http://www.healthzine.org/feed/ http://www.healthzine.org/ Every day new articles and updated info on all your health, beauty and fitness concerns. Fri, 7 Aug 2009 10:57:36 +0200 Fri, 7 Aug 2009 10:57:36 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/Be-your-child’s-best-friend http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/Be-your-child’s-best-friend Substance abuse and addicting substances like drugs has taken its toil upon the young ones of today’s generation. And factual reports regarding addiction and drug abuse are prevalent; and certainly the government has done their job on the matter; but what have you the parents done to address this issue at hand? Because when it comes to you the parents; your kids may be reluctant to discuss these issues. Before we go on, I’d like to ask you parents, how do you attack these issues? In this article I aim to teach the parents who are doubtful if their kids are into drugs. Here are the ways of addressing them. The first step is to always pose as a “friend” they can run to when they’re in need? This is very crucial; remember that there are secrets that your kids would tell their peers, what they wouldn’t expose to you.Your main goal here is their Trust. So by all means, be that friend that they “WANT”. After all, your main purpose is to provide your kids with the proper care and support that they need. And when this goal is accomplished all else will fall smoothly. Be your child’s best friend. The next thing that needs to be done in order to prevent drug abuse is to use the surrender tactic. You need to transform weakness into power. You see drug addiction is a result of the parent’s leniency. In connection to the premise pose as a friend that they want, you need to have an observing eye but in pure discretion; make you child think that they can be themselves even when you’re around, this way they may reveal important secrets with you. You see alcohol and drug abuse is a very serious problem. This is a problem that needs to be crushed totally. And certainly you wouldn’t want your children to be victims of drug abuse, right? Always be wise as a serpent, but harmless as a dove. Another way that parents can avoid drug abuse is to “Control all Options”— Get your child to play with the cards you deal. This is very easy to do; As you pose as the friend that they’ve always wanted, but you secretly observe them; your children will have the tendency to follow your every suggestion. Simply because you’re they’re parents. This time lead them into the right path, slowly but effectively. To do this you need to know the likes and dislikes of your children, all you need to do is to focus on their positively charged likes and reinforce it. Simply put, if they like music, enroll them into a music school or if they like sports, enroll them to a sports clinic that they like, this is one way that you divert their attention from drug abuse. And lastly preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once. This concept will come easy if you have founded a good and strong relationship of trust to them. And when they’re ready, bring them to a drug abuse treatment center, and most of all never leave their side, remember that you are their hero, so become that hero that they want, support them in every way you can, this is your role as a parent. These are just a few ways to approach the situation. I know that you can always come up with other ideas. But always remember this – never turn a teachable moment into a scene of scolding. Battling drug abuse is easy, all you need to do is be creative, and always have real conversations with them, and all of this starts if you become a friend to them, your precious angels. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 28 May 2009 08:18:14 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/Alcohol-Detoxification http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/Alcohol-Detoxification Addiction is one of the many serious problems the world is facing. And this condition is an illness that requires treatment. These treatments may include counseling, medical treatments and behavioral therapies. Other kinds of treatments also support groups or self-help group which aims to mitigate the said condition. But let us first look at the subject addiction. Currently this word suggests that addiction begins with the simple and basic concept of reward and pleasure circuits of the brain which involves the chemical “Dopamine”. These are reward centers specifically designed to activate during pleasurable acts. One of the many kinds of addiction is the kind which is associated with alcoholism. This kind of addiction is caused by an excessive use of alcohol found in beverages served during cocktail meetings as well as the bars. It can be addictive, and Alcohol Detoxification is the Answer. To combat this condition, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous would come in handy; these groups educate people with this addiction problem on the end results of the said condition if left untreated. These people are alcohol counselors who were on the same path of addiction before, but with counseling, and behavioral therapy; these people managed to break free from the said addiction and now, the help those people who tread the same road as they were before. But remember that alcohol detoxification is not a cure for the said condition. Alcohol Detoxification is merely alcohol withdrawal which makes the person refrain, cease or stop the use safely and comfortably. After the completion of the treatment, the person must start to learn the necessary skills needed to avoid relapse and use of it. The term Alcohol Detoxification is a general term which is associated with treatment. One of such ways is treatment in the comfort of your own home. This is Alcohol detoxification in the comfort of your own home. Alcohol Detoxification offers many challenges; one is, if you are in the comfort of your own home the percentage for you to have the said stuff is so large considering that you are in your own domain. But just remember that your battle against this dependence benefits no one but yourself. Alcohol Detoxification benefits all. And the end results of this sweet endeavor is sweet; and indeed “The Juice is Worth the Squeeze”There are also advantages in this treatment for this kind of addiction. One is CONVENIENCE this is because there are no waiting lists for you, and available 24/7. Lastly there are no restrictions for you like the usage of mobile phones or television viewing. Another advantage is PRIVACY. This means that discreet and confidentiality is on your side during your treatment. LOWER COST also plays a good role in this kind of endeavor. Because there will be no overheads to charged. Lastly there is the SUPPORT. This is carried out by a 24 hour nursing management and an on-call Psychiatrist to consult, but again in the comfort of your own home. Another concept of Alcohol Detoxification in the home is that you don’t really feel isolated and treated since you are in your own domain and before you know it your addiction may have eased off. In the point of your recovery, a sustained recovery and aftercare activity is necessary to help you cope with your renewed life. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or A.A. will help your better enjoy life with the absence of the said substance. These groups are classified as sustained aftercare groups with counselors to guide you on your way to your desired end. Bottom line is “If there’s a WILL; then definitely there will be a WAY! Take the step, push hard, pray, and persevere, and remember “the juice is worth the squeeze” And you’ll be surprised that you have won over alcohol addiction. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:55:42 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/effects-of-methamphetamine-addiction http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/effects-of-methamphetamine-addiction Methampethamine- does this word seem familiar to you? If not, then perhaps the terms “meth”, “ice,”, “crystal”, or “glass” would ring a bell. Yes, methamphetamine is THAT illegal drug- potent and dangerous when abused. “Meth” is a strongly addictive substance, and a psycho stimulant drug. It comes as no surprise that so many individuals of all ages are enmeshed in methamphetamine addiction. But on the other hand, "meth" is also available through prescription, and refilled. As a prescribed drug, "meth" is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sometimes, it is also used as an anti-obesity agent. "Ice" is a drug which has high potential for abuse. Meth is a crystal form of hydrochloride and it stimulates the nervous system when taken. What causes methamphetamine addiction? Primarily, crystal dependency starts with misuse. There are people who take meth illegally to lose weight and maintain it. Others abuse crystal, or glass for recreation. While methamphetamine is availed of through prescription, it can also be prepared in a (small) laboratory. Users may ingest the drug through smoking, or a syringe. Methamphetamine dependency takes place through misuse, and regular use from hence. The meth user requires more and more dosage of the substance. It is then anticipated that the “glass” user develops a constant craving for it. And so there goes—methamphetamine addiction. In meth addiction, the drug inhaled or smoked deposits in the brain. Cellular processes in the brain are then affected. A crystal addict is more likely to suffer from mental depression and other mental disturbances. What are the effects of methamphetamine addiction? Methamphetamine addiction effects are short-term and long-term. Short-term effects of meth abuse are heightened attention and hyperactivity. For some, they experience decreased fatigue, appetite changes. Respiratory functions also increase, and blood pressure rises. As for the long-term or chronic effects of methamphethamine addiction, they are drastic weight loss, altered brain and nervous system functions and damage to major organs such as the heart and the lungs. Violent behavior can also be consequences of constant meth use. Mood disturbance and anxiety are long-term meth addiction effects as well. Misuse of methamphetamine may cause transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C. Withdrawal from methamphetamine addiction causes symptoms such as depression, anxiety, weight loss and intense craving for the drug. Mood changes are also experienced because neurotransmitter activity in the brain is altered by the substance. An addiction is akin to a vicious spiral which only takes it’s victim down, and further. It can be so much of a trying struggle to emerge from it. So it goes for methamphetamine addiction, which can only be as vicious as it is having to get involved with a highly addictive, potent and dangerous substance. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 3 Mar 2009 07:07:20 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/major-marijuana-effects http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/major-marijuana-effects Panic attacks can be such a frazzled frenzy. It is not a good and easy feeling to be in a state of panic. And panic attacks are “panicky” instances many times more severe. Different people seek different remedies for panic attacks. Some go to the doctor for medications. Other go through therapy. Others resort to their own means of coping through personal enquiry and experimentation. Somewhat within the last measure is taking marijuana. There are people who take this substance to relieve a panic attack. And is this ever helpful or effective? First, you ought to know what marijuana effects are. Marijuana effects are primarily different from one person to another. For one person, marijuana effects can be calming causing their mind and heart rate to slow down. But for others, marijuana effects are otherwise. Use of this substance makes them hyper and their heart rate increases. So some people then ask. Can this substance relieve a panic attack, or would it cause an attack to take place? Well, marijuana does either. Marijuana use does not cause you to be panicky. But on the other hand, it won’t calm you down either. Like earlier said, marijuana effects differ from one person to another. It can either be sedating or agitating. What you ought to know about this substance is that it is better left alone, just like alcohol. Alcohol is a toxic substance, inasmuch as marijuana is, especially when used irresponsibly or to the excess. Among the major marijuana effects to your system is that it alters your brain’s chemistry. Simply put, it messes up your brain’s physiological processes. Short term and long term side effects then take place, and they are often not good. If you happen to be panicky, taking this substance won’t prove to be helpful. And it is not a better substitute for prescribed medications. Other than taking drugs or prescribed medications, there are also non-medicinal forms of treatment. For instance, breathing exercises or visualization. Breathing is the source of life and it can aid you in healing and restoring balance. As for visualization, you can induce your mind to relaxation by imagining pleasant thoughts and images. The key element in counteracting a panic attack is to think that you are in control. Whatever you want to happen can happen. If your mind can cause you to get sick/panicky, doesn’t it make sense that your mind can make you well as well? This is the power of your thoughts- it can make or break you. So realize that you are in control of what you want to happen. If you think negatively, then you would reap the same. But with positive thoughts, you might as well expect to gain positive outcomes. Thinking that you are powerless and that the solution to your dilemma is in the form of an outside substance would in the end make you that- powerless and under the mercy of your predicament. But to think that the outcome of your problem depends on yourself makes you motivated towards taking action. This is a better means of dealing with panic attacks. It is becoming aware that you are a capable person which only does more good than any of the marijuana effects can. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 8 Dec 2008 09:17:00 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/addiction http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/addiction For most people having to suffer from an addiction, living can become burdensome. An addiction or a compulsion is often binding. It limits, it restricts and it is likely to be a constant source of struggle. When you are addicted, your focus becomes constrained. As you are belligerently preoccupied with battle against the binding bane of your existence, you become oblivious. And often it is those which are the worthwhile aspects of living which you so unmindfully neglect. People who are bound by an addiction may in fact cease to live. In a sense that they become bedungeoned in a gripping darkness. Life ought to be lived as journey. Where as you move along, you see different sights of experience and learning. Life is to be lived with gratitude as it has much to offer. And those are opportunities to make and mold the total person. But when a person is suffering from addiction, there is often no room for gratitude. Addiction and gratitude are often contradictory. When you are enmeshed in an addiction, you evade feelings which cause pain. You have shunned responsibility for yourself and are more apt to blame outward circumstances. As you have relinquished your autonomy towards yourself, you are under the mercy of factors beyond you. What is gratitude on the other hand? Gratitude is not having to feel shame. Happiness is something you choose to and can take responsibility of. Along with this is the acceptance of your choices and whatever consequences they may bring. Rather than becoming dependent or rendering yourself helpless, you make the resolve to be proactive and search for answers within yourself. Happiness is a matter of perception as it has often been said. One of the means for a person to experience happiness is to choose to be grateful whatever the circumstance. And how is it be able to experience gratitude? A person as a human being need to feel the human touch or connection, thus to relate with others is crucial. It is through human interaction that a person learns to feel a sense of himself. It is through human dealings that a person realizes his importance. Giving and taking takes place until a bond develops. And when a bond develops, the first step for healing transpires. When a person chooses to help, the rewards are actually mutual. Not only do they render assistance to somebody in need, but in himself he gains something as well. More than anything material, it is the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, intangible but worthy. A person who himself has been freed from addiction can embark on a journey of sharing his freedom. That is by helping those in the shackles of addiction to break free. This is how it goes for the community where support is of the element. And this mutual support is the lifeblood which sustains each and everyone. Addiction and gratitude may be thought of as opposing thoughts. But even in the midst of an addiction, a person can choose to see the glimmer of gratitude. And from then, they move and they strive until the glimmer becomes a spark. With his own initiative and the support of others, the darkness of addiction can be diminished. And with the light comes seeing, with seeing knowing until there is freedom. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:06:15 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/ecstasy1 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/ecstasy1 Ecstasy is a word with multiple meanings. Others may attach sexual connotations with it, and others regard it as having religious overtones. But what really is this stance- ecstasy? A person who is “ecstatic” is one who experiences an emotional, psychological or mental state which is beyond ordinary consciousness. Being ecstatic is being in a trancelike environment with one seemingly moving into another realm. Some people induce a state of ecstasy through certain and regular meditation techniques. The ecstatic stance is one which broadens a person’s awareness of the present world and makes them more attuned towards the spiritual. In a state of ecstasy, a person may encounter euphoria. Ecstatic euphoric visions may be instigated, often of the emotional or intuitive, even physical in nature. Some mental training packages currently marketed even profess to trainees that they can induce such moods. Yogic sessions offered in some gymnasiums do so as well. With an ecstatic mind, a person is said to be able to communicate in a telepathic manner to another person in the same state anywhere in the world in a predefined moment. “Ecstasy” moves one farther and beyond the typical. In 1914, the word “ecstasy” had been patented as a brand name for the drug MDMA or 3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. MDMA or ecstasy promotes sexual stimulation among its users. Prior to the use of the drug for this purpose, it was used in psychotherapy. As the drug enables the user to experience a feeling of openness and being carefree, it allows the psychotherapist to probe deeper into the workings of the patient’s mental state. As researches have been subsequently conducted, it had been proven that MDMA causes brain damage. As a result, the drug was banned in 1986. Having been categorized in the same class as amphetamine and escaline, MDMA is a sexual stimulant. MDMA or ecstasy is variously known as “Dove”, “Adam”, “E” and “XTC” among many other such nicknames. It was for having been known as a sexual stimulant which made the word “ecstasy” much in use across the globe. The drug may have been banned, but many can have access to it from the neighborhood chemists shop on a doctor’s prescription. The drug has been in use by teenagers and people who want to arouse their basic instincts, often for sexual stimulation. “Ecstasy” that it is, it brings about intense delight or joy from physical touches making the sexual experience more exhilarating. As much as these effects are compelling, the drug poses danger to its users by causing brain damage. It can possibly permanently damage the brain cells. It is either that the drug can cause the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, or else prevent its production. It may deter the terminal or synaptic from doing so, and serotonin production in the brain can be diminished. MDMA is bracketed in the same category as Cialis, Viagra and Generic Viagra. It is in the same genre as other oral medications used to cure impotency or erectile dysfunction among men. MDMA can be taken by both males and females. A doctor’s opinion is best sought prior to taking the drug. Certain medical conditions such as heart problems can pose a threat to people taking ecstasy. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:59:30 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/drug-addiction3 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/drug-addiction3 Many people live in a state of denial. They often fail to acknowledge the real problem or where they fall short because the fact of it may just be too difficult to bear. So they live in the world of what they want to happen rather than what really is happening. Often these people will say,”Everything’s fine”, or “I’m ok”, or that “This isn’t really a problem and will just go away”. For instance, in the case of a drug addict or an alcoholic. Would it be easy for somebody to say that they are a drug addict or an alcoholic, or even more admit it? Drug addiction and alcoholism are looked upon by the society with stigma. They’re simply not “good” and people involved with them are not “good”. People would want to be regarded by others in a positive way. To admit the idea that others will not like you is certainly not pleasant. It could arouse hostility and resentment not only to others but to yourself as well. And this issue is just to mention one. In the case of drug addiction, everybody is aware of how a threatening menace it has become. Drug addiction causes a domino effect of destruction from the individual to their immediate relations and down to the society as a whole. At any cost, drug addiction is a matter which has to be put to a stop. A large number of young people and adults have been abusing drugs or using them for recreation. For them, this tendency might appear as something not consequential. But drug abuse or recreational use can get out of hand, and it can turn into drug addiction. In many cases, users may not even be aware that they are addicted already. So at this point, how would an addict realize that they are an addict, and ultimately do something about it? When it comes to an addiction, the first step towards recovery is to admit that one is addicted. The same is the case with drug addiction. The first thing a person has to determine about themselves is whether they have developed a mental obsession towards their dependency. This mental obsession has simply become so persistent. It can in fact be an unwanted idea or impulse which cannot be eliminated by logic or reasoning. This is how an addict thinks about their substance of choice- with obsession. This is one sign that a person is addicted. Then there is of course the physical craving, as the body has been accustomed to the substance. Because of constant use, the body will just keep asking for it, otherwise a person will experience inconvenient symptoms. The substance, toxic as it is, has become a “part” of an addict’s system. If the body is not “fed” with it, the it wouldn’t feel “right” anymore. And so a person would just continually crave for the drug, and in many cases, they have to satiate that craving at any cost. Secrecy is also one sign of drug addiction. Being a drug user is something looked upon as something disapproving, and so an addict will live a secret life with their habit. And this life can be one which is spent in isolation. And above all these are the consequences of the addiction. From personal deterioration which wreaks havoc to a person’s relationships, their jobs and to the society all in all. After all, an addiction is a compelling force and it can seek fulfillment without any regard for the consequences involved. So do you have these signs and do you suspect that you are addicted? Drug addiction is something which doesn’t bring any good at all, so by all means, seek help and look for the path towards recovery and freedom. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:41:29 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/ecstasy http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/ecstasy The term “ecstasy” may be familiar to you already. Ecstasy is actually one of the newer forms of drugs being abused which started in the 1990’s. This drug is also known as the “club drug” as it is often used in dance clubs and music raves. Teenagers who use this drug don’t know how dangerous it can be. Some of them may even think it’s harmless- just something to take to enhance the “party feeling” or the hype. Parents know of ecstasy, or rather have heard about it. They know it’s a new drug on the scene and that it is dangerous. And yet many of these parents don’t talk about ecstasy to their children. It’s because these parents think that their children are not vulnerable to it. They think their children will not be able to get hold of the drug or use it. But the dangers of ecstasy are real, and it is lurking beneath the shadows. Ready to pounce upon naïve and susceptible teenagers who want to take “fun” to the next level. Use and abuse of this drug has been causing havoc to young people for two decades now. And if this is not given attention and put to a stop, more damage can result. Ecstasy is a colorless and odorless drug taken by mouth, or orally. It is a stimulant related to amphetamines and affects the central nervous system when taken. Hallucinations can result due to its stimulant effect. There isn’t much known yet about the long term effects of this drug to the central nervous system. It has been on the scene only since the 1990’s and not many facts are known about it yet to this point. Current studies are ongoing to find out more about ecstasy. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, use and abuse of it damages the nerve endings associated with memory and critical thinking. The brain’s ability to produce serotonin becomes impaired. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain which regulates appetite, sleep, memory and mood. The pills can vary in potency and users may not be aware of how much they have already taken. Some users might even mix other harmful drugs with it. And there are many cases when the pill is secretly slipped into drinks at clubs making one an easy prey for sexual assaults. Some also practice “stacking” or taking multiple doses. This is highly dangerous as it can lead to heart attack, seizure and even death. Signs of ecstasy use are the following: A person becomes extremely alert and has slurred speech. Their heart rate increases and blood pressure is elevated. Teeth grinding would also result as use of the drug causes tension in the jaw. After taking the pills, a person could become depressed leading to mood swings. Sweating also becomes a problem, or low body temperature known as hypothermia. There would be an inability to control body temperature. Lastly, the user becomes excessively thirsty and would experience dry mouth. Parents have to stay on guard and monitor their children’s activities. They should be keen on looking out for changes in their kids’ behavior. Who their kids go with should be carefully checked up on, and more importantly, parents should talk to their children about the dangers of drug abuse. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 30 May 2008 17:19:31 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/alcohol-abuse http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/alcohol-abuse Dependence to a harmful substance always ends to no good. By dependence, it basically means a person is addicted. What’s more damaging is when the addiction is upon something which causes harm or destruction. Take the case of alcohol abuse. There seems to be many people who are in the habit of abusing alcohol. They drink excessively until their habit turns into dependence. From alcohol abuse, the problem of alcoholism may then begin, and it is yet a bigger quandary to be in. It’s often too late for an alcoholic to express remorse towards their negligence. Alcoholism is never an easy problem. One knows the predicament they are in. Their sensibility, their family, their job and their life are compromised. All because of alcohol addiction which has stripped them of their good sense. It’s an all too common scenario for a man who is addicted to alcohol to be abusive towards their spouse. The influence of alcohol has made them forget of their responsibilities as a husband. Many well know that the substance can alter one’s personality. Yes, alcohol can do that. A person in their sobriety is transformed into a monster in their drunkenness. And so the problem of abusive partners and rocky relationships abound. Spouses who are abused are then beset with a big dilemma of living with an alcohol dependent and abusive partner. Domestic violence happens and those victimized suffer the consequences. They could begin to have much psychological and emotional issues. Their self-esteem and self-confidence could suffer. All in all, the quality of their life will be affected- it will become a poor one. All because of living with somebody who is an alcoholic. Much is indeed jeopardized when a person suffers from alcoholism. Personally, they go through so much struggle. They themselves may be aware that they have a problem. They know they should stop, but the problem is they can’t. They have to drink, whether they like it or not. In fact it may become more of an unwanted need rather than a want. And that is a real struggle- for a person to need something that they don’t want. Alcoholics drag themselves into a black hole of addiction while bringing along with them the people that they live with. It is not only them that suffer, but others as well. As their personality is altered by a toxic substance, their jobs could be compromised. They might even lose it. It’s not at all easy when somebody loses their means to earn a living. It means a person would cease to be functional and productive. A host of personal issues could then arise and they can bring about anxiety, depression and even psychosis. These are among the worst consequences of alcoholism. And alcoholism starts with alcohol abuse. It all seems so clear why the drinking habit ought to be stopped, especially when one is predisposed to alcoholism. Much, and too much in fact is at stake as alcoholism is a disease. And there are many cases wherein treatments have to be for a lifetime. One should then practice caution and responsibility in handling alcohol and other toxic substances. Even much better would be to avoid them completely. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 13 May 2008 09:07:43 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/drug-addiction2 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/drug-addiction2 Drug addiction, alcoholism and mental health disorder: what do these three have in common? For one thing, they’re diseases of the body, the mind and the spirit. They get in the way of rational thinking. Strip one of their good sense while everything may seem to be in a disarray. With any of these diseases, one will not be able to enjoy a better quality of life. A mental health disorder may not be one’s own doing, but what of alcohol and drug addiction? They’re a muddle which a person might have caused upon themselves. Why do people become drug and alcohol addicts? It can be because of peer pressure, loss of control, or simply indulgence. Others may have become so due to personal issues and problems. But where does this indulgence lead to? To a life of total chaos where living isn’t living at all. It is a life with constant struggle and being in the bondage of an addiction. Would you want to live such kind of life? You must then make means to stop before your addiction gets out of hand. Or else, alcohol and drug addiction and a mental disorder would be what you will have to live with. A combination of drug and alcohol addiction and a mental health disorder is called a dual diagnosis. When seeking for treatment, you can go to a drug rehab center, an alcohol rehab center or a dual diagnosis treatment center. All three are physiological diseases with strong hereditary and genetic factors. These three diseases are also chronic and they are progressive. When left untreated, the consequences can be fatal. When a person is in denial of having them, then it is among the symptoms of these diseases. The same could be said with non-compliance to their treatment measures. With any of these three diseases, a person may have loss of control over their own thoughts and behavior. The emotions as well become unmanageable. When a person is struck by any of these, it affects those they live and work with. In fact, the consequences can extend to the society as well. When a person is beset by one of these diseases, the might feel shame, guilt, despair and depression. This could be due to the growing powerlessness and unmanageability which a person has over the disease. Being beset by any of them can make one vulnerable and isolated. But there is hope when one has the will and the resolve to be better. Primary symptoms and loss of control over thoughts, behavior and emotions could be reversed. This is when one seeks to undergo addiction treatment or dual diagnosis treatment. When one has recovered, it means they are stabilized. There is a rehabilitation in the total sense- mind, body and spirit. But among the serious consequences is the high risk for relapse. A relapse in alcohol and drug addiction can inevitably trigger a relapse in mental illness. What is the hope for a life long recovery? The key is in working in one’s recovery program one step at a time, and one day at a time. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:54:40 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/smoking-weed1 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/smoking-weed1 Maybe you have finally come to a point when you said “I should stop smoking weed”. This is a major turning point in your life, and doing so will be life-changing – in a good way. You see “weed” or marijuana can ruin or inhibit your life as it did to many people. Sure, marijuana is not as potently dangerous as cocaine or heroin or ice, but nevertheless it can cause you damage. Marijuana may not cause heart disease or cancer as much as smoking does, but it can incapacitate you. All in all, smoking weed will do you no good. In fact, it can bring you much harm. It can deprive you of well-being and a good quality of life. So deciding to quit smoking weed is one of the best decisions you can ever make. In your journey to stop smoking weed, the following tips and insights may be useful. First thing to be successful in your goal is you must understand your addiction. You might be wondering why you are addicted to marijuana. Cigarettes contain chemicals like nicotine which make a person addicted to them. This would lead to them having physical cravings to smoke. Marijuana contains no such chemicals. Your addiction to it is not physical, but rather mental or psychological. It is possible that you became addicted to marijuana because it makes you feel comfortable. You like the “high” which comes with smoking weed. And this is what you feel you always need- you crave for it. This is your addiction- it is mostly psychological. The next thing for you to do is to understand this psychological need or addiction. Ask yourself why you are smoking weed. Is it because you want to escape a harsh reality? Or could it be that you are bored- marijuana gives an alteration to your life. Or perhaps it is because your friends smoke marijuana, too? There are varied reasons why people get addicted to weed. But in your case, you’ve got to understand the core of your addiction. This is one of the best ways for you to set yourself free. Now that you understand it, you also have to find something to replace your addiction. This does not at all mean that you will find another drug to use. Rather, look for a fulfilling hobby or activity to fill the void that marijuana used to fill. You must develop coping mechanisms whenever you have the urge to smoke weed again. Then, you have to develop and strengthen your will to quit. You now know that your addiction to marijuana is not chemical but psychological. So this would all go down to your willpower. It doesn’t mean that you have weak willpower when you have the urge to smoke, but rather you have to fight that urge. Psychological addiction can be very difficult to break free from especially if you’ve had it for years. But it is possible for you to break free, even if at first it seems hopeless. Take little steps at a time and take it one day at a time. Seek support from people you know like friends and family. And stay away from people who have been smoking weed. Choose to take another path, a better one. Choose to live a life of health and wellness and freedom. In the end you will realize that you’ve made the right decision. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 3 Apr 2008 10:59:18 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/prescription-drugs1 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/prescription-drugs1 Many people have now access to the use of prescription drugs. After all, such drugs have been prescribed for pain, insomnia and mental health problems. Good when such people use them responsibly. They’re meant for therapeutic purposes and they can deliver treatment. But there are cases when prescription drugs are abused, and this could be detrimental. When such medications are used improperly, they may entail health hazards. They’re primarily used to alter irregularities in the body until they are well. But they keyword is that they “alter”. What if prescription drugs are abused? Then they may alter the body and its processes the wrong way, and such is not to be taken lightly. Others think that prescription medications are harmless. They think it would do them no harm to take prescribed medicines other than what the doctor has directed. Such people may not even be aware that they’re involved with prescription drug abuse already. But that’s basically it – when it’s deliberately taken another way other than the doctor’s instructions- then it’s already abuse. Others think that only illegal drugs fall under the category of drugs capable of being abused. But prescription drugs can be, too, and they could be equally dangerous. When one takes such medications for another purpose that what’s intended, they could be harmful. Especially when they take them to get the desired “high” or “low”, or simply to feel good. Prescription medications are highly addictive, and misusing them can have dire consequences. The three most commonly abused medications of this sort are CNS depressants, stimulants and opioids. Opioids are generally prescribed for pain relief, and many people have access to them. Examples of opioids are morphine and codeine and pills like Darvon, Vicodin and OxyContin. They’re rampantly abused and are dangerous when done so. CNS depressants on the other hand are taken to slow down brain functions. More often, they’re prescribed to relieve anxiety and put a stop to panic attacks. They’re also used for treatment of insomnia. Among the most common CNS depressants are Nembutal, Valium and Xanax. Such prescription drugs give a calming effect, and this is what many people enjoy. In fact, many patients may continue taking them even when they are no longer needed. They may not be aware that misuse of CNS depressants can lead to addiction, and serious long term problems may occur as well. Then there are stimulants which are also widely misused. Stimulants are used to speed up brain functions, and they are often prescribed for those with ADHD. Two of the well-known stimulants are Dexedrine and Ritalin. Stimulants may be less addictive than other prescription drugs, but nevertheless they are addictive. Misusing them can lead to serious health problems in the long run. Medications when used properly and responsibly could be very helpful. They can give the much needed relief and treatment for various ailments, conditions and diseases. But anything when abused is potentially harmful. So care and caution are entailed when taking prescription medications. They can be one’s best ally when used accordingly, otherwise they can be deadly. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 17 Mar 2008 04:28:31 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/say-no-to-drugs http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/say-no-to-drugs Well drug users may say that “drugs are okay”, especially if they do it for recreation. They can say that drugs do make them feel good and they can function better at work. In some cases it does, and perhaps only at the beginning. But it’s well worth asking- how long will it last? Apparently, this recreational drug use has high chances of becoming a drug addiction, and this is a chronic problem. Hardly is there a drug addict who is healthy and well, in terms of health and personality. Would anybody in their right senses want to live or work with such a person? Recreational drug users would normally try to cover up the ill effects of their tendency. Yes, they would say drugs are okay. But ask those people who are close to them- friends, family, co-workers and bosses- and they can attest that such people are not “okay”. A healthy person is most likely to look for healthy habits and ways of coping. But recreational drug use, it’s far from healthy. What does it say of the person doing it? Would they be regarded as “healthy”? Far from it, really. Think. If an employer knows that an applicant is using drugs recreationally, would that applicant be hired? What if you were the employer? Would you at all? Everybody is well aware that drugs are harmful, and they can drive a user towards doing harm to others. Would anybody want a person like that in the workplace? And it’s an all too common story- a drug user breaking into a car and stealing the stereo. Can you blame the car’s owner if they shoot and defend themselves? And if a drug user chooses to mess themselves up and be irresponsible, would anybody consider paying for their health care when they have a heart attack at 35? And how about you- would you? If that destructive drug use is a choice which causes a person to mess their lives up, don’t you have a choice, too? And that choice could be not to hire them, or live with them. No, drugs are not okay, and its worth all the efforts to say no to drugs. Why say no, you may ask. Because you care about yourself and don’t want to destroy it. Say no to drugs because you care about the people around you. You wouldn’t want them to suffer because of the bad choices you make. You have to make a living and earn your keep, as much as everybody does. Would you want to compromise that because of your drug use? And what happens if you lose your job? Well, it’s certainly not a good scenario- you’d miss out on the pleasure and opportunity of being productive and working for a purpose. You’d miss out on the chance of being responsible for the welfare of yourself and your family. It certainly is good- being useful. Wouldn’t you want to consider it? Just say no to drugs and say yes to a better you, to a better living. Say no to drugs and living has so much more to offer rather than that destructive “high”, really. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:02:11 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/drug-addiction1 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/drug-addiction1 Drug addiction may not be as frightening as it was before, but still, many people are caught up in it. How is it again with an addiction? One may struggle to break free, but they can’t. They may even not like what they do, or their habit, but they have to do it. The thing with an addiction is that one is constantly at war with themselves, not the object of their addiction. And being at war with oneself, it is a lot akin to being tormented. As they say, one’s worst enemy is oneself. That’s how it can be with drug addiction. One caught up in drug addiction may know that they have to do something about it. They know drug addiction is wrong yet they choose to give in to their compulsion. Those in the mire of drug addiction may want to break free, yet they would rather just shrug it off. One caught up in drug addiction may also deny that they have a problem. They say they don’t need to seek help for their addiction. They may not even think that they are addicted to drugs. Until such time comes when their addiction would get out of hand. Drug addiction may already have wreaked havoc on their health, and more so the quality of their life. Drug addiction has gotten in the way of their careers and responsibilities and relationships. Their functionality and the person that they are, they may have been ruined by drug addiction already. This scenario is not at all pleasant. In fact it can be horrid. Yes, drug addiction can bring about a horrid way of living. One can lose themselves when drugs have stripped them of their well-being. How they think, act and feel, they may be muddled up by drug addiction. It certainly can be horrid living in a surrealistic nightmare. That’s how it can be when one battles with their addiction to drugs. Why wait then for this ill fortune to happen. It can be one’s worst distress when one is trapped in an addiction. So as early as possible, help should be sought for an addiction, whether it is drugs, alcohol or any substance. The earlier treatment is sought, the more there is hope for the person concerned. Many agencies are aware of the drug, alcohol or substance addiction predicament. And these agencies, they render help by offering treatment. Treatment is always available for addicts if they take time seeking it. When one is resolved to do away with their addiction, then they must be willing to go through the exigencies of treatment and rehabilitation. Treatment and rehabilitation from an addiction is not an easy process. But that it’s the only way for one to regain their life and well-being. To live with liberty and not being under the mercy of drugs. One must constantly aim for health and well-being. That way, living would be worthwhile and fulfilling. For health and well-being, a proven multivitamins, Ultra Herbal Multivitamins would be helpful. Ultra Herbal Multivitamins is made available through our store and it is proven safe, natural and effective. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 1 Feb 2008 07:04:48 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/illegal-drugs1 http://www.healthzine.org/Drug-abuse/illegal-drugs1 Teenagers are highly susceptible. They are easily influenced by their environment. This includes adults, their peers and the media. Most teenagers are often at a loss as to what is right. For them, what is “cool” and popular may be what matters. Even if it means illegal drugs. The teenage years can actually be tumultuous. During this stage, a teenager can be vulnerable. This transition to adulthood can quite be demanding, and a teenager may not be able to take the stress. Being unable to cope, a teenager may then turn to illegal drugs. As a means for escape and to alter their senses. To evade their problems. What seems more alarming is that teenagers can have easy access to illegal drugs. Teenagers can easily obtain illegal drugs. Apparently, they are a wide and lucrative market for the illegal drug industry. According to the Bureau of Justice, 85% of teenagers know where to get marijuana. And 55% claimed they know how to get amphetamines. A large number of teenagers know who to contact to get hold of illegal drugs. Regardless of race and location, knowledge of drug availability is similar among teenagers. Whether students live in the rural area, the suburbs or in urban areas, they have similar levels of drug availability, about 35% on the overall. What seems more frightening is that 29% of students cited that someone has offered, sold or given them illegal drugs within the school premises. Availability of illegal drugs in schools has increased over the last ten years. Overall use of illegal drugs may have declined, but the threat still remains. Illegal drugs are widely available, and they can easily wreak tremendous havoc. Too many teenagers are still abusing illegal drugs. Fifty percent of teenagers have reported some use of an illicit drug during their lives. Surveys have cited that the percentage of drug abuse among teenagers is low. But the fact is, drop outs or those who are truant were not represented. And they are those who have a higher tendency to get involved with illegal drugs. Alcohol and cigarettes are the two most common substances that teenagers abuse. Seventy-five percent of teenagers claimed they have at least tried alcohol. The media has so much to do with this trend. Especially as it glamorizes the use of alcohol. And teenagers can only have the wrong perception. And marijuana and inhalants. They are among the most common illegal drugs that teenagers abuse. Forty-four percent of teenagers reported that they have used marijuana. Sixty percent of teenagers who abuse drugs use marijuana. Among middle school students, inhalants are the most commonly abused illegal drug. Seventeen percent of eight graders were reported to have used them. Inhalants are easily accessible. They are cheap and most of them are common household substances. Prescription drug abuse is also prevalent among teenagers. Prescription drug abuse in this bracket rises at 25% each year. Getting the message across to teenagers about drug abuse is expedient. This means educating them consistently about the dangers of drug abuse and for teenagers to learn how to take responsibility for their lives. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy.