Abortion - No Time To Say Goodbye

By devoting yourself to yourself you can get through this.

 

Sadly to say there are times when we have to lose a life to save a life when a decision is made to terminate a pregnancy. An early termination is known as an abortion. There are people who strongly oppose abortions but unfortunately when it is a matter of life or death then there is no argument to fight.

 

Are you left traumatised by feelings of remorse after going through the experience of an abortion or are you hurting on the inside because you had no time to say goodbye to the little one. Then remember heaven is a big place so baby will not be alone. 

 

It is a big decision for any woman to have to make so listen carefully to all the reasons given for why the proposal of an abortion has been suggested. This will help you understand matters better.

 

Having an abortion does not affect you conceiving future babies but it can if you don`t regarding the circumstances on your health issues. 

 

This is the 21st century where so much help and advice is at hand but still the numbers are on the increase with unwanted teen pregnancies. Girls why put yourself through all the pain and heartache that comes with making decisions on abortion - unlike some unfortunate mothers where their choices were zilch.

 

Abortions are legal under 24 weeks in the areas of Scotland England and Wales if agreed upon by two doctors who believe the health of mother could be affected seriously should the pregnancy be allowed to continue to go the full term. 

 

Crucial elements that will be considered by the doctor before finalizing any decision on aborting the pregnancy are major issues like the woman`s mental stability and physical well-being where permanent damage can be done. If there are signs that baby may be born with a serious handicap then this is another reason why a woman may agree to a termination.

 

Remember the earlier you address the situation the easier it is to for any matters to be conducted appropriately for the abortion to take place. However even though the legal system states 24 weeks the sooner the better - this will help ease stress and pressure. Appointments for abortion clinics can tail back to at least two to four weeks.

 

We have two methods of abortion one is the medical abortion- known as the abortion pill. This procedure is carried out in the first 9 weeks of pregnancy and does not engage any surgery. The patient is given a tablet (mifepristone) a second tablet (prostaglandin) is inserted into the vagina approximately 36 to 48 hours later. These two pills can end most pregnancies in about four hours. 

 

The vacuum aspiration - known as the suction is the other method performed in theatre where the woman will undergo a general or local anaesthetic. 

 

The entrance to the womb (cervix) is lightly stretched to permit a tube to pass through. Once the tube is inserted it only takes about 60 seconds to remove by suction. Recovery after surgery in healthy women is not long roughly about an hour (if no complications). 

 

It is common for a woman to experience some discomfort and bleeding for a few days after the abortion. You will be given just as much advice after the abortion as you were before going in for treatment. 

 

If you are trying to come to terms with a loss or about to go through the experience of one then please be strong. 

 

The open wound of heartache heals itself after a matter of time but it is the mental scar that stays with you for ever. Remember not to beat yourself up over the decision you made if it were the right one. How do you know if it was the right decision or not, well that is easy, it was when you realized god was at your side?

 

If mental anguish still prevails, then to help ease your mind body and soul talk with a yoga master. They do not have the cure but they certainly can help sedate your way of thinking in easing any displeasing thoughts that you have.

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A Quick Look At Tanning Beds

Tanning Beds, also known as sunbeds, are used to emit ultraviolet radiations for cosmetic reasons such as artificial tanning or sunless tanning. Tanning beds generally come in two basic formats - horizontal tanning beds and Vertical tanning beds.

 

Horizontal tanning beds are mainly used in residential as well as commercial settings. Horizontal tanning beds come with a lid lined with tubular ultraviolet lamps and a plastic or glass ‘bench’ contoured for optimal relaxation. One can simply lie down, close the lid and permit the ultraviolet light to penetrate into the skin. For even tanning, one simply needs to turn the body over one time halfway through each session.

 

Vertical tanning beds are another popular type of tanning beds available in the market. Also called stand-ups or tanning booths, these types of tanning beds are easy to use and are very efficient. The interior of the vertical tanning beds is lined with ultraviolet light bulbs in a 360 degree pattern. What you need is to just step inside and close the door. As your body is exposed to ultraviolet light from all sides, there is no need for you to turn your body over halfway through each session.

 

Majority of the high pressure tanning beds emit more tanning rays (UVA) and less burning rays (UVB). Most of the high pressure tanning beds use lamps made of quartz. This helps the internal air pressure to be higher when compared to conventional ultraviolet lamps. High-pressure tanning beds are found more useful for intermediate and dark skin tones.

 

All UV lamps come with a marking showing a UVB percentage. That is, if a UV lamp is marked 6% UVB, which means that the lamp emits 6% UVB rays and the remaining 94% UVA rays. This is comparatively a low UVB percentage; that is tans produced with the help of this radiation will be brown and not burned.

 

The latest tanning beds available in the stores comes with a cooling system, which provides more comfortable during tanning.

 

Before purchasing any tanning beds, it is advisable to compare the pros and cons of each model. This helps you to purchase a prefect tanning bed which gives you better results without spoiling your skin and health.

A Quick Look At Sunless Tanning

Sunless tanning, also known as indoor tanning, is becoming much popular these days. As the term implies, sunless tanning is the process of attaining a suntan by sunless means. The main reason behind the popularity of sunless tanning is that there are several people who live in a place where constant sunshine is not available and most of the people cannot afford such a vacation every month to top up their tans. Another reason why people are more attracted with sunless tanning is that the regular and constant exposure to the sun rays increases the chances of contracting skin cancer. Sunless tanning offers several harmless and easy ways for people to achieve the desired result.

 

Sunless tanning can take the form of tanning lotions, tanning sprays, tanning beds, and tanning pills. The results and efficiency of these methods differs from one another. Let us look on the four main sunless tanning methods:

 

Sunless Tanning Lotion

 

Majority of the sunless tanning lotions come with the bronzing ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a colourless sugar which can interact with dead skin cells resulting in a colour change to that skin. Generally this change in colour lasts for five to seven days from the initial application. Using sunless tanning lotions is a well-liked method for sunless tanning. However, the only drawback is that, getting an even tan is very difficult.

 

Spray Tanning

 

Spray tanning is also the same as tanning lotion; the only difference is that tanning solution used here is a spray. Spray tanning can be done manually by a spray gun. If you wish to use it automatically then you can go for a tanning booth. A recent development in spray tanning is the colourless tanning solution. The solution does not have bronzer and affords a less streaky, more even tan.

 

Tanning Beds

 

Tanning beds, also known as sunbeds, feature fluorescent tubes to tan the applicants’ skin by emitting UV (Ultraviolet) Rays. Though, tanning beds are considered as an efficient sunless tanning method, continuous use of this method can cause skin cancer and skin aging.

 

Tanning Pills

 

Tanning pills usually comes in three varieties - pills which contain carotenoid pigments, pills which contain tyrosine, and pills with no active ingredients. Tanning pills which contain carotenoid pigments when consumed internally saturates the fat layers just below the skin, which results in the change in skin colour. The other two varieties of tanning pills are not proven to have any desired effect on the colour of the skin.

 

The cost of sunless tanning methods differs from just a few bucks to $100 or even more for one or more visit in a tanning salon. However, with sunless tanning you can easily achieve that beautiful bronzed look without damaging your skin.

A Quick Guide On How To Get Pregnant

Congratulations! So you’ve decided to take the big step into becoming a parent. While it is one of the most important things a person can do in their life, it is also the most challenging and the first challenge is conceiving. Many people assume that once they stop taking contraception they will immediately conceive. Our bodies are slightly more complicated than that and this guide on how to get pregnant will give you tips on the best methods and the timing to get pregnant.

 

First things first

 

The first thing you must do when you make the decision to have a baby is to visit your gynaecologist. This is a vital step as you will need a German measles vaccination if you haven’t had one already, and to make sure you are receiving enough folic acid to prevent birth defects. The gynaecologist will also answer any of your questions and will provide you with further tips on how to get pregnant.

 

When to do it

 

The best time is dependent on your ovulation cycle. Your ovulation period lasts six days - the first five days before and leading up to the sixth day in which you ovulate - and it’s during this time at which you are most fertile. Your ovulation period is usually midway between your menstrual cycles which for most women is about 14 days before their next period is due. This is usually the best time to get pregnant but if it doesn’t work for you, another tip is to wait until days 10 and 18 of your cycle (day 1 as the first day of your period) and have intercourse every other day during this time. This way, intercourse and ovulation are bound to coincide.

 

At-home ovulation kits

 

If you want to be more precise and exact, you can purchase an at-home ovulation prediction kit which uses your body temperature to determine whether you are ovulating. It is said that when you are ovulating, your body temperature increases by 0.8 degrees. These kits can give you warning from one to one and a half days in advance as to the best time to get pregnant.

 

How often?

 

A frequent concern for those whom want to know how to get pregnant is how often to try. It is a fact that the more frequently a man ejaculates, the lower his sperm count, becomes. So, those who are trying for a baby often have sex every few days to build this sperm count. However, this isn’t necessary. Even though the sperm count may be lower, it is still high enough for pregnancy to occur. The best tip is to make love when you want to. Remember that having a baby should be fun too, so try not to focus too much on how often and when. Of course those who are only having intercourse once a week will significantly lessen their chances.

 

Not working?

 

If after a month or two you are still not pregnant, don’t panic! If you were previously on the pill, it can take some time before your cycle is regularized which can delay the conception. It may also be harder for smokers to get pregnant so if you are a smoker, another tip on how to get pregnant is to decrease or stop smoking. If you are very seriously concerned about your inability to get pregnant and these tips on how to get pregnant have not helped, then you may want to consult a gynaecologist.

 

Remember though that you should take your time and have fun! Don’t focus too much on the goal of how to get pregnant and you’ll be unexpectedly surprised.

 

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A Guide To Tanning Bed Bulbs And Lamps

Tanning bed lamps are used in every tan bed or suntan lamp. When purchasing new or used tanning beds, look at the lamps. Make sure they are good for tanning and meet FDA guidelines for safety. Another consideration is access. Be sure the lamps are easy to change when needed. Being able to easily perform the maintenance yourself is important when you buy a home bed.

 

There are differences in lamps used in conventional and high pressure beds. Make sure you are buying the right tanning bed lamps for your bed. They aren’t interchangeable. If purchasing replacement lighting bulbs on the internet, check the make and model of your bed carefully. Make sure the lamps you are buying are made for your bed. 

 

High Pressure Tanning Bed Bulbs 

 

High pressure beds use quartz lamps in a variety of sizes. The gases inside these bulbs (http://www.tanning-beds-tips.com/tanning-bed-bulbs.html) or lamps have pressure that is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure. In these beds, the lamps are located in the top of the bed, so you tan from above only. When you have tanned on one side of your body for about 10-12 minutes, you turn over and tan the skin on the other side. The surface of these beds is much more comfortable than a conventional bed.

 

The biggest benefit of these lamps is the time you need to spend in the bed. Since you tan faster, you need to spend less time in the salon. You can achieve your tan in about 3 weeks of 3-5 sessions each week. With a conventional bed, it would take at least a month to achieve the same level of colour. Maintaining your tan is easier too. You only need 2-3 sessions each month to maintain the colour, compared with that many sessions each week in a conventional bed. These bulbs use UVA rays only, not UVB rays which are responsible for burning. 

 

Conventional Tanning Bed Lamps

 

Conventional beds use long, tube like lamps that resemble fluorescent tubes. The lamps (http://www.tanning-beds-tips.com/tanning-bed-lamps.html) are located on the top and bottom of the bed. All areas are tanned at the same time, without the need to change positions during the session.

 

Conventional beds use UVA and UVB rays in varying levels. Some use both and others use mostly UVA with a bit of UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for the aging effects on the skin and UVB rays are the burning rays that cause sunburn when you are outside in the sun. It’s important to determine which type of rays your bed emits. You want to be sure to replace your existing bulbs with comparable newer lamps.

 

Another consideration in the type of bed you have at home or in the salon is the tanning bed lotion you will use. Different lotions are better for each type of bed. The owner of your tanning salon can help you choose a lotion that will work for the bed you are using as well as your skin type. Regardless of the bed you are using, you should always use a lotion. Lotions help you tan faster and nourish your skin.

A Guide To Sunless Suntan Lotion

The danger of exposure to the ultraviolet lights of the sun and tanning beds has been well established. The only safe tan is a fake tan. Using a sunless suntan lotion is the best way to get the colour you want without the risks to your health. Skin cancer and premature aging of the skin are the most common health dangers resulting from exposure to UV rays.

 

Sunless tanning products are available in a wide range of formulas. You will find them for every skin type and colour. It’s important to choose a product that is made for your skin type for the best results. Using a darker formula on very light skin can result in skin discoloration and an orange hue to the skin. Many products are marked for light or fair skin.

 

Using Sunless Suntan Lotion at Home

 

A variety of self-tanning products are available for home use, including sprays, cremes and lotions. Even application is essential for even colour. Coloured lotions are available that allow you to see exactly where you have applied the product. You will be able to see any missed areas. As the lotion soaks in, the colour fades. Apply to thicker areas of the skin, such as the elbows, knees and ankles last to avoid darker colour in these areas. Wear plastic gloves during application to keep the palms of the hands from getting stained.

 

Prepare your skin before applying the tanner. Shower and use an exfoliating product to remove dead skin cells. This will help with even absorption. If you take time to prepare your skin, you will get better coverage and your colour will last longer. Some self-tanners come in a complete kit with the lotion and an exfoliating product.

 

Sunless tan products take up to an hour to work. For an all over tan without tan lines, apply the product in the nude. It can take up to an hour for the product to soak in and begin to work. The effect will last approximately one week. To maintain your colour, re apply the lotion every three to five days. You can make this part of your regular beauty routine, or just use them for vacation or a special occasion.

 

Suntan Lotion in a Booth

 

If you want a great safe tan, but don’t want the hassle of applying the lotions, consider visiting a salon for a spray on tan. These use products like Mystic Tan or Sunshower. They are applied by spray nozzles, while you stand in a booth. The process only takes a few minutes, but the full effect won’t be seen for several hours. Most solutions have a bronzer that will give some immediate results. This initial colour will darken throughout the day.

 

Your spray on tan will last between one and two weeks, depending on your skin. Shaving, chlorine and sitting in the sand will make your skin exfoliate faster and your tan will fade quicker. An extending moisturizer can help extend your tan. You can use a home tanning product in between booth sessions to keep your colour.

A Carnation Is Never A Wrong Idea

Most men I know are constantly in search of the perfect ways to remind the women in their lives that they are truly important and special. And while I am so grateful that my husband, father, brothers and other men know that women need to feel special and appreciated, I have often witnessed and experienced failed attempts at being cared for. I've finally got my husband to understand that when in doubt, go for a carnation.

 

I have experienced many attempts by the men in my life of showing me that they care. Sometimes they offer to watch the children for a day and other times they offer to clean the house. These are great ideas and great attempts at showing that men care, but unfortunately, they do little to show a woman that she is special just because of who she is. Men could learn a lesson by understanding that a woman would much rather receive a gift that is just for her, such as a bouquet of carnations, or that she'd rather have time for a date with her husband than have chores done for her.

 

A carnation is never a wrong idea for many reasons. First, it is simple. Most women I know love simple gifts and simple ways of being cared for. You can never go wrong with a carnation or with a huge bouquet of carnations. Why? Because women love flowers and they mostly love a good carnation. You do not have to feel it necessary to buy a bouquet of the most expensive flowers in the shop, simply purchase a few simple carnations and watch the woman in your life thank you.

 

A carnation is a great idea for men to give women just because. Flowers are such an easy "just because" kind of gift. Don't wait for big occasions like her birthday or Valentine's Day to celebrate your woman with a carnation. Instead, learn to celebrate what she means to you in every day ways by bringing home a carnation or two in the middle of random week. She will feel special and thought about as you begin to make habits like this.

 

So men, regardless of what you have done in the past for your woman, head off to a flower shop and grab a carnation or many carnations. Attach even the shortest handwritten note and your woman will love it even more. Enjoy her, cherish her and show her that you care with a carnation.

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10 Tips To Avoid Work-At-Home Mom Burnout

Working from home is a great way to stay home with your kids while still supplementing the family’s income. On the flipside, it can be challenging to be mother and employee at the same time. Your stress level will rise quickly when you have deadlines to keep or phone calls to make while your little ones are acting out. Implement a few of the ideas below to prevent Work at Home Mom Burnout. 

 

1. Don’t work more than you have to. Money isn’t everything. You family needs a happy and sane mom.

 

2. Create a schedule or to-do list both for work and your personal life. Just realize that you won’t always get everything done and don’t worry if you don’t. There’s always tomorrow. 

 

3. Designate an errand day. Spend one day a week running around town getting everything done for the week. This is when you will grocery shop, drop things off at the drycleaner, go to the post office and anything else you need to do. 

 

4. Enjoy your kids. Take some time to play with them every day. Have a picnic lunch in the yard, take them on a little field trip or just play catch for a while. You’re a work at home mom because you want to spend time with your kids. Work and house chores can wait while you play. 

 

5. Go out on a date with your spouse. Make date night a regular occurrence and connect with your lover. 

 

6. Have lunch with a girlfriend. We need some adult conversation every now and then. Make time to stay in touch with your friends. 

 

7. Call a friend. If you are having a bad day, call a good friend and just talk for a little while. You’ll be relaxed and rejuvenated when you get back. 

 

8. Get some exercise. Go for a walk, join a gym, or try a Pilate’s class. Exercise will not only keep you in shape, it’s also a great de-stressor. 

 

9. Play some upbeat music and dance around the living room. Who cares if your kids and the neighbours think you’ve lost it? You are having fun and are releasing all that build up physical energy. 

 

10. If you own a business, stick to one until it more or less runs itself. Don’t burn yourself out by trying to run several businesses at the same time. 

 

Start implementing a few of these ideas today and watch your stress level go down. You will prevent work at home mom burnout and get to enjoy life more. Your family will appreciate spending time with a fun and relaxed mom. That’s what it’s all about - spending quality time with your family.

Bone Breaking Disease - Osteoporosis

It is normal for the bones to erode as we age. But for some people, the bones become so fragile that they break down under the body’s own weight. This causes hip, spine and forearm fractures. This disease is known as osteoporosis. This disease is more common amongst women than men. This is due to the fact that the women have lighter bones and after menopause, they experience rapid bone loss due to decrease in oestrogen. Also women opt for heavy dieting in order to lose weight, where they skip highly nutritious food items. This results in weaker bones in the body. Men too can suffer from this disease if they smoke, drink or take steroids.

 

But there is no need to worry. It is possible for you to slow, stop or reverse this bone loss. Though women have used ERT or Estrogen Replacement Therapy to overcome this problem, you can follow the tips below to overcome or prevent this problem.

 

Build up your bones: It is highly recommended that you do aerobic exercises for about 20 minutes a day at least three days a week. Exercise has been shown to stimulate bones to lay down new tissues. It is advisable to do the exercise that you can continue doing over long periods of time. Walking is the best form of exercise but you can also choose biking, swimming or aerobics.

 

Walk in water: If you have suffered from fracture, walking in water is the best form of exercise. You can do this exercise three times a week for up to 30 minutes a day. The water will support body weight and ease the stress off the bones and joints.

 

Use a chair and the floor for exercise: Complement water walking by doing some muscle strengthening exercises like abdominal curls, shoulder blade squeezes and back extensions. You can do these exercises on a chair or on the floor.

 

Eat calcium: Doctors recommend that you get about 1000 milligrams of calcium a day, even though you have not yet reached menopause. If you are not getting an ERT treatment, increase your calcium intake by another 200 to 500 milligrams a day. This means that you can drink a quart of skim milk a day or have two cups of low-fat yogurt or four cups of low-fat cottage cheese to get 1000 milligrams. You can take the remaining requirements from supplements.

 

Go for maximum absorption: Spread out your calcium supplements throughout the day rather than take all at one go. Food supplements should be taken with a meal. Doctors recommend you to take calcium carbonate which is relatively inexpensive and is easily absorbed when taken in divided dosages at mealtimes.

 

Increase your Vitamin D: Get the maximum protection by consuming 400 international units of Vitamin D each day, especially if you do not get enough sunlight. Milk contains about 100 international units of Vitamin D, hence it is recommended that you take four cups a day. But other dairy products like cheese, yogurt etc cannot be taken into account since they are not fortified with Vitamin D. But do not exceed the recommended dosage of 400 international units since this vitamin is highly toxic in excess.

 

Eat different types of food products: Bones do not contain calcium alone but contain an amalgam of boron, zinc and copper along with other minerals. You can get these trace elements by eating variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and other unprocessed foods.

 

Stop smoking: Smoking has been shown to accelerate bone loss. It accelerates the rate at which the body metabolizes oestrogen and thus cancelling the benefits of ERT. It has been shown to cause bone loss in men and postmenopausal women too.

 

Control your medicines: Some drugs have been shown to hasten bone loss. The most common types of drugs are corticosteroids taken for variety of conditions like rheumatic, allergic and respiratory disorders, L-thyroxine a thyroid medicine and furosemide which is a diuretic used against fluid retention associated with high blood pressure and kidney problems.

 

Avoid fizzy drinks: Cola and other carbonated soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, which contains phosphorus which is a mineral, when taken in excess, causes your body to excrete calcium.

 

Ease salt intake: Excess intake of salt throws the calcium out of the body. Hence do not include salt more than necessary. Avoid processed and junk foods.

Alcoholism Treatment Options

Learn about 9 different treatment options available for alcoholics.

 

1.    Medications

 

The classical use of medications for alcoholism is to encourage abstinence. Antabuse (also known as disulfiram), for instance, prevents the elimination of chemicals which cause severe discomfort when alcohol is ingested, effectively preventing the alcoholic from drinking in significant amounts while they take the medicine. Heavy drinking while on Antabuse can result in severe illness and death.

 

Naltrexone has also been used because it helps curb cravings for alcohol while the person is on it. Both of these, however, have been demonstrated to cause a rebound effect when the user stops taking them. These do allow a person to overcome psychological addictions to alcohol, but they do not treat the neurochemical addiction.

 

In more recent studies it has been demonstrated that the use of naltrexone while the alcoholic continues to drink can result in extinction of the neurochemical addiction. Referred to as the "Sinclair Method", this technique is used with good results some US states and in Finland but has failed to penetrate much of the world because of the long-standing bias against any treatment that doesn't involve detoxification and abstinence. 

 

2.    Rationing

 

Rationing or other attempts to control use are increasingly ineffective as pathological attachment to the drug develops. Use often continues despite serious adverse health, personal, legal, work-related, and financial consequences. 

 

3.    Detoxification

 

Detoxification  programs run by medical institutions often involve stays for a number of weeks in specialized hospital wards, where drugs may be used to avoid withdrawal symptoms. In severe cases, detoxification may lead to death. To that point, even a simple "de-tox" can involve seizures, if not properly monitored.

 

4.    Post Detox Therapy

 

After detoxification, various forms of group therapy or psychotherapy are recommended to deal with underlying psychological issues leading to alcohol dependence. It is also used to provide the recovering addict with relapse prevention skills. 

 

Aversion therapies may be supported by drugs like Disulfiram, which causes a strong and prompt sensitivity reaction whenever alcohol is consumed. Naltrexone or Acamprosate may improve compliance with abstinence planning by treating the physical aspects of cravings to drink. The standard pharmacopoeia of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and other psychotropic drugs treat underlying mood disorders, neuroses, and psychoses associated with alcoholic symptoms.

 

5.    Group Counselling

 

In the mid-1930s, the mutual-help group-counselling approach to treatment began and has become very popular. Alcoholics Anonymous is the best-known example of this movement. Various branches are available for family members of the alcoholic or commonly referred to as the co-dependents. Other groups include LifeRing Secular Recovery and SMART Recovery.

 

6.    Prevention

 

Some programs attempt to help problem drinkers before they become dependents. These programs focus on harm-reduction and reducing alcohol intake as opposed to cold-turkey approaches. One such program is called Moderation Management.

 

7.    Nutritional Therapy

 

Another treatment program is based on nutritional therapy. Many alcohol dependents have insulin resistance syndrome, a metabolic disorder where the body's difficulty in processing sugars causes an unsteady supply to the blood stream. While the disorder can be treated by a hypoglycaemic diet, this can affect behaviour and emotions, side-effects often seen among alcohol dependents in treatment. The metabolic aspects of such dependence are often overlooked, resulting in poor results.

 

8.    Return to Normal Drinking

 

Although it has long been argued that alcoholic dependents cannot learn to drink in moderation, research by the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) indicates a small percentage of individuals in the US whose dependence began more than one year earlier are now drinking in moderation. In contrast, a high percentage who undergo naltrexone use-reduction therapy are capable of normal drinking habits. Use of Naltrexone involves taking the medication an hour before any drinking occurs in order to maintain this.

 

9.    Societal Impact

 

Today, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are major public health problems in North America, costing the region's inhabitants, by some estimates, as much as US$170 billion annually. Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence sometimes cause death, particularly through liver, pancreatic, or kidney disease, internal bleeding, brain deterioration, alcohol poisoning, and suicide. Heavy alcohol consumption by a pregnant mother can also lead to foetal alcohol syndrome, an incurable and damaging condition.

 

Additionally, alcohol abuse and dependence are major contributing factors for head injuries, motor vehicle accidents, violence and assaults, neurological, and other medical problems.

 

Alcohol addiction is a treatable disease. If you are an alcoholic or are a family member of an alcoholic, contact your physician for the most current treatments available.

Alcoholism - Disease Or Not?

Alcoholism can be given a lot of definitions and all of them stress the fact that there is a terrible disease that involves addiction to spirits. Apart from the physical dependence on alcohol, there are other psychological, genetic and social factors that may play a role in the development of alcoholism. Many social, economic and public health problems are determined by this very serious disease. 

 

When alcoholism is concerned, symptoms include craving for alcohol, incapacity to have control over the use of alcohol, a greater tolerance to its effects, and withdrawal symptoms during the periods of abstinence. One should as well know that many alcoholics deny having a problem. In many cases intervention is necessary in order to persuade them to start treatment. Treatment in cases of alcoholism usually includes detoxification, counselling and psychotherapy, as well as treatment of associated medical problems, and different programmes for recovery and support.

 

Alcoholism involves physical and psychological addiction to the alcohol, and it often gets to a chronic, progressive form. There are situations in which it can become fatal, when alcohol consumption begins to interfere with your health, your social life or your occupational functioning. Alcoholics often continue to consume alcohol in huge quantities despite the multiple negative consequences of the disease. Nowadays, alcoholism is the most serious form of alcohol abuse. Alcoholism can be also defined in terms like "having a problem with drinking". If one has a problem with drinking, that can result in health or social problems (drunk driving, for instance), but that doesn’t make one yet dependent on alcohol and it doesn’t mean one has fully lost control over using spirits - as in the case of alcoholism.

Alcoholism - What Should I Know About It?

What is alcoholism? 

 

Alcoholism is a disease that affects the part of the brain that controls your feelings, the way you make decisions, and the way you act. People with alcoholism cannot control how much they drink. What causes alcoholism? 

 

Nobody knows what causes alcoholism. People with parents who have alcoholism have a greater chance of getting the disease. Alcoholism may be related to the things we learn when we are growing up. Alcoholism is not caused by a lack of will power or moral values. 

 

How can I tell if I have alcoholism? 

 

It is not easy to tell if you have alcoholism. You might drink socially at first, but over time the drinking can get out of control. Your family, friends, or doctor might notice it before you do. You might drink to help yourself go to sleep or deal with stress and anxiety. Over time, you need to drink more to feel the same way. As the drinking gets worse, you may have some of the following: 

 

• Stomach ulcers 
• Liver disease 
• Mood problems, such as depression and irritability 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Problems with family and friends 
• Problems at work

 

You might have alcoholism if you have tried to quit drinking but were not able to stop. Alcoholism can make you do things you wouldn't do if you were sober. Some of these things can hurt other people, even the people you love. 

 

Where can I get help for alcoholism? 

 

Your doctor can help you find the right treatment program. You also can check with your health insurance company. Some insurance plans cover alcohol treatment only at certain places. 

 

If you have been a heavy drinker for a long time, do not stop drinking suddenly. This can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. What is withdrawal? 

 

When you stop drinking, your body might find it hard with no alcohol. You might have some uncomfortable feelings. That is called withdrawal. You might feel anxious and confused or have trouble sleeping. If you get "the shakes" when you don't drink, or if you feel like you need to have a drink early in the day, you might need to take medicine when you stop drinking to help with the withdrawal. This is called detoxification (say: dee-tox-uh-fuh-kay-shun, or "detox," for short). 

 

How can my doctor tell if I need detoxification? 

 

Your doctor will ask you questions to see if you need to take medicine to stop drinking. It is important to be honest with your doctor about how much you drink and the kinds of drugs you take. 

 

Can detoxification be done at home? 

 

Yes, but only with close supervision from your doctor. You will need to have another person at home to help you take your medicine. If you have serious withdrawal symptoms or other medical problems, you might have to go to a hospital for detoxification. Tell your doctor if you had a seizure or got delirious when you tried to stop drinking before. 

 

What happens after detoxification? 

 

Detoxification is not enough to treat alcoholism. You should have counselling before and after detoxification. Counselling will help keep you from drinking again. 

 

What about Alcoholics Anonymous? 

 

Alcoholics Anonymous, or "A.A.," is a free support group for people with alcoholism. The people in A.A. help each other stay sober. Most communities have A.A. meetings, and most alcohol treatment programs tell their patients to go to these meetings. 

 

Where can I get more information? 

 

Your doctor!

 

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Alcohol Rehab - The 12-Step Program

The twelve-step program is the term used for the procedure of the patients` recovering from various addictions and compulsions, such as alcohol and drug dependency. The main base for this recovery system and strategy is sharing the experience with the other patients and acknowledging their condition, in order to make the actual therapy possible...

 

The first step of the program refers to the addition of the alcohol dependency and acceptance of the fact that the patient is powerless to alcohol, which leads to significant and unwanted life changes. After admitting the problem, the patients deal with admitting that they can recover from the unwanted condition and leave healthy lives again, due to a power “greater than themselves”. The third step of the program concentrates upon this “greater power”, which is associated with God; the patients accept that God can lead their lives and behaviour, by guiding their wills in the right direction. 

 

After the first steps that admit the problem and the power to change it, the patients are asked to make a morel introspection of themselves, in order to discover their needs and expectations regarding their problem. Admitting their mistakes to themselves, to God, to their family and friends represents the step that follows and which is the base of a process that accepts that patients are capable, as humans, to commit wrongs. This process, which is expressed in the steps from 5 to 9, includes asking for help from the “greater power” in order to remove the shortcomings, but also, it implies listing the persons that were affected in the past by the patient’s wrong means and asking them for understanding and forgiveness. Making direct amends to relatives and acquaintances is represented in step number 9 and it is the base for the further conduct, as patients are thought to continue observing their inner self and promptly admit their mistakes. 

 

The last 2 steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous program refer to improving the contact that the patients established with God and constantly praying and asking for knowledge to entirely overcome their condition. Step 12 basically refers to the accomplishment of a spiritual awakening, as a result of the recovery steps and accepting and willing to teach other alcoholic patients to discover and overcome their problem. The ending result of the twelve-step program in alcohol rehab is sharing the experience, believes and behaviour means with the others, in order to prevent further collapses and live a healthy life. Full body detox treatments are the most sought after toxin removing remedies that help people rebalance their bodies, achieving a very good health condition. Lots of doctors are recommending to their patients to follow a full body detox treatment in order to get healthier and of course, to ease the healing treatments they must take for recovering from different diseases. A general cleansing diet is recommended to be done from time to time even for people who don't seem to suffer from any chronic or profound maladies because the effect of a full body detox may prevent the development of many diseases and also it increases the body's immune system.