Archive for July, 2011

The Relationship Between Physical and Mental Health

July 29th, 2011

It’s been well accepted that health is not one-dimensional. The definition of health truly consists of physical health, mental health and social adaptability. Being physically match does not mean you’re totally healthy. It’s also important to possess mental health as well as social wellness. To adapt the society well means that folks have the abilities to form and maintain a advanced network of friends and associates. However how do these parts of health relate to each alternative? Particularly, what is the connection between physical and mental health and what meanings do healthy body and healthy mind really have?

Folks think about it commonly that components of health are interdependent, particularly, aspects of health influence every other. When individuals using this kind of health model are assessing health, they’d target the balance among parts of health.

They believe an over-stress in one realm can be offset by activities in another realm. For example, so as to stay the wellness system balanced, they may advise some individuals to require more physical exercises after they are operating in offices for long hours consuming much mental energy. This is often apparently a straightforward remedy, but it’s profound that means on wellness. A much more balanced health can be achieved even by creating a tiny effort in an exceedingly neglected realm. People would seemingly return to figure energetic by spending your time out on physical exercises to rest their mind, for instance, a tiny walk on occasion could make you feel refreshed and invigorated. Therefore, to keep your aspects of health balanced is worth to advocate whereas over-attention to one aspect of health is not.

It’s widely believed that physical health and mental health are connected to each other.

A ton of athletes sustain physical performance by taking much mental effort. You’ll see the relation between physical and mental aspects of sporting performance is therefore shut simply thinking of a momentary lapse in concentration in a game of tennis. It’s usually acknowledged that mind has influences on physical activities. But, it is not as widely understood that physical exercises has impacts on mental health. Nonetheless there are researches supporting the view that physical exercises do have a positive result on the mental health. Physical exercises will contribute to positive mood and elevated concentration. Those outcomes mainly attribute to chemical changes within the body caused by physical activities.

Through physical activities do have positive influences on mental health, however that does not mean physical activities are necessary relevant for mental unwell-health. As an example, if somebody incorporates a mental illness, exercises would be unlikely to act as a remedy. But, it’s widely believed by health practitioners that physical activities are a helpful adjunct to therapy for delicate mental illness.

Substance abuse is curse to humans

July 26th, 2011

Oxycondone’s chemical name is derived from codeine. Freud and Speyer first synthesized the oxycodone from thebine in the year 1916 a few years after one of the top the German pharmaceutical companies had stopped the mass production of heroin due to hazardous and harmful use as well as dependence. It was hoped that a thebine-derived drug would retain the analgesic effects of morphine and heroin with less dependence. To some extent this was achieved, as oxycodone does not have the same immediate effect as heroin or morphine nor does it last as long. The first clinical use of this drug was documented in 1917. It was first introduced to the US market in May 1939.The International Narcotics Control Board estimates that 11.5 tons of oxycodone were manufactured worldwide in 1998, which grew to 75.2 tons in 2007. Of all countries, the United States had the highest total consumption of oxycodone in 2007 (82% of the world total of 51.6 tons).

In addition, in 2007 the U.S. had the highest per capita consumption of oxycodone, followed by Canada, Denmark, Australia, and Norway. (Source Wikipedia)

 

This is a drug available only with the prescription. This works as time release pain killer. This is a very good drug widely used for treatment of severe pain disorders. This is available in a form of a pill or liquid. There are various street names available for this drug like killers, OC, Oxy or Oxycotton etc. it is available in various mg sizes. This drug releases its effect after 12 hours, because it has a sustained- release coating, which causes a time bound and sustained as well as controlled effect of this drug. But most of the people misuse this drug to achieve euphoria. This drug’s coating can be removed and taken in a crushed from to cause instant rush of euphoria. This rush leads to an addiction to oxycontin. There are various short term and long term effects of the oxycontin addiction. Short term effects can be classified as constipation, sedation, nausea etc. and long term effects can be physical dependence and addiction. This addiction is very much life threatening. Over the time, the abuser’s body develops tolerance for this drug and the prescribed amount makes no effect, then the dose is increased by the user himself to achieve the high. It is only curable with the help of medical experts and rehabs.

Ageing and Mental Health

July 21st, 2011

Clarity of thought is an essential marker of mental health. A healthy mind is one of the most important components required to lead a healthy life. As age progresses, brain functions slow down and sometimes begin to deteriorate along with other bodily functions. Studies have shown that nearly 25% of the population above 55 years of age exhibit signs and symptoms of depression. It is essential to build and reinforce your mind in order to sustain your aging body.

Exercise your working memory

Working memory is one of the most important parts of the brain’s cognitive structure. Its functions range from temporary data storage to information manipulation and performing arithmetic functions. Working memory becomes excessively susceptible with age and is a general point of inception for diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Mental exercises are very important for keeping your working memory sharp.

It is a good idea to keep your grey cells active with puzzles, crosswords and anagrams. They require the brain to function constantly, especially the working memory area thus forcing it to process, retain and retrieve information. A number of different brain exercises have been developed by mental health experts all over the world to this effect. Although the long term impact of working memory development is still unknown, the short term results have shown promising results in battling Parkinson’s.

Technological therapy

Neurofeedback systems have been developed to enable individuals to actively regulate their neurological functions. The system helps the user identify and interpret brain waves. The data thus gathered can then be used to actively control and redirect various neurological functions.

Neurofeedback therapy has long term effects on brain functions, opening up previously untapped neural paths and improving blood flow within the brain. It reduces reaction time, improves cognitive capabilities and general information processing speed. These can be considered as positive outcomes for an aging brain.

General practices

Forming a reading habit is considered effective in maintaining normal brain functions. It exercises the working memory and also improves the visual-neural interpretation link. You must actively read and try to retain the information for this method to work. Otherwise it is a futile exercise. You could consider joining a book club where each week a new book is selected for the members to read and discuss in detail after they are done reading it. This is one of the easiest techniques to train your brain to retain information and process them to various effects. Playing chess and forming a habit out of it can drastically improve neural functions too. It forces your brain to process a multiple threads of variable information in order to make your next move.

Exercising your brain and keeping it as active as possibly while you grow older is the best way to prevent all sorts of degenerative mental diseases from cropping up as you grow older. Reading, writing and exercising your working memory in general will promote good mental health and do their bit to keep psychological issues like dementia and depression at bay.

Top 10 Warnings of Troubled Teen Substance Abuse

July 17th, 2011

There are so many different types of Substance Abuse. Identifying them and talking about them with your teenager isn’t always the easiest.

When I was a teen, it was obvious to my parents that I abused drugs. Though they did not know what kind of drugs I was doing, it was evident by a lot of signs. I exhibited all of these signs throughout my teenage years. Substance Abuse includes everything from drugs to alcohol. Here you’ll learn the signs of substance abuse and a few ways on addressing substance abuse with your teen.

Signs of Substance Abuse

Once again, these signs were evident in me, and I see them very evident in other drug addicts.

Your teenager begins to spend more time away from home.
They begin to detach themselves more than ever before from your family.
Obviously, you might smell smoke or alcohol on their breath.
Your teenager will sleep in a lot longer than normal, usually because of an extreme night out.
When questioned, your teen will most likely but not always, deny everything.
Depending on which substance they abuse, they will either eat more or less.
Obvious red eyes usually constitute the use of a drug.
Paranoia, never seen before in your teen, is something to be aware of.
New friends is a big one, especially if it is an obvious change.
Depending on the drug, be aware of how they act.
Do they seem unusually depressed?
Is there behavior somewhat aggravating and aggressive?
Lastly, are they laid back, seeming not to care what happens to them?

I don’t encourage you to be over-skeptical when your child is around, but please do begin to notice the differences that are going on.

It helps to be able to identify it. You can’t help if you don’t know what they spend their time doing.

The Signs are Evident, but What Do I Do About It?

I believe that the worst thing that we can do addressing substance abuse, is to talk down and not with our teen regarding this problem.

Drugs and alcohol are everywhere, and as time progresses, every teenager is met with the decision of whether to do it or not.

There are always reasons for substance abuse. It could be just peer pressure, or extreme depression and lack of a good self-image. We can help our teens with this! We can teach them about peer pressure and self-confidence, encouraging them in things they never knew that they could do.

Our goal should be to create an atmosphere of trust and love with our child so we can address substance abuse with them out of love!

Kid and Adolescent Mental Health

July 13th, 2011

Mental health is how people suppose, feel, and act as they face life’s situations. It affects how folks handle stress, relate to 1 another, and make decisions. Mental health influences the ways that people look at themselves, their lives, and others in their lives. Like physical health, mental health is vital at each stage of life.

All aspects of our lives are tormented by our mental health. Caring for and protecting our children is an obligation and is critical to their daily lives and their independence.

Youngsters and Adolescents Will Have Serious Mental Health Problems
Like adults, children and adolescents will have mental health disorders that interfere with the manner they think, feel, and act. When untreated, mental health disorders will lead to high school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide. Untreated mental health disorders will be very costly to families, communities, and the health care system.
In this reality sheet, “Mental Health Issues” for children and adolescents refers back to the vary of all diagnosable emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders.

They include depression, attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety, conduct, and eating disorders. Mental health problems affect one in each five young folks at any given time.
“Serious Emotional Disturbances” for children and adolescents refers back to the on top of disorders once they severely disrupt daily functioning in home, college, or community. Serious emotional disturbances have an effect on one in each ten young people at any given time.

Mental Health Disorders Are More Common in Young People than Several Realize.
Studies show that a minimum of one in five kids and adolescents have a mental health disorder. A minimum of one in ten, or about vi million folks, have a heavy emotional disturbance.

The Causes Are Difficult
Mental health disorders in youngsters and adolescents are caused mostly by biology and environment. Examples of biological causes are genetics, chemical imbalances in the body, or harm to the central nervous system, such as a head injury. Several environmental factors also put young people in danger for developing mental health disorders. Examples embody:
Exposure to environmental toxins, such as high levels of lead;
Exposure to violence, like witnessing or being the victim of physical or sexual abuse, drive-by shootings, muggings, or different disasters; Stress connected to chronic poverty, discrimination, or other serious hardships; and
The loss of vital individuals through death, divorce, or broken relationships.
Signs of Mental Health Disorders Can Signal a Want for Help

Youngsters and adolescents with mental health problems want to induce help once possible.A selection of signs could purpose to mental health disorders or serious emotional disturbances in kids or adolescents. Pay attention if a child or adolescent you know has any of these warning signs:
A kid or adolescent is troubled by feeling:
Unhappy and hopeless for no reason, and these feelings don’t go away. Terribly angry most of the time and crying a lot or overreacting to things.
Worthless or guilty often.
Anxious or worried often.
Unable to get over a loss or death of someone important.
Very fearful or having unexplained fears.
Constantly involved regarding physical problems or physical appearance.
Frightened that his or her mind either is controlled or is out of control.
A child or adolescent experiences huge changes, like:
Showing declining performance in school.
Losing interest in things once enjoyed.
Experiencing unexplained changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
Avoiding friends or family and wanting to be alone all the time.
Daydreaming too much and not finishing tasks.
Feeling life is too arduous to handle.
Hearing voices that can’t be explained.
Experiencing suicidal thoughts.
A child or adolescent experiences:
Poor concentration and is unable to suppose straight or create up their mind.
An inability to take a seat still or focus attention.
Worry concerning being harmed, hurting others, or doing something “unhealthy”.
A would like to wash, clean things, or perform certain routines lots of times on a daily basis, so as to avoid an unsubstantiated danger.
Racing thoughts that are almost too fast to follow.
Persistent nightmares.
A child or adolescent behaves in ways in which that cause problems, such as:
Using alcohol or alternative drugs.
Eating massive amounts of food and then purging, or abusing laxatives, to avoid weight gain.
Dieting and/or exercising obsessively.
Violating the rights of others or constantly breaking the law while not regard for alternative people.
Setting fires.
Doing things that may be life threatening.
Killing animals.
Comprehensive Services through Systems of Care Will Facilitate
Some kids diagnosed with severe mental health disorders could be eligible for comprehensive and community-primarily based services through systems of care. Systems of care help children with serious emotional disturbances and their families deal with the challenges of adverse mental, emotional, or behavioral problems. To learn a lot of concerning systems of care, call the National Mental Health Info Center at one-800-789-2647, and request truth sheets on systems of care and serious emotional disturbances, or visit the Center’s net web site at

How Lindsay Lohan Can Kick Her Substance Abuse Forever

July 10th, 2011

Lindsay Lohan was ordered back to jail this past week but evaded a lengthy stint in the cell, instead staying just fifteen hours by posting 0,000 bail.

Struggling with her substance abuse Lohan commented that it’s a “disease.” She will unfortunately be supported in this mistaken belief by many psychiatrists and professionals who work in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Substance abuse isn’t a disease in the sense of an illness, though it does result from dis-ease within ourselves—the kind of dis-ease that’s a lack of felt internal peace.

It’s important to be clear that we aren’t saying there’s ever an absence of peace within us, only that we can’t feel the peace we all participate in because our thoughts and emotions block our awareness of it.

Our center has always been at peace, though in most cases we don’t realize this and therefore don’t experience it.

It’s a very different thing to try to make yourself peaceful when you aren’t at peace with yourself than it is to recognize that all of your anxiety is just a surface phenomenon, whereas your true and abiding state is one of an unending internal peace.

One requires us to battle with ourselves, whereas the other simply means relaxing into our true state.

The standard recommendation is that Lohan should receive intensified treatment, perhaps with a period in hospital, coupled with increased support from friends who can help her avoid the temptations to which she repeatedly succumbs.

The medical paradigm is one way of looking at Lohan’s addiction.

But there’s a very different understanding that might help the star regain her life.

This entirely different approach is to recognize that her actions are being driven by what Eckhart Tolle calls our “pain-body.”

It’s not an illness that drives us but the internal pain we are in—pain that’s often unrecognized yet that causes us to act it out in destructive ways.

When Paris Hilton went through a difficult time with the law, she was photographed carrying a copy of Eckhart Tolle’s bestseller The Power of Now. Whether she read it we don’t know.

This is the book Lindsay Lohan needs, along with Tolle’s A New Earth (the book Oprah made her book selection choice a couple of years ago).

Since it isn’t generally a disease that grips us when we are addicted to substance abuse, the cure isn’t therefore medical. Rather it lies in dissolving our pain-body.

Self-inflicted behavior that damages us and messes up our life can only be addressed in a lasting manner by recognizing and integrating the negative emotional charge that drives us. Thousands have found that the most helpful tool for this purpose is Michael Brown’s extremely powerful ten-week Presence Process, recently republished in a revised edition.

As long as an emotional charge from childhood remains unintegrated, it will thwart our best efforts to take responsibility for our life, which is likely what Lohan is discovering.

As the actress herself explained, “I am working hard to overcome it and am taking positive steps.” This is all well and good. But until a person deals with their emotional charge, the best intentions and effort in the world can have only limited success.

Even if we are able to kick a particular addiction, an unintegrated charge will show up in our life in some other way—as many who have gone through twelve-step programs and rehabilitation can testify.

So many people imagine that if we just alter our thinking, change our beliefs, and set an intention, we can revamp our life. But this is true only up to a certain point.

In time an unintegrated emotional charge will subvert even the strongest person regardless of their willpower. To integrate our pain-body is the only truly viable way forward.

 


Adolescent Substance Abuse

July 7th, 2011

It is very imperative that parents and individuals who work closely with teenagers look out for the symbols of drug abuse. Being perceptive to these signs will get the teenager to have some sort of intrusion plan commenced on their behalf.

Teenagers, today, are greatly involved in drugs of various kinds such as prescription pills, marijuana, and additional drugs. According to a study that was formerly done on teenagers, it was stated that more than one million of them were mixed up with some kind of drugs at the age of 17. This is a very astounding statistics that should make us want to offer help to these teenagers to get them off of drugs.

Learning the signs of the addiction will help to distinguish substance abuse and be able to give a helping hand to teenagers in order to stop them from using and abusing drugs. Getting teenagers into a substance abuse adulterant facility is suggested because there they will get the suitable assistance that is essential to combat the habit of addiction.

If your teenager is a drug user, some of the signs to look out for are weight loss, isolation from the public and family; failing school grades, temper tantrums and much more.

If you want to have an idea of what is involved with substance abuse adolescent, you can check your local library or book store. The Internet also provides essential information that is detailed.

In the addiction world, there are various drugs to learn about to get an idea of what to look for. Each drug has similar consequences and symptoms. Cocaine, crack and marijuana as well as prescription pills are the ones that are prevalent. If you get enough information about drugs, you may be able to stop your teenager from abusing drugs before it is too late.

There are many teenagers that are obsessed with drugs which are readily available. Some prescription pills can be bought over the counter such as cough and cold medicine. Some will try to give good reason for using this type of medication and think that it is not dangerous. Parents need to keep an eye on their children and pay close attention to their medicine chest to see if there is any improper use of these medications by their teenagers. Once an abuse is assumed, parents should lock up their medicine chest and accept the fact that their teenager needs professional assistance.

Whether you want to come to terms with it or not, your teenage can get addicted to these as well. This is a sign that they are trying to find a way of numbing some kind of inner pain that they are experiencing. Finding out what is really going on is the only way that the parent or anyone else can offer help to them.

At the substance abuse adolescent center, the teenager will get the precise behavioral therapy and treatment which allows them to recognize why they take drugs and how to get rid of the routine use of drugs.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facilities For Substance Abuse

July 4th, 2011

A dual diagnosis treatment facility is able to cater to the special needs of people who have both a mental illness and an addiction of some sort. There are quite a few people who will be able to benefit from one of these facilities and often someone needs treatment for a psychological disorder and not just to treat drug abuse. A person may have poor social skills and paranoia so resorts to drugs to deal with this. Therefore, treating the addiction is not sufficient. People may self-medicate who have major depression or a bipolar disorder rather than treat the problem itself.

Michael’s House is an example of a center that treats both issues. It is a nationally-recognized treatment center for people who have addictions as is located in Palm Springs, California. Individual psychotherapy is important to address the underlying causes that lead to turning towards a release through alcohol or drugs.

Often the family will be called in for sessions in person or by phone to help with mending relationships and addressing the dynamics.

For those seeking a facility in the southeast, La Paloma Treatment Center is another option. It is comprised of 10 acres and is surrounded by a beautiful landscape which can help in the healing process. Located in Memphis, Tennessee it is an ideal place to go for help.

If you do not wish to reside in one of these facilities but rather attend a program on an outpatient-basis, it will be important to make sure that these options are offered. Making sure to check up on which health plans and coverage is accepted will also be important since the price often becomes a prime concern in these cases.

The Canyon is another example of a dual diagnosis treatment facility which can help people who are suffering from addictions and mental problems. It is located in Malibu Hills and aims to help people to get back on the right track with their lives.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health over fifty percent of the population diagnosed with bipolar disease turn to drugs to ease pain. Over forty percent of individuals with schizophrenia also indugle in substance abuse. A program that will treat both mental illness as well as drug addiction is important for those that suffer from both.