Category: Health & Fitness
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Can a Mattress Cause Back Pain?
Unfortunately, back pain is common that we start treating it as a normal part of our daily life. However, back pain, as well as any other pain, should not be tolerated or ignored. Many people have problems with back pain at night or in the morning after they wake. What’s the cause of this? Is it your sleep position? Or maybe your mattress? Is Your Mattress The Cause of Your Back Pain? The first step in treating back pain is to identify its source. However, that’s not always as easy as it sounds. The pain can be caused or aggravated by multiple factors. Typically, factors that contribute to back pain the most are age, old injuries flaring up and an inactive lifestyle. Sometimes, jumping into a new exercise or activity can also cause back pain. In most cases, we are all aware of the factors mentioned above. However, there are also some factors that many people ignore or just overlook. For example, if you wake up every morning in pain, there is a huge possibility your mattress causes the pain. Sleep experts and mattress specialists, in fact, say that your bed should be your first suspect if you can’t sleep comfortably at night. After all, since we spend approximately one-third of our lives sleeping, we should be aware that mattresses wear off over time and require replacement. Also, your sleep habits change as you age, and what worked for you when you were young, may not suit your sleeping needs today. However, the good news is that if your mattress is at the root of the problem, you can quickly address it by getting a new one. With so many models out there, it may be rather hard to select a new bed. Fortunately, Counting Sheep can help you! Counting Sheep’s experts have spent years of researching different mattress types and people’s sleeping needs and created an unbiased mattress guide that will definitely help you make any mattress related decision with quickly and with ease. With their guide, you won’t have to worry about mattress related back pain anymore, and you will wake up every morning feeling refreshed and pain-free. How to Determine if My Mattress is Causing My Back Pain? Use the following checklist to determine whether your mattress is most likely the source of your pain and discomfort. Take notes where and when the pain appears: If it’s mattress related, it is generally muscular. Your bed is the one to blame if you wake up in the morning stiff and achy, but feel better as the day goes on. The pain is also relieved by stretching, yoga or light exercising. Symptoms are typically present to the middle back or lower back. Consider the age factor: If your mattress is more than seven years old, it will most likely cause back pain. Years of usage lead to wear and tear, and your body will definitely feel it. Also, keep in mind that your body changes as you age and that now you may have different sleep needs or preferences. Look for sagging spots: If your mattress is sagging, your spine won’t be properly aligned during sleep which will cause back pain. Your spine has to be in a neutral position, and not curving down. Listen to your body: If you feel lumps or springs poking you when lying down, there is a good chance your bed is contributing to your back pain. Check your bed after vacation: When you sleep somewhere else than your bed, you recognize right away if the mattress is saggy, lumpy or simply too hard. Since most of us keep our bed longer than we should, we are used to sleeping on a less-than-optimal surface. After a vacation, your mattress will feel a little less familiar than before, and this is the perfect time to conduct another evaluation test. Read Also: 12 Secret Methods Of Chi Machines Domination Bed Time Yoga To Sleep Well
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Releasing Stress Even if You Don’t Leave Home
You don’t need to go elsewhere if you feel like you want to release stress. At home, you can do things to help you forget what stresses you out. Don’t let stress consume you. It is possible to suffer from illnesses because you can’t manage your stress levels. These are great ideas you can do now. Meditate: Meditation helps in releasing anxiety. You need a few minutes of meditation each day to clear your thoughts. Several things consume your mind, both positive and negative. When you meditate, you forget all of them, and you start over again. It is quite simple to meditate as there are different strategies to follow. The easiest one is to sit with both of your feet on the floor. You may also walk around focusing only on your steps, and not on anything else. It might be difficult to concentrate at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will love regular meditation. Reach out: You don't need to bear your cross alone. Some people can help you deal with your problem. Reach out to them via social media. Give them a call if need be. Let them know that you have a problem, and ask if they are willing to listen. Talking to them allows you to have a better perspective on life. Real friends will be there for you. It is not even a requirement for them to tell you what to do. Having someone listen to you when you are down is sometimes enough. Try to decompress: You can put a warm heat wrap on your shoulder or neck area. Let the wrap stay there for about 10 minutes and then shut your eyes and rest for some time. After 10 minutes, take off the wrap and massage the area. Do it at least once a day to stop tension in your body. Watch funny shows: As always, laughter is the best medicine, and when you feel stressed, laughter helps a lot. Check your favorite TV shows. You might be missing out on the latest episodes, and now is your chance to catch up. If you don't want to watch TV shows, find other ways to lighten your mood. Chatting with someone who can give you a smile is also a great idea. Clean up: Some people hate cleaning the house, but for others, it is a way of releasing stress. Perhaps, it will help if you spend time cleaning up your place. Aside from enabling you to relax, it also keeps your surroundings clean. You can even feel more relaxed if you have a lovely environment. Shop online: Take time to shop without leaving home. There are a lot of online stores for you to purchase almost anything you want. If you need new furniture at home, you can check out furniture on credit online. Compare the choices and find something that fits your home perfectly. Shopping is therapeutic, and if you are a shopaholic, you need a few minutes of shopping time in your life. The goal is to help you deal with stress. It does not require you to leave home to relax. With these activities you can do at home, you can soon say goodbye to stress. Read Also: Unhealthy And Healthy Solutions For Coping With Stress Bed Time Yoga To Sleep Well
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You Know Suffering from a Benzodiazepine Addiction?
We hear a lot about drug abuse in the news, especially when it comes to opioids and painkillers. But, benzodiazepine abuse and addiction have also increased in recent years. In 2015, there were more than 8,000 benzodiazepine-related deaths. Death and serious complications rarely result from benzodiazepine use alone. In most addiction and overdose cases, other drugs are also involved -- usually opiates. Whether alone or with other drugs, benzodiazepine abuse exists, and it is dangerous. Are you wondering whether someone you know is suffering from benzodiazepine addiction? We can guide you through recognizing the addiction and offering support. Read on for answers to your questions benzodiazepines and addiction. What is a Benzodiazepine? A benzodiazepine is a sedative drug. Doctors prescribe benzodiazepines - also known as benzos - to help relieve symptoms of anxiety. The drugs can also help with seizures, muscle spasms, and even alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines were actually introduced to replace dangerous barbiturates. When people began abusing barbituates, benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan came along. Unfortunately, people started to abuse these drugs as well. What are Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction? Benzos work by depressing the central nervous system. This makes users feel sedated and relaxed. Over time, people may become tolerant and need higher doses, and then develop a dependence. Chronic use of benzodiazepines can have long-term effects on physical and mental health. Dependent users may have gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal issues. They may show symptoms of depression or suicidal behavior. Someone addicted to benzodiazepines may feel drowsy and dizzy. They may seem confused, have poor concentration, and slurred speech. If they overdose, they can become unresponsive to the point of a coma. What are the Behavioral Warning Signs of Abuse? Like other drug and alcohol abuse, benzo abuse may result in behavioral symptoms. People close to the addict will notice these changes. Substance abuse often shifts personal traits. An addict may withdraw from friends and family. They may skirt responsibilities. Addicts are often secretive about their schedules. To keep a high volume of their drug on hand, addicts often "doctor shop." They will get prescriptions from different doctors and fill them at different pharmacies. They may also borrow or steal money to pay for their drugs. How Can Benzodiazepine Addicts Recover? Often times the hardest step to recovery is to admit the problem. Once an addict recognizes they have a drug issue, they may be willing to get help from friends and family. They'll need outpatient care from a doctor or at a treatment center like Inspire Malibu. To prevent withdrawal and seizers, the reduction of benzodiazepines will be gradual. This method offers more promising results than quitting cold turkey. It's also advised to see a psychiatrist throughout recovery and even after. How Can Former Addicts Stay Clean and Healthy? Doctors encourage recovering addicts, including those suffering from a benzodiazepine addiction, to adopt healthy lifestyles to help prevent relapses. This includes healthy eating, exercise, and other positive habits. You can learn more about healthy lifestyle habits on our blog. Read about things to help reduce stress, unhealthy foods to avoid, and more. Or, browse for more information on addiction and recovery. We have tips on staging interventions, information about outpatient treatment, and other topics. Read Also: Cannabis Can Help In The Fight Against Drug Addiction Is Outpatient Treatment For Drug And Alcohol Addiction Effective?
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Cannabis can Help in the Fight Against Drug Addiction
The substances contained in cannabis can help those who are addicted to hard drugs to quit their addiction. The first signals about the effects of cannabis on addiction to one form of cocaine appeared relatively early, more than 30 years ago. Dealers smoked it along with cannabis to avoid addiction. Although cannabis is also can be addictive, addiction to rapid-acting crack is much faster and much more serious in effect. Just a dozen or so minutes after firing one dose there is an irresistible desire for another... and another... and the next one... pushing the smoker crack to behave dangerously for himself and others, Risky sexual behavior, the tendency to violence and breaking the law are typical. Tolerance is developing rapidly: crack cocaine addiction requires more and more doses. In addition to acute symptoms such as high blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, nausea, seizures, hallucinations, panic and paranoia, the body can also be destroyed over time, cognitive decline, persistent psychotic conditions, depression, destruction of teeth, lips and mucous membranes of the oral cavity, myocardial infarction or stroke. Research indicates that of the 122 identified cocaine users who want to throw cocaine in this form, they started to take cannabis. In an average of 30 months, these people had 89% more chance to reduce their crack intake compared to the time they did not take cannabis. It also seemed that cannabis made it easier for them to stop using this form of cocaine altogether or to maintain this decision. Without cannabis, only 11% of people managed to stop without cocaine. However, when they used it, crack was not needed by 28%. Although the experiment did not meet the conditions for a clinical trial, its results were considered by specialists to be very intriguing. Animal studies suggest that Cannabidiol (CBD) that’s in the cannabis flowers in various concentrations is the most promising. You can buy it even in countries where Cannabis is still completely illegal, like Poland. It’s sold in form of oils, liquids, chewing gums etc. It has a lot of medical potentials, it can help in depression and many other medical conditions. But most importantly, It is likely to have an impact on the reward system in the brain, reducing the pleasant sensations associated with certain drugs. In rats, this has been proven to be possible. Animal tests show that THC also reduces opiate dependence. THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, injected into the blood of heroin and morphine-dependent rats, restores the chemical balance in their brains. As a result, rats treated with THC when they were young were deprived of the consequences of using much stronger and more harmful drugs in adulthood. Young rats, taken away from their mothers just after birth, were given powerful doses of THC. Deprived of maternal care, they have undeveloped brains. Neural nets are less developed and rats become more addicted. The effectiveness of THC injections has been proven in such animals. Although in theory, they should become more addicted, the "treatment" with THC resulted in the fact that although they were given morphine and heroin, the addiction did not occur. Scientists hope that this unusual discovery will help create an alternative drug addiction treatment for drug addicts. It is difficult to predict whether, in the future, the social priorities so far regarded as priorities, or whether medical considerations will prevail, and cannabis-based preparations will go to pharmacies. This discovery can be extremely helpful with the recent opioid epidemic in the United States, where doctors prescribed opiates (powerful and very addictive painkillers) to almost everyone, and as a result, Donald Trump had to call it a state of a national emergency. Read Also: Why Cannabis Is Good For Health? Is Outpatient Treatment For Drug And Alcohol Addiction Effective?
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Ways to Stay Fit and Healthy in Your Senior Years
As you get up there in age it can be even more important to stay active and healthy. The key to a longer life is to keep active and not be sedentary all the time. Eating healthy can be a huge contributor as well. There are simple things you can do to help achieve this that are actually fun too. Clean Eating It all starts with your diet. You don’t need to be on some special fade diet. However, you do need to watch what you eat. One of the first things you should do is take in more liquids. Some seniors may have to force themselves to drink more water than usual. Planning out your meals ahead of time can really help you stay healthy. Most people end up in the fast food trap because they lack planning. When it’s dinner time they simply drive to the nearest drive-thru restaurant. Avoid this and do some meal planning. In the long run, it’s not only healthier it’s cheaper. Our last healthy eating tip is to reduce the amount of sugar intake. Sure, it can be easy to pull out the ice cream at night and have a bowl or two. But sugar turns into fat and can lead to an increase in health dangers. Instead of that sugary snack replace it with fruit or even a sugar-free snack. Protein is very important for the body as it gives you the energy and will help you feel fuller throughout the day. Lots of seniors overlook how much protein they take in. Cut down on the carbs and plan out a diet that is higher in protein. Some of the foods with the highest protein are eggs, chicken, turkey, cottage cheese, steak, beans, and nuts. Exercising Getting on an exercise routine can be hard. Our suggestion is to make it fun and social. Does your community have a walking group? If so this can be a great way to get outside and make a new friend while doing it. Some seniors enjoy golf. Some might think riding in a golf cart isn’t much on an exercise but that’s not true. You can’t ride everywhere on a golf course and although it’s not constant you are walking and often times up and down hills. Golf can be an enjoyable game that takes out the fact that you are actually exercising. Swimming is hands down one of the best exercises you can do. It essentially works the majority of your muscles and gets your heart rate up. The best part about swimming is you can go at your own pace. Get tired? No problem get out and lay in the sun for a bit. When you are rested up to go back in the water for a few more laps. Take the grandkids to the park. What kids don’t love going to the park? Grab a basketball or a soccer ball and take the grandkids out. Sure, you might not be running around playing soccer with them the entire time but you can play some. The point is you need to get out of the house and gets some miles under those legs. You don’t have to overdo it but just work on being more active and have some fun doing it. Read Also : More Than Just A Fad: The Benefits Of Going Gluten-Free Health Benefits Drinking Less Soda Health Benefits Of The Amber Teething Necklace
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The Role of Peptides for Bodybuilding and Fat Burning
Steroid such as peptides is commonly used in bodybuilding. If it is the first time for you to Buy Peptides UK, you need to learn about this. You have to learn about what kind of product it is, the benefits, and the way to use it for bodybuilding. What Peptides Is Actually, you have natural peptides in the body. This compound is made of less than 50 amino acids. Peptides are different from proteins because protein has more than 50 amino acids. One of the functions of this natural compound is used to produce GH or Growth Hormone. On the other hand, you can increase the level by using manufactured peptides or eating some foods which contain them. The Benefits of Using Peptides Peptides are commonly used by bodybuilders to improve their growth hormones. Peptides come from several types one of which is a BPC 157. Taking and following the right guide to BPC 157 dosage you will surely experience fast healing of wounds and growth development hormones. As the result, you will have more lean muscle mass. The bigger the level of Human Growth Hormone you have, the bigger your muscle mass. This compound is not only used to achieve bigger muscle mass but also to make your muscle stronger than before. Some bodybuilders are used peptides is because this compound helps you to recover fast after the workout. It works by supporting enough oxygen to your muscle cells. Another benefit of using this compound is that bodybuilders can improve their endurance. One of the purposes of workouts is to burn fat and peptides help to burn fats faster. This is also the reason why peptides are not only used by bodybuilders but also by athletes. The Way to Use Peptides So, how do the bodybuilders use peptides to get bigger and stronger muscle mass? Manufactured peptides are made in the form of powder. You have to mix it with sterilized water or bacteriostatic water before using it. The mixture is injected into your body and you have to be carefully done it, especially if you want to inject it by yourself. You have to make sure that the compound doesn’t strike your vital blood vessel. It is important to follow strictly the dose and instructions while using this product. You are not to use too much of it due to its side effects. You only need to inject the product not more than 1 mg per day. The compound is safe or well-tolerated by the human organism and it doesn’t trigger allergy or bad tolerance. The key is to know the right time to stop using it because long-term use might trigger side effects. The Rule of Using Peptides The most important question is related to the rule of using peptides. Some of the peptides are illegal and the rest of them are legal and even they are approved by FDA. Lipotropin is one of the legal peptides commonly used to treat obesity problems and build body muscle mass. The main function of this compound is to reduce fat and its effects on your body. People use it because the compound doesn’t give any side effects on blood sugar and also insulin resistance. On the other hand, this compound helps to repair cartilage and muscle faster so you can recover quickly after your workout. Due to its approval, you can easily Get growth hormones in the UK nowadays. Read Also: Resistance Bands: The Best Tool For Your Home Gym
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Leading a Stressful Life? – 5 Strategies for Stress Reduction
These days everyone experiences stress at times- adults, teens, and even children. Arguing with your spouse, racing against deadlines, sitting in traffic: there's so much in life that can make you excessively stressed out. Employ some of the stress reduction But, you must set aside some time to loosen up, or your physical and mental well-being can suffer. Learning how to manage stress needs practice, but you can (and need to) do it. Here are five strategies to make it easier. Different Ways The Chances Of Stress Reduction Can Be Reduced Are As Follows:- There are several facts that you have to take care of while you want to improve your sleep habits from all ends. These are some of the factors that you have to take care off while you want to improve your business. 1. Sleep Better at Night : Sleep is imperative for your physical and emotional well-being as a lack of sleep can affect your ability to deal with stress, function properly, and be productive. Unfortunately, bustling schedules and stress can make sleep trickier. The good news is, there are ample things you can do to sustain your sleeping habits, like- finding relaxation techniques to help fall asleep or using time management strategies to carve out more time. And if you aren’t able to get enough sleep at night, don’t belittle the value of a power nap!\ 2. Eat Your Way Out of Stress : You may not be mindful of the next sentence, but it’s true, “Poor eating habits can make one more vulnerable to stress”. In case you are excessively occupied with work, you may find it harder to discover time to cook healthy meals. Consequently, you might be more enticed to eat undesirable ‘junk food’, which can fuel stress and contribute to a vicious cycle. The best thing to do is to maintain a healthy diet at all times, even when stressed. You don't have to look far to reduce bad stress; just try eating stress-busting food like: Green vegetables Carrots Nuts Red pepper Salmon Pistachios Blueberries 3. Exercise Regularly : Physical activity can be great for your mental well-being. Exercise helps bump up the production of ‘Endorphins’- your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters that are responsible for the coveted “runner’s high”. A nature hike or a rousing game of tennis can also contribute to this same feeling. Similarly, you can take several laps in the pool or practice yoga, to forget the day's irritations and concentrate on your body. As you begin to habitually shed your daily stress through exercising (in any form), you may find that the resulting energy and optimism can help you focus better and you remain calm and clear in everything you do. 4. Find Hobbies : Hobbies are often perceived as activities for individuals who lead relaxed, quiet lives. But, people with busy, stressful lives may need hobbies more than the average individual. Picking up hobbies can help feel less bothered by external life factors that you can’t control. So, if you are looking to relax a bit, consider one of these hobbies to help reduce your stress levels: Dancing Reading Writing Knitting Hiking Gardening 5. Embrace the Power of Positive Thinking : “Is your glass-half-full or half-empty?” How you answer this age-old question reflects your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself and how well you cope with stress. But, having a positive attitude doesn’t mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore the unpleasant causes of stress or problems. It’s all about approaching stressful events more constructively. Follow these tips to achieve an optimistic frame of mind: Focus on the good things, however small Establish and work toward goals Turn failures into lessons Stop negative thoughts in their tracks Find positive friends, mentors, and co-workers Stress Could Be A Trigger for Serious Ailments Stress becomes a cause for concern, especially when it lingers for months, inhibiting your body’s ability to fight illnesses and increases the risk of diseases like: Heart attacks Strokes Diabetics Obesity Cancer Cancer is a standout amongst the most widespread diseases caused by stress. Add to that the expensive treatment costs, and you have an illness that enforces an enormous financial burden on your loved ones. Put simply, dealing with cancer can put a massive dent in your savings. Moreover, cancer can strike anyone, like a nightmare, even the healthiest of us. Therefore it is advisable to buy a dedicated ‘Cancer Protection Plan’, to safeguard financially in case the eventuality strikes. Cancer protection plan is a must, because of the unique benefits it offers: Lump sum payment on detection of cancer All stages of cancer covered 100 percent cover amount payable during major-stage detection Future premiums waived Provision for multiple claims Smokers covered Read Also : 5 Ways College Students Can Minimize Back To School Stress How Stress During Studies Can Affect The Health Of Your Children? 10 Tips On How To Ditch The Stress And Start Living A Peaceful Life
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HGH Therapy Clinic in California
If you are over the age of thirty and feel as though time is not your friend, check out these reasons why you should contact a hormone replacement clinic: Increase your energy and stamina Lose weight and speed up metabolism Rebuild muscle mass and strength Sharpen your eyesight and reduce night vision blur Improve hair growth and thickness Increase bone density and reduce joint pains Enhance your sex drive, performance, and pleasure Strengthen your immune system Sharpen memory, focus, and cognitive skills Reduce stress, depression, and anxiety Improve mood, outlook, and quality of life Firm and tighten your skin for a more youthful appearance Are these enough reasons to learn more about growth hormone therapy in California? We could keep going, but you probably get the idea. As you age, your body decreases the production of critical hormones that it needs. Why does it reduce hormone production that is still necessary? That is the multi-million-dollar question that we wish we could answer. Unfortunately, it happens – luckily, we can correct it. When you call to Nexel Medical, growth hormone replacement clinic, you will get to speak with our hormone staff of medical professionals who understand what you are going through each day. We know how the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency can get you down, and we can help. Human Growth Hormone Therapy Clinic: Our doctors have extensive experience treating hormone deficiencies and imbalances. That is all we do. You will not find our doctors performing laser rejuvenation, liposuction, plastic surgery, or Botox injections. Why? Because we know they are not necessary when you receive HGH therapy. You see, human growth hormone will help you firm and tighten your skin without Botox, laser, or surgery. HGH improves the metabolism, so you lose weight without liposuction or bariatric surgery. Why should you spend money foolishly when we know you can put it to better use? By contacting a legitimate HGH clinic in California, you get right to the heart of the matter. If it seems your symptoms point to a hormonal imbalance, we will send you to a lab for blood analysis. Our HGH doctors do not believe in running unnecessary tests. Nor will they make you sit in a waiting room for an hour. In fact, there is no need to wait at all. We can conduct your consultation privately, by phone, during our regular business hours. Top-Rated HGH Clinics in California: By contacting our bioidentical hormone doctors, residents know they are getting the finest care at the most affordable prices. Our doctors are top-rated because they focus all their efforts on hormone replacement. That means we have the experience you need to get the best possible results. All too often we get calls from people who are using HGH therapy, but it is not working for them. Some got their medications from doctors who do not specialize in hormone replacement. Others have ordered them off the internet – without bothering to get a prescription. In either of these cases, the treatment being used may not be what is necessary. When you contact our clinic, you will receive a customized treatment plan designed to meet your body’s needs. Hormone replacement is personalized – not generic. It is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Some people who purchase human growth hormones do not buy HGH injections. Patients who mistakenly buy pills, sprays, lotions, or drops do not have real HGH in their possession. Only doctor-prescribed injections contain real human growth hormones. When to Human Growth Hormone Clinic: You may be wondering about when to begin HGH therapy. The answer is when your body needs it. For some people, that may not be until they are in their late fifties or sixties. Others may need it in their forties, or even late thirties. We cannot tell you how your body will react to decreasing growth hormone levels. The time to call is when you begin to notice the signs of growth hormone deficiency. Here are some of the ways to tell if you might need HGH therapy: Feeling tired Gaining weight Losing muscle mass or bone density Frequent colds or illnesses Depression, stress, or mood swings Worsening eyesight and night vision Memory lapses, poor focus, impaired mental processing Low sex drive or abilities Decreased drive and productivity Aging appearance (skin and hair) Read Also: 5 Mental Health Benefits Of Massage Therapy That You Must Know 7 Signs Which Indicate That You Need To See A Vein Specialist Right Now
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Is Outpatient Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Effective?
When a person is seeking help to overcome addiction, it is important that they choose a treatment program that best meets their specific needs. For some, this means entering a residential program so that they’re away from bad influences, whereas others aren’t in a position to spend months away from home or work responsibilities. Elevate Addiction Services offers an outpatient program that is designed to serve local residents struggling with heroin and other drug use in San Francisco who require the flexibility of attending drug and alcohol treatment sessions when they are able to. Outpatient Care vs. Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient treatment available at the best heroin rehab centers offers the advantage of immersing people into a healing environment, away from the enabling people and places in their daily lives. Elevate’s inpatient program has a duration of 90 days which provides adequate time for people to start the healing process ahead of life in recovery. This program is only suitable for those people who do not have to disrupt their lives in order to attend or for whom addiction has become so severe they require intensive treatment for heroin in San Francisco. On the other hand, outpatient care at the best heroin rehab centers allows patients to remain at home so that they can continue in their daily routine. For some people, this is important as they may have a caregiving role at home or a position of responsibility for others at work. Outpatient services are the same as those offered in our residential program although sessions are arranged for evenings so that it is easy for people to attend. Elevate’s outpatient program has a recommended duration of 8 weeks although this can be extended should individuals require continued support. About the Elevate Addiction Services Outpatient Program: Elevate’s drug and alcohol outpatient care program contains the most effective components of our inpatient care including: Evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) One-to-one, group and family counseling sessions Nutritional education and awareness Planning a recovery strategy Relapse-prevention using holistic coping mechanisms Management of stressors and cravings About the Holistic, Non-12-Step Approach to Outpatient Addiction Recovery: The term holistic refers to healing a person as a whole in terms of mind, body, and spirit. The Elevate approach encompasses the best components of holistic practices and therapies, using them to address the physical, mental and emotional needs of the patient. One of the main elements of Elevate outpatient treatment for heroin in San Francisco is mindfulness, an ancient practice that focuses on deep and slow breathing. Mindfulness is a mental state that is achieved using holistic techniques like meditation that focuses on the individual’s awareness of being in the moment. Very often, people with substance abuse issues have lost the ability to relax without taking drugs or using alcohol. Mindfulness opens a doorway to self-exploration that enables participants to gain a fresh perspective. Becoming more self-aware is important in the fight to overcome addiction and mindfulness practices promote this kind of positive introspection. How Is Evidence-Based Behavioral Therapy Beneficial in Outpatient Addiction Treatment? CBT and other evidence-based therapies are invaluable in addiction treatment as they allow patients to identify the negative thoughts and feelings driving substance abuse. When individuals discover the root of their substance use, they are able to work with the therapist to make necessary behavioral changes for a more positive outlook. The evidence-based aspects of an Elevate outpatient treatment for heroin in San Francisco curriculum include the following: Conscious acceptance of how emotions and feelings drive behaviors and tools for coping Eradicating irrational thoughts and feelings by practicing logical thinking Discovering the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions relative to health and overall wellbeing Identifying and understanding the root causes of an individual’s addiction issues Rebuilding relationships and improving communication skills Maintaining sobriety in recovery and preventing relapse Finding the Right Route to Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Everyone has their own unique journey into addiction and so it makes sense that they will find their own path to recovery. This is why the decision to attend outpatient or inpatient rehab should be made with the interests of the individual in mind. Some people flourish in residential rehab and make leaps and bounds progressing towards recovery because they’re away from everything they associate with substance use. However, other people find it difficult to be away from loved ones, dependents, co-workers and employers, without either drawing too much attention to their issues or letting people down by walking away temporarily from responsibilities. Research shows that outpatient treatment is as effective as inpatient care, particularly for people with less severe addiction illness. For people who have developed more serious substance abuse issues, an intensive outpatient program or IOP can provide them with flexible treatment that fits around their daily schedule. Essentially, the best rehab centers devise personalized treatment plans for each patient entering their care, with the decision of whether to opt for an inpatient or outpatient program taken into account. Read Also: Addiction Treatment: 11 Tips To Find The Best Rehabilitation Center How 12-Step Works As Addiction Recovery Support
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Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms and Who Is At Risk?
You might have heard the term “functioning alcoholic” and wondered what it even means. Then, you might be searching for the meaning of the term and what it means to be a functional alcoholic. Then, let’s throw some light on the meaning of functioning alcoholics for your better understanding. We often relate alcoholism with people who are unable to function properly in their lives. This stereotype of alcoholic individuals seems to be not accurate. This is because several individuals who are alcoholics seem to function properly and deal with their daily tasks properly. If this is the case, then why are these individuals living a regular life while being alcoholic? While other groups cannot function properly because they are constantly under influence. Therefore, in this article, we not only discuss what is a functioning alcoholic but also how they differ from those with more visible signs of alcohol dependency. Perception About Individuals Battling Addiction Your concept or perception of an alcoholic will change when you learn how a functioning alcoholic person works. They are capable of living or maintaining a normal life while battling alcohol addiction. At one glance, you might not even know this person might have an addiction. Because they can do all their daily duties smoothly. Therefore, why was this term created, which means someone who is functioning even when dealing with addiction? This challenges the common stereotype of an alcoholic person who lives an undisciplined and disheveled life. The term “functioning alcoholic” could be used to describe a person’s condition, but it is not officially recognized. In the field of psychiatry, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) doesn’t recognize this term officially. However, several professionals use this term to describe a specific alcoholic person’s condition. So, understanding the phenomenon of the functioning alcoholic is important. Because it helps identify people who are going through this hardship. When you recognize a functional alcoholic, you can help them get the right treatment, which will get them better. Functioning alcoholics often hide their struggles with addiction while maintaining a normal facade. So, it becomes harder for you to recognize them and get them correctly diagnosed. Therefore, you must read this article to know how to identify one. This is so you can help them get the right treatment for recovery. What Is A Functioning Alcoholic? A functioning alcoholic seems to live a normal life while dealing with alcohol addiction. These individuals, you will observe, can do all the regular tasks and maintain a lifestyle without alcohol overriding their lives. Even if they are always under the influence, they can hold down a job and other obligations. Not only that, but they can also excel in some areas of their lives without alcohol overriding their entire life. Therefore, it becomes hard for you to identify these individuals. Because they look perfectly normal from the outside while dealing with addiction. These individuals know how to keep their professional and social lives separate from their addiction. You see, functional alcoholics are aware of their alcoholic addiction, which helps them hide it easily. They become skilled at hiding their shortcomings from the world. However, this addiction of a functioning alcoholic does not affect anyone other than themselves. It does affect their own lives if kept unchecked in the long run. As they continue to hide their struggle with alcohol, it becomes much more troublesome as time goes on. Functioning Alcoholics Live In The Grey Area Of Addiction A functioning alcoholic lives in the grey area of addiction, where addiction coexists with competence. While they are functioning like a regular individual, they also hide their addiction from their friends, family, or colleagues. So, they operate much more separately than an alcoholic consumed with addiction and a normal non-alcoholic. So how will you recognize a functioning alcoholic when they are living just like any ordinary person? You see, functioning alcoholics often rationalize their drinking habits as rewards for their accomplishments. So, if they can get their work done, they reward themselves. Again, if they do their duty towards their family, they will reward themselves with a drink. Again, their coping mechanism for dealing with the stress of daily responsibilities is through alcohol. So, when they accomplish their responsibilities day-to-day, they reward themselves with alcohol. But this facade of normalcy is fragile as they become more dependent on alcohol over time. As they start to deal with life problems with alcohol, this results in psychological issues. Maintaining a long-term facade of alcohol addiction is not the only problem a functional alcoholic face but health problems, too. High Functioning Alcoholism vs. Traditional Alcohol Use Disorder Traditionally, you could identify an alcoholic person from their visible signs of dysfunction. These dysfunctional problems were frequent performance issues, relationship problems, and deteriorating health. In contrast, high-functioning alcoholics may lead seemingly successful lives, masking their dependency behind a façade of competence. They may hold prestigious positions, maintain social connections, and even drink expensive wine without raising suspicion. Despite their ability to keep up appearances, high-functioning alcoholics often deal with a significant internal struggle. They might spend considerable effort hiding the extent of their drinking from others and themselves. This can involve elaborate routines to cover up the smell of alcohol and secret drinking sessions. Again, a functional alcoholic persistently worries about being discovered because of their addiction. You will see that the stress of maintaining a double life can be extremely problematic in the long run. In the long-term, this coping mechanism with alcohol can only affect negatively both physically and mentally. Along with the stress of hiding their addiction to alcohol and dealing with life’s problems, a functioning alcoholic is bound to break down at some point. This will lead to their worst fear of revealing their true nature. It’s this dual existence that differentiates high-functioning alcoholism from other overt alcohol use disorders. Other alcohol disorders are more visible due to their impact on an individual’s life. Recognizing The Signs of Alcohol Abuse There are significant risks to being a functional alcoholic despite its outward appearance. Because their pattern of drinking can be more than seven drinks per week. This leads to health risks in the long term. Again, continuous dependence on alcohol to deal with life can have adverse effects on the person’s psychology. From binge drinking episodes to the inability to stop drinking despite its negative consequences, these are some of the recognized risks of alcohol addiction. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or cut back on alcohol consumption. Recognizing signs of a high-functioning alcoholic can be challenging as they are good at hiding their addiction. Therefore, it’s essential to identify these individuals, get them diagnosed correctly, and treat them properly. It’s important to note that these behaviors can be subtle and easily overlooked, especially when the individual is still managing to fulfill their personal and professional obligations. Over time, you will see that the consequences of high-functioning alcoholism become visible. Be it strained relationships, personality changes, mental health issues, and physical health problems related to alcohol abuse. You will start to see its effects on a functional alcoholic. Risk Factors and Consequences Certain factors can increase the likelihood of high-functioning alcoholism, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and untreated mental health issues. While they may avoid some of the immediate consequences associated with traditional alcoholism, such as job loss or legal troubles, high-functioning alcoholics are still at risk for severe health problems, including certain cancers and mental health issues. These health problems can include liver disease, heart disease, and neurological impairments that may not become evident until later in life. The psychological consequences are equally concerning, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders that can deteriorate the quality of life. Moreover, high-functioning alcoholics may face social consequences over time, such as eroded trust in relationships, marital strife, and a gradual withdrawal from social activities as they prioritize alcohol over personal connections. Despite maintaining a veneer of normalcy, the cumulative effect of these risk factors and consequences can lead to a tipping point where the individual’s ability to function at a high level is compromised. It is crucial to recognize these long-term risks and understand that the lack of immediate, visible consequences does not diminish the urgency for intervention and treatment. Seeking Support And Treatment For The High Functioning Alcoholic Addressing high-functioning alcoholism requires a comprehensive approach involving medical professionals, support groups, and rehab centers in Los Angeles specializing in addiction medicine. Loved ones play a crucial role in encouraging their family members or close relatives to seek help, but it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Initiating this conversation can be delicate, as it often involves breaking through a wall of denial built up by the individual over time. Friends and family need to be informed about the nature of high-functioning alcoholism, to offer non-judgmental support, and to avoid enabling behaviors that can perpetuate the addiction. The process of seeking support often begins with an honest self-assessment or an intervention by concerned loved ones. This step is vital in helping the individual recognize the extent of their problem and its impact on their life and the lives of those around them. Professional interventionists can be instrumental in this phase, providing the guidance needed to navigate what can be a highly charged situation. Once the individual acknowledges the need for help, the next step involves finding the right treatment program. Treatment can range from outpatient therapy sessions to accommodate the individual’s work schedule. Or a more intensive inpatient program where you must take a temporary step back from daily responsibilities. The treatment choice should be tailored to the individual’s specific circumstances, considering their level of addiction, personal responsibilities, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Throughout the recovery journey, ongoing support is essential for maintaining sobriety. Aftercare programs and sober living communities offer continued guidance and support, helping the individual to reintegrate into their daily life with new coping skills and a renewed focus on health and wellness. Support And Treatment Facilities Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide a vital lifeline for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders, offering a sense of community and understanding. These groups facilitate peer-to-peer support and shared experiences, creating a space where individuals can speak openly about their struggles without fear of judgment. Treatment facilities offer residential treatment or outpatient tailored programs designed to address the unique needs of high-functioning alcoholics, providing medical supervision during the withdrawal process and equipping them with coping strategies for maintaining sobriety. These facilities often employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical treatment, psychological counseling, and behavioral therapy to address the complex nature of addiction. The programs may include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, educational workshops on addiction, and relapse prevention planning. In addition to traditional treatment methods, some facilities offer holistic therapies such as meditation, yoga, and art therapy, recognizing the importance of treating the whole person. The Importance Of Mental Health Resources Recognizing that alcoholism is not solely a physical dependency but also a mental health problem is crucial. Access to more mental health resources, including therapy and counseling, can help individuals address underlying issues contributing to their alcohol use and develop healthier coping mechanisms. These resources are vital in treating the emotional and psychological aspects of alcoholism, which often include stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders that may co-occur with substance abuse. By providing a supportive environment for open discussion about mental health, individuals can gain insights into the emotional triggers that lead to drinking and learn new strategies for managing these triggers. Therapy can also assist in repairing relationships damaged by alcohol abuse, rebuilding trust, and improving communication skills. In addition, counseling can offer guidance on how to establish a balanced life. You can set achievable goals and create a supportive network that fosters their long-term recovery. Treatment programs need to integrate mental health services as a core component of addiction recovery, called dual diagnosis treatment. This integration ensures that individuals receive a holistic approach to their treatment, addressing all facets of their well-being. As society continues to destigmatize mental health issues, the hope is that more people will feel empowered to seek the help they need without fear of judgment or stigma. Ultimately, enhancing the availability and accessibility of mental health resources is a critical step in supporting the recovery journey of functioning alcoholics. Their lasting sobriety helps improve their mental health issues. High Functioning Alcoholics: Is There Such A Thing? High-functioning alcoholics can often seem to have it all together, balancing significant responsibilities while battling their addiction in silence. Despite heavy drinking, they are typically individuals who seem to lead productive lives. They often excel in their careers, maintain social relationships, and uphold daily routines. This can make it difficult is difficult for others and sometimes even for the individuals themselves to recognize the problem, as their success often masks the underlying issues. We can help individuals struggling with high-functioning alcoholism by raising awareness and providing support. This will help them regain control of their lives and improve their overall life. How to Help a Colleague (...Who is Also Recovering) Helping someone in recovery from alcoholism is as simple as learning the signs and subtly helping. But remember they are on a journey, not at the destination. Part of that journey includes being open about their lives but not praying too much. A casual “How are you doing today?” can go a long way. Be Responsible Yourself First! Help your co-workers make healthy choices by creating a clean, responsible environment. Don’t go to work events where the primary focus is drinking, and don’t invite them to join if you do. Be mindful of their limits; never encourage or force them to drink more than they feel comfortable with. If they make the choice to leave an event because others are drinking too heavily, offer to accompany them. Find Alternative Activities Encourage them to engage in healthy activities, even if it is during office breaks. You can go for a walk with them at lunch or get involved together in a wellness group at work. Not only do these kinds of activities help alleviate stress, but they also give your colleague something positive to focus their energy on. Plus, showing that you’re willing to invest in their well-being as professionally appropriate helps build a stronger working relationship between the two of you and gives them an added source of support while they recover. Do not Get Too Personal But still, you need to draw the line and not become too personal with them. You should only keep any conversations limited to work-related topics unless they would like to share them with you. Be mindful of their personal space as well because, in the end, it is their own recovery. Supporting a colleague in recovering from alcoholism requires empathy, respect, and understanding. By being a supportive colleague, you help to not only nurture their recovery but also help foster an inclusive and compassionate workplace. Remember, it’s the little things that mean a lot. Conclusion It’s crucial to understand that high-functioning alcoholism is a real and serious condition. When you acknowledge its existence, you take the first step towards addressing the unique challenges it presents. With the right resources and support systems, you can improve functioning alcoholic individuals to live a life free from alcohol. You can find them the help they need to recover from alcohol dependency. Therefore, you need to know about functional alcoholism and identify functional alcoholic individuals. Read Also: How 12-Step Works As Addiction Recovery Support Addiction Treatment: 11 Tips To Find The Best Rehabilitation Center
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Polydrug Use: What Happens When You Mix Cocaine with Heroin?
Cocaine and heroin are among the most potent and extensively used illicit drugs in the world with deeply addictive and destructive potential. When we think of these drugs, we usually think of individuals having either cocaine or heroin addiction, whereas in reality the practice of taking more than one substance at the same time - known as polydrug use - is on the rise. Individuals typically start polydrug use by combining substances to enhance the effects of one or both of them. A very common combination of drugs in polydrug use is cocaine and heroin and in fact, the practice has become so widespread that it now has its own street name: "speedballing." When speedballing, polydrug users take heroin to extend and enhance cocaine’s short-term effects to avoid the crashing come down, essentially by replacing it with opiate-induced euphoria. The Health Risks of Speed Balling with Cocaine and Heroin: Although the effects of speedballing are extremely pleasurable and compelling to users, it is incredibly dangerous. Both heroin and cocaine have significant health risks separately but when used in combination and injected at the same time, these risks are heightened considerably. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and depending on the US state studied, around 36.9% to 98.9% of heroin-related deaths involve other substances. There are few activities in life that have the potential to be more deadly than speedballing and yet it is now a significant issue. Young people experimenting with substances are increasingly being encouraged to participate in speedballing without being fully aware of the risks. Let’s take a look at the differences between cocaine and heroin when used on their own: Heroin: Heroin is made from an extract of the opium poppy and it has been used for hundreds of years as pain relief for significant trauma. The way heroin works are by flooding the brain with euphoria-creating dopamine so as to “trick” the mind into ignoring pain signals from other parts of the body. The euphoria created by heroin is considered the reason it is highly addictive, as it immobilizes the body in the most pleasant way so that the only thing a user can do is lay back and enjoy the feeling. One of the most common ways people develop heroin addiction is by becoming tolerant to its effects, which can happen very quickly after they start using the drug. When the euphoria they seek starts to wane when taking their usual amount of the drug, they will simply up the dose. After a very short while of this addictive behavior, the body will start to develop cravings for heroin every time the user comes down from their high. Some of the withdrawal symptoms emerging if cravings for heroin are not satisfied can be extremely unpleasant and so more of the drug is needed to make them go away. Cocaine: The kind of high cocaine creates depends on the way it’s taken, which is generally by snorting or injecting. The effects of cocaine are generally short-term, lasting around 40 minutes and they are quite opposite to those of heroin. Cocaine is a stimulant that makes users feel a rush of energy, often making them the life and soul of the party. Whereas heroin immobilizes, cocaine stimulates and while on a high from the drug, users tend to talk at a fast pace, enjoying everything around them in an animated way. Cocaine is equally as addictive as heroin although it has a very different kind of appeal. Some people become socially dependent on the drug before going on to developing an addiction, using cocaine as a prop to boost confidence. However, as with heroin, cocaine has a negative impact on the brain's function, which can introduce extra challenges for people seeking to overcome cocaine addiction in heroin and cocaine addiction treatment. The risks caused by speedballing with cocaine and heroin include the following: Whereas heroin stimulates the brain’s production of endorphins, cocaine prevents them from being reabsorbed naturally. This eventually erodes an individual’s ability to enjoy the simplest pleasures in life unless substance abuse is involved. Cocaine is the only drug with the potential to hyper-stimulate the body to the point where the user suffers a stroke. When used in combination in heroin, it is not possible to detect that this is happening and there is a risk of suffering a stroke without any warning and possible death. The effects of cocaine do not last for as long as heroin and so speedballers tend to use more cocaine to prolong their high. This is incredibly dangerous and places the individual at risk of a fatal heart attack. Heroin has a powerful effect on the central nervous system, slowing down its functions when a person is under influence including the heartbeat and breathing. If there is not enough oxygen reaching the brain because a person’s breathing has become shallow after taking heroin, there is a high risk of brain damage or death. Because cocaine is a stimulant, it reduces some of the effects of heroin if taken at the same time. This can mask the warning signs of heroin overdose which include: confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, body limpness, and unconsciousness. Cocaine and Heroin Addiction Treatment for Speed Balling: Addiction is an illness that can be treated so that individuals can move on from substance abuse and enjoy a life in sobriety. Although challenging, the path through detox, rehab, and recovery on a cocaine or heroin addiction treatment program introduces individuals to a world outside of substance use, motivating them to make the necessary changes to overcome their illness. Because of the potency of heroin and cocaine independently, people speedballing face significantly more risks from substance abuse than those abusing one type of drug. The effects on a person's personality, behavior, and psychological state can be extended with both substances which is why holistic therapies such as those offered at the best heroin and cocaine addiction treatment centers are now commonly available as a cocaine and heroin addiction treatment approach. Through learning skills such as meditation and yoga or becoming physically fit through a structured exercise regime, individuals can move on from the difficulties in their lives cause by heroin and cocaine addiction. Read Also: How 12-Step Works As Addiction Recovery Support Addiction Treatment: 11 Tips To Find The Best Rehabilitation Center
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Teenage Eating Disorder Treatment FAQ
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, and races. However, they typically develop in early adolescence. Families searching for the best eating disorder treatment centers should take great care to understand the different types of eating disorders and the treatment options available. At Clementine, we specialize in teenage eating disorders treatment, offering patients access to care in a comfortable, safe and home-like setting. Keep reading to learn more about common eating disorders and eating disorder recovery options. What is an eating disorder? Eating disorders are very serious mental health conditions that include both medical and psychiatric aspects. The most well-known eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. However, people can develop other types of eating disorders, including binge eating disorder and eating disorder not otherwise specified. People who have an eating disorder are typically obsessed with food, their body shape, weight and body image. If left untreated, eating disorders can quickly become very serious and even life-threatening. Who can develop an eating disorder? People of all genders and nearly any age can develop an eating disorder. Research has shown children as young as five or six years of age can develop an eating disorder. While it is true females are more commonly diagnosed than males and individuals typically show signs of an eating disorder in adolescence, many people develop eating disorders later in adulthood. Current studies suggest up to seven percent of women in the United States have had bulimia nervosa at some point in their lives. Anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic illness among teen girls and binge eating disorder affects anywhere from 0.7 percent to 4 percent of the general population. It is important to remember eating disorder treatment is available. Can people be cured with eating disorder treatment? Many people with eating disorders can achieve recovery. Early intervention and finding the right eating disorder treatment centers to fit an individual's needs are extremely important when seeking professional help. It is also important to keep in mind patients who have been through an eating disorder recovery program may continue to seek counseling to support and protect their recovery for months or years after leaving treatment. The chance of relapse greatly diminishes when teens have access to aftercare and a strong support system at home. If a loved one is intentionally vomiting after meals but only some of the time, should parents be worried? Yes. Anytime someone feels the need to purge after a meal, whether that means fasting, self-induced vomiting or laxative use, they are likely dealing with underlying psychological issues surrounding food, their body shape, and weight. While this does not necessarily mean they have a diagnosable eating disorder, it is important for loved ones to express concern. What is the difference between overeating and binge eating? Many people will overeat every now and then. However, those with binge eating disorder feel out of control during the binge episode. They typically eat large amounts of food in a very short amount of time, even, at times when they are not physically hungry. The binge eating episodes can also be accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, and disgust. Contact Clementine Eating Disorder Treatment Centers Today: At Clementine eating disorder treatment centers, we focus on providing adolescents with the tools they need to enjoy a successful eating disorder recovery. We understand teenage eating disorders treatment should be approached from both a medical, psychiatric, therapeutic and nutritional perspectives to ensure young people can properly navigate the challenges of life after completing treatment. Read Also: 4 Reasons Why Food Handling Training Is Important Meals That Matter: The Best Foods And The Ways They Make You Fit
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