sexual act and unable to satisfy their wives. They repent for what they did in the past, because they cannot fully enjoy the charm of happy married life. They felt a condition of dried up semen, which is the most valuable treasure of life and was wasted by them just for nothing.

Masturbation

 

Ejaculating semen with the help of hand is called Masturbation or Hand practice or self-indulgence. One starts it mostly due to bad company .If parents do not looks after their children properly, they fall in the grip of many bad habits, as a result, they start hand practising whenever they are alone. At that moment they derive a sort of physical enjoyment from this act. Gradually they get so much accustomed to this bad habit, and it becomes very difficult for them to get rid off. They are not aware of the fact that this momentary enjoyment weakens them. When they grow up they feel that they are too weak to enjoy their happy married life. Due to excess Masturbation their genital organ (Penis) does not develop fully. They become mentally and physically weak and lack self-confidence. They develop a very irritating and frustrated temperament and become sick of the society. Excess of Masturbation may lead to frequent night discharges, there after semen may start passing before or after urination. Their digestive system also weakens and even after taking rich diet which do not improve their health. To get rid of this bad habit one needs a strong will power. All the youths of today should note that masturbation is not a good habit and they should always try to avoid it to make their lives happier and healthier.

Night Discharge

 

To discharge semen while asleep is called night Discharge. It is also known as nightfall. The patient in dream feels that some beautiful woman is beside him, he starts doing sexual act with her and the semen is discharged. In the beginning he rises up immediately at the time of discharge but slowly he is so much in the grip of this disease that he fails to know when he has discharged semen while asleep. He comes to know of it only when he gets up in the morning. Nightfall does always occur at night. Occasional night discharges are not a disease but if it happens frequently, it is undoubtedly injurious to ones health. To avoid frequent nightfall young men should not indulge in vulgar talks, see nude photographs and should not read sexual literature, which arouses their sexual feelings. Do not take hot milk at night. In the morning to walk bare foot on green grass is very helpful for those who have frequent night discharges.

Impotency

If a person cannot fully satisfy his wife in the sexual act he is called impotent and the disorder is called as Impotency. It is of many kinds. The person loses his retention power in sexual play, one gets discharged without satisfying the women and she does not reach climax and in the end the penis loses its capacity of erection. These are few sings of Impotency. The main cause of impotency is excess of masturbation, secondly excess of inter course. At this stage the patient has a desire for inter course, but he is helpless because his penis does not erect enough, in other words it can be said that the penis becomes like a paralysed part of the body. Some how or other he achieves some erection in the penis but he discharges before intercourse. This disease ruins the happy married life. The Patient feels disappointed and loses his confidence, he sees gloom and darkness around him and very often he thinks of committing suicide. Impotency not only affects the man; one can easily imagine the mental condition of the women whose husband is impotent. She becomes very much disappointed and frustrated. Not only the satisfaction of the sexual desire, but the desire of having a child which is more important to a woman. To fulfil this desire she may take the help of some other person by which a heaven like home turns into hell.

Premature Ejaculation (Early Discharge)

 

If a person discharges very early at the time of sexual play, it is called ‘Premature Ejaculation’. It would be true to say that sexual capacity varies from person to person. It can be from two minutes to ten minutes. If one ejaculated before the wife is fully satisfied, it should be deemed that he is suffering from ‘Premature Ejaculation’. There are many symptoms to know whether a person is suffering from this disease or not. For instance, to ejaculate at the very start of sexual act, to feel immediately excited when a person is besides a woman, to ejaculate at the very touch of private parts, or to discharge when a person gets a touch of women in the crowed. All these symptoms denote ‘Premature Ejaculation’, which may ultimately lead to impotency. That person who is suffering from ‘Premature Ejaculation’ should not take opium and other intoxicants for enjoyment. Undoubtedly, these intoxicants are of momentary use, but after some time he gets addicted and every time he has to take these intoxicants. In the long run these do not work and he becomes Impotent forever. A person who has done masturbation in excess may suffer from ‘Premature Ejaculation’.

Spermatorrhoea

 

While clearing one’s bowels semen starts passing before or after urination, is called spermaorrhoea. In the beginnings it falls only when one urinates or puts pressure at time of passing stool. Slowly the falling develops before or after one urinates, If this situation continues, the patient gets weaker even after having rich meals. In the chronic stage he loses the brightness of youth. When he feels excited, it falls in excess and his male organ (Penis) very soon gets loose. Women hate such type of persons, but due to shyness she keeps mum. The patient is neither in a position to satisfy his wife nor himself but desires for sex always.

Diabetes

 

The less formation of Insulin and non-accumulation of sugar, coming out with urine and mixing up with the blood is called diabetes is a hereditary disease. Due to obesity, lack of physical exercise, ageing and disfunctioning of pancreas, diabetes can happen. Too much of thirst, bad smell in urine, unhealing of wounds, regular decrease in sight, acute weakness and irregular period and infertility in ladies are the main symptom of diabetes. The patient should stop consuming sugar and sweet and minimize the oil consumption. Food should be taken at regular interval. Exercise should be done regularly to control weight. Diabetes, a serious disease in which body metabolism is severally disordered and energy making machinery malfunctions. Though the recorded history of diabetes is very old but modern civilization and its life style are prime causes of this dangerous disease. Excessively starchy diets, the manner in which we eat and drink our intake of tinned or preserves food, the preservatives used in such food and beverages and the mental stress and strain to which a man is exposed today. All these are the aspects of life that modern science and technology have provided to human beings have become a curse in disguise.
A Greek physician, Areataevs, first recorded the name diabetes in the second century AD. Thomas Willis (1621-1675) an English anatomist and physician, reported the sugary taste of urine. The French physiologist Claude Bernard (1813-1878) devoted research to the role of sugar in the body and first provided a rational basis for understanding diabetes arose in connection with a malfunction in the pancreas, a large organ in the gut which produces a number vital hormone and enzyme, but it was not until 1992, that two Canadians, Sir Fredrick Banting and Charles Best, isolated insulin from pancreatic tissue and with the help of John MacLeaod, showed that it is essential for the proper utilization of sugar.
Through, modern medicine or allopathy has scaled great heights in research and treatment; it miserable failed to provide a permanent cure to diabetes. Age-old unani system acknowledged diabetes thousands of years ago and evolved effective and permanent cure for diabetes traditional Hakeems with their vast knowledge and experience evolved potent medicine for a complete relief from diabetes.

Venereal Diseases

 

There should be a complete and vigilant checking for the venereal disease. It may exist in any of the partners or in both of them. It is a disease, which generally is transmitted by the affected person to the another who does intercourse with the former. Generally prostitutes pass on this disease to the man concerned. And from him it automatically transferred to the wife. Venereal diseases are very much harmful. These weaken the sexual potency as well as affect the process of intercourse. Immediately after the symptoms are observed the treatment should be taken from a competent physician. The blood examination is very necessary after the treatment is completed.
Changes in blood due to VD
 
Those who suffer from Gonorrhoea or syphilis and have not taken pains to treat themselves adequately must be prepared to experience all forms of obstructions not only in the treatment of disease in the general but also in the maintaining good health.
According to the medical authorities venereal poison remains active for several year in the body and therefore person who might have contracted it means preserves it in the process of purification for a number of years even though a systematic medical treatment may had been undergone in earlier years. The patients should not have a sense of false security and assume that because they do not see any particular sign of these diseases, they are assuredly sound. We do not wish to frighten people, but it is a grim fact.
Syphilis
 
This is one of the most dangerous diseases and is the result of having intercourse with the prostitute and girl of bad character. The main symptom of this disease is that after a few intercourses with a prostitute a small boil appears on the penis and very soon it takes the shape of a wound. At the first wound is very minor and if one is careless or delays the treatment, it will have the effect on the coming generations. In the first stage some boils come out on his organ. In the second stage some black spots appear on the body and copper coloured boils come out which take the shape of wounds later on. In the third stage the effects of syphilis reaches bones and develop into wounds such as lepers have. If the germs of syphilis reach brain, the patient may suffer from paralysis and at last he falls into the clutches of death. Therefore this disease should be immediately cared for and at the very outcome of the symptoms; one should rush for his treatment.

Spermatorrhoea

 

While clearing one’s bowels semen starts passing before or after urination, is called spermaorrhoea. In the beginnings it falls only when one urinates or puts pressure at time of passing stool. Slowly the falling develops before or after one urinates, If this situation continues, the patient gets weaker even after having rich meals. In the chronic stage he loses the brightness of youth. When he feels excited, it falls in excess and his male organ (Penis) very soon gets loose. Women hate such type of persons, but due to shyness she keeps mum. The patient is neither in a position to satisfy his wife nor himself but desires for sex always.

Important Instruction to youth

  • Always avoid bad company. Do not read vulgar and obscene literature and safe guard yourself from bad talks. Always try to preserve your semen, the gem of life.
  • Do not be afraid of night discharges. If is happens once or twice a month, it is a natural course, but if night discharges happen in frequently, one must consult some qualified and experienced physician.
  • Marriage is a pious co-relation and one should abide by every rule of marriage. Do not treat your wife as if she was only meant for sexual pleasure, but always given full respect to her. Do not have intercourse when she is in her menses periods.
  • Always avoid the company of prostitutes. If you go to them, you will ruin your wealth, health and youth and you may suffer from many dangerous diseases. 5. Do not have intercourse immediately after meals but it should be done 2 to 3 hours later.
  • Always try to avoid too much spicy food, wine tobacco and excess of tea etc.
  • Have your bath daily and don’t forget to clean your male organ (Penis) with sufficient water because some white coloured substance (smegma) collects in the male organ that can develop infections.
  • Always go for urination before going to bed.
  • Get yourself thoroughly examined by an experienced and qualified medical practitioner before marriage and act upon his advice.
  • If you suffer from any contagious disease, you should immediately consult some qualified and experienced physician.
Masturbation starts from bad company, therefore always avoid bad company and try to control this bad habit with a firm determination.

Genital Organs in Man

Penis
 
This is the main male organ of coitus. It is made of three bodies and covered with skin. It varies in size from person to person, Its normal length when in the flaccid condition is 7 to 11.5com and 12 to 21 cms when erect.
Glans
 
The tip of the penis is known as glans. It is an expansion of the corpus spongionum. The base of the glans projects out from the main body of the penis and this projecting margin is called corona.
Prostate
 
This gland appears to be a sexual organ, since in animals that have seasonal sexuality, the prostate enlarges during the mating season and then shrinks until the next. In the adult human male, it is about 4cms across as its base and is the size of chestnut. The prostate is composed of muscular and glandular tissue. Its secretions pass down about 20 small ducts that lead to the section of the Urethra that pierces the prostate gland, but their purpose is not yet fully understood.
Semen
 
This is mixture of secretions from the prostate seminal vesicle and spermatozoa from the testes. When a man reaches climax, semen starts coming out of the penis with pressure. Each time in two days about 2 to 6 ml of semen comes out when man reaches orgasm.
Smegma
 
Smegma is mixture of dead skin cells and skin grease and looks like soap as it hides under the foreskin of the penis. In women it is found near clitoris.

True story of a young man

 

Some time back I was examining patients as usual in my Dawakhana, when a very disappointed young man came to me and started weeping bitterly. In spite of repeated requests he continued weeping. However when he felt lighter after some time he narrated his story in the following words.
“I am the only son from a rich family. My parents used to fulfil my every desire that I used to put before them. Unluckily I fell in bad company, due to which I started masturbating. I use to enjoy this act and it developed like any thing. After some time I felt myself very weak and I decided to give up this bad habit. Anyhow when I suppressed the habit of masturbation, I suffered from Night Discharges and gradually the semen started passing with urine. It ruined me.
Due to over thinking I became mentally weak. My health is deteriorating day by day in spite of rich meals. I have gone lazy and do not take interest in my work. I am very much worried for the only reason that my parents have arranged my marriage with a beautiful and educated girl. But when I think of my marriage, I tremble because I know that I have lost the most important treasure of my life and now I feel that I would be unable to satisfy my would be wife. I do not want that my would-be wife should suffer for the fault of mine. I have heard a lot about you. If you make me fit for marriage, I will be highly obliged to you through out my life.”
I heard the story of the young man very calmly and consoled him. I told him to have faith in God and he would be all right. Then I examined him and his genitals in privacy. Indeed he had ruined his youth. It was a matter of great concern for me that only a month was left for his marriage. Such young men come to me for treatment and my heart is filled with sympathy for these poor fellows.

Genital Organs in Women

Breast
 
Breast is apparent distinction between male and female. It is a mass of fatty tissue. The main function of the breast is to produce milk for the newborn baby. Breasts vary in size and shape. But the shape and size of breasts has nothing to do with women fertility and sexual desires. Breasts become slightly firm during excitement. Whenever a woman feels lumps or bumps, she should immediately consult a competent physician.
Clitoris
 
Situation of the clitoris is on the front of pubic bone and is almost surrounded by labia and consists of erectile tissues and richly supplied with nerves. This is most sensitive parts of the vulva. The size of the clitoris is 3/4 inch. The role of clitoris in sex is still unknown, but it appears to be involved in female excitement.
Egg (Ovum)
 
The name given to female reproductive cell. They vary too much in size but basically they have same shape. Egg is expelled from ovary to fallopian tube, where it is fertilised by the male sperm, otherwise it dies there within few days.
FallopianTubes
 
These tubes extend from the ovaries that are situated on neither side of the womb. Each is about 4″ long. There is a free passage from vagina to womb and womb to fallopian tubes.
Hymen
 
This is an incomplete membrane situated in the vagina and it is closes the vagina partially. Usually there is one hole in the hymen to pass the menses. Some people take it as a sign of virginity, but it is not so. Some women bleed slightly in the course of first intercourse, when the hymen is ruptured.
Vagina
 
It is the female genital passage. Vagina ensheathe the penis during inter course. It is made of modified skin, which covers an elastic fibro vascular structure. From the opening it goes upwards at the angle of 600-700. At the top cervix points in it. It is approximate length is 10 CMS. The vagina undergoes active changes during coitus.
Womb (Uterus)
 
This is a hollow, muscular and thick walled organ connected with fallopian tubes and it is pointed towards cervix. It is about 8 to 9 CMS in length, 6 CMS across in its widest part and about 4 CMS thick in the thickest part. The walls of the womb are about 1 to 2 CMS thick and the length of the internal cavity is about 7.5 to 8 CMS, measured from the external Os.

Gonorrhoea

 

This disease also develops from having intercourse with the women of bad character. After some days after intercourse one feels burning sensation at the time of urination. This burning sensation and pain grow so much that the patient literally cries with pain and hesitates to urinate. After some days pus starts coming out from the penis, sometimes blood may also appear with the pus. When penis, this disease becomes chronic, the irritation reduces. But pus continues to come out. If this pus some now touches the eyes, there are all possibilities of getting blind. If one notice and symptoms of this disease he must immediately consult a good Hakeem and get complete treatment.

Leucorrhoea

 

This is a disease of women, which sometimes ruins their health. In this disease a type of liquid starts coming out of vagina regularly. Normally their wetting of vagina is not a disease but at the times it is so much in excess, that there under wears get wet with the liquid and some stains are clearly visible on here underclothes. When a women desires for sex, her vagina become wet with some liquid. This liquid can be as fluid as water and as thick as the yellowish part of an egg. On account of this excessive discharge, there may be itching in her vagina. Due to heavy itching, vagina may also get swollen. Continuous and excessive discharge from the vagina is called Leucorrhoea. When this disease becomes chronic the women may come to suffer from general weakness, forgetfulness, pain in her waist, paleness on her face etc. Gradually she grows weaker and may find herself unable to produce children.

Honeymoon

 

This is a tradition, which prevails in all the countries and among every caste and creed and has got the same importance every where. In Urdu it is called as Suhag Raat. In Hindi known as Madhu Mas and in English it is termed as Honeymoon. This first meeting of husband and wife in the night decides the future course of their married life. This is the union of two souls; therefore its mental and spiritual importance is more than the physical. Previously, only rich and educated people used to go out for Honey Moon, but now it Is become a tradition. To some extent, it is good tradition, because in India during and after few days of the marriages, the house is full with relatives and it become very difficult for the newly couple to understand each other in that crowded atmosphere, for want of time and space. It is true to say that honeymoon is the most important moment of life during which the couple comes to under standing each other. This is the moment of love, not only the meeting of two bodies, but union of two souls, meaning thereby that lives of two persons have united into one for ever.

Sex and Marriage

 

Knowledge of sex is very important, at least for post marital life because at times, lack of knowledge about sex ruins the, marital life of couple. It has been noticed that man have too much of misconception about sex. They fear weather they will able to satisfy their wife during intercourse or not. This feeling develops generally due to 4 factors:
  • When the husband is physically weaker than his wife is.
  • When the wife is more beautiful than she is husband
  • When the husband starts thinking that his organ has become weaker because of masturbation, homosexual intercourse or due to press-push method of intercourse that he had adopted earlier.
Now lets us deal the problem individually. In case first, when the husband is physically inferior to his wife, the couple is not satisfied during sex. Although they are physically healthy but psychologically the are defeated. Actually, enjoyment in the intercourse can be divided into 2 parts. First being the pleasure in the excitement which is generally called as foreplay and the second being the actual performance of intercourse unto the point of climax. The pleasure in the first part is fully dependent on the mental concentration towards the sexual thought and activities, appearance of the body of the both husband and wife. For a brief period after marriage, the physical appearance matters but as life proceeds, this factor becomes meaningless. In the second case when the wife is more beautiful than the husband, then an inferiority complex grips the husband and he does not feel comfortable at the thought of intercourse and does not find full strength in the organ at the time of intercourse. Even the wife gets irritated but hardly understands the problem. But if the wife is matured enough, she can easily trace out the root cause of the problem and sort it out. In most of the cases, the female reaches the climax later than man does. There are some causes behind it. One of them is that the productive organ of a man is outside, while in case of women, it is inside. In case of man, it is touched prior to the women, so the pleasure for the man begins, prior to the women, and hence, even being equally strong in sex, man discharge earlier than the women. One more factors matter. Suppose a man is fully excited when he touches his wife but in many cases, wife at the times of touch will not be so excited. Hence, there will be a phase difference in man and his wife. Sometimes a man think that he is not competent for his wife so far sexual strength in concerned. But it is only a misunderstanding because of aforesaid factor. To remove this misunderstanding, man should try to compensate this phase of difference in their degree of excitement. Here is the second way, that is the medical treatment. For this a man should visit a well-qualified Hakeem. To take pills, drugs and other things, which shows the immediate effect is highly dangerous for the youth. He will loose all potentiality in long run and reach a stage even after taking drugs, man is helpless to achieve the required potential.

A Happy News for Childless Couples

 

Every married couple desires to have a child in their family. For want of a child there is always a disrupted atmosphere in that family. Some cheats posing as monks deceive many innocent persons. The reason for not having a child must be detected first. It is only possible when both wife and husband are thoroughly examined by an experienced physician. At the times men remarry, without knowing the fact that they themselves are the cause of their childlessness. So you are advised to safeguard your interest from deceiving persons and always consult a good, qualified and experienced physician.
If you think if proper, you may come to our Dawakhana get your self fully examined and derive some benefit from our experience. In case your are not in a position to contact us personally or you are living at a distant place, you can post us a letter giving the details of your suffering, we will definitely give you proper and sincere guidance

Body and Joint Pain

Since ages, body pain and joint pain have been a matter of serious concern for people suffering from it. Most affected from it are the people of old age who more or less suffer from it in one way or the other. But not only old, even young people also experience these pains. If young it is mostly the aftermath of any serious injury suffered earlier, which reoccurs from time to time. But it is now to say bye-bye all these pains.

UNANI

It looks there is a mystery surrounding unani. Unani medicine is in fact the least known therapeutic system today. The whole world-seems to be in the dark on unani. If you ask someone about lesser known alternative treatment like Rekei or panic healing or Crystal therapy, the person might be able to give some idea perhaps, buts hardly anything on unani an Indian system of medicine recognizes and respected almost or par with Ayurveda and Siddha. But whoever dares to peer through, is pretty sure to have a glance at the slowly unfolding world off wonders as dazzling as that of an Arabian tale.
Supposed to be an Arab medicine, unani was propagated in India by travellers from Central Asia. It was during the 13th and15th century that unani system thrived in this country, it is believed. A lot of experimentation adding numerous native drugs has been done afterwards to this system to make it as what it looks like today. However, a systematic study and curriculum on this discipline started only in the late half of 20th century till them the entire practice of unani herbs and minerals of preparation of drugs. Its fundamentals are also close to Ayuervdic medicine. Take for example, the four elemental principle of Tibbi discipline that holds all living and nonliving things are produced from al-nar (fire), al-hawa (air), al-ma (water) and al-ardh (earth). It is similar to panchbhuta principal in Ayurveda.
Through both the systems share common platform in terms of certain classical theories, they are different in their themes and temperamental theory is considered the backbone of unani system. Humoral theory presupposes the presence of your (fluids) viz. Blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile in the body. Imbalance of humoral constitution is bound to cause disease. The temperament of the person is also determined by these humours. It is believed that the unani drugs too have temperaments. They are classified under four categories they are hot moist, cold moist, cold dry and hot dry. Before treatment a person’s temperament be considered. A hot drug can adversely affect a person with similar temperament.

Tuesday, 29 December 2015

Stigma Associated with Alcohol Dependence and Treatment

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a stigma as “a mark of shame or discredit”. Whether it is real or imagined, a person may avoid treatment because of it. Because of the social stigma that has been placed on alcohol dependence (alcoholism) treatment, many people may feel that alcohol dependence is a sign of moral weakness, and shame may prevent some from seeking alcohol treatment. Programs try to restore the dignity and respect to the individuals who are struggling to overcome their alcohol dependence. The perceived stigma associated with seeking alcohol treatment or having a dependence on alcohol can be different depending on the individual. Both men and women must overcome the stigma associated with seeking treatment, but women are particularly susceptible to feeling stigmatized (Brady and Ashley 2005). Women are more likely to report feeling shame or embarrassment because they are in substance abuse treatment (Thom 1987).
Stigma is one of the meanest and most difficult aspects of addiction because it makes it harder for individuals and families to deal with their problems and get the help they need. Society imposes stigma and its damage on addicted people and their families because many of us still believe that addiction is a character flaw or weakness that probably can’t be cured. The stigma against people with addictions is so deeply rooted that it continues even in the face of the scientific evidence that addiction is a treatable disease and even when we know people in our families and communities living wonderful lives in long-term recovery.
Education and outreach is key to removing the social stigma. The stigma of addiction costs lives. Improved public awareness of the scientific realities of addiction can powerfully save lives by encouraging people with alcohol and other drug problems to seek help early in the progression of their illness, when it is most treatable. The fear of being labeled as an “addict”, fired from a job, denied insurance or ousted from a home keeps thousands of addicted people from coming forward.
Stigma is the reason there is so much social and legal discrimination against people with addictions. It explains why addicted people and their families hide the disease. Discrimination always hurts stigmatized groups because they are excluded from the rules that apply to “normal” people. So insurance companies get away with refusing to pay for alcohol or drug treatment, or with charging higher deductibles and co-pays than for treating any other disease. People who need the help are often afraid to speak up. Advocates such as those who participate in the national organization Faces & Voices of Recovery believe that public education about addiction will diminish the stigma, improve public policies and save lives.
People who are victims of stigma internalize the hate it carries, transforming it to shame and hiding from its effects. Too often, people with alcohol and drug problems and their families begin to accept the ideas that addiction is their own fault and that maybe they are too weak to do anything about it. In many ways, hiding an addiction problem is the rational thing to do because seeking help can mean losing a job and medical insurance, or even losing your child when a social service agency declares you an unfit parent because you have an alcohol or drug problem.
The stress of hiding often causes other medical and social problems for the individuals and their families. This is especially true when an adolescent has an alcohol or drug problem. Fear often prompts kids to conceal the problem from parents. Then, when parents find out, stigma makes them feel guilty and somehow negligent. Illness and family dysfunction explode. When that happens, parents find it even harder to fight for the care and resources their child urgently needs from a social and medical system that blames the family and the child.
“At one point, we had the stigma of leprosy. Nobody spoke about leprosy. We had a stigma of cancer at one point. There’s still a significant stigma with some of the mental diseases, but much less so than there used to be. But the one that’s lagging behind is addiction.”

One way we can all combat stigma, is to stop perpetuating the negative connotations with the words we use. Words like addict, alcoholic, user and abuser reinforce the stigma by creating negative images. These terms are demeaning because they label a person by his/her illness. By making no distinction between the person and the disease, they deny the dignity and humanity of the individual. In addition, these labels imply a permanency to the condition, leaving no room for a change in status. These terms have been very effective when used in the “drug war” at demonizing substances and people who use them. We cannot expect the stigma to change unless we change our language. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) created a guide of terms to help people find alternatives for disrespectful stigmatizing language. Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to the Use of Language
It will take more than a change in language to alter society’s perceptions, attitudes, and policies. Nonetheless it is an essential component to reducing stigma, and hence the obstacles and barriers to treatment that currently exist, and is a way for everyone to contribute.

Sunday, 27 December 2015

How to overcome an addiction

The truth about addictions is that they come in many forms, shapes and sizes. For some, it is alcohol, drugs, sex, work, or relationships. For others, it is a combination of them all. Our addictions in life are similar in that they all take us to a point of excess. In many ways, this excess can derail us and keep us from focusing on the best our life has to offer.
So, how can you turn the ship around? How can you bring change – real change – to your life? We explore here. Then, we invite your questions or comments about overcoming addiction(s) at the end.

We all do something in excess

Almost every one one us have something that is driven in our lives as excess. In the previous article, I discussed my family’s long history with alcoholism. My father was recently able to break away from the cycle, but he had to come to terms with the effects of his alcohol abuse. Which led to guilt. Which led to paralysis. Which led to more guilt.

How can we move out of old patterns?

You see, even though addiction is a difficult obstacle, it can be overcome with diligence through our choices and influences. Obstacles are life’s truth tools! A tool like this shows where we need new encouragement, focus, and new growth in our addiction recovery.
Q: What’s the secret to overcoming addiction?
A: In fact, there is no “secret” to beating addictions. Rather, we are competing with ourselves.

Do you really have it all together?

STEP 1: Self-evaluation
One thing that can often stand in our way is pride, the lie that: “I have it all together.” To break down my pride, I begin by asking myself why I feel like I have it all together. When I have asked myself that question at certain points in my life, I’ve realized what I was doing was rejecting the help that I desperately needed. If I’m not being honest, I’m only hurting myself.
STEP 2: Ask deeper questions
The next step is breaking down obstacles by asking ourselves deeper questions:
  • What must I learn about myself to grow myself?
  • What can I learn from this to better me for the future?
  • What must I do to strengthen my mind, body and spirit?
  • How can I surround myself with better influences?
  • Who can help me be accountable for the new life I’m seeking?
  • What does my journey look like finished? What are the goals for my new life?
When we ask ourselves great questions, we can condition our mind to accept nothing less than completion of our new life through overcoming our addictions. We need to strive to recognize and understand that life is not accidental. We turn our limitations into the power of living our life the way we were meant to.
STEP 3: Know when you need to call in reinforcements
As we all move forward past our addictions and hangups, remember to be honest with yourself and to seek help when you need it. Getting rid of pride and asking for help can often be the first step toward breaking down the excess in our lives. For alcohol addiction natural treatment click here http://drug-treatment.in/

Monday, 21 December 2015

Stigma Associated with Alcohol Dependence and Treatment

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a stigma as “a mark of shame or discredit”. Whether it is real or imagined, a person may avoid treatment because of it. Because of the social stigma that has been placed on alcohol dependence (alcoholism) treatment, many people may feel that alcohol dependence is a sign of moral weakness, and shame may prevent some from seeking alcohol treatment. Programs try to restore the dignity and respect to the individuals who are struggling to overcome their alcohol dependence. The perceived stigma associated with seeking alcohol treatment or having a dependence on alcohol can be different depending on the individual. Both men and women must overcome the stigma associated with seeking treatment, but women are particularly susceptible to feeling stigmatized (Brady and Ashley 2005). Women are more likely to report feeling shame or embarrassment because they are in substance abuse treatment (Thom 1987).
Stigma is one of the meanest and most difficult aspects of addiction because it makes it harder for individuals and families to deal with their problems and get the help they need. Society imposes stigma and its damage on addicted people and their families because many of us still believe that addiction is a character flaw or weakness that probably can’t be cured. The stigma against people with addictions is so deeply rooted that it continues even in the face of the scientific evidence that addiction is a treatable disease and even when we know people in our families and communities living wonderful lives in long-term recovery.
Education and outreach is key to removing the social stigma. The stigma of addiction costs lives. Improved public awareness of the scientific realities of addiction can powerfully save lives by encouraging people with alcohol and other drug problems to seek help early in the progression of their illness, when it is most treatable. The fear of being labeled as an “addict”, fired from a job, denied insurance or ousted from a home keeps thousands of addicted people from coming forward.
Stigma is the reason there is so much social and legal discrimination against people with addictions. It explains why addicted people and their families hide the disease. Discrimination always hurts stigmatized groups because they are excluded from the rules that apply to “normal” people. So insurance companies get away with refusing to pay for alcohol or drug treatment, or with charging higher deductibles and co-pays than for treating any other disease. People who need the help are often afraid to speak up. Advocates such as those who participate in the national organization Faces & Voices of Recovery believe that public education about addiction will diminish the stigma, improve public policies and save lives.
People who are victims of stigma internalize the hate it carries, transforming it to shame and hiding from its effects. Too often, people with alcohol and drug problems and their families begin to accept the ideas that addiction is their own fault and that maybe they are too weak to do anything about it. In many ways, hiding an addiction problem is the rational thing to do because seeking help can mean losing a job and medical insurance, or even losing your child when a social service agency declares you an unfit parent because you have an alcohol or drug problem.
The stress of hiding often causes other medical and social problems for the individuals and their families. This is especially true when an adolescent has an alcohol or drug problem. Fear often prompts kids to conceal the problem from parents. Then, when parents find out, stigma makes them feel guilty and somehow negligent. Illness and family dysfunction explode. When that happens, parents find it even harder to fight for the care and resources their child urgently needs from a social and medical system that blames the family and the child.
“At one point, we had the stigma of leprosy. Nobody spoke about leprosy. We had a stigma of cancer at one point. There’s still a significant stigma with some of the mental diseases, but much less so than there used to be. But the one that’s lagging behind is addiction.” – Dr. Nora Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse
One way we can all combat stigma, is to stop perpetuating the negative connotations with the words we use. Words like addict, alcoholic, user and abuser reinforce the stigma by creating negative images. These terms are demeaning because they label a person by his/her illness. By making no distinction between the person and the disease, they deny the dignity and humanity of the individual. In addition, these labels imply a permanency to the condition, leaving no room for a change in status. These terms have been very effective when used in the “drug war” at demonizing substances and people who use them. We cannot expect the stigma to change unless we change our language. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) created a guide of terms to help people find alternatives for disrespectful stigmatizing language. Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to the Use of Language
It will take more than a change in language to alter society’s perceptions, attitudes, and policies. Nonetheless it is an essential component to reducing stigma, and hence the obstacles and barriers to treatment that currently exist, and is a way for everyone to contribute.

Sunday, 20 December 2015

How Do People Become Addicted to Alcohol | De-Addiction Capsule


Pleasure
People use alcohol because they enjoy the way it makes them feel, report doctors at the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The brain is wired to seek out enjoyable feelings and to repeat the process that made those reactions possible. Alcoholism is a disease that affects the brain, creating a craving for a repetition of the good sensations. Doctors at the AAFP say that the brain chemistry actually changes to seek out those pleasurable activities, causing the consciousness to lose control over the behavior that will provide them. Alcoholism, or an addiction to alcohol, results when the need for those repeated pleasurable sensations becomes stronger than the need for security. Consequences such as loss of relationships, jobs and freedom cannot overcome the brain’s desires to seek more pleasure.
Physical Changes
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that, over time, the balance of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate become altered. GABA inhibits impulsive behavior and glutamate causes the nervous system to become excited. Dopamine levels are also increased by alcohol, which cause the pleasure-seeking behaviors. Genetic markers also can contribute to alcoholism, as the disease tends to run in families. Those with a genetic tendency toward alcoholism are more likely to become addicted once they start drinking. Drinking also can block certain stress hormones, which add to the likelihood of addiction for those who use alcohol to combat stress.
Psychological Boost
Many people use alcohol to be socially accepted into various groups. Mayo Clinic doctors report that people with low self-esteem often use alcohol to boost their confidence and fit in with their peers, which can lead to extended use and addiction. People with other mental disorders in addition to social phobias often turn to alcohol to self-medicate. Patients with depression, bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder commonly become addicted to alcohol after using the drug to decrease the intensity of their symptoms.
Excess
Addiction to alcohol is a process that evolves over time, often years. Drinking to excess for an extended period of time increases the likelihood of developing a dependence on the drug. Mayo Clinic doctors report that for men, 15 drinks or more a week can lead to a physical dependence, while women drinking 12 or more drinks per week are at risk for becoming alcoholics. Time frames vary between individuals and can be affected by heredity, the age when the drinking first began, environmental factors, such as drinking in the home, and other emotional and mental disorders.
Your approach to quitting alcohol is not going to be exactly the same as the next person. However, there are many things you can do to find yourself on the right path to a better life in the near future. Once you are alcohol free you can really begin to enjoy your life!

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Alcohol and Your Kidneys

Alcohol and Your Kidneys

Drinking alcohol can affect many parts of your body, including your kidneys. A little alcohol—one or two drinks now and then—usually has no serious effects. But drinking too much can harm your health. It can also worsen kidney disease.

How does alcohol harm the kidneys?

Your kidneys filter harmful substances from your blood. One of these substances is alcohol. Alcohol can cause changes in the function of the kidneys and make them less able to filter your blood. In addition to filtering blood, your kidneys do many other important jobs. One of these jobs is keeping the right amount of water in your body. Alcohol affects the ability of your kidneys to do this. When alcohol dehydrates (dries out) the body, the drying effect can affect the normal function of cells and organs, including the kidneys.
Too much alcohol can also affect your blood pressure. People who drink too much are more likely to have high blood pressure. And medications for high blood pressure can be affected by alcohol. High blood pressure is a common cause of kidney disease. More than two drinks a day can increase your chance of having high blood pressure.
Chronic drinking can also cause liver disease. This adds to the kidney’s job. The rate of blood flow to your kidneys is usually kept at a certain level, so that your kidneys can filter your blood well. Liver disease impairs this important balancing act. In fact, most patients in the United States who have both liver disease and associated kidney dysfunction are alcohol dependent.

How much alcohol is too much?

When experts talk about one drink, they are talking about one 12-ounce bottle of beer, one glass of wine (5 ounces), or one shot (1.5 ounces) of “hard liquor.”
Having more than three drinks in a day (or more than seven per week) for women, and more than four drinks in a day (or more than 14 per week) for men, is considered “heavy” drinking. The kidneys of heavy drinkers have to work harder. Heavy drinking on a regular basis has been found to double the risk for kidney disease.
Binge drinking (usually more than four to five drinks within two hours) can raise a person’s blood alcohol to dangerous levels. This can cause a sudden drop in kidney function known as “acute kidney injury.” When this happens, dialysis is needed until a person’s kidney function returns to normal. Acute kidney injury usually goes away in time, but in some cases, it can lead to lasting kidney damage.
Some people should not drink at all. Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe for you to drink, especially if you have a medical condition or take medicines that might be affected by using alcohol. Women, older people, and those with smaller bodies should be especially careful. Of course, pregnant women are advised not to drink alcohol.

What can you do?

Always check with your healthcare provider to make sure it is safe for you to drink alcohol. Even if it is safe, it is important to drink in moderation. A good guideline is: no more than one to two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women and people over 65.
Your approach to quitting alcohol is not going to be exactly the same as the next person. However, there are many things you can do to find yourself on the right path to a better life in the near future. Once you are alcohol free you can really begin to enjoy your life!

Saturday, 5 December 2015

Pros and cons of some popular quick fixes

There are plenty of people out there promising a quick way to stop drinking but it can be very difficult to know how effective these quick fixes can be. Often, they promise wonderful results but many may only treat a symptom of alcohol addiction and others simply do not work. With that in mind, lets look at the pros and cons of some of the most popular quick fixes for alcohol addiction, and a place at the end for you to ask us questions about getting help for alcohol addiction.
1.  Hypnotherapy
Using hypnotism to treat addiction is not a new idea. It has been billed as a great way to stop smoking, cut down on drinking and a cure for drug addiction. Some people even claim hypnotherapy has worked for them. Is hypnotherapy for addiction safe? Generally, yes. However, my opinion is that the problem with hypnotherapy comes down to the underlying causes of addiction.
Hypnotherapy treats a symptom without helping the person work through the underlying cause of their addiction – which can be physical, psychological, and spiritual in nature. Think of alcohol addiction like a broken bone. Hypnotherapy might be able to mask the pain but it is not fixing the cause of the pain. While hypnotherapy might be able to help some people with the symptoms of alcohol addiction, it takes a licensed counselor, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional to help treat the underlying condition.
2.  Alcohol vaccines
There are a number of products on the market that actually block the effects of alcohol. The latest is a pellet that can be injected into the body. It lasts for three months and blocks the buzz alcohol provides.
Many people are actually using this as a way to help them cut down on drinking already. With scientific and government backing, these vaccines can seem like the perfect cure all for alcohol abuse and addiction. The only problem is they, too, are treating a symptom not the underlying disease. The vaccine may remove the reward of a buzz provided by drinking but it does not help the addict understand and deal with the reason they started abusing alcohol in the first place.
That is not to say there is not a place in treatment for these vaccines. They provide a great tool to help people with alcohol abuse problems. The issue is that they are not a cure, nor are they even a full treatment.
3.  Alternative medicines
Alternative medicines are some of the worst offenders when it comes to downright lies about alcohol addiction treatment. Some less reputable addiction treatment providers may claim that natural supplements, vitamins or healing crystals can help treat alcohol addiction.
This is simply not true.
While vitamins can and other supplements can have some health benefits, they do nothing to treat the physical or psychological issues behind alcohol addiction. Worse still, many people waste time and money trying these remedies which may delay them getting effective treatment.
4.  Meditation and yoga
These two therapies are often considered complementary therapies by addiction treatment centers. Meditation focuses the mind on the present, which helps with mindfulness and can relieve stress. Yoga on can strengthen the body and focus your energy on something productive while eliminating distractions like cravings.
That being said, neither of these are primary treatment for alcohol addiction. That means, while yoga and meditation can be a part of alcohol addiction treatment, they are in no way a complete treatment. Things like talk therapies, counseling psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatments need to be present before someone with an alcohol addiction can realistically expect to start recovery.
5.  Home detox kits
Often, websites have detox plans, or offer diets for alcohol detox. Some of these are meant for people who are not physically dependent, others may say they will help you beat alcohol addiction. The fact of the matter is, if you are addicted to alcohol, these home detox kits will do nothing for you. They usually recommend a healthy diet drinking lots of water and other healthy activities. That is all great for your overall health but it does nothing to help you break an addiction.

Seek out clinical help for alcohol addiction

None of these treatments provide medical assistance which means none of them are complete. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to speak to your GP and find a treatment that includes medical oversight, addresses the underlying causes of the addiction and provides support for you through your recovery. Without these criteria, beating alcohol addiction becomes far more difficult.
All of these treatments are also missing one very important component… medical assistance. Going cold turkey as an alcoholic can be very dangerous. It can lead to seizures, vomiting and in the worst cases, even death.

Friday, 4 December 2015

Alternative Medicines for Alcoholism & Drug Addiction


Addiction to alcohol or other drugs (from barbiturates to cocaine) is a physical and emotional dependence on that substance and the effects it produces. It involves a loss of control, often causing devastating effects on all aspects of the individual’s life, including work, family, and health.
Many alternative therapists assert that conventional medicine’s treatment program for addiction fails to support the body adequately as it withdraws from the once-steady presence of alcohol or other drugs. The following therapies attempt to offer that support. They are often used in combination with counseling and other support programs that address any underlying psychological causes of addiction.
Nutritional Therapy for Alcoholism & Drug Addition
People with alcohol or drug addiction are usually malnourished and have suffered some damage to the body, such as liver damage. Nutritional therapy attempts to correct any nutritional shortcomings and to help the body eliminate toxins. Several supplements can aid in the detoxification process, including zinc and vitamin C. People with alcohol addiction are often deficient in these nutrients anyway, as alcoholism can severely affect a person’s judgment about diet and can limit the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients.
Alcohol and drug use may increase the body’s load of free radicals, compounds that can damage tissues. Antioxidants are, therefore, recommended for their ability to neutralize free radicals. Nutrients that are antioxidants include:
  • beta-carotene
  • vitamins C and E
  • zinc
  • selenium
The majority of people with alcohol addiction have a state of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Unanswered is which came first: Did the addiction and resulting malnutrition bring on hypoglycemia, or did a previous state of hypoglycemia set up a type of craving for alcohol? Either way, to remedy low blood sugar:
  • Significantly increase the intake of unrefined complex carbohydrates, including whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruits.
  • Avoid all sugars, from corn syrup to fruit juices.
  • Reduce the intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread.
As these dietary changes are made, many practitioners of nutritional therapy recommend adding more protein and supplementing with the B complex, chromium, and vitamin C.
Herbal Medicine for Alcoholism & Drug Addiction
Herbs can ease some alcohol or drug withdrawal symptoms (from anxiety to insomnia) and help detoxify the body. They also may be used to reduce the addicted person’s craving for alcohol and other drugs. Especially helpful are herbs that influence the nervous system, gently encouraging a relaxed and sedated state. These include catnip, chamomile, peppermint, and skullcap, which can be used together as a tea. To replace mild depression with a state of calmness, St. John’s wort is often prescribed.
For detoxification, several herbs contribute to cleansing the blood, including burdock root and echinacea (purple coneflower). Others such as milk thistle, which contains silymarin, support the liver — the main toxin-filtering organ — and may help prevent drug-induced damage to this organ.
Kudzu root, often prescribed as a bitter tea, has long been used by traditional Chinese doctors to reduce the appetite for alcohol. Recent animal research suggests that alcohol-free kudzu root extract can cut the consumption of alcohol in half.
Your approach to quitting alcohol is not going to be exactly the same as the next person. However, there are many things you can do to find yourself on the right path to a better life in the near future. Once you are alcohol free you can really begin to enjoy your life!

Thursday, 3 December 2015

Alcohol Impact on Children


Tackling the issue of alcohol with our kids and laying down some ground rules about drinking can be one of parenting’s biggest challenges. Do we expressly forbid our teenagers from touching alcohol until they are 18 or do we take the more relaxed, ‘continental’ approach’ where they can try alcohol from an earlier age under our supervision?
With so many opinions and theories out there it’s understandable that many parents feel baffled about what is the ‘right’ thing to do. As a member of Drinkaware’s Mumtank, a parent of two teenage children, and a GP who sees the damaging effects of alcohol on a daily basis, I hope I can provide other parents with practical advice and information to help them navigate this potential minefield.

Getting the facts straight

Long terms health harms…

As a parent, your most powerful tool is information – giving your child all the details they need to make an informed decision about alcohol. Drinkaware has comprehensive online resources packed with useful facts and tips for dealing with the issue and if you’re concerned about your child drinking, your GP is also a good source of information. Most importantly, make sure you keep up an ongoing and open dialogue between you and your child from an early age, right through their teenage years and even after they turn 18. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a one off conversation will do the trick. Equally, don’t be afraid to set some ground rules, making sure that you clearly explain why they can’t drink and why it’s different for adults – teenagers can argue with us until they’re blue in the face but if you have the facts to hand and they know that you’re right, this is one debate you can win.

Understand the risks of alcohol to young people

From liver damage to vulnerability, know the risks associated with children drinking alcohol so you can talk to your child about them before it’s too late.Children can make more responsible decisions about drinking if they have the facts to base them on and feel confident to say “no” if they want to. While the immediate effects of alcohol on children may be no more than being sick or having a hangover, alcohol can leave children emotionally, physically and sexually vulnerable. So the most important thing is to talk to your child early and often about the different risks associated with drinking alcohol.

Long-term risks:

Liver damage

You might think that only lifelong alcoholics get liver disease, but regularly drinking too much can increase a young person’s chances of damaging their liver. And as there aren’t many warning signs of liver damage, a problem might only be discovered when it’s very serious.

Drinking later in life

If children binge drink, they are more likely to be binge drinkers as adults. Drinking frequently at a young age is also linked to an increased risk of developing alcohol dependence in young adulthood. Regularly drinking in later life can lead to cancer, stroke, heart disease and infertility.

Short-term risks:

Brain development

The areas of the brain responsible for behaviour, emotions, reasoning and judgement are still developing throughout childhood and into the teenage years. Drinking during this time can impact on memory, reactions and attention span. This could affect your child’s performance at school and stop them reaching their full potential.

Vulnerability

The hormonal changes children go through at puberty make them more likely to take risks. Alcohol can further impair children’s judgement, leaving them vulnerable. If they have been drinking they might unintentionally put themselves in risky situations like getting involved in a fight or walking home alone. Over a third (34%) of 16 and 17 year olds have walked home alone at night when drunk.

Unprotected sex

Alcohol affects children’s rational decision-making skills. When children drink they feel more confident and have lower inhibitions. This can mean they make decisions which are out of character such as having unprotected sex.

Alcohol poisoning

Alcohol can be poisonous to anyone that drinks too much in a short space of time but children are especially vulnerable because of their smaller size. Serious health effects of alcohol on children can be seen when their blood alcohol levels get too high. This can cause their brain to stop controlling their body’s vital functions and in the worst case scenario they could stop breathing, fall into a coma or choke on their own vomit.

Appearance

Alcohol has almost as many calories as pure fat so drinking can cause weight gain. It is also a diuretic so it dehydrates the body and can make skin look pale and grey. Drinking affects normal sleep patterns too, leading to restless nights and tiredness.
Your approach to quitting alcohol is not going to be exactly the same as the next person. However, there are many things you can do to find yourself on the right path to a better life in the near future. Once you are alcohol free you can really begin to enjoy your life!

Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Treatment for Alcoholism

Treatment-for-AlcoholismThe goal when treating alcoholism is abstinence. Those receiving treatment with good health, social support, and motivation, are likely to successfully recovery from this destructive disease. Studies show that 50% to 60% of those who complete treatment from alcoholism are able to stay sober, most for their life time. Those who tend to relapse often have poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders. To find success in your recovery it is important to keep a strong support system, stay motivated, and practice abstinence maintenance. When you stop drinking you will find yourself happier, healthy and with improved social function.
Accepting the Problem
Before beginning treatment you must accept that you have a problem and stop drinking. You must understand alcoholism is a treatable disease, and you must be motivated to get well. Your treatment can then begin, helping you to regain control of your life and once and for all stop this destructive disease.
Three Stages to Treatment
Treatment for alcoholism has three stages; detoxification, rehabilitation and maintenance of sobriety. Each stage will have its bumps but with support and motivation you can achieve your goal of sobriety.
Detoxification
Detoxification is the initial stage of treatment from alcoholism. It will begin immediately after you stop drinking alcohol, and could be looked at as a medical emergency depending on the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, hallucinations, delirium tremors (DT), and in some cases may result in death. The detoxification process allows you to withdrawal from these drugs in a controlled and medically supportive environment.
Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation process will involve numerous counseling and therapy sessions, as well as medications, to help you work through the mental and emotional aspects of your addiction. This may take place in an inpatient or outpatient program.
Maintenance of Sobriety
To maintain your sobriety you must be motivated. Self help groups will help you to work on maintaining your sobriety in a healthy way, they are a key in success in recovery. With the right mindset, motivation, treatment and support you can successfully overcome alcoholism.
Your approach to quitting alcohol is not going to be exactly the same as the next person. However, there are many things you can do to find yourself on the right path to a better life in the near future. Once you are alcohol free you can really begin to enjoy your life!

Monday, 30 November 2015

Is there a quick fix for alcohol addiction (that really works)?

Pros and cons of some popular quick fixes

There are plenty of people out there promising a quick way to stop drinking but it can be very difficult to know how effective these quick fixes can be. Often, they promise wonderful results but many may only treat a symptom of alcohol addiction and others simply do not work. With that in mind, lets look at the pros and cons of some of the most popular quick fixes for alcohol addiction, and a place at the end for you to ask us questions about getting help for alcohol addiction.
1.  Hypnotherapy
Using hypnotism to treat addiction is not a new idea. It has been billed as a great way to stop smoking, cut down on drinking and a cure for drug addiction. Some people even claim hypnotherapy has worked for them. Is hypnotherapy for addiction safe? Generally, yes. However, my opinion is that the problem with hypnotherapy comes down to the underlying causes of addiction.
Hypnotherapy treats a symptom without helping the person work through the underlying cause of their addiction – which can be physical, psychological, and spiritual in nature. Think of alcohol addiction like a broken bone. Hypnotherapy might be able to mask the pain but it is not fixing the cause of the pain. While hypnotherapy might be able to help some people with the symptoms of alcohol addiction, it takes a licensed counselor, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional to help treat the underlying condition.
2.  Alcohol vaccines
There are a number of products on the market that actually block the effects of alcohol. The latest is a pellet that can be injected into the body. It lasts for three months and blocks the buzz alcohol provides.
Many people are actually using this as a way to help them cut down on drinking already. With scientific and government backing, these vaccines can seem like the perfect cure all for alcohol abuse and addiction. The only problem is they, too, are treating a symptom not the underlying disease. The vaccine may remove the reward of a buzz provided by drinking but it does not help the addict understand and deal with the reason they started abusing alcohol in the first place.
That is not to say there is not a place in treatment for these vaccines. They provide a great tool to help people with alcohol abuse problems. The issue is that they are not a cure, nor are they even a full treatment.
3.  Alternative medicines
Alternative medicines are some of the worst offenders when it comes to downright lies about alcohol addiction treatment. Some less reputable addiction treatment providers may claim that natural supplements, vitamins or healing crystals can help treat alcohol addiction.
This is simply not true.
While vitamins can and other supplements can have some health benefits, they do nothing to treat the physical or psychological issues behind alcohol addiction. Worse still, many people waste time and money trying these remedies which may delay them getting effective treatment.
4.  Meditation and yoga
These two therapies are often considered complementary therapies by addiction treatment centers. Meditation focuses the mind on the present, which helps with mindfulness and can relieve stress. Yoga on can strengthen the body and focus your energy on something productive while eliminating distractions like cravings.
That being said, neither of these are primary treatment for alcohol addiction. That means, while yoga and meditation can be a part of alcohol addiction treatment, they are in no way a complete treatment. Things like talk therapies, counseling psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatments need to be present before someone with an alcohol addiction can realistically expect to start recovery.
5.  Home detox kits
Often, websites have detox plans, or offer diets for alcohol detox. Some of these are meant for people who are not physically dependent, others may say they will help you beat alcohol addiction. The fact of the matter is, if you are addicted to alcohol, these home detox kits will do nothing for you. They usually recommend a healthy diet drinking lots of water and other healthy activities. That is all great for your overall health but it does nothing to help you break an addiction.

Seek out clinical help for alcohol addiction

None of these treatments provide medical assistance which means none of them are complete. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to speak to your GP and find a treatment that includes medical oversight, addresses the underlying causes of the addiction and provides support for you through your recovery. Without these criteria, beating alcohol addiction becomes far more difficult.
All of these treatments are also missing one very important component… medical assistance. Going cold turkey as an alcoholic can be very dangerous. It can lead to seizures, vomiting and in the worst cases, even death.

 

Sunday, 29 November 2015

How Alcohol Addiction Affects The Brain


How-Alcohol-Addiction-Affects-The-BrainAlcohol addiction is overwhelming. Alcohol effects nearly every organ in the body causing irreversible damage. The brain is no exception. Immediate effects of alcohol go directly to the brain causing blurred vision, difficulties with walking, slurred speech, slowed reaction time and impaired memory. These effects can happen within minutes, having only one or two drinks. These effects will go away as the body cleanses itself of alcohol, the effects of heavy regular drinking are those that could be permanent.

The Intoxicating Effects of Alcohol

Physical signs of heavy drinking often include the stumbling walk, slurred words, memory lapses, trouble with their balance, poor judgment and are uncoordinated. The way alcohol affects the brain and central nervous system is the cause to these physical signs.

Alcohol Affects Brain Chemistry

Alcohol affects brain chemistry by changing the levels of neurotransmitters. Signals throughout the body that control thought processes, behavior and emotion are transmitted by neurotransmitters, they act as chemical messengers for the brain. The neurotransmitter GABA is directed effected when an individual is intoxicated by alcohol. These effects of the GABA are what cause the sluggish behaviors seen in the physical signs of intoxication of alcohol. The neurotransmitter glutamate is too affected, causing physiological slowdown. The chemical dopamine in the brain’s reward center when drinking alcohol, this creates the feeling of pleasure when intoxicated.

Tolerance, Dependency and Withdrawal Syndrome

Regular use of alcohol often leads to a tolerance where the user will require more alcohol to acheive the desired effects. Excessive use of alcohol eventually will lead to a physical and psychological dependency. The users thoughts and actions become controlled by alcohol. Their time is spent planning out when they will have their next drink or drinking. When dependent on alcohol most developing withdrawal syndrome. What stopping the use of alcohol they will experience withdrawal symptoms that vary in severity but often return the user to alcohol for comfort. To successfully overcome an dependency to alcohol most will require an Alcohol Treatment Center that offers medical detox, therapy, counseling and chemical dependency education.
Your approach to quitting alcohol is not going to be exactly the same as the next person. However, there are many things you can do to find yourself on the right path to a better life in the near future. Once you are alcohol free you can really begin to enjoy your life!