Power of Mind Over Body

We often hear the virtues and benefits that positive thinking can bring. The "mind over matter and body" claim actually has scientific belief backing it. Medical science has widely accepted that the mind can often fix problems with the body using pure thought. Not everyone believes in the power of mind over body. Some think the belief in the power of the mind is itself a myth or just wishful thinking. source ehow.com



Identification: The power of mind over body actually has a scientific name--the "placebo effect". The placebo effect is an observed phenomenon where people often find relief from pain and disease due to the belief in the mind that treatments, real or not, work, according to Scientific American. Doctors have accepted the existence of the placebo effect since Henry K. Beecher's 1955 "The Powerful Placebo" in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Significance: The power of mind over body is not just a sporadic phenomenon. The existence of the placebo effect is so strong that drug researchers often test drugs to make sure the medication works better than a placebo. According to Beecher's study, simply believing in the medicine may work in as many as 33 percent of all cases. If doctors could harness positive beliefs, it would be a great boon to medical counseling.

Theories/Speculation: Recent studies have shown that support for the placebo effect is not ubiquitous among researchers. Peter Gotzsche and Asbjorn Hrobjartsson of the University of Copenhagen in a report for the New England Journal of Medicine, believe previous placebo research shows that the mind over body effect is not statistically significant compared to no treatment at all.

Potential: Scanning for the effects of placebos on the brain may offer future medical science a way to harness these thoughts, according to an MSNBC article on placebos by Linda Carroll. A Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA study on depression showed that people who responded well to antidepressants all showed similar changes in brain chemistry when given a placebo. This could make screening for some medication very cheap by testing for these effects.

Criticism: Some people, such as Roger S. Kirby in "Textbook of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia", believe that using the power of the mind over the body in placebos might be an ethical violation. The international agreement "Declaration of Helsinki" states that all participants in medical studies should receive the best possible care. Knowingly giving a placebo to someone with an illness could be seen as a violation of this pact.

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Facts About Heroin Addiction

Heroin use is a continually growing problem in the United States and all over the world. Drugstatistics.com says, "The 1999 National Household Survey on drug abuse estimated that there were 149,000 new heroin users in 1998 and that nearly 80 percent were under the age of 26." Heroin has become a mythical drug, and the facts about the drug and addiction to heroin can be daunting. Movies like "Trainspotting" paint a terrifying picture of painful withdrawal and hallucination. To understand heroin addiction, it is important to understand why it is so addictive and to understand the effects addiction can have on an addict's life. Source: ehow.com



About Heroin

Heroin is most commonly injected into the arm using a syringe. However, heroin can also be snorted and smoked, though injection remains the most common form. It originates from the opium poppy, a plant found around the world. Opium poppy is also used in the creation of opium and morphine. In fact, all three of these drugs are powerful pain killers. When it was first discovered, heroin was manufactured by Bayer for use as pain medicine. Morphine is still used in the medical field as a highly effective pain killer. All three of these drugs are also highly addictive.

Why So Addictive?

It is heroin and other opiates' pain-killing nature that makes them so addictive. The body manufactures a substance called endorphins, which are also an opioid. Endorphins are used to numb pain during a major injury. They are also used when the body moves and exercises, giving the tearing muscles and aching joints a boost of endorphins which makes exercise pleasurable. Endorphins also come into play during sex. As a result of our use of endorphins, our body is filled with opioid receptors. Heroin is basically a concentrated form of endorphins. It simulates an endorphin rush that is much more powerful than natural. This is what makes the drug so addictive. It hits at the very essence of what gives human beings physical pleasure. Few drugs operate on the human body in such a primal fashion.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal is another reason that heroin is so addictive. Heroin withdrawal symptoms are said to be some of the worst an addict can suffer through. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: dilated pupils, goose bumps, insomnia, loss of appetite, tremors, panic, nausea, muscle cramps, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, shaking and irritability. Instead of suffering through these symptoms, addicts find it easier to continue their unhealthy addiction. The reason these symptoms are so intense is related to the way heroin replaces endorphins in the human body. The body becomes dependent on the unnatural high of heroin opioids. The body begins to think that it is normal to feel that constant rush of pleasure. When it is taken away, the body aches in a horrific and painful manner. Many addicts would rather continue their unhealthy addiction rather than suffering through these symptoms.

Short-Term Effects

Beyond withdrawal symptoms, the health risks of heroin addiction are numerous. Short term effects include a feeling of euphoria, a warm flush of the skin, dry mouth, drowsiness, heavy arms and legs, cloudy mental function and a slower breathing rate. These short-term effects are what's referred to as the "high." The addicts become accustomed to these euphoric feelings and probably have no idea that even the occasional, casual use of heroin can lead to respiratory failure. Even if the addict knows, he probably doesn't care. Long-term effects can be even more serious.

Long-Term Effects

Long-term effects include infection of the heart lining and valves, liver disease, kidney disease and pulmonary complications. Addicts who inject and share needles put themselves at high risk for HIV and hepatitis C. They also are prone to scarred or collapsed veins, abscesses, pneumonia and tuberculosis. Overdose is also a common problem amongst heroin users. The high from heroin eventually tapers off, and more of the drug has to be used each time to achieve that same high. Using too much can lead to seizures, brain damage and even death. Often, heroin is very impure and is mixed with sugar, starch and other questionable chemicals.

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Overcome Heroin Addiction

Heroin (diacetylmorphine (INN)), also known as diamorphine (BAN, or, especially in older literature, as morphine diacetate), is a semi-synthetic opioid drug synthesized from morphine, a derivative of the opium poppy. It is the 3,6-diacetyl ester of morphine (di-acetyl-morphine) and a morphine prodrug. The white crystalline form is commonly the hydrochloride salt diacetylmorphine hydrochloride, though, when supplied illegally, it is often adulterated, thus dulling the sheen and consistency from that to a matte white powder, which diacetylmorphine freebase typically is. 90% of illicit diamorphine (heroin) is thought to be produced in Afghanistan. Source: wikipedia,ehow.com



Spot Signs of Heroin Use

Heroin is synthesized directly from the morphine in opium poppy seeds. It mimics the action of naturally occurring endorphins on the brain by producing euphoria and is the most addictive of all the opiates. Injection is the most effective way of using low-quality heroin but snorting and smoking are becoming more popular due to the risks of sharing needles. The following steps will show:

Look for changes in behavior. Children who have started using heroin may suddenly replace old friends with new ones and there may be a dramatic drop in grades or job performance.

Watch for physical changes because of heroin use. Heroin users may develop runny noses and eyes, constricted pupils and spend an unusually large amount of time sleeping or exhibit apathy or lethargy. A regular user may have an unkempt appearance and begin to neglect their hygiene.

Find unusual items around the house such as capsules, small plastic bags, syringes, packaging material for antihistamines or unusual residue in the coffee-bean grinder. Cash or other valuables may be missing and a sudden pattern of stealing or borrowing money appears. On the other hand, you also may find unexplained valuables.

Notice other clues to indicate heroin use. A heroin user may wear winter clothes during the summer to hide needle marks.

Treat Heroin Addiction


As Heroin is one of the most addictive substances on the planet, and overcoming addiction is very difficult due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms. While methadone substitution has historically been the most common method of helping a heroin addict, alternative ways to treat heroin addiction are of increasing interest to addiction treatment professionals.

Act early, if possible. A heroin addict's chances of recovery are greatly increased if the problem is addressed quickly, rather than after years of drug abuse.

Understand that methadone substitution has a strong track record for helping heroin addicts recover. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that controls heroin cravings by blocking heroin's effects on the body, eliminating withdrawal symptoms. However, the waiting list at a methadone clinic may be lengthy, forcing the addict to consider other possibilities.

New alternative drug therapies are gaining momentum among addiction treatment professionals. In particular, the use of dihydrocodeine and buprenorphine are becoming increasingly widespread. Buprenorphine is similar to methadone, but with less effective opioid action and much lower risk of creating a physical dependence of its own. Dihydrocodeine, a relative newcomer, is attractive because it comes at a fraction of the cost of methadone and is considered safer, less toxic and equally effective.

Sign the heroin addict up for behavioral therapy. Professionals universally recognize the effectiveness of therapy as a treatment method. Cognitive-behavioral interventions, in which the therapist attempts to help the user understand what led them to addictive behavior in the first place, has been successful. However, many experts agree that behavioral therapy is most effective when combined with other treatments, particularly methadone or an equivalent.

Be prepared for a difficult battle. While the most acute heroin withdrawal symptoms typically abate within a week of discontinued use of the drug, a general irritability and craving for heroin can linger for months or years afterwards. Psychological and physical cravings for the drug are the leading cause of relapse in users who have been treated for addiction. Continued medical care and therapy is necessary to overcome heroin addiction.

Stay positive. With proper care and a strong will, heroin addiction can be beaten.

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Control a Food Addiction

Are you gulping down food every 5 minutes? Do you want to know how to stop this addiction and lose weight? If so, read on. Source wikihow.com



Instructions

To start off, you will have to admit to yourself that this is unhealthy and must stop. If you want, you can ask a family member to guard the fridge, so if you get a temptation to eat, they will stop you (unless they have an addiction themselves).

Drink water whenever you have the urge to eat. Believe it or not, one glass of water really helps your appetite go down.

Talk to anyone with a cured addiction for food, and ask them how they stopped eating. They will probably mention that it is very hard to stop yourself.

Keep a journal and write down things that you are thinking about or have just happened that triggered your cravings for more food.

Meditate and see how many days you can keep up without eating extra junk(main meals like breakfast, lunch and dinner don't count).

Keep a food diary to see how you are doing.

Finally, after a few weeks, or a couple of months, hopefully your addiction will be gone. Congrats!!

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Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine) (INN) is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic. Specifically, it is a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which mediates functionality of these neurotransmitters as an exogenous catecholamine transporter ligand. Because of the way it affects the mesolimbic reward pathway, cocaine is addictive. Source: wikipedia.com, ehow.com



Its possession, cultivation, and distribution are illegal for non-medicinal and non-government sanctioned purposes in virtually all parts of the world. Although its free commercialization is illegal and has been severely penalized in virtually all countries, its use worldwide remains widespread in many social, cultural, and personal settings.

Recognize Cocaine Addiction:

Here are some of the signs of cocaine use and addiction.

> People that are under the influence of cocaine may have a hard time staying still.

> Some behaviors may include chewing/ biting/ moving teeth. #*They may seem excessively talkative.

> Sniffing is common after snorting cocaine.

Detect Cocaine:

When trying to ascertain whether or not cocaine has been present in a room or area, here are some ways to work it out.

> Consider whether there are any strange smells not usually a part of the household or area. Specially trained "sniff" dogs are used to detect smells by the local police, although their sense of smell is far superior to that of human beings.

> Purchase a home detection kit. There are kits with sprays that detect cocaine on surfaces.

> There is a "bling test" that is able to detect cocaine in the saliva.

Overcome Cocaine Addiction:

As per Dr. Jaquel Anderson's article at findmedicaladvice.com following are few steps to use in order to overcome addiction:



Inpatient basis treatment Counselors which are based out of these clinics, help the addict rebuild their lost health. Counsellors are known to delve deep in the matter and also find out what caused the cocaine addiction in the first place. Once the addict knows why he/she started the addiction, they can also find ways to quit the addiction. A treatment program along with counselling is very vital.

Doctor’s supervision for cocaine addiction: One should realize that drug addiction requires medical supervision at all times. The body needs time to adjust to new intakes. Doctors would help an addict rebuild his/her lost confidence as well relationships which went bad during addiction. A supervised environment is also essential when mild sedatives are administered to addicts.

Hypnosis rehabilitation During a rehabilitation treatment, the mind and body are conditioned to change and take up alternative methods. Lifestyle changes are made to take place in a controlled or guarded environment. During Hypnosis rehabilitation, on an average the treatment lasts for around 21 day’s t 28 days. The days required to be spent depend entirely on the clinic. The patterns in an addict undergo change through kinaesthetic learning, during kinaesthetic learning the addict is made to learn by doing. The addict is also made to spend quality time with the therapist as well as the physician.

Self hypnosis With self hypnosis, each aspect is made to get reinforced. Self hypnosis provides the right amount of support required by an addict. An addict can overcome drug addiction with self – hypnosis along with the assistance of clinical interventions. Medicines can help counter the ill effects of the drug abuse to quite a vast extent.

After the treatments for drug addiction, hypnosis can help an addict come out of the addictive as well as withdrawal phase. It is always advisable to get help from professional as well as renowned hypnotherapist for the right guidance and treatment.

A cocaine addict can overcome and fight drug addiction with the help of a comprehensive approach, suitable treatments and medical supervision.

Never loose hope, everything is Possible!

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Stop a Sex Addiction

Are you suffering from a devastating sex addiction? Are you having trouble with your marriage, with money and time management? Sex addictions can be hard to stop and often times require counseling. Before things really get out of hand, here are some tips to help you stop the sex addiction.source:ehow.com



Instructions

REMOVE sexual reminders like pornography from your life. Monitor how much time you spend alone thinking about sexual activity.

STAY busy with work, extracurricular activties and family events. Keep a daily schedule of planned activities and avoid placing yourself in situations you cannot control.

MEET with a sexual addiction counselor or support group. Find help in your local community and network with other who are suffering as sex addicts.

SPEAK with a pastor or member of your church about stopping your sexual addiction. Pray about your addiction to sex and ask God for the strength to stop.

DOCUMENT how the sexual addiction is ruining your personal life. Keep a journal of behavior you want to stop especially if it is harmful.

REVEAL your sexual fantasies to your sexual partner. Determine whether you are satisfied in your current sexual relationship.

SEEK professional help if you cannot control your sexual urges.

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Identify Sexual Addiction

Like any other addiction, sexual addiction can have severe effects on the addict and his or her loved ones. As the addiction escalates, and the disorder progresses, the damage to personal relationships, self-esteem, career and other areas of life increases to devastating levels. A true sex addict will continue to engage in risky or damaging sexual behaviors despite the consequences, some of which can include health risks, broken marriages, legal problems and financial ruin.Knowing how to identify sexual addiction can provide you with the information you need to obtain help for yourself or your loved one. There is currently no official diagnostic criterion for sexual addition, and clinicians typically base their diagnosis on a combination of sexual and addictive signs and symptoms.source:ehow.com



Instructions

Watch for a pattern of compulsive or out-of-control sexual behavior, such as frequently indulging in pornography, engaging in dangerous sexual acts, having multiple partners, compulsively masturbating or engaging in prostitution–especially when the primary motivation behind the prostitution is not financial. Feelings of guilt following compulsive sexual acts are common, and are an indication that the behavior was out of the addict’s control.

Being unable to stop engaging in risky sexual behavior, despite the severe consequences, is another symptom of sexual addition that should be noted. Sex addicts may seem unable to eliminate or even reduce the frequency of their risky behavior, even after losing a spouse, becoming pregnant or contracting AIDS or another STD.

Consider events such as unexpectedly moving to a new city or joining a new religious organization possible signs that the addict is attempting to limit his or her sexual behavior or seek relief from the shame associated with the behavior. Typically, these moves or new associations are unsuccessful, and are simply a means of avoiding environments the addict links to sex.

Pay attention to any signs that the sex addict might be increasing the frequency or intensity of his sexual experience in order to receive sufficient satisfaction from the experiences. This is a classic symptom of addiction in general, and sexual binging can escalate quickly to the point of emotional and physical exhaustion. As tolerance levels increase, the pain and anxiety experienced during withdrawal can mimic that felt by a heroin addict.

Attempt to determine if the addict is using sexual obsession or fantasy as a coping mechanism. Sex addicts tend to fantasize sexually considerably more than most people, both as a means of maintaining an elevated level of arousal, and as a reaction to stress or anxiety.

Take note of any loss of interest in activities or relationships that were once important to the addict. As the sexual addiction becomes more severe, the addict may begin to neglect important occupational or social activities in favor of engaging in sexually related experiences. Friends, family members, work responsibilities and hobbies may cease to hold importance to the addict.

Act immediately if you notice any self-destructive behavior or severe changes in mood. Sex addicts can become severely depressed and may even consider self-harm or suicide. Consider any prolonged changes in mood to be a sign of a possible depressive episode, and seek help if needed.

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Sexual Addiction?

As per Sir, MICHAEL HERKOV, PH.D(Source: http://psychcentral.com); Sexual addiction is best described as a progressive intimacy disorder characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Like all addictions, its negative impact on the addict and on family members increases as the disorder progresses. Over time, the addict usually has to intensify the addictive behavior to achieve the same results.

For some sex addicts, behavior does not progress beyond compulsive masturbation or the extensive use of pornography or phone or computer sex services. For others, addiction can involve illegal activities such as exhibitionism, voyeurism, obscene phone calls, child molestation or rape.

Sex addicts do not necessarily become sex offenders. Moreover, not all sex offenders are sex addicts. Roughly 55 percent of convicted sex offenders can be considered sex addicts.



About 71 percent of child molesters are sex addicts. For many, their problems are so severe that imprisonment is the only way to ensure society’s safety against them.

Society has accepted that sex offenders act not for sexual gratification, but rather out of a disturbed need for power, dominance, control or revenge, or a perverted expression of anger. More recently, however, an awareness of brain changes and brain reward associated with sexual behavior has led us to understand that there are also powerful sexual drives that motivate sex offenses.

The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity has defined sexual addiction as “engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others.” In other words, a sex addict will continue to engage in certain sexual behaviors despite facing potential health risks, financial problems, shattered relationships or even arrest.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders, Volume Four describes sex addiction, under the category “Sexual Disorders Not Otherwise Specified,” as “distress about a pattern of repeated sexual relationships involving a succession of lovers who are experienced by the individual only as things to be used.” According to the manual, sex addiction also involves “compulsive searching for multiple partners, compulsive fixation on an unattainable partner, compulsive masturbation, compulsive love relationships and compulsive sexuality in a relationship.”

Increasing sexual provocation in our society has spawned an increase in the number of individuals engaging in a variety of unusual or illicit sexual practices, such as phone sex, the use of escort services and computer pornography. More of these individuals and their partners are seeking help.

The same compulsive behavior that characterizes other addictions also is typical of sex addiction. But these other addictions, including drug, alcohol and gambling dependency, involve substances or activities with no necessary relationship to our survival. For example, we can live normal and happy lives without ever gambling, taking illicit drugs or drinking alcohol. Even the most genetically vulnerable person will function well without ever being exposed to, or provoked by, these addictive activities.

Sexual activity is different. Like eating, having sex is necessary for human survival. Although some people are celibate — some not by choice, while others choose celibacy for cultural or religious reasons — healthy humans have a strong desire for sex. In fact, lack of interest or low interest in sex can indicate a medical problem or psychiatric illness.

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Overcome a Nicotine Addiction

A number of genetic, physiological, psychological, and social factors make nicotine addiction a particularly difficult addiction to overcome. But if you've deicded to quit using nicotine, you are not alone.

A 2008 study conducted by the American College of Chest Physicians found that approximately 32 percent of Americans are addicted to nicotine. The study further found that 75 percent of those nicotine addicted individuals had tried, or were currently trying, to stop using nicotine products.

Attaining lifelong nicotine cessation is not easy. Fortunately, steps can be taken to help you beat this dangerous habit.source:ehow.com



Instructions

When You Are Ready to Quit

Set a quit date. Get a calendar and mark the date on which you will be a former nicotine user. Some people continue their usual nicotine habits until that date. Others progressively reduce the amount of nicotine they use each day, slowly weening themselves off the drug up to the quite date.

Remove all nicotine reminders from the place you spend time like your house, car, and office. Throw away ash trays, cigarette and chew packages, lighters, promotional products and all other nicotine-related paraphernalia.

Inform your friends, family, and coworkers. Let all of your acquaintances know about your intention to stop using nicotine and tell them your quit date. This will create social pressure for you to live up to your promise.

If you have acquaintances who use nicotine, this will also signal to them that you will no longer be partaking in the social aspect of using nicotine with them. This also will dissuade them from tempting you into relapse by offering you nicotine products.

Join a support group. Being able to share your experiences with others who are going through the same process can be helpful. The support group will also encourage you to stay on the path to a nicotine-free life.


After You Quit

Stay active. Start a workout regimen or pick up a hobby that will get your body moving. This will keep your mind off of nicotine cravings and help your body repair the damage caused by nicotine products.

Drink water. Water will help flush the harmful nicotine-related chemical from your body. The act of drinking water can also replace the physical habits associated with nicotine usage.

Change your routine. Try new foods. Take a different way home from work. Learn a new skill. Developing new habits can help you avoid falling back into your old ones.

Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol reduces willpower and impairs judgment. Do not jeopardize your recovery with drinking.

Consider nicotine replacement products. Nicotine patches and gums can help prevent relapse if the cravings become overwhelming. While these replacements are not as damaging as other nicotine products, you will eventually have to go without nicotine. It may be best to learn how to deal with cravings without nicotine replacement products.

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Overcome Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is one of the worlds most common addictions around the world. Becoming addicted to alcohol can not only do harm to your physical, mental, and emotional health; It also can damage emotionally the ones who love you most. If you are an alcoholic you have completely lost all control of being a responsible drinker.source:ehow.com



Instructions

Clear your mind. Start off with a clear clean mind. Forgive yourself for your past mistakes and ask higher power for forgiveness and to help you through your new journey.

Set the date. Set a clear date to where you will completely stop drinking. Try to make it within a month. (For example: I will quit drinking on June 1st because that is the start of my summer break.) Make sure to write it down somewhere and keep with that date. Gradually try to drink less and less each day as it comes closer for it will save you from the more severe withdrawal symptoms.

Spread the word. Tell all of your loved ones about your goal and your date. Ask them for there full support to quit drinking and tell them your reasons why. Most likely they will be surprised and excited about your choices. Be prepared for some family or friends not to take you completely serious but let that be something to prove to them and yourself.

Take it easy. As the date comes closer start to really take it easy on the drinking the last few days try to drink as less impossible. Having a big binge drinking fest the last night is a big no no because it will most likely lead to a nasty hangover in the morning. The hangover could encourage you to drink more which is what you DO NOT want to do. So remember this step!

Be ready for that day. Congratulations! Today is the big day. Celebrate this day for it is going to be your new sobriety date. Invite some close family over, go out to eat, play a round of golf. Remember your now free of the addiction. Keep you mind off alcohol. Do whatever it takes and stay busy for the day. Remember that your celebrating your sobriety date so dont confuse the word celebrate with drinking (celebrate sober!)

Celebrate your new future and sobriety. So you have made it finally. You have to remember that the battle is not over yet. You will still have urges to drink and you have to keep in mind all the reasons you quit. Think about you family,job,health, and overall well being. Alcohol has never helped you in any way and will not ever. There is no reason to drink again besides satisfying your addiction. For the next week or so withdrawal symptoms will be common including nausea,vomiting,stomach pains, and headaches. Give your body time to get used to your new sober self. Remember life is great but its also short so enjoy it! I wish all alcoholics great luck out there on there road to getting sober!!!

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