Smoking: More than just a Habit

Smoking, today, has been transformed from a personal habit to a social practice, and without exaggeration, to a social illness, as its scope of negative influence continues to grow. According to the world population statistics, as of 2009, there were already about 6.8 billion people who smoked - this is roughly 20% of the whole human population. Among these include 25% of American teens and 21% of American adults. Now this is very alarming considering that 1,000 new cases of smokers are recorded daily in the United States alone. If this continues, it will not be surprising if the figures balloon in the coming years, with the inclusion of incidences of smoking-borne diseases and deaths. As of the moment, smoking kills one out of ten people. In the future it will surely kill 6.

Smoking currently accounts for 4 million deaths and 41 health problems, most of which are debilitating and detrimental to the quality of one’s life. These are as follows:

• Cancer of the mouth
• Cancer of the throat
• Cancer of the esophagus
• Cancer of the larynx
• Lung cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Liver cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Cancer of the bladder
• Pancreatic cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Cancer of the penis
• Cancer of the anus
• Cardiovascular disease
• Coronary heart disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Peripheral artery disease
• Ischaemic heart disease
• Angina
• Atherosclerosis
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• High blood pressure
• Leukaemia
• Emphysema
• Chronic bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Stomach ulcers
• Crohn’s disease
• Cataracts
• Gum disease
• Premature aging of the skin
• Loss of smell and taste
• Osteoporosis (women)
• Gangrene
• Reduced fertility
• Impotence

If people do not stop, they will eventually suffer these consequences and live a very short and complicated life. But how is it that smoking is such a difficult practice to beat? How come people find it so challenging to quit and even prefer to forgo their health for a stick?
Well, smoking contains nicotine, which can be very addictive. It influences the nervous system, helping smokers relax and feel good with every whiff. The more cigarettes they consume, the higher the level of nicotine in the blood stream gets and the more pleasurable the feeling is. But as this exposure is prolonged, nicotine effects become duller. Hence, more and more sticks are required to be lit in order for a person to achieve that elating feeling again. Moreover, a psychological factor is also at work with smoking. People become dependent on it, to the point they consider themselves powerless. This is the reason why there are those who experience rebound smoking after quitting for so long. A “need” resurfaces from their subconscious that insists on being satisfied.

Hence, it is understandable why smoking is now considered, partly, an illness itself. Unlike a habit which you can control and stop anytime, smoking takes over you and causes you an assortment of harm.

Tanorexia Explained: Why Obsessing So Much on Getting the Perfect Tan Is Not a Good Thing

Getting a good tan might not be the trend for this cold winter months. But there are just some people who don’t care that it’s winter season. It is unusual for people to get a tan during a season that actually does not welcome that much sun. Hence, those who do may most likely have tanorexia or in other words, they are addicted to tanning. They get on with what they want with the help of tanning beds and tanning salons. So there’s actually no need to wait for summer anymore.
Tanorexia can be compared to anorexia in the sense that the person perceives his/her body to in a distorted fashion. In anorexia, the individual sees his or her self as obese and develops an almost desperate craving to lose weight. In tanorexia, the person finds his or her light skin color as repulsive and pursues a darker complexion through obsessive tanning. Tanorexic people can’t get enough of tanning because they believe the tanner they are, the more attractive they look. However, there are some researches that indicate that this addiction might be more medical than one believes it to be.
According to researchers from Wake Forest University, tanorexia is most likely brought about by UV rays emitted by tanning beds that trigger the production of endorphins, which is a chemical produced by the body that has an effect of suppressing pain.
Just like anorexia, the addiction to tanning is said to be hazardous to one’s health. Several studies were already conducted and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has declared recently that tanning beds and sun lamps are imposing high risks of cancer to humans. Despite knowing the fact that there is a high risk of cancer caused by this artificial tanning procedure, tanorexic people still choose to do it.
Tanorexia might seem as a joke to some people, teasing those who are obsessed with tanning and those who skip some schedules for socializing to spend long hours in the tanning bed and sun lamps. However, it is a serious addiction. Much like being addicted to drugs or other substances, people with tanning addiction do suffer from withdrawal symptoms and they need supportive care when they attempt to stop. People suffering from this addiction should seek treatment before their condition gets worse.

Teen’s Abusive Drinking Problem

Teenage addiction to drugs and alcohol has become more rampant today than it is before thirty years ago. And in these most recent years, alcohol addiction has become alarming. The number of teenagers undergoing alcohol addiction counseling has increased tremendously. And even treatment centers have begun to accept patients younger than twelve. Though it is, teenage is such a delicate subject for psychology of teenagers is very complicated and external factors are influential in alcohol use in this age group.

Being a teen is not easy as some of us may have already passed this stage. This is the time where a lot of changes occur, both physical and emotional. And these changes play a large role in the confusion and the need for acceptance which teenage feel at this time. Peer pressure is a big motivator in the increased use of alcohol as well as drugs. Teenagers are experiencing a stage where they have identity crisis. They are beginning to prepare their life as an adult and this sometimes brings them to confusion. To a teenager, it seems that their friends are the only ones that understand them. And the need to be accepted to this circle of friends, is sometimes participating to drugs and alcohol.

Generally, professionals are hesitant to label a teenager as an addict. One of the reasons is because when a person is drinking alcohol regularly it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are already suffering from alcoholism. And another reason is that teenagers are developing psychologically and it would be very dangerous to diagnose them as an addict before they are at least 20 years old. Thus, it is not good to force a teenager into recovery neither it is to put them in a rehabilitation program just because you discover they are drinking alcohol. But if your child is beginning to develop serious alcohol abuse and cannot cease their use, then a treatment is necessary in this situation.

Drug Detoxification

Drug addiction is a serious problem and should not be ignored. It is a threatening disorder that may eventually cause harm not only to the addicted individual but to the family and the community as well. It is a malady that could only be treated with the right drug rehab programs that are available in many drug rehab centers across the country and the whole world.

Most drug rehab programs kicks off with drug detoxification, a clinical procedure designed to eliminate traces of harmful substances that have accumulated in the body as a result of consumption og illegal substances. Drug detoxification varies from one place to another depending on the severity of addiction in an individual. Some drug detox procedures require the use of carefully selected drugs. There are also drug detox treatments that do not necessarily require medications. In either case, drug detox is done to cleanse the body systems from all impurities.

Drug detoxification is also done to help control withdrawal symptoms which are more likely to come about when addicted individuals put a halt to their vices. It is also said to be an effective relapse prevention technique among those who have long history of addictions to either alcohol or illegal substances. As a relapse prevention technique, drug detoxification help promote long term abstinence from illegal drugs and help these individuals live drug-free lives.

As mentioned earlier, drug detoxification is but an introduction to more complex drug abuse treatment. Practically, it is but a preparation to more intensive and more time consuming drug abuse rehabilitation. Drug detox procedures are usually followed by any of the more specific drug rehab programs being offered in most drug rehab centers.

Drug rehab programs can either be inpatient or outpatient. Inpatient substance abuse treatment refers to the treatment program that occurs within rehab centers and is more common to those who have severe addiction problems. Outpatient substance abuse treatment are usually given to those who have already completed specific drug rehab programs and are typical among those who have history of relapse.

Drug Intervention

Drug intervention is an essential step toward a complete and resolute treatment from drug addiction as well as alcoholism. It is in fact, considered the initial step to recovery from any addiction. But what really is drug intervention?

Perhaps a better way to start a detailed discussion of drug intervention is giving definition to intervention as a process. Intervention basically refers to carefully crafted procedures that require a non-compliant person towards help and treatment. Interventionist can be anybody else who can effectively facilitate drug intervention. Ideal interventionists include individuals who have strong influence on the addicted individual such as the family, friends and colleagues at work.

Drug intervention refers to a plan of action geared toward helping drug alcohol addicts get back in order, stay away form drugs and alcohol, and never turn into these vices again. Effective drug intervention results in drug and alcohol treatment.

According to researches, a large number of drug alcohol addicts hardly believe in drug intervention that is being offered in most California drug rehabs. In effect, drug alcohol addicts do not get access to the services of health professionals who are capable of assessing addiction, dealing with denial and resistance plus determining the model of intervention that will have the best outcome for each individual in need of drug and alcohol treatment.

Drug intervention is geared to motivate an addicted loved one to accept treatment for alcoholism and/ or substance abuse and save them from further damage due to addictions.

Drugs Destroy Careers

Getting the tough but top jobs that are going to improve your way of living is hard to get these days. An outstanding school credential is going to help but you also need a clean criminal record in order to be accepted for the job. To do this, you need to stay away from drugs because it would make your image bad in the eyes of your prospective employer.

It would be a huge mistake to be involved in drug addiction problem. Also, it’s against the law to because of its harmful effects to the body and mind. Always follow the law, if you really want to make your future career soar high.

The reality is that employers nowadays are very keen on screening their applicants. They conduct different tests in order to prove if the statements said by the applicants are true. And the employers are very careful in selecting only those people who can represent their company well enough.

Most employers are looking for persons who can be assets, not liabilities. Background checks for criminal records are being conducted during the process of hiring a new staff. Most employers would quickly dispose those who are found out to be guilty of addiction.

Remember that your time and efforts are best appreciated if you have a clean criminal record. This can contribute in giving a credible background as well as gaining the trust and confidence of your future employer. Losing a precious career is one thing that you couldn’t afford to do. The best opportunities would sometimes only come your way once, so you better grab it. Never let drugs cost you that job. Submit yourself to a treatment center and get the right addiction treatment you require. Having a past record of drug addiction can ruin a career and would probably forever haunt you.

Family Intervention

Individuals suffering from drug problems and alcoholism are often in denial of their predicament. Most of these addicted individuals do not submit themselves to rehabilitation centers where they can have full access to the kind of treatment they require. As a result, these individuals tend to suffer more from their addiction.

Be conscious of each of your family member. Take time to notice changes in behavior, lifestyles, friends and hobbies. If you suspect that a family member is at the verge of losing self to addiction, take the initiative to conduct family intervention.

Family intervention is an effective approach to stop loved ones from any self-destructive behavior and practice such as addiction. This process is especially helpful when addicted individuals continue to be in denial of their problems and when they refuse to accept the help that is offered them.

Basically, family intervention is used to cut self-destructive practices such as alcoholism and substance abuse. It is also proven effective in treating eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

Family intervention is conducted in such a way that love and respect for the addicted individual is manifested despite the shortcomings of the drug or alcohol addict. It is said to be a non-confrontational, non-judgmental approach which can effectively encourage drug alcohol addicts to seek professional help from rehab centers.

Considerations when Looking for an Addiction Treatment Center

Individuals with drug alcohol addiction problems need to stay in places that would be able to serve them their needs and requirements. They have to be surrounded with health professionals who have the dedication to help them overcome their struggle with addiction. Individuals in need of addiction treatment services need to stay in addiction treatment centers for either drugs or alcohol.

In most instances, however, finding the most suitable addiction treatment center where you could possibly entrust your addicted loved one is tantamount to finding the best cure for addiction. Drug alcohol addiction treatment, for example, depends on various factors such as drug alcohol treatment program and the response of the drug alcohol addict to the treatment itself. Drug alcohol addiction treatment also depends on the cooperation and support of the drug addict’s family.

Generally speaking, there are several considerations for a successful addiction treatment of a loved one. These considerations include the types of drug alcohol treatment program that is available in your community or a targeted location.

Most addiction rehabilitation centers offer a myriad of drug alcohol treatment programs. These treatment programs are generally classified into two: the in-patient treatment program which requires the drug alcohol addict to stay within the rehab center while being treated, and the outpatient drug rehab program wherein the addicted individual is allowed to stay within the family while being treated for addiction. Other addiction rehabilitation centers offer residential treatment programs, a treatment that features more access to different drug addiction therapy services and addiction treatment facilities.

Drug addiction therapy services include detox programs which is, frankly speaking, not available in all drug alcohol treatment centers. Treatment centers that do not provide detox programs usually give referrals to other treatment centers for such specific treatment services. In this case, it is important that you choose a rehabilitation center that is equipped with a complete line of drug addiction treatment programs and addiction treatment services.

Recovery from Drug Addiction

Completing a rehab program does not mean that you have been fully recovered from drug addiction. It is a chornic disease that relapses so the process of drug addiction treatment must be lifetime. Drug rehab program is very important because it is a drug dependent’s spring board to go back to a sober life. This could not be easy though, since getting into a drug rehab program is already a big struggle to start with. Most drug addicts have a hard time to admit their drug problem. Not all drug addicts are willing or able to fully prevent using their drug of choice.

Families and other concerned fellows should exert full effort to encourage these drug addicts to seek medical help from drug addiction treatment centers or enroll them to residential drug treatment centers where they can have all the medical help they need to solve their addiction to drugs. If an addict individual will not try by himself to keep away from drugs then there is no other program in the world which can help them to overcome relapse.

Drug rehab programs paves way for an effective drug addiction recovery. These programs generally require medical detox and other treatment methods depending on the severity of the addiction. Drug detox is always part of the treatment process as it eliminates all the traces of substances within the body of drug addicts.

There is practically no standard road to drug addiction recovery. There are drug rehabs that has individually customized their treatment programs for its patients based on the history of the addiction.

Role of the Family in Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation

Success of any addiction treatment and rehabilitation programs depends on several factors that include the family. We all know that it’s hard to treat such people with addiction especially if you can’t control them anymore. Addiction treatment should basically start with addiction treatment services like family intervention. Drug and alcohol addiction affects not only the individual who is into dependent to alcohol and substances. It also affects the family and even the society where he belongs.

An alcoholic or drug addict parent is likely to create unhealthy relationships with his/her significant other and children. As a result, the family becomes dysfunctional. With the case of child or children who have drug or alcohol addiction problems, parents and other family members as well play very important roles.

Persons with addiction problems do not see the problem within themselves because they deny the fact that they’re already addicted to substance abuse. They need somebody to help them come to their senses and realize the existence of addiction that they need to seek addiction treatment services such as drug addiction counseling from health professionals. This can possibly happen through effective family intervention and the use of family treatment program.

Family members play a pivotal role in almost all drug alcohol treatment programs. Alcoholics and drug addicts are easily motivated and encouraged to go through drug addiction counseling and to ultimately enter addiction rehabilitation center when they have the love and unwavering support of their families.

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