Drug Abuse Solutions

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Admin | Permalink 0

Drug abuse today is a major cause for concern and has a negative effect on society at large. Though students constitute a large segment of drug abusers, adults also succumb to drug abuse. There is a tendency amongst middle-aged people to abuse prescription drugs.

The first step towards combating drug addiction is to make the abuser aware of the damage it causes the body. Most addicts lack confidence and must be taught to become a master of the situation and not a slave to addiction.

There are many institutions and organizations that help drug abusers kick the habit. The support of friends and family is of prime importance. First and foremost, an abuser must be committed to giving up drugs. Doctors and counselors are a drug abusers greatest ally in the battle against addiction.

People who realize they have to quit this dangerous habit may be too embarrassed or afraid to confide in anyone. They might even be worried that they will land into trouble if they admit to having this problem. Abusers must talk to anyone they trust.

Drug abuse solutions can be viewed from many perspectives. On a national level, solutions are based and discussed in terms of the reduction in supply of drugs. From a social perspective, solutions are usually discussed in terms of prevention, early intervention and treatment.

Drug Abuse Solutions

Why Porn Addiction Recovery Is Difficult

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Admin | Permalink 0

Porn addiction falls under the category of natural addictions. Other natural addictions include compulsive gambling and obesity. These addictions were once thought to be different from drug addictions. However, modern research has shown that these natural addictions have a similar effect on the brain as do drug addictions.

According to Donald L. Hilton Jr., MD in “Understanding the Addictive Nature of Pornography” from the Combating Pornography website “it now appears that all addiction is a derangement in the pleasure control and reward areas of the brain.” Essentially, the brain reacts to the overload of pleasure it is receiving from viewing pornography and begins to cut back on the rewards it is giving out. At the same time, the pleasure-seeking part of the brain desires the rewards it was once getting. The addict therefore has to increase the activity to get the same rewards. Ultimately, this process within the brain makes addiction recovery extremely difficult.

Hilton states that “when we overuse pleasure centers, the cells that produce dopamine are overworked, and in what may be a defensive reaction, the brain decreases the amount of dopamine available for use and also causes shrinkage in the cells that produce the dopamine and in the frontal control areas.” He continues “Paradoxically, the pleasure cells in the nucleus accumbens may actually enlarge in the addicted state because they have less dopamine available for pleasure and are seeking to extract every possible molecule.”

As a result, Hilton suggests normal pleasures are not enough to satisfy the craving for dopamine. Simply put, addicts have an altered pleasure meter in their brain. The brain can be brought back to a normal pleasure vs. reward relationship. However, it requires a commitment on the part of those struggling with porn addiction and the help of trained professionals. Hilton indicates that the craving caused by the “newly reset pleasure thermostat in the brain is likely key in the desire to relapse.”

Although recovery is difficult, porn addiction can be overcome. Addicts must first make the decision to change. After they make that commitment, they will need to seek out help from trained professionals. Enrolling in a sexual recovery treatment program is an effective choice. These programs have trained specialist in the field of porn addiction. In addition to seeking out professional help, there are some simple things that individuals can do to help deal with this addiction They include:

• Talking about the issues in detail with a trusted friend or therapist who will be as honest with you as you are honest with them

• Making an addiction prevention plan to carry out when tempted

• Putting tracking devices on your smartphone and computer so others (best not a spouse) can monitor your online behavior

• Knowing the signs of sex addiction; both the general signs and those specific to you

• Knowing the stages of porn addiction

Readjusting the pleasure/reward “thermostat” in the brain can be a challenging process for those struggling with porn addiction. However, there is hope for people who are working to recover from porn addiction. Participating in a recovery program along with following the basic tips will enable porn addicts to successfully recover in time.

Porn Addiction Recovery

Psychological Treatment Options – Drugs Vs Therapy

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Admin | Permalink 0

Every year in the UK thousands of people are diagnosed with common psychological disorders. Awareness of common psychological disorders is increasing as a result of exposure through many different forms of media. This includes storylines on premium soap operas as well as government campaigns. Increasingly the stigmas attached to these disorders are disappearing and people are more open in their attempts to seek help for them.

Treatment for common psychological disorders comes in a variety of different forms. Some people opt entirely for a drugs ailment whereas others opt for the therapy route, and in some cases is it seen as suitable to combine the two. The patient can only opt for drugs if a doctor considers that it is relevant, whereas therapy can be attended without a doctor’s authorisation. Generally the patient will prefer to obtain referral trough a doctor so that they can obtain therapy at a discounted rate or free of charge.

Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of the different treatment options available for common psychological disorders:

DRUGS
The drug options available to the patient differ depending on the psychological disorder that is present, or is suspected to be present. Generally the patient will be started on a small dose before gradually increasing to what is considered to be a dosage that is most effective in that particular case. This is to condition the body to the drug and to minimise any potential side effects.

Pros
• Medicine is proven to regularly have the desired result when used in the correct dosage and at the relevant times, although this is not guaranteed.
• The drug can act as a comforter to the patient. It can have the placebo effect where the patient feels a lot better just for having taken it.
• This method of treatment can easily be regulated and controlled; if it is not working then the patient can just stop taking the drug.
• Doctors now have vast experience of using these drugs as they are so common.

Cons

• Drugs can often have side effects, although not all people experience these. These side effects can be at their most prominent at the start of the course of medicine when the body is not used to the substance and is adapting to its presence in the system.
• The patient can become dependent on the drug and the thought of stopping the course of medicine can cause a psychological issue in itself.

THERAPY

Pros:
• Therapy does not have any side effects and can easily be stopped.
• It is healthy to talk to people about your issues who are understanding and sympathetic.
• Great way of building confidence.
• Therapists are professionals in the field and have vast experience in dealing with psychological issues.

Cons

• It can be intimidating to take the first step.
• It can be frustrating if you don’t feel you cab justify your issue to the therapist
• Therapy can’t solve biological issues such as a chemical imbalance of the brain, meaning that it is not always relevant.
• It can take time to get results

Psychological Treatment