Global Digital Store – Ebooks and Softwares

Tag: Addiction

Drugs – An Ugly and Temporary Escape From Reality

[ad_1]

People that use drugs to cope with life do so because of what the drugs do to them. Most drug addicts have experienced pain from something that has happened to them in the past and the drugs, for a short time, have made that pain go away. Once they realize that the drugs do in fact make them feel better is when the abuse begins to happen.

Most drugs do a great job of taking reality out of the minds of the user. They feel free once the drugs begin to kick in. They don’t care about the past or anything of that pain that has haunted them and they feel invincible living in the moment. The only problem is that each time the addict does the drug, he or she needs to do even more of it to get to the same feeling.

What drug abusers don’t understand is that the drugs don’t take away from the problem, they only add to it. The reality of life never goes away it is just masked and distorted due to the effect that the drugs have. In order to overcome this life full of pain and hurt is not to go to drugs for relief, but to deal with life head on. And this is what the drug rehab places do so well.

Drug rehab centers are there to help the addict overcome their physical addiction to the drug or drugs. They then confine in the individual to learn that the drugs are in fact not their best escape but just a temporary release that compounds their own situation for the worst. True relief from the pain that haunts them is to see the past for what it really is, something that happened before and is now out of everyone’s control. Once they realize that they can’t change something that has happened, they can then learn to live life from this point on.

The drug rehab centers goal is to educate the addict about their illness so they can understand how to control their mind and eventually learn to live a productive life. They hope to instill in them a confidence that any goal they set to achieve can be accomplished no matter what their situation was or where they came from.

Drugs are in ugly escape from reality that gives the user an invincible feeling for a short amount of time. Drug addicts too can change but first have to become knowledgeable about their situation and then want to make the change.

[ad_2]

Source by Wade Davis

Views: 1

November 11, 2022
Different Types of Drug Rehab

[ad_1]

Drug rehab is a broad topic as there are many forms of drug rehab. Which type would suit a person with an addition would depend on the level of dependence, the type of drug addicted to, and their social situation. Some of the drug rehab centers offer medicine that will help to relieve the withdrawal symptoms, methods to address the underlying reason of additions, and intensive counseling. Many drug rehab centers offer out-patient and in-patient treatment.

Generally, every form of rehab starts in a medical locale. This is so professional health care staff can monitor the patient during chemical detoxification. This is when the drug leaves their system chemically and the patient no longer is dependent physically on the drug. Under the health care professional supervision, the patient's side-effects can be eased with medication, sleep, and proper nutrition. This is an interventionary stage and it is seldom enough to allow them to recover completely from their drug addiction because there is no psychological component.

In-patient treatment

This kind of rehab provides supervision on a full time basis in an environment that is tightly controlled. The patient can live in a community outreach center, psychiatric cent, or a facility that is connected with a hospital. The drug rehab center provides support with housing and meal plans. This form of drug rehab will usually involve an interventionary program. This can be as few as thirty days along with the belief that the patient will continue treatment as an out-patient.

Out-patient treatment

This type of rehab relies on addicts voluntarily attending treatment as an out-patient. This means that the patients will work and live independently, attend meeting, classes, or counseling sessions that are designed to give them new coping mechanisms to manage stress so they do not return to drugs. It includes a 12-step program like what is used with Alcoholics Anonymous and has a strong spiritual center. This form of drug rehab can be casual or during group therapy with a counselor trained in drug addictions in a out-patient setting.

Underlying causes

Some drug rehab centers try to address the underlying causes of repeated relapse and addition.

• Estrangement from friends and family
• Not having a support system
• Little to no employment skills
• Living in an area that is united entirely by those that use drugs
• Mental illness

Holistic approach to drug rehab

With this approach there are community centers and half-way houses where they can receive practical advice, acquire job skills, and sufficient time to remove themselves completely from old acquaintances that are still into drugs. Many times, they will allow them to stay six to twelve months. When they leave they are confident they can manage on their own without going back to drugs.

[ad_2]

Source by Lora Davis

Views: 1

July 29, 2022
Feel to Heal

[ad_1]

The healing journey is the most beautiful of journeys as it gives us an opportunity to fully transform from one unhealthy form, to a new vibrant one. Healing is a state created by oneself and it can become fully transformational to our minds, bodies, and spirits. Healing is a process of ascension to higher vibrational life force energy and the ascension process can be sped up by incorporating regular healing techniques for the mind, body, and spirit into our lifestyle.

One of the interesting concepts about healing is the concept that we must feel to heal. Most of us find a state of what we see as equilibrium through an outside mechanism. We find something that calms the nerves and it works once so we do it again, and again until it becomes an addiction. I don't see addiction in the same way as most, because I have chosen that route in the past. I don't see it with eyes of judgment but I see it with eyes of compassion and really, even congratulations that someone has found something that works to keep them surviving and functioning, even if it is at a lower level than their potential. People who are addicted to something are still here and are still coping and I honor that in my brothers and sisters. Even if we wouldn't call ourselves an addict we have all calmed our nerves with something at one point in time or another. Wine, chocolate, food, cigarettes and even exercise have been great outside tools used as calming agents.

My Reiki and coaching clients come to me because they are tired of living in survival mode and they want to feel great! They are tired of numbing themselves in order to avoid the pain. They want to feel the untainted joy that living a high vibrational life brings them. They want the magic that so many talk about.

Thankfully the mind, body, spirit journey of healing does not have to take years of therapy, but it can be done as a steady journey of feeling the old, releasing it, and making room for the new. Feeling, really feeling what is going on in our mind, body, and spirit is very empowering and can help guide us on our journey if we will make the choice to listen.

I challenge you to start feeling, so you can release what is no longer useful to you on your journey! Enjoy feeling the feels. Enjoy your healing journey!

[ad_2]

Source by Rhonda Kitts

Views: 0

July 28, 2022
Reiki Healing Can Ease Your Pain

[ad_1]

I was looking through a newspaper the other day and one thing that caught my eye was an article about the opioid crises. In this article, addiction specialist Dr Robert Lefever, spoke about how so many people are hooked on drugs that are designed to take pain away.

When this happens, someone will end up taking them for years instead of a matter of days or weeks. He didn’t blame the drugs companies, though; he pointed the finger at the doctors that are happy to keep prescribing them.

A Powerful Figure

In the western world, a doctor is often perceived as an all-powerful, all-knowing figure. Therefore, if a doctor tells someone to do something, it is unlikely that they will question what they are being told.

The fact that is has come out of this persons mouth can be seen as a sign that it is the right thing to do. Thus, if someone is in a bad way and a doctor prescribes then more pills, pills that are designed to take their pain away, why would they bat an eyelid?

Another Part

When it comes to drugs or even healing modalities, the placebo effect is often spoken about. Quite simply, this relates to the effect that one’s mind has when it comes to the impact that a drug or healing modality has on them.

In other words, what they take or what is done to them is not the only factor involved in the healing process. The way that their mind perceives what they are given or what is done will also play a part in how effective something is.

The Connection

So due to how one perceives their doctor, this person can also play a part in what effect something will have on them. Someone can then find that they feel better simply for being in their presence.

And, if this person was to give them a load of sugar pills but told one that they were powerful pain killers, they might find that they feel better after they have taken them for a while. It could be said that the placebo effect is always at work and this is because the mind can’t be cast aside.

A Number of Solutions

This doctor didn’t just talk about on what is not right or say that doctors need to change their approach, he also spoke about a number of other options that should be offered instead. There was acupuncture, transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS), and Reiki.

I was familiar with the first thing, hadn’t heard of the second thing, and had experienced the benefits of the last thing. From my own experience, I can say that Reiki can be used to take pain away and to heal the body.

A Real Example

A little while ago, I had a minor operation and once the anaesthetic wore off, I experienced a fair amount of pain. Fortunately, I had learnt Reiki healing many, many years ago and was able to use this healing technique on myself.

I placed my hands on the area where I felt pain and my hands soon felt incredibly warm. I did this for about half an hour and from that moment onwards, the pain was not as strong as it once was.

It’s not a Magic Wand

I continued to use Reiki on this area for a number of days and for the same amount of time each time, which caused the pain to diminish even more. It was then not that I did it once and then everything was fine – I was consistent with it.

In the same way that a pill needs to be taken on a regular basis to work, Reiki healing also needs to be experienced on a regular basis to have a big impact. That is, of course, unless it doesn’t, and one or a few sessions is enough.

Final Thoughts

After reading this you may believe that Reiki healing can assist you and be open to giving it a go or you may be sceptical. If you are sceptical, I can relate to what you are experiencing as I can also be very sceptical.

However, the best thing may be for you to give it a go and to see what happens. If you are in pain, and this pain has been with you for a while, it must surely be worth a go?

[ad_2]

Source by Oliver JR Cooper

Views: 0

July 25, 2022
Choosing the Best Suboxone Doctor

[ad_1]

Addiction is a growing problem in the world today and it is very important that you find a solution as soon as you notice that you have an issue. For opiate addiction like prescription drugs or heroin, the Suboxone is the first drug that you may consider. The drug is effective in the treatment of opiate addiction symptoms. It works well because it is a partial opiate. This only means that has an opiate effect that is controlled. It is effective for people who are going through opiate withdrawal.

The treatment aids in decreasing the pain of the withdrawal symptoms and detoxify your body from any opiates that may be in your system.

Why you need to choose a Suboxone doctor

Suboxone is a very powerful drug, which has to be prescribed by a doctor who has been approved to administer it. You need to choose the right doctor near you. Before doing this, it is necessary to talk to your primary care provider who is very established in the treatment of addiction. This is the best person to direct you to any specialized doctors that you may need in the course of your treatment to ensure that you get well quick.

There are different directories that you can use to do a quick search and find the best doctor for your problem. You need to ensure that the provider is reputable and a doctor and he should also have a history of treating patients with your kind of addiction. There are doctors who choose to manipulate the process while others overcharge the services. Shop around to get prices and compare before making a decision.

The best thing to do is to list around three of the best providers. You need to ensure that they are in your area. Many of the clinics have very strict regulations about how many patients can be treated at one given time. There are many clinics that have to operate at full capacity and therefore you need to look at as many as you want before finding one that is ready to accept new patients.

The cost

The treatment prices can vary from one doctor to the next. It also depends on how much of the treatment you really need. Most insurance companies do not cover addiction so you may have to pay a great part of the fees or even the entire amount. This can be an expensive thing but can also save you a lot eventually because of the potential health implications that may befall you because of using drugs. The price is also worthwhile because you will not have to spend any more money on drugs.

Some of the doctors allow insurance, but they are rather hard to locate. It is for this reason that you should do as much research as possible to land the best deal ever. This may be the medication that you need to finally deal with the habit that can be very destructive. It is always better to deal with any kind of addiction sooner than later.

[ad_2]

Source by Shalini Madhav

Views: 0

July 25, 2022
The Psychotherapy for Drug Addicts

[ad_1]

The field of research and psychoanalysis and the behavioral modification is considered one of the most important methods of treatment of drug addiction, in addition to the other two elements 1- the medical element, 2- social element, and it is known that there are multiple methods of The psychotherapy for various types of addiction.

It is a basic principle in this field that the treatment that suits a patient and leads to the improvement of his condition may not be suitable for another patient suffering from the same illness, that means that the therapist can choose between several therapeutic alternatives to suit the patient, and it increases the chance of the treatment, more importantly, more treatment methods are being invented in the present time, which will raise more hopes for the foreseeable future. One of the most famous psychological treatments in this field is the group of behavioral treatments for addiction and it is considered among the main applications of modern psychological science in the field of the psychological disorders.

It is based on the essentials that indicate that all forms of behavior (including drug abuse and addiction) of the individual are acquired and grow under certain living conditions (psychosocial and social) and thus ratified by the laws of the acquisition of the habits and its growth, all the differences must be taken into account in the categories of the different habits in terms of levels of support and installation available to them.

Since the practices of the drugs abuse when taking over the abuser and it managed to lead to dependence or addiction, it means that it has reached the formation of the habits, meaning that the treatment (any attempt to get rid of the set of habits that serve the continuation of the drug abuse) will not be easy, However, it will not be impossible. It requires a high degree of cooperation between the addicts and the therapist with some remedial measures, in addition to perseverance to receive this procedure for a several months, followed by another period of follow-up and integrity.

One of the method psychotherapy is Boudin HM `s method and it is based on three main elements:

1. To train the addict to self-observation;

2. To train the addict on self-assessment;

3. Then programming behavior modification based on the data reached from the previous two items.

Training on self-observation is considered one of the most important methods used in modern psychotherapy (ie, self-observation and monitoring). There are three functions under these treatments as follows:

1. Monitoring specific types of behaviors of the individual related to the subject of the required treatment, before therapeutic intervention;

2. Monitoring these types of behavior at intervals during and after the therapeutic intervention to assess the impact of this intervention.

3. Sometimes it is used to facilitate the desired changes, and there are multiple ways to perform this self-observation and conduct the monitoring resulting in the methods taught by the therapist to the addict.

The objective of training the addict on this self-observation is to achieve the capture and monitoring of the "functional patterns" that reveal his or her addictive behavior.

The functional pattern in this case is the sequence that begins with the occurrence of an event or chain of events that will raise the motivation to use the drug, Then the act of abuse itself, and thereafter the feelings and behavioral events that support the behavior of the addict.

In other words, the functional pattern is the set of behavioral precedents that precede the occurrence of the act of abuse, then the act of abuse itself, and then the act of the direct drug abuse.

The therapist evaluates these patterns in terms of the appropriate ways of modifying or changing the behavior according to the case that he is handling, in order to choose these methods that he deems appropriate and avoids their masculinity. If the patient showed a relative improvement, and then to a new stage in which he teaches him how to evaluate his functional patterns, as he teaches him a ways of changing his behavior.

One point remains to indicate that the therapist does not end up treating the case except by assessing the effect of the treatment on the basis of four important elements: the level of performance of the addict in his work, the level of his personal and social dealings and the number of times he may be involved during (and despite) the therapeutic program and, finally, the number of times it conflicted with the law throughout the treatment period.

The implementation of this program takes a few months, and can be applied to the addicts who are held in sanatoriums, and can be applied on the basis of the outpatient clinic system, which is considered to be flexible and thus maximizing its benefits.

It is worth noting that this therapeutic system has already experienced a number of heroin addicts who have been sentenced to obligatory treatment, and their results have been highly efficient. However, there are many other behavioral treatments, and some therapists prefer to do some of these treatments combined with CBMTS at the same time. The field here allows for many scientific differences that ultimately aim at more efficient treatment service.

[ad_2]

Source by Mohamed Al Marzooqi

Views: 0

July 23, 2022
Teen Drug Rehab – How Parents Can Help

[ad_1]

No parent wants to have a teen that is addicted to drugs or alcohol or have to place them in a teen drug rehab center. Putting your teen in this type of center is probably going to be one of the most difficult things you as a parent will ever do. Yes, you are glad they are getting the help that they need now but what will the future hold. When they leave drug rehab there are strategies that you can use to help yourself, your teen, and your family work through the challenges of the drug rehab process.

On your teen’s life, substance abuse can have a long-term, divesting impact n their lives. This is why it is so important to do everything that you can to help them overcome their addiction.

Learn what you can about addition

Addition, or substance abuse, is a broad category. It can include prescription medications, alcohol, and illicit street drugs. Each one of these can have its own impact on your teen’s mental and physical health. You can help by educating yourself about their specific addiction, which will help you understand more about this addition’s recovery process. This will help you to be prepared in terms of what to expect in regards to their recovery process in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Do not let your teenager be in charge

Teens can be manipulative and headstrong and try to convince you that they should leave teen drug rehab early. They may tell you that they have learned their lesson but if you do not comply and get them out early, they may vow not to speak to you again. You can expect all types of tactics that can include threats, crying, begging, and cold silences. Listen to your teen and tell that you love them and that you placed them in a teen drug rehab center to save their life.

Be active in therapy

Generally, during their stay they will have family therapy so make it a top priority to participate actively in these sessions. Make it a top priority and attend all sessions. In these therapy sessions you will learn how to work your teen and not against your teen so you can help them have the best chance for a successful recovery.

When discharged, have a plan

Substance abuse is a chronic condition and treatment in a teen drug rehab is just the first part of the recovery process. Work with the drug rehab center to create a plan entry back into the real world. Before discharge make sure that they know the house rules clearly, which can include stricter curfews, expectations in regards to behavior and school, scheduled chores and the consequences if not followed.

[ad_2]

Source by Lora Davis

Views: 0

July 23, 2022
Study Links Drug Use to High Rates of Syphilis

[ad_1]

A connection between drug use and high syphilis rates in the United States was established by a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sarah Kidd, lead author of the report, pointed out that two major health issues, namely addiction and syphilis, seemed to be colliding with each other.

The report displayed a connection between drug use and instances of syphilis in heterosexual men and women. As per the report, the usage of heroin, methamphetamine, and other injection drugs by the aforementioned group almost doubled from 2013 to 2017.

The report however, did not display a similar increase in drug abuse in gay men suffering from syphilis. According to the researchers, the results of the study indicated that risky sexual behaviors associated with drug abuse may be one of the key driving factors for this increase in syphilis among the heterosexual population.

People using drugs more likely to engage in unsafe sexual activities

According to experts, people abusing drugs are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual activities, thereby making them more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Syphilis significantly increased among heterosexuals especially during the ‘crack cocaine epidemic’ prevalent during the 1980s and 1990s. It was observed that during this particular time period, the usage of drugs was connected with the higher transmission rates of syphilis.

According to Patricia Kissinger, professor epidemiology at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, it is common tendency among people abusing drugs to indulge in unprotected sex, exchange sex in lieu of money or drugs, and have multiple sex partners. All these are considered as significant risk factors contributing to the spread of the disease.

Syphilis rates are setting new records

At the national level, the occurrences of syphilis jumped by around 73 percent at an overall level and 156 percent in case of women patients between 2013 and 2017. While syphilis had been almost eradicated, of late, the highest resurgence of the disease was reported in California, Louisiana, and Nevada. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can cause organ damage and even death in some cases. In women, congenital syphilis typically occurs when a mother transmits the disease to her unborn baby, leading to cases of premature birth and newborn fatalities.

Analyzing the syphilis cases that occurred between 2013 and 2017, the researchers discovered that methamphetamine abuse was the biggest contributor. The report revealed that more than one-third of women and a quarter of heterosexual men suffering from syphilis were reported to be abusing methamphetamine within the last year. The California Department of Public Health reported that methamphetamine use by people suffering from syphilis, doubled in case of heterosexual men and women between 2013 and 2017.

Why is it difficult to treat sexually transmitted infections?

Owing to the overlapping instances of substance abuse and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it becomes challenging to identify and treat people suffering from syphilis. That is because, typically, people using drugs are less likely to visit a doctor or report their sexual activities or partners.

Likewise, pregnant women may refrain from seeking prenatal care and get themselves tested for syphilis owing to concerns such as their gynecologists reporting their drug abuse. To combat this issue, the CDC urges to bring about more collaboration between programs treating substance abuse and programs addressing STIs.

Fresno County reported highest rate of congenital syphilis

According to the report, the highest rate of congenital syphilis was reported in Fresno County in California. The county’s community health division manager, Joe Prado, said that the California Health Department analyzed around 25 congenital syphilis cases in 2017 and more than two-thirds of these women were abusing drugs.

To address this issue, the country took proactive measures such as offering STD testing for patients getting admitted into inpatient drug treatment centers. Patients coming back for reports were provided incentives including gift cards. Apart from this, for patients undergoing drug treatment, the county offered a care package comprising of contraceptives and education materials about STIs.

Challenges faced

While it is significant to have an increased collaboration between STD clinics and drug treatment providers, it is not always that simple, since these two entities have not worked together previously. Usually both these units tend to focus only on their relevant specialties and often fail to screen people for associated ailments like syphilis or other forms of STIs or for drug abuse.

According to Jeffrey Kalusner, professor of medicine and public health at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in order to fight the rising rates of syphilis more resources are needed. He added that though policies can be implemented towards syphilis testing, these policies need to be accompanied with appropriate resources.

Seeking treatment for drug abuse

Drug abuse is often associated with the development of physical ailments like hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis and other STDs. These infections can be severe and result in rapid deterioration of overall health. The best way to avoid the contraction of these diseases is to avoid taking drugs or if addicted, to seek addiction treatment help at the earliest.

The drug rehab centers of Hillside Mission offer comprehensive evidence-based treatment plans for substance abuse. Whether selecting an inpatient, outpatient, or a residential plan, the detox process at Hillside Mission is designed to minimize the patient’s discomfort and result in a shorter treatment cycle.

[ad_2]

Source by Susan Navarez

Views: 0

July 22, 2022
Ways Schools Can Fight A Drug Menace

[ad_1]

A combination of factors, including the ease with which drugs can be procured, alienation and peer pressure, is driving American teens toward their abuse. As a result, adolescents in high school and college do drugs on the sly. In dorm and frat parties, it has become customary to pool all drugs – stolen from elder's medicine cabinets, or procured from vendors or pill mills – before going on the adventure ride of a collective high. However, this fun and adventure comes at a cost. As most teens doing drugs are aware of the implications of the misdemeanor once caught, they do not report to the authorities in case a peer overdoses, resulting in tragic loss of young lives.

The problem of drug abuse has spread its deadly tentacles across schools, posing a significant threat to the future of children in terms of impact on their health, academics, career and personal life. In the wake of such a serious implication on the future of the society, many schools, despite the paucity of funds, have put together programs for spreading awareness and keeping drug abuse under check. While some approaches rely on prohibition and punishment, others stress on education and rehabilitation. The objective is to keep drugs off the campus and establish a solid foundation to empower individuals to resist such temptations.

As youngsters prefer engagement to long boring lectures, some of the means adopted by the schools are as follows:

Disseminating knowledge through antidrug assemblies : Antidrug assemblies are engaging means to showcase the grim consequences of drug-seeking habit. With addiction treatment doctors and recovering patients turning up as guest lecturers, students can have a realistic picture of how drugs take them away from their loved ones and cause impairment of cognitive skills, such as difficulty following instructions. Students get the opportunity to clarify their doubts during such sessions.

Educating children as early as possible : Considering the fact that most youths start doing drugs, smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol in school days, or when they are on the cusp of adolescence, it is the best time to drive home the dangers of doing drugs and other addictive substances.

Conducting self-reliance programs : Children who are confident about themselves are less likely to take drugs. Therefore, some programs stress on building the child's self-reliance in all sorts of social situations. This helps them even under adverse peer pressure to not succumb to the temptation of doing drugs and say no to such activities firmly. Such programs are effective even in the long run as they teach children some essential life skills necessary for abstaining from drugs, alcohol, etc.

Stocking antidotes : As it makes no sense to shy away from the truth that youngsters, especially those in college, will be doing drugs irrespective of the controls, authorities are advised to stock up their supply of opioid overdose antidote naloxone.

Engaging children from families grappling with addiction : Instead of isolating a child with a problematic family, including members addicted to drugs, it is essential to engage him or her in all school or college activities. Irrespective of whether the child reports late to school or has problems with homework, a concerned and supportive school environment will mitigate the chances of the child falling into the same addiction cycle. Children of drug addicted families could also participate as guest lecturers in antidrug assemblies.

Focusing on building teen assertiveness : With the help of a trained child counselor and other professional services, schools could focus on providing training to teens to develop their assertiveness and emotional control level. This is not only handy in career building, but could also help the teen realize his or her worth. Teens who feel sad and befuddled have greater risks of taking drugs to feel successful or empowered.

Get help for drug addiction

Children run the increased risk of falling into the trap of drug addiction due to their emotional vulnerability and undeveloped brain still in the process of developing the key cognitive skills. It becomes essential for parents and teachers to listen and talk to their fears and emotional upheavals, rather than ignoring them as their tantrums.

[ad_2]

Source by Barbara Odozi

Views: 0

July 19, 2022
Health Impact of Consuming Alcohol at Different Ages

[ad_1]

After analyzing the health implications of alcohol consumption on varied age groups a recently conducted study concluded that adults in the age group of 50 and above may see less severe health consequences compared to adults below the same age group. The objective of the study was neither to justify nor glorify drinking, but to study the impact of drinking on various ages. The fact still remains that people who drink heavily are susceptible to a variety of serious short- and long-term health issues.

Some of the common health problems pertaining to heavy alcohol consumption include liver and heart ailments, cancers, and damage to the nervous system and brain. From time to time, various health and wellness articles have highlighted the fact that if an individual drank in moderation, it can have certain health benefits. To corroborate this fact, several studies have suggested that drinking alcohol within a medically permissible limit may have a positive bearing on an individual's health. For instance, one of the studies revealed that moderate to light drinking can bring down the mortality rate caused due to cardiovascular ailments.

Having said that, while these studies have been widely read and received well by people, not all researchers stand by it and the debate still continues on the same.

A fresh perspective

Dr. Timothy Naimi of the Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts carried out this study, adding fuel to the ongoing debate on the health impacts of consuming alcohol. Dr. Naimi and his group of researchers analyzed the methodology that was utilized in the previous studies and found that the manner in which the previous researchers measured the impact of alcohol on health may be flawed. The researchers highlighted the fact that the previous studies were based on more general observations and they usually enrolled participants over the age of 50. Usually, the deaths attributed to alcohol consumption occurred within the age group of 20 to 49. Simply put, "one cannot include dead people in a cohort study, "said Dr. Niami.

The team highlighted that around 40 percent of alcohol-related deaths took place before the age of 50. This made it quite obvious that the earlier researchers did not take into consideration these people and may have thus underestimated the real risks pertaining to alcohol consumption. Incidentally, Dr. Naimi was one of the first researchers to raise the concern about this bias in terms of participant age group and had published his findings in the journal Addiction in 2017.

Therefore, Dr. Naimi reinvestigated the matter and reanalyzed the data using the Alcohol-Related Disease Impact Application (ARDIA) software, maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ARDIA is a reliable application that offered state and national estimates of alcohol-related health implications including potential years of life lost (PYLL) and deaths.

Influence of age factor

According to the study, the level of alcohol-related risk pertaining to an individual was largely influenced by the age factor. The data analysis revealed that around 35.8 percent of deaths caused due to alcohol consumption took place in the age group of 20 to 49. On the other hand, a mere 4.5 percent of fatalities were averted due to consumption of alcohol in this age group.

However, when the researchers looked at individuals in the age group of 65 and above, the statistics were slightly different. In this group, around 35 percent alcohol-related deaths were recorded, but it also depicted a whopping 80 percent of deaths averted by alcohol.

However, as stated earlier, there is still an ongoing debate regarding the impact of consuming alcohol in varied age groups.

Seeking help for alcoholism

Irrespective of gender, age, or social standing, anyone can be affected by alcoholism. One of the stepping stones for effective recovery from alcohol addiction is detoxification. The detoxification process helps purge all toxins accumulated in the body owing to years of alcohol consumption and prepares the body and the mind for the ensuing treatment.

[ad_2]

Source by Susan Navarez

Views: 0

July 19, 2022