Some General Stop Smoking Help and Tips!

Are you a heavy or chain smoker? Have you thought about quitting your smoking habit? Smoking is the cause of serious health concerns such a cancer, lung disease, heart attack, stroke and even blindness. Quitting the habit can change your life for the better. Immediate results of quitting are that you feel more active and energetic. Daily activities no longer leave you short of breath. Your clothes and breath smell normal and fingernails and teeth are no longer stained. Long-term benefits include good health levels and increased life span.

How do you quit smoking? There is no easy way to stopping the habit, because it is addictive in nature. You need to be determined and fully committed to stop this habit, as a casual approach will not help out. You can begin by writing down the reasons for quitting. Read them out carefully and imbibe every reason so that realizations sink in why you need to quit.

Once you have focused yourself on the need to quit, it's important to inform people around you that you are trying to stop. People around you who smoke should not call you out for a smoke together. Inform your family and friends about it so that they support you and keep you motivated to stay away from the habit.

Cigarette contains Nicotine, which is quite addictive in nature. When you stop suddenly, you can experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, cravings to smoke again, dizziness, shortness in breath, constipation, frustration and so on. You can cope with such symptoms by learning deep breathing techniques and also by opting for nicotine substitutes such as gum, nuts, nasal spray or lozenges when you get the urge to smoke. Now, there are many options such as using an e-cigarette, stop smoking pills, hypnotherapy, and herbal medicines. These solutions can help you cope with quitting, till the need for smoking stops completely and naturally.

A cigarette is like a close friend so you need to deal with it carefully. Quitting smoking is like if you stop talking to someone close to you. Counseling programs can help you cope with the emotional problems that arise from quitting. It will also keep you focused on quitting. Intense counseling programs give you the encouragement and support you need to quit.

Leading a healthier lifestyle is vital to help you quit. Make sure to have a balanced diet, so that you get plenty of vitamins and minerals from your daily food intake. The urge to smoke is aggravated by fatty foods and also by alcohol, so you need to learn how to avoid them. Drink lots of water everyday to flush out nicotine and other toxins that stay in your body.

Computer Obsession: Is It A Real Addiction?

Psychologists disagree as to whether computer obsession is even a real addiction. Although many therapists treat "computer addiction" as a disorder, other therapists claim that computer obsession is more like pathological gambling than a true addiction, because it involves a behavioral failure to resist an impulse and not a physical dependence upon some sort of substance.

There have been few studies on the fairly recent phenomenon of computer addiction, so there are few scientific facts to quote. However, there's plenty of anecdotal evidence that seems to suggest that computer addiction not only exists, but may actually be close to an epidemic worldwide. Most heavy computer users are aware of their own problem or know of other people who seem to display all the symptoms of an addicted personality.

Like many drug users, computer addicts have a tendency to lose track of time when they're online. They can spend entire days in cyberspace and not realize it. They go without sleep, they forget to eat, they stay home from work or school, and they ignore their day-to-day responsibilities, all like any other type of addict. They oftentimes find themselves wanting to get up and tend to their lives, but are unable to pull themselves away from their computer chairs.

Given the choice between the real world and the world of cyberspace, the virtual world wins.

Game Play Addiction, Email, Chat Rooms

One large factor for computer addiction involves video games. Some games in particular have notorious reputations for being difficult to walk away from, such as Doom, Lode Runner, and even the lowly game of computer Solitaire. Many colleges are now beginning to include workshops on computer addiction as part of their standard freshman orientation.

Other areas that are very difficult to ignore are email, chat rooms, and newsgroups. Many companies have recognized the potential for losing large amounts of time and are fighting back, denying employees access to the Internet, email, chats, or games while on the job.

Different from TV Watching?

Folks who aren't convinced of the danger of computer addition point to other segments of society, especially that of television viewing, and ask if it's any more dangerous to spend the same amount of time on a computer as sitting on the couch watching whatever is on at the moment. They say it's not the computer that's at fault, citing heroin addicts, who don't blame the needle for their addiction. After all, the Internet has been a boon to humans, leveling the playing field between small towns and big cities, allowing people to work from home, and putting more information in the hands of more people than any other time in human history.

Since it's a psychological problem and not one of substance abuse, the debate will likely continue for some time to come, especially since the World Wide Web is still a relatively new phenomenon. However, that doesn't change the fact that thousands of students fail their classes because they're spending too much time online and millions of productivity hours are lost every day due to employee surfing in the office.

In one final irony, if you look at your own computer habits and decide that you need to seek help as a potential computer addict, the only support groups you're likely to find will be online.

Side Effects of Anti Anxiety Drugs

Many people experience some fear and some anxiety at various times in their lives. Those with anxiety disorders are affected by fear to such a degree that they can't function or live a normal live without the help of drugs. One of the most effective and prevalent drugs for anxiety disorder is diazepam.

Over 10% of Americans are on some type of anti-anxiety drug. The most popular one today is Xanax but diazepam is not very far behind.

Diazepam, or Valium as most people commonly know it, is an anti-anxiety or anti-panic agent. It works by effecting the release of the amino acid GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) into the brain. GABA acts to suppresses the nerve impulses leading to a feeling of relaxation.

Although a very useful and positive drug in the treatment of anxiety disorders - as well as insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures - anyone taking it for anxiety should be aware of its negatives also.

Valium is habit forming and very addictive. Self medicating yourself with diazepam is a bad idea. because you can easily develop a dependency on it, especially if you take it in large doses over an extended period of time. Diazepam should only be taken under a doctor's care and never take more than the prescribed dosage. Because of its addictive properties, you may suffer withdrawal symptoms when your doctor eventually weans you off of the drug.

Valium is hard on the kidneys and liver. If you have cirrhosis of the liver, any type of abnormal kidney function, or any other medical problems with your liver you should inform your doctor. Your dosage may have to be severely cut or dropped altogether. It may be taken with or without food and is metabolized by the liver and excreted mainly by the kidney. Dosages of Valium may need to be lowered in patients with abnormal kidney function.

Valium may also cause drowsiness and dizziness in some people. Until you are sure how your body will react to it, you should avoid driving, sports, or strenuous activities while taking it. One very striking effect of this drug is that it accumulates in the body. So even if you haven't taken it for the while, you may still find yourself tired or sluggish with not apparent reason why. It very well may be the build up of the drug in your body.

Be aware that if you take antacids while taking Valium, the antacids will act to neutralize the drug, making it less effective. Thus you may find it not having the desired calming effect on your nervous system.

Even though diazepam is sometimes used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, this should only be done under a doctor's care. Normally, alcohol should not be taken by anyone on diazepam. Mixing the two could possibly trigger an epileptic attack. Don't take it if you are pregnant or are breast feeding your baby unless directed to by your doctor. There is strong evidence that it can harm the fetus. In the case of breast feeding, diazepam is retained in the breast milk, which means that it will be passed to the baby possibly causing addiction.

Diazepam is an extremely helpful drug and many suffering from anxiety would have a much tougher time without it. Just be careful when taking it.

Stop Drinking Now - Medication For Alcohol Abuse and Dependence

Treatment for alcohol dependency typically includes education and family/friends support to stop drinking, medications to reduce potential withdrawal symptoms and stop alcohol cravings, and finally professional counseling to work through relationship issues. Recently introduced to the marketplace is a drug which can help alcoholics quit. It includes a brand name chemical named ReVia [formerly called Trexan], Vivitrolnaltrexone. Vivitrol is taken monthly as an injection into the muscles. Naltrexone is also available in tablet form.

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that interferes with the part of the brain involved in producing the pleasure you get from drinking alcohol or other drugs. Basically, Naltrexone is used to reduce the pleasurable effects received from alcohol. This drug can be used alone or it can be combined with other medicines to treat alcohol dependence.

Naltrexone works best to help you stop drinking if you also get counseling.1 Most studies show that naltrexone significantly reduces your chance for relapse after you have stopped drinking. But it might not be effective in treating men with severe, ongoing alcohol dependence. Some side effects of Naltrexone include nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. It can also cause headaches and make you feel anxious, sleepy, or nervous.

You might develop liver damage if you have existing liver disease (such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure) and take too much naltrexone. If you are addicted to narcotics taking this medicine will cause withdrawal symptoms. To effectively prevent relapse you might need to take naltrexone for several months. Vivitrol, a once-a-month injection of this medicine, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat drinking problems. This form of naltrexone can be useful for people who have a hard time deciding whether or not to take the medicine each day.

Heroin Withdrawal, Drug Addiction and Rehab

Becoming addicted to a drug such as Heroin or Cocaine is very frustrating for the addict and their loved ones. Families don't know how to help, and addicts don't know how to quit. Then addicts start experiencing heroin withdrawal or some other side effects that throw them for a loop. Many times addicts don't know how difficult withdrawal is going to be when they first start using. If they did, many would never start. Is checking somebody into rehab the way to go?

The one thing that matters more than anything when determining whether or not to take an addict to rehab or not is whether or not the addict is mentally ready. It's difficult for somebody to admit they have a problem. It took me a long time to admit this, and it's like that with most people. One thing that can be encouraging is if addicts realize that most of the people in rehab are just like them. I never realized how many people were as messed up as me until I went. It was reassuring to discover that I wasn't alone.

When an addict checks into rehab, they're usually sent to detox first. This is a place where they'll stay for 2-7 days to get the drugs out of their system and to get through the worst part of the withdrawal. For heroin withdrawal many rehabs will give patients suboxone, for alcohol withdrawal patients are usually given Benzos like Ativan or barbiturates like Phenobarbital. Heroin withdrawal is almost never fatal, but rehabs usually prefer to give patients suboxone because it makes the withdrawal more tolerable. Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal in many cases and so rehabs are obligated to medicate the withdrawal.

Once patients get through detox, they start the rehab part of treatment. It is very similar to school. There are meetings, group therapy, one on one counseling, and something known as didactic. This is just a fancy word for technical lecture. This is where patients learn the science of addiction or receive a detailed lecture on the 50 ways alcohol can kill you etc. When I was in treatment, many of the patients were diagnosed as having a mental illness along with having an addiction. This is extremely common. It is important that a patient with a mental illness such as generalized anxiety disorder, ADD, or bipolar disorder be properly treated. Otherwise their chances of relapsing are almost 100%.

Almost all rehabs utilize a 12 step approach. 12 steps are okay, but I'm not too crazy about it. However, almost every major rehab uses the 12 step framework so it's basically the only game in town. There are other treatment methods, but they are difficult to find facilities.

Alcohol Rehabilitation - Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol addiction is one of the serious social problems of the society. It affects not only the addict but all his family members. In this article you will find some methods which can help in getting rid of this serious addiction. Keep on reading this article if you or your loved one is somehow related to this serious problem.

If somebody has decided to go under a rehabilitation program then first thing he should do is to find information about this topic. The patient should know enough about withdrawal symptoms which appear as the treatment starts. Every heavy drinker who tries to get rid of addiction has to face withdrawal symptoms. All the symptoms which are seen in an addict after abstinence from alcohol are together known as Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.

Let's talk about common symptoms which are faced by the patient. Headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, nausea, mood swings, nervousness, jitters and anxiety are the major symptoms which are seen in the patient who is going under rehabilitation program. Some patients also feel elevated body temperature and pounding heart while they are trying to get rid of addiction. In later stages the patient can face insufficient sleep, loss of appetite, bad dreams, sweaty skin, and uncontrolled movements of small muscles and dilation of the pupils.

All the above symptoms I have stated above are minor ones some patients have some serious problems like seizures, delirium, hallucinations and confusion. Person who wants to get rid of alcohol addiction should not try it at home because he will not be able to face the signs and symptoms without proper medical care and support.

Have you ever heard about alcohol rehab centers? According to recent studies and research these centers have helped lot of people in getting rid of addiction problem. It does not matter to which type of drug person is addicted because the basic steps used in the rehabilitation centers are practically the same. The first essential step is detoxification process. In this step the person goes under special procedures which wash out harmful toxins from the body. The detoxification process is followed by some counseling which can boost the patient's emotional and mental status.

If you are looking for an alcohol rehab center then there are many things which should be considered. You should always go through the website of the center. The website can give you information about many things. You should always go through the reviews and testimonials provided by the website. You should never opt for a rehab center which do not have experienced and professional staff. Always opt for a program which offers 24 hours emergency care and professional support. You should be very careful while opting a rehab program because the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the quality of the treatment.

AA Online Meetings Can Help a Loved One Go Through Rough Times

You just can't watch a loved one go through the agonies of alcohol withdrawal and do nothing. He or she needs all the support - financial and emotional - to get over the addiction that's wasting his body and his mind. AA online meetings can help him through those treacherous moments when his body craves for alcohol.

The Agony of Alcoholics

"Yes, I badly need another drink. I'm going through hell!" This is an honest acceptance of a drinking problem. Statements like this crowd AA online meetings. But no matter how grim it sounds, it's a healthy sign. The sufferer is ready to take the best but painful route to sobriety.

Alcoholics admit that their drinking is going out of hand, but they never consider themselves as alcoholics. They ignore their problem, hoping it would go away like a bad dream. Like closet alcoholics, they believe that the problem of alcoholism only happen to others but never to them. So they drink another shot of whiskey and feel confident that tomorrow they'll be feeling better. They may or may not get on the next AA online meetings.

Mom, dad, brother, sister, son, or daughter - they can fall victim to the clutches of this addiction. If your loved one has a drinking problem, don't hesitate to get professional help. No matter how they deny the truth, it is better to step in when the problem is on its early stages.

Alcoholics need the support of other alcoholics who understand their problems. They all serve as lifelines for each other, all hoping to get out of the pit, intact and ready to join the mainstream of society. But the going will be tough - this why is it not easy for any alcoholic to hitch his wagon to a rehabilitation program.

It Takes One To Know One

AA online meetings serve as forums where people trying to recover from alcoholism share a platform to ventilate their fears and problems, as well as their hopes. Volunteers for these kinds of programs run the meetings for as long as ninety minutes, and these can be run twice a day to make sure that people needing a willing ear can get attention.

The voice conferencing starts with a welcome from the facilitator and gives the rules for the meeting. Like other formal web conferencing, AA online meetings have to follow rules. One strict rule is never to interrupt when somebody is talking. Nobody is coerced to participate in the discussions, but they are encouraged to join.

It is not unusual to hear outbursts in these types of meeting. Remember that participating alcoholics are going through hell when they are abstaining from drink. Volunteers handling AA online meetings expect this and they are trained to handle volatile situations. Topics are varied - from restraining the urge to drink, sharing of experiences, and giving words of encouragement and hope.

Your Love Counts Most

If your mom, dad, brother, sister, son, or daughter has this problem, you have to be patient and strong to handle difficult situations. Sufferers need to be constantly assured that they are needed and loved. They want to know that you'll always be there for them, no matter how ugly the circumstances.

If he or she wants you to sit beside him during those AA online meetings, give in. This will give you an idea how things are going on. Your physical presence and patient understanding count too when helping a loved go through the rough times of alcohol withdrawal.

Stop Smoking Tips to Scare You Into Quitting

Smoking is just one of many dangerous things that anyone can do to their body. It can cause heart disease and chronic lung disease. Every year there are millions of people who die from smoking worldwide. But the fact is that it is also one of the most preventable deaths.

Smoking causes lung cancer, but again, is one of the most preventable risk factors for cancer. Is the number one factor for kidney cancer, bladder, cervix, and throat and other illnesses. Smoking has even been linked to some forms of leukemia as well. Nearly half of cancer related mortality in the world today occurs due to smoking. Apart from these diseases, smoking also leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.

So how can smoking cause cancer and other life threatening diseases? Well to start with the smoke from smoking literally contains 400 different compounds. Some of these compounds are toxic and can cause damage to cells within our body. Some of these substances have been linked to causing cancer. There are three main ingredients that are contained in cigarette smoke which are nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar. Some minor ingredients found in tobacco smoke include acetone, ammonia, arsenic and benzene, among others. As you can see they are all deadly toxins and can cause severe damage with continued use.

There is absolutely no safe level when it comes to smoking cigarettes. Surprisingly, one in two smokers will die from smoking and half of these deaths will occur even before they reach middle age. The risks of contracting lung cancer from smoking are based on a number of different factors including:

1) It is directly related to the amount of cigarettes smoked daily.
2) It depends on how many years you have been smoking.

You can also drastically reduce your chances of developing lung cancer if you decide to stop smoking now. If you manage to stop smoking for 10 years, it will drastically reduce your chances of developing lung cancer even.

Did you know that smoking has very unpleasant aesthetic effects on a smoker? It gives you bad breath, yellow teeth and dull or ashy color skin. Smokers are three times more likely to lose their teeth than nonsmokers. Smokers also tend to age early and get wrinkles faster than their counterparts. The biggest problem is that even your loved ones are at risk of contracting diseases, through secondary smoking.

As you can see there are a variety of different reasons why smoking is bad for you and the number one reason is lung cancer. Seriously consider quitting smoking now will dramatically reduce your chances of developing this disease.

Best Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program

The best drug and alcohol rehab program is the program that best addresses your specific needs. Addiction is an individual and personal disease. Rehabilitation must be customized to ensure success. Good drug and alcohol rehab programs share similar features.

Upon admission, you are given a psychosocial evaluation. This evaluation is used to determine your current psychological state. It also measures your social skills, attitudes towards drugs and alcohol, and perception of current relationships. The intent is to establish a base line to help measure your recovery progress. The evaluation will determine underlying problems you have including family conflict, suppressed emotions, and past victimization. Identifying and addressing these issues help you build a solid foundation for your recovery.

You are offered detoxification if needed. This is a medically supervised process that helps you deal with physical drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. You may need medication to help you deal with the pain of withdrawal. Your rehab program will have medical professionals on hand to administer drug therapy in accordance with your detox plan.

Once you have completed detoxification, you begin your rehabilitation. You learn about addiction and alcoholism. This is critical. It helps you maintain your abstinence from alcohol use. You learn why you use alcohol and what it does to you physically and mentally. This understanding helps break through your initial denial.

Counseling is a key feature to a good drug and alcohol rehab program. A counseling program is designed for you based on your psychosocial evaluation results. You participate in individual counseling. This involves you and a counselor working one on one to help you address problems that can hinder your recovery. Individual counseling also provides support and reinforcement to you for your progress.

Family counseling is available for you and your immediate family. Your family may include a spouse and children. It may be your parents and siblings. You decide who your support system is outside the program. It is important that your system changes as you change. It is difficult to return to an environment that does not support your recovery.

Group therapy takes place in the rehab program. You participate in group counseling with other patients. Recovery is more likely if you have a peer group that understands what you are going through. Support is provided without judgment. Group therapy is one of the most important aspects of recovery. In fact, you are given information on AA meetings as part of your aftercare plan.

A good drug and alcohol rehab program is one that successfully guides you to recovery. You might have to visit several programs before finding one that works for you. It is better to do this than stay with a program that fails to help you kick your addiction.

Alcoholism Symptoms - 6 Common Signs Exposed!

Alcoholism refers to the constant use of alcohol. Alcoholism is a disease which grows gradually and leaves serious effects on the mind and body. The effects of alcoholism generally passes from one generation to other and sometimes even develop on account of constant abuse of alcohol. But at all times the effects of alcoholism are agonizing which can be cured if early treatment is received. Once you start noticing the symptoms, it is advisable to go for the treatment without losing any time. The most common symptoms of alcoholism include continuous desire to drink alcohol, while you have promised yourself to refrain from it. If you have strained relations with your near and dear ones, suffered a lot and even then you keep continue drinking then it is a sure sign that you are alcoholic.

Hazards of Alcohol

It might be hazardous to neglect alcoholism symptoms because these signs warn you about the harmful consequences. Normally you can notice alcoholism symptoms in early stage and if you do not take desired steps to treat it, it can be critical. Moreover, alcoholism symptoms bear detrimental effects on your family, surroundings and even career. The consequences of alcoholism symptoms are not only physical stress but also mental. These indications recur, depending on the continuance of alcohol abuse and also it is essential to diagnose it as early as possible.

General Symptoms

Common alcoholism symptoms are as follows:

* Pain in abdomen

* Vomiting

* Nausea

* More capacity to tolerate

* Swollen face and red eyes

* Swelling of lever

Alcoholism symptoms indicate the existence of a disease in the body. Generally, the capacity of body to drink alcohol increases with the passing of time. Alcoholism symptoms lead to depression, sleep disorder and bad temper. With the passage of time the drinking capacity of alcoholic increases as various psychological problems become distressing and to soothe the pain drinking becomes essential. Alcoholics might deny as having alcoholism symptoms and continue surreptitious drinking. Alcoholic intake is always accompanied by sudden swings in dramatic moods and aggression.

Treatment for Prevention

For preventing these alcoholism symptoms, you are required to take proper treatment so that you could get back to your normal life. If an alcoholic is not provided sufficient treatment then he/she might isolate himself/herself from the rest of the society and even family members. Alcoholic might try to keep himself away both physically and mentally so that he could save himself from any kind of personal remark. Another general symptom of alcoholism is to drink in very odd hours. As the disease of alcoholism increases, alcoholic starts drinking even during working hours. Thus it creates adversities at work place also. The major alcoholism symptom is that the alcoholic tries his hard not to drink but even then he find himself unable to do it and ultimately resorts to the drinking.

Thus, alcoholism symptoms can be identified very easily. If it is treated at the right time, then it can be cured early.

Alcohol Support Group on the Road to Recovery

The life of an alcoholic addict is miserable. It is a complex vicious circle that leads to mental problems besides physical damages. People with an alcoholic addiction will need more than just treatment. There is no use for treatment if the addict starts drinking again. In addition to therapists, there are many other health institutions that offer viable outpatient treatment programs. These programs are effective if the patient is willing to get rid of this addiction and also has family support. For the patients who do not want twenty four hour supervision, counseling can help them cure this mental disease.

Besides counseling with experts, support groups have proved very effective in the recovery process. It is worth noting that this is not a single part process that works in exactly the same way for everyone. Different people have different reasons for this addiction and if the cause is addressed properly then it becomes easier to treat this disease.

You can easily find links to the contact information for interactive support groups and other similar programs on the internet. It is good choice for rational recovery especially for those who are heavy drinkers. These groups can help you at any given point within your recovery process. You can also consult the yellow pages in order to find the whereabouts of such groups.

Sometimes in group therapy sessions, a group could be moderated by professionals. Other types of support groups could have self help or support meetings free of charge. In both cases, group therapy sessions are very helpful for the patients suffering from addiction. Group sessions could also be a part of clinical therapy where patients having the same problem as you, share their issues regarding addiction. It would be through this discussion that you could realize that there are a lot of similarities as to how you and other members of the group suffer addiction. In this way you would be learning different coping strategies from each others' experience.

There are people in the support group who have come a long way through the recovery process. Through discussion, you would realize that someone initially might have had the same problems as you might be having now. This would surely boost your hope and give you an incentive to stay in the recovery. It will take some time before you can completely get rid of this addiction.

Besides, it is a platform where you can get some of the things off your chest for example, if you never had a family with whom you could share your problems then this is the place where you can say it all. Sometimes it is not so easy for your family to understand problems of your addiction but the people who had the same experience as you, would be able to comprehend it in a better way. If you have a group to share your troubles then it would make your burdens easy to bear.

These are the dynamics of alcohol addiction recovery but unless you, yourself, are not willing to improve your condition, nothing can be done to help you. For those who are determined to rid this habit, there are some of the best group sessions offered by local professionals or rehab programs that have an outstanding reputation.

Understanding an Alcohol Detox Protocol

You can expect a number of physical symptoms, none of them pleasant, to accompany your attempts at alcohol withdrawal. Among them are severe headaches and nausea, chills, shaking, anxiety attacks, rage, and even seizures. You will be much more likely to make it all the way through alcohol detoxification if you undergo it in an environment where you will be taking part in a suitable alcohol detox protocol.

Your specific alcohol detox protocol should be chosen by a physician familiar with your history of alcohol abuse, who knows whether or not you are also battling other addictions. Before beginning your alcohol detox protocol, your doctor will give you a full exam to determine how to treat your alcoholism most effectively.

During your detox treatment, your doctor will probably use the CIWA-Ar, a medical instrument designed to rate the severity of your different withdrawal symptoms, and use the findings to establish your alcohol detox protocol.

A Typical Alcohol Detox Protocol

In a typical alcohol detox protocol the patient's diagnosis (acute alcohol intoxication, for example) will be recorded, along with the recommended activity level. Many patients who enter an alcohol rehab facility are restricted to bedrest during the first few days of their detoxification process. During this period the patient will probably have the CIWA-Ar test administered once daily until the patient's score remains lower than 10 for an entire twenty-four hours. Most patients will require close supervision and additional assessments of any developing conditions.

Withdrawal Medications

A typical alcohol detox protocol will include the administration of one of three medications over at seventy-two hour period for the purpose of preventing the symptoms of withdrawal. A patient may be given ten milligrams of Valium every six hours for the first day followed by five milligram doses every six hours for the next two days; four doses of Librium totaling two hundred milligrams over twenty-four hours followed by twenty-five milligrams every six hours for two days; or two milligrams of Ativan every six hours for the first day, followed by one milligram doses four times a day for the next two days.

If a patient should develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms, his or her attending physician may increase the dosage of Valium to between ten and twenty milligrams each hour; of Librium to between fifty and one hundred milligrams each hour; or of Ativan to between three and six milligrams each hour. Massive doses of any of these medications have been very useful in reducing withdrawal symptoms to a tolerable level, after which the amounts given are gradually lowered and given at wider intervals.

Medications for Severe Withdrawal Symptoms

But in cases of severe withdrawal, causing the patients to become physically agitated or even to hallucinate, the attending physician may opt to administer injections of between two and five milligrams of Haldol or of Haldol with between two and four milligrams of Activa.

Alcohol And The Effects It Has On Your Brain

Alcohol affects the brain centres, but the more alcohol you have the more parts in your brain are effected.

Alcohol affects the brain in a set order, starting with:

Cerebral Cortex

The Limbic System

Cerebellum

Hypothalamus

Medulla

1 - Cerebral Cortex

This is the largest piece of your brain. This is where all the processing is done, it also controls most of the muscle movements. Alcohol affects these parts in the following ways:

Your pain is numbed if you hurt yourself

Your senses are affected - taste, touch, vision, hearing and smell

Your thought process is slowed down and your movement becomes slower

Makes a person more louder and talkative.

The more alcohol you drink the increase in your blood level increases.

2 - Limblic System

This part of your brain is where it controls you outer memory and emotions. When Alcohol enters this part of your brain it affects your emotions and you suffer memory loss.

3 - Cerebellum

This is where the muscle movement is co-ordinated. Affected by Alcohol and your movements become uncontrollable, simple things like touching your nose and standing on one leg become very hard to achieve. Cerebellum controls everyone's balance, that's why you're always seeing drunken people falling over.

4 - Hupothalamus and Pituitary Gland

There are two very noticeable side effects Alcohol has on this part of your brain. This part of your brain controls the chemicals and endocrine functions like sex hormone secretion, growth and thyroid.

- Your sexual functions are easily affected, like your sexual performance decreases and your arousal increases.

- Increased urine excretion.

5 - Medulla

This is the most important part of your brain, this controls your bodily functions, such as heart rate, breathing, temperature and consciousness. To much Alcohol effects all these parts, this is because your BAC (Blood Level Content) keeps increasing.

Why Undergo An Alcohol Detox at Home?

Here are some people who prefer to do alcohol detox at home, while there are others who prefer going to the rehab center to get the traditional treatment. There are some benefits of going to the rehab center, such as the fact that you will not be the only patient there and therefore will not feel left out. Seeing other people like you who are going through the same problems, you would be able to relate to them better and seek support from each other. Also, as there will not be alcohol around, you will be less likely to start drinking again.

But the challenge is that once you get back home, there are more chances of you falling back into your old habits. That is one reason why going for alcohol detox at home is preferred by many. This way you will learn to cope with not drinking alcohol again in your own environment, which is probably more effective than kicking the habit in the temporary environment of a rehab center.

It is true that alcohol detox is hard and you cannot escape from this fact. Like any other form of detox, alcohol detox is also difficult. Following a detox diet can be challenging, and is often compared to drug detox and alcohol detox. Therefore, people prefer to undergo an alcohol detox in the comfort of their home. This helps them to feel more comfortable and to endure the process with less difficulty.

Alcohol Detox Difficulties at Home

Old habits die hard, so if you were a habitual drinker and used to drink at home every night, then it can be very difficult to resist drinking in the comfort of you own home, your own environment. There are different patterns that occur with different habitual drinkers. It is important to take these habits and patterns into consideration and then decide whether it is a good choice to undergo alcohol detox at home.

Nothing comes easy in life, so if you want to get better you will also have to face these challenges. But there is a bright side to undergoing alcohol detox at home, since you will be at home even after the treatment is over there are fewer chances that you will go back to your old habit of drinking once you have completed your detox program.

There is always a chance for drinkers to change, once the environment they live in changes. That is why those who go through alcohol detox at the rehab center, find it extremely difficult to resist temptation once they are released from the rehab center. So if you do decide to face the challenge of an alcohol detox at home, then you are better prepared for the difficult time after your detox program is over and therefore stand a better chance of overcoming your alcoholism.

The Reason Why is Alcohol Addictive

Why is alcohol addictive? In the first place, anything which changes our state of consciousness, has the potential to be addictive and alcohol is obviously one of these. Drinking a great deal of alcohol can turn some people into an addict, constantly craving for alcohol.

The drug that is contained in alcohol which produces certain feelings of satisfaction amongst other things depending on the individual gets to a brain in only 30 seconds. Alcohol releases dopamine into the brain. Alcohol also causes the release of certain types of endorphins into the brain which are certain affects on our moods. This is what causes the addiction, and the brain starts to have a reliance on alcohol for the production of endorphins.

Fortunately, alcohol is not a highly addictive drug, not like smoking for example. Few people ever actually get addicted to alcohol and entirely rely on it, but, there are some people for whom it is a very big problem.

When consuming alcohol, it is strongly advisable that you eat as well at the same time. This is because if you are drinking on an empty stomach and you're not consuming any food at the same time as drinking, the amount of alcohol flowing in your blood stream can be as much as three times more than someone who is already eaten. Also, the speed and amount of consumption is also important to keep an eye on.

When alcohol is consumed, it gets to the brain quickly and eventually the alcohol level in the brain can reach the same level as that in the bloodstream. At this stage depressive effects can result and poor balance can occur. There are another of obvious, well known symptoms, and although a lot of us may enjoy drinking, it should be done in moderation, otherwise not only can it be addictive, but it can also be damaging to the health.

Alcohol Detox Symptoms Explained

Alcohol abuse and addiction can break a family apart. Fore-armed with some knowledge about what to expect during the detoxification process will help ensure that your family works together to beat the addiction.

Alcohol Detox Symptoms
First, if you have not already done so, you need to understand the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Oddly enough, the body can begin to exhibit signs of detoxing and inebriation at the same time. If the alcohol level is not at its normal (high) levels, then the body begins the withdrawal process. Some of the signs of alcohol detox are: insomnia and nightmares, restlessness and anxiety. This means that your loved one is going to be on edge, night and day during the road to sobriety.

As the body metabolizes the remaining alcohol, more dangerous symptoms appear including, tremors, vomiting, high blood pressure and racing heart rate. The body is experiencing the shock of not having the chemicals it is used to having. It is these (and the following symptoms) that make me suggest that no one try alcohol detox at home. There are alcohol detox centers everywhere and it is a safer way to get sober. The blood pressure and racing heart are dangerous no matter your age, but particularly for older people, these can be, literally, killer symptoms.

In addition, the brain is having its own trauma in response to the lack of alcohol. Some of the symptoms there are: impaired memory, sensitivity to light, sounds and tactile sensations. In some cases people experience paranoia and hallucinations. These are the most troubling for a loved one to witness. The idea of the sensitivity is bad enough. Patients often complain that their clothes are hurting them, for example. But the paranoia and the hallucinations are horrifying to watch.

How Long Does It Last?
This is a good question. The unfortunate answer is that a full and true detox from alcohol will take at least three weeks. There are residual symptoms that linger for another, usually, three weeks. So the full detoxification is a six week process. The first three weeks are the most dangerous. Besides the risk of seizures and heart failure, there are unpleasant results like diarrhea, vomiting and heavy sweats. These bring the risk of dehydration, of course, so there are no laughing matter. On a scale, however, they seem mild in comparison to say, a seizure.

Next Steps
As a family, you need to move forward once the alcohol detox is done. Counseling, a 12-step program, family therapy, some or all of these things are in your future. Helping your loved one live a clean and sober life will be the gift you give to yourself and the whole family every day. It is worth the journey, worth the pain and worth the effort.

Several Causes of Panic Attacks

You may be having a panic attack if you suddenly feel intense anxiety accompanied by a rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, sweating and trembling. The reason for these attacks is not clear but it is believed to be a mix of biological and environmental factors.

Genetics has been explored as a possible reason that some people have panic attacks. Just like physical characteristics (such as eye color or hair) can be passed down through families, there is evidence that these disorders can also run in families. Some people may have the genetic make up that will lead to having panic disorders. Somewhere in their family either past or present may be a relative with a panic disorder or another emotional disorder (such as depression).

Brain abnormalities could also be another possible reason for panic attacks. This kind of disorder could be caused by particular changes in the way that parts of the brain work. Studies have suggested that many times these attacks occur along with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or post traumatic stress disorder. There is also the chance that psychotic symptoms can lead to panic attacks. Psychotic episodes may also come before or foretell the start of particular anxiety disorders as well such as post traumatic stress disorder. Through research, it has also been suggested that a person's basic reaction to danger (stay and fight or run away) is associated with panic attacks. Your body's natural warning system is composed of both medical and physical parts that help you to respond to changes such as increased heart rate and breathing pattern. When you are having an attack, these feelings are triggered even though there is no danger. There is no known reason for what causes a panic attack when there is no clear sign of danger. In some cases, this disorder may be triggered by extreme stress in an individual's life such as the death of someone you love or a major life change such as separation from someone you love. Some researchers have concluded that when these types of stresses occur, they lower your resistance and cause your latent physical predisposition to bring about a panic attack.

These attacks may be produced by an environmental cause such as an addiction. An individual suffering from substance abuse who is high on or going through withdrawal from drugs or alcohol may suffer from panic disorder. It is possible that both the biological and environmental reasons for a panic disorder may work together at times. Usually, these attacks hit without warning. Someone who suffers from panic attacks may find that they bring on an attack in response to physical symptoms of an attack. For example, if someone who suffers from a panic disorder were to experience a racing heartbeat caused by an outside source such as medication, they might consider this to be a symptom of an attack. This may cause the person to actually have a panic attack brought on by their apprehension because much of the fear related to these attacks is the fear of having another attack. The precise cause of panic disorders are not totally understood, therefore it is crucial that you find help through different types of therapy.

The Dangers of Alcoholism and Withdrawal

Before you decide to go cold turkey, be aware of the many dangers associated with alcoholism and withdrawal. Many people do not realize that health risks are just as high with withdrawal from alcohol use as with actual consumption. Withdrawal can also trigger mental and emotional reactions that can be dangerous and even fatal.

When you think of withdrawal from the use of any substance, you imagine someone shaking uncontrollably and who is possibly incoherent. This is similar to the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. You will experience a variety of physical and mental sensations that can be quite dangerous to you and others around you.

Your physical symptoms may include extreme agitation. You are unlikely to be able to sit down for extended periods of time. You will feel overly anxious and may even have panic attacks. Panic attacks can cause you to react violently if someone approaches you to help. Your reaction to having a panic attack can result in injury to yourself or someone trying to assist you. This is not intentional but can still be dangerous.

Additional symptoms include tremors and vomiting. A potentially life threatening situation occurs when the withdrawal causes you to experience elevating blood pressure or increasing body temperature. Both symptoms need to be addressed immediately following detection. You may have to be hospitalized so medical professionals can monitor your overall health condition.

One of the most severe dangers of withdrawal from alcohol is convulsions. If you decide to abruptly sustain from alcohol, you should not be alone. Take the necessary precautions. Have a friend stay with you for a few days. If you have a seizure when alone, you can panic and cause more harm to yourself. And if you need immediate attention, you are not able to help yourself.

Many believe that all of the symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal are physical. In fact, some of the most dangerous are mental reactions to the withdrawal. You may begin to hallucinate. This can create within you irrational fear causing you to believe someone or something is present when in reality you are alone. You may become paranoid or delusional. All of these symptoms can cause you to react irrationally in non-threatening situations. As a result, you can harm yourself or someone else.

The dangers of alcoholism and withdrawal are well documented. You have taken the first step towards regaining control of your life by ridding yourself of alcohol. Do yourself a favor and be prepared for what is to come. It is likely to get worse before it gets better for you. But it will get better.

A Pill to Stop Alcohol Cravings

If only the cravings for alcohol would go away, people trying to overcome the grip of alcoholism would stand a much better chance of fighting off the disease. Anybody who has had alcohol cravings knows what this is all about. It's one thing to experience a little temptation, but it's another to have an overwhelming, persistent urge and need for alcohol. There's always a problem. First we want to take the edge off the troubles of the day, so we have a drink. Then we want to take the edge off the craving for alcohol.

Those who have participated in 12-Step recovery turn to their "higher power" for strength and support, trusting that the "higher power" will restore them to sanity. They decide turn their will and their lives over to the care of God, as they understand Him, to be a guiding light and source of comfort. This is accomplished through an ever-deepening, personal relationship. But this is America and we want relief NOW. There might be a pharmacological intervention.

The drug baclofen is a muscle relaxant, used to treat muscle symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis. The symptoms include spasms, stiffness and pain. Some of the side effects include impairment of thinking or reactions, so patients who need to be awake and alert need to be careful when using this drug. Patients who have used baclofen for a long time may experience serious withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures or hallucinations. The use of baclofen to help alcoholics with their cravings is relatively new, so there isn't an abundance of clinical testing

I read an article on medscape.com, which discussed results of clinical testing for patients with advanced liver disease. The 2007 study cast baclofen in a favorable light for a medical intervention.

"In conclusion, our results suggest that baclofen, because of its anti-craving action and safety, could have an important role for treatment of alcohol-dependent patients with advanced liver disease," the researchers, with first author Giovanni Addolorato, MD, from the Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, in Italy, write. "We have shown that a pharmacological agent can promote alcohol abstinence and prevent alcohol relapse in individuals with alcoholic liver disease."

Patients with acidosis, who cannot stop drinking and are faced with death if they fail to stop doing so, and any treatment can't move forward as long as they are drinking. But this is a severe case. What about other patients with alcoholism, who are not in the latter stages of liver disease, or who are in one of the earlier stages of alcoholism?

Assuming that baclofen is safe and appropriate for treatment of alcohol cravings does it represent a one-stop cure for alcoholism? This introduces an interesting topic for discussion. Aside from physical dependence or alcohol cravings, what about other factors that contribute to one becoming an alcoholic, such as psychological makeup, environment or genetics? If I drink, for example, to numb the pain in my life, will taking away alcohol cravings help that pain to subside?

I can see baclofen as a piece of the solution puzzle, in limited cases. But I can't help but get back to 12 Step, because it is incorporated into an interdisciplinary program, meaning that physical, emotional and spiritual issues are addressed. Pharmacological interventions do not sooth the human spirit, nor with baclofen heal broken relationships. I can see, however, how this drug intervention, in theory, can save the lives of patients in the cases discussed in the study. I would caution against looking to a pill as a "cure."

The anti-12 Step crowd will herald any drug intervention as being a positive alternative to 12 Step, mainly because 12 Step takes time and is far more difficult than taking a pill. Baclofen does not require honesty, openness and willingness, nor does it necessitate self-examination. Perhaps baclofen can stop the alcohol cravings, or be used as a tool to help a person regain control of his/her life, and help bring about a return to health. I have no issue with this. But if the whole person is not treated, then the hole in the spirit that is filled with alcohol, or some other destructive force, is still there.

Treatments of Diabetes

Before the discovery of insulin in 1921, everyone with type 1 diabetes died within a few years after diagnosis. Although insulin is not considered a cure, its discovery was the first major breakthrough in diabetes treatment.

Today, healthy eating, physical activity, and insulin via injection or an insulin pump are the basic therapies for type 1 diabetes. The amount of insulin must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose checking.

Healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose testing are the basic management tools for type 2 diabetes. In addition, many people with type 2 diabetes require oral medication and insulin to control their blood glucose levels.

People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care. Much of the daily care involves keeping blood glucose levels from going too low or too high. When blood glucose levels drop too low from certain diabetes medicines--a condition known as hypoglycemia--a person can become nervous, shaky, and confused. Judgment can be impaired. If blood glucose falls too low, a person can faint.

Treatment of type 1 diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes must be treated with insulin shots. This involves injecting insulin under the skin -- in the fat -- for it to get absorbed into the blood stream where it can then access all the cells of the body which require it. Insulin cannot be taken as a pill because the juices in the stomach would destroy the insulin before it could work. Lack of insulin production by the pancreas makes type 1 diabetes particularly difficult to control. Treatment requires a strict regimen that typically includes a carefully calculated diet, planned physical activity, home blood glucose testing several times a day, and multiple daily insulin injections.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes: Treatment typically includes diet control, exercise, home blood glucose testing, and, in some cases, oral medication and/or insulin. Approximately 40 percent of people with type 2 diabetes require insulin injections.

Take a Close Look on the Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

The term opiate can be associated with the narcotic opioid alkaloids named opium which is an extract from the unripe seed of the opium poppy, natural and semi-synthetic derivatives of morphine. These natural derivatives do not affect our central nervous system that other semi-synthetic opioids such as cocaine, oxycodone and other drugs do. About 9 percent of the population is considered to exploit opiates over the course of their lifetime, including illicit drugs like cocaine and prescribed analgesics such as Oxycontin. They, in most cases are charged of using those drugs or medications unnecessarily at a greater amount over time. The prolonged habit of taking those drugs increase tolerance level and progressively it takes into grasp the peripheral and central nervous system making the body and mind dependent on it.

The physical and mental condition of the addict deteriorates when he tries to shun the habit. Then, to avoid the severe byproducts of discontinuation, the patient relapses and relies on the drug. When the use of drugs is terminated, the body needs time to recover to its previous healthy state. The symptoms arises this time, is widely known as withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can sound well and soothing, but really it is not because it is a long and strenuous process which can cause permanent damage to your heart, lungs and brain. For patients, who are very weak and prone to compromise, are subject to special care and if not provided, withdrawal can steer to death.

The time line of various opiate withdrawal syndromes is elaborated to let you know the affectations of drugs. After an hour of alienation, diarrhea and feeling of lethargy come to the fore. Then the patient suffers from extreme sweating along with fatigue and loss of appetite. After some 20 hours the addict feels acute pain all over the body. After the problem of diarrhea gone because of no food intake, the patient explores excessive overflow of emotions and gets into utmost depression. These are the probable side effects of opiate withdrawal. Other complications can take place due to drug overdose after the detox period. At the post treatment period, the patient's tolerance to drugs is reduced and then if one takes a small dosage of those drugs; it can prove to be quite dangerous which also can challenge life.

The main problem during the period is relapse. These opiate withdrawal syndromes are obvious to make the process difficult for getting rid of addiction. In order to palm off the problem, one has to have strong determination. It is not that much easy, as time would be rolling up, the person will be compelled to take those illicit drugs, thus making it tougher. The best option is, however to contact a drug rehabilitation center such as drug rehab sunset Malibu where the treatment is not only special but also comes equipped with some courses on mental stability and spirituality enhancement. At the drug rehab center, the patients are a subject to profound care and they assure complete cure through innovative programs.

How to Stop Foot Sweat - 4 Ways to Avoid Smelly Feet

If you need to know how to stop foot sweat then you're in the right place. Foot sweat can be especially embarrassing due to the unpleasant odor but thankfully there are many ways to fix it. Discover the methods you need to know in this article.

Clinical Strength Antiperspirant

This is the first place that you should start. Did you know that your doctor can prescribe you with a medical grade roll-on that can be used on your foot or any other part of the skin?

The best thing is that you need to only use it once per week.

Wear Breathable Footwear

Oh, and don't forget. Make sure to wear good quality footwear. By this I mean that your shoes should be made from leather and also contain good ventilation holes.

Also wear 100% cotton athletic socks and be sure to not wear the same pair of socks or shoes for two days in a row.

Iontophoresis

If you have very sweaty feet and the above measures have not worked, then you might want to consider this treatment.

You place your feet into a shallow tray of tap water. A low electric current is then passed which is not painful, rather it is said to produce a "tingling" sensation and nothing more.

A couple of sessions of iontophoresis can keep your sweat at bay for up to 3 to 4 weeks.

Natural Methods

You might also want to consider some natural methods. Modify your diet and reduce your intake of animal fats. Increase the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet. Preferably, eat the vegetables raw i.e. uncooked.

Increase your meals per day to 6 and decrease the portion size. Start a regular exercise regime of a half hour workout at least 3 times per week if you are not already doing so.

It is theorized that the imbalance in the sympathetic nervous system that causes excess sweating could be caused by a modern westernized diet and lifestyle.

How To Know If You Have An Alcohol Addiction

Many turn to alcohol for various reasons. Yet few do so with regard that alcohol drunk in huge quantities can cause tremendous harm and damage to your internal organs such as liver and stomach. Alcohol is toxins and can cause liver-related diseases as well as varicose-like veins in the stomach's lining, which can rupture any second. Once it does, internal bleeding occurs, resulting in many complications.

Headache and nausea are immediate effects when you drink alcohol excessively. Your mental clarity gets affected and you begin to feel dizzy. On a longer term basis, having too much alcohol can also cause your skin to look sallow.

It is best to seek help and support for an alcohol addiction. You first need to acknowledge that you have reached a point whereby you cannot do without alcohol. Here is some warning signs that you need to pay attention to, in order to determine if you are addicted to alcohol or are just a social drinker:

o Are you turning more and more to alcohol for solace or running away from your other problems?
The feeling of wanting to belong and be socially accepted is common. Drinking alcohol can make you feel that you on top of the world and create a feeling that you are accepted by your friends and society. Or you may be facing stress at work or having some financial problems. You turn to drinking to temporarily help you forget your woes. What you forget is that the effects of being drunk and alcoholic can be more detrimental than beneficial.

o Are you taking time off from work just to drink?
If you are, you may be addicted to alcohol. Alcoholics tend to disregard the future consequences of what they do. They lose their motivation and have no focus in their jobs and careers.

o Are your drinking sprees causing you rifts with family members?
Your family members are likely to be the first ones who notice about your drinking habits. They start to raise concerns but you do not really want to hear them nagging away. Alcoholics become so addicted to their drinks that they often fail to see that their family members really want the best for them.

o Do you want to drink the very next morning after a night out in the bar?
An obvious sign of being addicted to alcohol is if you always think about having a glass of whiskey at any time of the day. Or maybe you have a regular 11:00 pm nightcap and cannot sleep without it. If you are indeed experiencing these, talk to a trusted health professional. It may well be the start of a dangerous alcohol addiction.

Studies have shown that a relapse is more likely when you have traces of alcohol in your body. You will need to undergo an alcohol detoxification program to thoroughly cleanse yourself of these traces. Liver cleansing can also help you reduce the chance of developing liver failure or other liver related problems.

Constipation

Prologue and Rationale

Constipation is the main cause of many disorders in the body. It is a common disturbance in the digestive system, which hinders the bowel movement. As a result toxins produced in the body are not eliminated and they find their way into the blood stream and are carried to all parts of the body. Due to this the resistance of the entire system is lowered. Constipation has different meanings depending on person to person. Some are of a view that if they are not having bowel movement daily they are constipated. But it's a wrong belief as it varies from person to person. Some may have bowel movement three times a day and some may have thrice a week, it varies from person to person. One is considered to be constipated if he or she is having pain while passing bowel or the bowels are not completely emptied when they move.

Symptoms

The various symptoms of constipation are-

· Hard, small and dry faeces

· Painful bowel movement

· Infrequent bowel movement

· Weight loss

· Pain in the abdomen

· Nausea

· Loss of appetite

· Diarrhea

· Uncomfortable feeling

· Pimples on the face

· Mouth ulcers

· Coated tongue

· Foul breath

· Acidity

· Headache

· Heart burn

· Insomnia

· Depression

· Dizziness

· Feeling of fullness in the stomach

· Abdominal pain

Causes

The most important cause of constipation is wrong diet and wrong living habits. Excessive intake of refined foods that lack vitamins and minerals, low consumption of water or liquids, consumption of meat in large amounts, high intake if tea and coffee, overeating, incomplete chewing of food, wrong combination of foods, irregular eating habits may contribute to the onset of constipation. Other causes may be the weakness of abdominal muscles due to sedentary working conditions, lack of physical activity, emotional stress and depression. Various diseases like tumors, diabetes, hyperacidity, colitis and sluggish liver are also the causes of chronic constipation. The other main cause of constipation is holding back stools despite pressure.

Treatment

1. Drinking hot water with sour limejuice and half a teaspoon of salt is an effective remedy for constipation.

2. A teaspoon of linseed taken with water before each meal provides bulk and lubrication, thus curing constipation.

3. The juice of two oranges taken in the morning with empty stomach for 8-10 days relieves constipation.

4. Regular drinking of water is highly beneficial for cleaning the system. Normally 6-8 glasses of water are recommended for digesting and dissolving the food nutrients.

5. Drinking water, which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel when taken in the morning with empty stomach, will give immediate relief from constipation.

6. Dip 10-12 dry grapes without seeds in milk and boil the milk. Now chew the grapes and drink the milk. This is more beneficial when taken at night.

7. A cold friction bath taken daily in the morning also cures constipation.

8. 1-2 teaspoons of almond oil taken with milk at night for 3-4 days also relieves constipation.

9. Make chapatti of wheat (two parts) and roasted black gram powder (one part) along with their husk.

10. Dip two teaspoonfuls of Spiegel seeds in water for 6 hour, add equal amount of sugar and take this with water at night.

11. Cabbage juice half cup taken twice-daily cures constipation.

12. Mango is a natural reliever of constipation.

13. Chronic constipation can be cured with high intake of figs dipped in water and taken in the morning time.

14. Daily intake of guava with empty stomach in the morning time is highly beneficial.

15. The juice of two oranges taken in the morning with empty stomach for 8-10 days relieves constipation.

16. Vajrasana of various yogasanas is also beneficial for curing constipation.

17. Dip Spiegel seeds 5-10 grams in 200 grams of warm milk. Add sugar and take this at night.

18. 2-4 teaspoonfuls of castor oil also relieves constipation

19. 4 grams of triphala powder when taken with 200 grams of warm water or milk also relieves constipation.

20. Carrot juice mixed with spinach juice gives immediate relief from constipation.

21. Dates along with milk also relieve constipation.

Diet

Improper diet and fluids cause constipation. So, very heavy foods containing fats such as creams, pastries, puddings, proteins like cheese, chicken and fried foods should be avoided. The intake of raw foods like green vegetables, salad and fresh foods should be increased. The high fibre diet including soybean, Bengal gram, fruits like apple, figs, guava, grapes, lemon, dates, orange, grains like barley, oatmeal, maize, wheat flour, whole wheat, rice flakes, refined wheat flour should be taken. High carbohydrate fibre containing diet like carrot, dry peas, rajmah, drumstick are also helpful in preventing constipation. Excessive tea and coffee, smoking and chewing tobacco also leads to constipation so they all should be avoided. Proper chewing of food helps in easy digestion, thus, avoiding constipation.

Gentle aperients for people suffering from constipation

1. Olive oil: one teaspoon of olive oil taken at the morning time lubricates the system and enhances the bowel movement.

2. Bran: 2 teaspoons taken daily ensures a regular movement.

3. Lemon and honey: squeeze the juice of half lemon into hot water with a pinch of sea salt and one teaspoon of honey. Drink this in the morning time for regular bowel movements.

Epilepsy Facts

More than 2.5 million Americans suffer from some type of epilepsy. Epilepsy is defined as any condition that is characterized by seizures. Seizures come in many forms but all have one thing in common, abnormal electrical brain activity. This abnormal activity causes an involuntary change in body movement or function. There are many different kinds of seizures and they vary in intensity and duration. An estimated $15.5 billion annually is spent on medical costs and lost wages associated with epilepsy.

Two main types of seizures

The two main types of seizures are primary generalized seizures and partial seizures. Primary generalized seizures include both sides of the brain. Partial seizures include a localized portion of the brain. People with partial seizures often have seizures that go unnoticed by those around them. They may appear to stare off into space or blink rapidly. In contrast, a person having a primary generalized seizure may cry out, have ridged muscle jerks, fall down or appear to pass out.

Not all people who experience seizures have epilepsy. Seizures can be caused by high fever, low blood sugar, withdrawal from drugs or alcohol and as the result of a concussion. People who suffer a seizure from one of these should be treated for the condition not for epilepsy, especially if there is no indication of prior seizures.

It is known that several conditions and events can increase the risk of developing epilepsy. These include oxygen deprivation during birth, brain infections, stroke, certain neurological diseases, brain tumors and genetic disorders. Although we know these factors can increase the risk, in over two thirds of all cases of epilepsy no underlying cause can be identified.

Treatment options

There are several treatment options for those suffering from epilepsy depending on the type and cause. The primary course of action is antiepileptic drugs. There are many different types of drugs available and a healthcare provider will work with the patient to find the best medication that will control the seizures. Close monitoring after starting a medication is necessary to access the drug's effectiveness and to control side effects. About two thirds of all patients treated with drugs are fully controlled.

Surgery is an option for those who suffer from partial epilepsy. Since the abnormal brain activity is localized, surgery to remove the affected area has been shown to lessen or totally stop seizures. This type of surgery is commonly used to treat seizures that are focused on the temporal lobe.

When medications are not affective or surgery is not an option, other methods are often considered. An electrical device implanted into the vagus nerve in the neck has been used. Some people find a ketogenic diet, high in fat and low in carbohydrates and calories to be of assistance. Seeing a physician who specializes in epilepsy can help find the best plan of action that works to control seizures and allows the patient to live a normal life.

Food Therapy For Anxiety Disorder

Food therapy itself is not going to cure your anxiety disorder unless it was caused by a nutritional deficiency, which is rare. However, the food you eat has such a huge impact on your state of mind that no anxiety sufferer can ignore their eating habits, even if he or she has undergone successful cognitive behavioral therapy.

The food you eat affects your emotional state more than you realize. A lack of certain minerals has been proven to cause anxiety and depression. For this reason, all anxiety sufferers should switch permanently to a healthier diet whether or not they can feel a difference in the short term. Getting yourself cured through some form of CBT will only be temporary if you continue to eat a diet of mainly processed junk food.

You could write a whole book on recommended foods for anxiety sufferers. But just to get you started, try to get more of the following nutrients into your diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, B Complex Vitamins, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Selenium, and Zinc. It is best to get these nutrients in freshly cooked food rather than food supplement pills. If you eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, switch to whole grain breads, rice and pastas and eat lots of oily fish, you will get enough of these nutrients to buffer the effects of your anxiety.

The B complex vitamins are crucial for combating anxiety and depression, particularly B1, B3, B6, B9 and B12. Some foods high in B vitamins are liver, oily fish, avocado, cereal grains, lentils, bananas, soybeans, beef, dairy products, eggs, molasses and brewer's yeast. Bananas are especially great for anxiety relief. Eat as much as you can.

If you are going to take vitamins supplements, note that the B3 vitamin for anxiety is niacinamide, not niacin. Look for niacinamide or nicotinamide on the label before you buy.

You can do more research yourself on what foods are high in the nutrients you need. But what I would like to talk about now is how you should change your diet. In a word, GRADUALLY. When it comes to anxiety disorder, stop looking for instant cures. You are re-programming yourself, so phase in everything slowly and comfortably.

Anxiety sufferers are usually pretty low on patience and discipline, the two qualities needed to change a major lifestyle pattern. You need to make up for that lack with a sense of enjoyment and fun. When you go through the food charts, look for foods that you would enjoy eating.

If you rarely cook for yourself, making cooking your new hobby will not only vastly improve your diet but it is also a fantastic form of diversion therapy for anxiety. Cooking for yourself gives you a chance to sample high end foods like salmon or tuna steaks for not a lot of money. If you cut out junk food, you'd be surprised to discover that you can make healthy gourmet meals for more or less the same money.

If you are a heavy consumer of coffee and alcohol, you need to quit both eventually. High caffeine and alcohol consumption will flush out tons of vitamins and minerals from your body and make you dehydrated. But again, you need to cut back on them gradually.

Never quit anything cold turkey while you are recovering from anxiety or your anxiety will skyrocket. Make up a withdrawal chart and track your progress with it. Give yourself several months to comfortably withdraw from something. Charts like these can give you a huge sense of accomplishment. Lastly, drink water. Lots and lots of it. Dehydration makes anxiety so much worse.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy is manifested by waxing and waning alterations in mental standing that happen as a consequence of superior decompensated liver disease or portal-to-systemic shunting. Abnormalities range from subtle alterations in psychological status to profound obtundation.

Changes within the rest pattern beginning with hypersomnia and progressing to reversal of the sleep-wake cycle are frequently an early sign. Cognitive changes consist of a full spectrum of psychological abnormalities, ranging from mild confusion, apathy, agitation, euphoria, and restlessness, to marked confusion as well as coma.

Motor changes range from fine tremor, slowed coordination, and asterixis to decerebrate posturing and flaccidity. Asterixis is really a phenomenon of intermittent myoelectrical silence manifested by many muscle groups and improved by exhaustion. It is greatest demonstrated by asking the individual to flex the wrists with fingers extended ("stop traffic") after which observing a flapping motion from the fingers.

It is thought to become because of reduced sensory input to the brainstem reticular formation, leading to transient lapses in posture. Cerebral edema, which is an important accompanying feature in patients with encephalopathy in acute liver illness, is not seen in cirrhotic patients with encephalopathy.

Common precipitants of encephalopathy are onset of GI bleeding, elevated dietary protein intake, and an increased catabolic rate producing from infection (including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis). Similarly, because of compromised first-pass clearance of ingested medicines, affected individuals are exquisitely delicate to sedatives along with other medicines normally metabolized within the liver.

Other causes consist of electrolyte imbalance as a result of diuretics, vomiting, alcohol ingestion or withdrawal, or procedures such as Ideas. The pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy is badly understood. One proposed mechanism postulates that the encephalopathy is caused by poisons in the gut such as ammonia, extracted from metabolic degradation of urea or protein; glutamine, extracted from degradation of ammonia; or mercaptans, derived from degradation of sulfur-containing compounds.

Because of anatomic or functional portal-systemic shunts, these toxins bypass the liver's detoxification processes and produce alterations in psychological status. Elevated amounts of ammonia, glutamine, and mercaptans could be found in the blood vessels and cerebrospinal fluid. However, blood ammonia and spinal fluid glutamine levels correlate badly using the presence and severity of encephalopathy.

Alternatively, there may be impairment from the regular blood-brain barrier, rendering the CNS susceptible to various noxious agents. Elevated levels of other substances, including metabolic products for example short-chain fatty acids and endogenous benzodiazepine-like metabolites, have also been found in the blood vessels. Importantly, some patients show enhancement in encephalopathy when treated with flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist.

A third proposed system postulates a part for GABA, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter from the brain. GABA is created within the gut, and increased levels are found in the blood vessels of patients with liver failure. A fourth proposal postulates that there's an elevated entry of aromatic amino acids to the CNS, resulting in elevated synthesis of "false" neurotransmitters for example octopamine and decreased synthesis of regular neurotransmitters for example norepinephrine.

Finding the Beat

When I finally fell asleep yesterday it was for only a little while, but long enough for me to fall into the dreamy slumber of la-la land. I awoke a short time later a bit refreshed and perplexed about the dream I had just emerged from.

Dreams are often the missing pieces of the ideas I can't grasp when awake.

I think I was in a subway terminal, similar to that of Grand Central station. Masses of people all traveling to their here's and there's and me caught in the middle unsure which was the right way to go. I would push through the people just trying to find my way to no avail.

The more I pushed...the more they pushed back.

It went on like this for what seemed like an eternity. Finally I stepped aside, leaned back on the tiled wall and stopped for a moment.

Stopped doing the very thing that was causing such resistance.
Stopped to take a look at the whole picture.

Stopped long enough to hear that behind the shuffling of feet, laughter, crying babies, loudspeaker announcements, whistles, coins in cans, shouting...there was something else.

Music.

They were all moving to a beat of their own . Like one big wave of the ocean descending down. Each person a drop of water in the fluid mass moving together as one.

They were "grooving" to the universal beat.

Every person moved a little different.

Danced to a song all their own.

Some bopped there heads.

Others hummed softly to themselves.

Then there were the ones whose voice flat out boomed across the station in an acappella harmony that sent shivers up my spine. No one danced to anyone else's song; there was no need to, for everyone had their own.

I awoke shortly after with small remnants of the dream still lingering in my consciousness, but not enough to fully grasp any type of significance as it related to my life.

My baby Brother(who is no longer a baby) engagement party was today. For weeks my family has been running around preparing for the party being held at my parents house. Now with all the food done, flowers arranged, decorations adorned and favors set aside...all that was required was the guests to arrive.

But we were not the only ones having a party that day.

Behind us was a block party.

Diagonal from us was a block party.

My hometown has become quite the place for parties in the past few years.

This was the first of them in over 12 years where I was no longer the outsider.

The drug addict.

The fuck-up.

The one they whispered about thinking I wouldn't hear.

I was part of the party.

Family members that used to play polite with me surprised me with real conversations that did not teeter on the edge of absurd. I ran around with my nieces and nephews, talked with Aunt's, laughed with Uncles, and reminisced with my brother's friends that had also been mine so many years ago.

At the end of the party I sat outside with my parents, my sisters, their husbands, their children, my brother, his wife to be...and old friends.

In the darkness we sat together laughing out loud.

Staring up in to the dark night sky.

Slapping at the mosquitoes desperate to get drunk from our blood.

I got up to get myself a soda from the cooler and before heading back stopped for a moment.

I listed to the beat in the background

The different music from all the parties going on.

Heard the laughter that mingled up from them all.

All of it occurring at once.

With no resistance.

All the many different aspect of us all floated high into the dark night with our laughter, mingling together momentarily before rising above to mark our presence as one

Is Drinking Getting In The Way Of Your Life?

Let me preface this article by acknowledging that I quit drinking a while ago because I felt that drinking was getting in the way of my life. Is drinking getting in the way of yours? Who knows, but I figure by relaying my story, it may help someone else. I decided about a year ago that I was letting drinking get in the way of my life. Actually, in the time since I've been out, I've realized that I let drinking get in the way of my life for quite a long time.

Actually that's probably one of the biggest realizations that I've arrived at in my life. The realization that while I was drinking, I wasn't really thinking clearly, although I thought I was. One of my biggest excuses was that I liked the 'taste' of beer. The taste of beer? What the hell does that even mean? I haven't had a beer in over a year and I haven't missed the taste at all. I've realized that it was never about the taste, I just told myself it was. The bottom line is when I was drinking everyday, I wasn't thinking clearly.

Was I an alcoholic? I don't make distinctions like that, but I know I drank everyday. On average it had to be a twelve pack of beer a day. If that's an alcoholic, then I guess I'm in the club. I was in love with beer, and thought that I needed it. At the end of the day I realized I liked the way it made me "feel". I liked the buzz. Once I came to grips with that little fact, I realized that I needed to make some changes. I was searching for something, and found it, artificially mind you, in beer.

It's funny, I feel as id I woke up a year ago and realized that fifteen years had passed without me accomplishing much of anything other than drinking a ton of alcohol. The way I see it, I tried drinking for fifteen years and didn't accomplish much, I'll tfry not drinking foir the next fifteen years and see what happens. If the second fifteen years isn't better, screw it, I'll start drinking again! The point is that I felt that drinking was getting in the way of my life, and maybe you should evaluate your life, and see if it's getting in the way of yours. Remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "It is not length of life, but depth of life." When I was drinking, there was no depth, that's about all I know.

Alcoholic Spouse - What Happens When Only One Spouse Decides to Quit Drinking Alcohol?

It is very bad luck for a child to be born into an alcoholic family that has one alcoholic parent. However, it is truly the worst luck to have two alcoholic parents.

As a psychiatrist that specializes in addiction, this is not an uncommon scenario. Not only are their children at twice the genetic risk of developing an alcohol problem, the chance of both alcoholic parents remaining clean and sober is not very high.

Here is a case from my psychiatric practice:

M.F. and S.V. met in college. At that time, every one around them was drinking and using drugs so that their drug and alcohol use did not stand out. However, they are both thirty years old now and have a son in 8th grade and a daughter in 4th grade. M.F. and his wife S.V. have continued drinking excessively with no significant periods of sobriety (except S.V. during her pregnancies).

M.F. is a successful entrepreneur and his wife is a stay at home mom. They go out with friends almost every night and basically use and abuse alcohol. M.F. decided to get a psychiatric evaluation because he feels depressed and anxious over his financial difficulties. His formerly successful business took a downturn during the tough economic times of the last several years.

I prescribed a medication to prevent alcohol withdrawal and explained that an antidepressant would not work for his depression if he continued his alcohol abuse. I explained that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and actually causes depression.

He committed to staying clean and sober for 8 weeks, but would not agree to go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. He just wanted to try to quit drinking alcohol for several months to see if he could do it.

M.F.'s mood improved significantly after 4 weeks on an antidepressant medication. He had minimal cravings for alcohol (I put him on an anti craving medication as well). He was much more much effective at work and faced problems as they arose. He said he felt on top of his game.

However, his home life was stained. He no longer drank alcohol when he and his wife went out to dinner with friends. His alcoholic wife continued to get drunk right in front of him. Many times, he often left early without her or chose to stay at home with their children.

His alcoholic wife continued her alcoholic behavior. She drank nightly with friends and slept a good part of the day. On several occasions when he was out with her, he almost had an alcohol relapse. He felt angry and resentful watching her drink.

M.F. tells me he is very judgmental toward his alcoholic wife even though he has had a significant alcohol problem himself for so many years. Now that he is clean and sober, he realizes that his wife spends her time either abusing alcohol or suffering the effects of alcohol. She barely participates in the family other than getting their children to and from school. The children have essentially been raising themselves.

Conversely, his alcoholic wife complains to him that he is acting self- righteous about quitting drinking alcohol even though he has been clean and sober for such a short time. M.F. confides in me he is thinking about divorce unless his wife chooses to quit drinking alcohol.

This case illustrates the strain on an alcoholic family when either the alcoholic husband or alcoholic wife begins recovery before the other one follows suit. The spouse in alcoholic recovery quickly sees the tremendous impact of alcoholic behavior on the family and is no longer as tolerant or supportive of his/her addicted spouse.

In my 21 years of practice, the best scenario is for both alcoholic spouses to be recovery together. If one of the alcoholic spouses refuses to quit drinking alcohol or will not consider any alcohol treatment options the chance of the alcoholic family staying together is very slim. Families Anonymous is an excellent 12 step program to help alcoholic families.