Holistic cures for depression

Depression in America

An estimated one in ten adults across America report suffering from depression at some point in their life. Depression can disrupt anyone’s life. It is reported that people suffering from depression can have a hard time recovering from illness, are likely to miss work, and may become predisposed to addiction. This is a serious condition which needs serious help. Depression is often “treated” with psychiatric drugs like Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Cymbalta. These drugs have dangerous side effects and can even cause dependence and addiction. Even without the long list of severe side effects, such as aggression and suicidal thoughts and actions, the factor of drug addiction alone is enough to steer many of us away from the pharmaceutical route.

Eight Holistic Cures

There are other solutions to depression besides psychoactive drugs. The holistic or natural route is increasingly spotlighted and preferred as it does not involve all the complications and health risks of drug use. Here are just eight of many holistic solutions:

1. Ensure you are eating a nutritious diet and are sleeping consistently 

Improper eating habits can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies which can cause a person to feel depressed. Ensuring your diet is healthy and nutritious can solve the majority of these dietary depressors. A key part of a good diet is plenty for fruit and vegetables. Fruits, veggies, and nuts are high in essential vitamins and minerals that all human beings need. Most experts recommend 7 ½ - 9 hours of sleep every night for adults. For some people, this amount of sleep is simply impossible. However, it’s important to set up your schedule and your life to get at least 7 ½ solid hours of sleep per night.

2. Take your vitamins 

While pretty much everyone should take some type of multi-vitamin, there are certain vitamins that help specifically with depression. These vitamins are:

• Vitamin D
• Omega 3 (Fish oil)
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B6 
• Vitamin B12

3.  Remove refined sugar and artificial sweeteners from your diet

Sugar can make you feel good in the short term, but after the sugar high wears off all you feel is tired or bloated. Removing refined sugar products like cookies and candy from your diet will help remove that crash from your day. Artificial sweeteners are factually just as bad, or worse, than processed sugar. The artificial sweetener aspartame has been linked to depression. More items contain aspartame than you probably realize. Check the ingredients of anything marked “sugar free.” It could have aspartame. Barring allergies, opt instead for natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.

4. Get exercise

 Everyone is telling you to eat right and exercise. Well, it’s time to listen in. Exercising can increase endorphins – which is the chemical your body naturally makes when you’re happy. So, it’s time to get outside, get moving, and exercise. Walking, running, basketball, football, baseball, tennis, weights, aerobics – pick one and do it.

5. Laugh Laughter is a stress reliever and a depression fighter.

It increases good hormones, relaxes you, and generally makes things more pleasant. So, read a funny book, talk to that friend who always cracks you up, take five minutes to watch a comedy skit on YouTube, or do something with people you enjoy.

6. Do something new

Changing up your everyday routine will make you feel less stuck in a rut and more adventurous. Adventure and challenge provide focus and fun. So, volunteer at the youth center, learn Italian, take up the guitar, or go on a road trip. Break up the routine.

7. Set goals for yourself If you feel depressed, set up and reach for new goals.

Perhaps you always wanted to write a book. Join the National Novel Writing Month movement or just start writing. Setting goals, big and small, and working towards their attainment can work wonders for your self-esteem and state of mind. Don’t hold back.

8. Find out about allergies or deficiencies

Depression can be caused by allergies, other illnesses, or nutritional deficiencies. Some drugs can actually make the situation worse because they aren’t fighting the correct cause – they are only fighting a symptom. Get your health looked into thoroughly. A physical, treatable condition could be at the root of the problem, causing a feeling of depression.

Doing something about it

While depression is a major problem in the US, there are methods of dealing with it that don’t involve taking dangerous and addictive medication. While there is nothing wrong with seeing a doctor for your depression, the “pill to mask a symptom” approach is proving entirely unworkable. It is a very smart idea to look into how your nutrition and all the other factors noted above can affect your mental health. When you have gone through these systematically, you many find you are no longer depressed – and that would be worth it!

Sources

www.CDC.gov
www.HelpGuide.org
www.LiveStrong.org

Can Tobacco Use Lead to Drug Abuse?

Considering the 400,000 tobacco related deaths each year one would think tobacco has more than enough complications; however, a 2000 study conducted by the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health shows that tobacco use increases one's risks of using illegal narcotics. The researchers used data gathered by the 1994 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. This data concluded that of the 17,809 respondents, 65.8% of participants who smoked were:

• 7 Times more likely to have tried marijuana

• 7 Times more likely to have tried cocaine

• 14 Times more likely to have tried crack

• And 16 Times more likely to have tried heroin

These results were even more concerning when applied to the younger age groups. The 12-15 age range smokers were 44 times more likely to have tried crack than their older counter parts. While the number of people who smoke has decreased from around 40% to less than 30% ,the rates for drug rehab applicants have almost tripled. When interviewed about habits nearly 85% of applicants admitted to being smokers. Among the five categories of primary drugs surveyed heroin users had the highest levels of smoking habits. Additionally, frequency of primary drug use and frequency of overall drug use correlated with cigarette smoking.

Tobacco and Teens

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has stated, "the experience of smoking can teach youngsters to use a psychoactive drug to influence mood and alertness, as nicotine does, and then reinforce that behavior.Smoking cigarettes prepares young people for the relevant mode of ingestion for one of the next drugs in the sequence - namely marijuana." In general smoking is the first drug experience peers share; similar to the use of marijuana it is hidden and outside most societal acceptance standards. Smoking introduces teens to the sensation of inhaling a drug and desensitizes them to the feeling of smoke entering their lungs.

• Tobacco is generally the first drug used by young people who enter a sequence of drug use that can include tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and harder drugs.
• Illegal drug use is rare among those who have never smoked and cigarette smoking is likely to precede the use of alcohol and illicit drug.
• The amount of tobacco use is directly related to other drug use.
• Tobacco is officially recognized as an addictive drug.
• There is a dramatic association between smoking and illicit drug use.

Gateway Drug Theory

The "gateway drug theory" describes the phenomenon in which an introduction to drug-using behavior through the use of tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana is related to subsequent use of other illicit drugs. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) provides the following illustrations:

• Among 12-to 17-year-olds with no other problem behaviors, those who drank alcohol and smoked cigarettes at least once in the past month are 30 times likelier to smoke marijuana than those who didn't. These correlations are more pronounced for girls than boys: for girls, 36 times likelier; for boys, 27 times likelier.
• Among 12-to 17-year-olds with no other problem behaviors, those who used all three gateway drugs (cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana) in the past month are almost 17 times likelier to use another drug like cocaine, heroin, or LSD. These correlations are stronger for boys than girls: for boys, 29 times likelier; for girls, 11 times likelier.

Ketamine Abuse and Treatment

Ketamine is usually used medically as an animal tranquilizer. In the early 70’s, it was approved by the FDA for human use and was used as a general anesthetic. However, it was abused so commonly that in the 90’s it became strictly regulated for human use, and is now mainly used on animals. Usually used with other “club drugs”, ketamine has the PCP-like effect of distorting the user’s sense of sight and sound. It causes the user to feel separate to the environment around them and makes them feel detached from themselves. Street names for ketamine include: Special k, special la coke, cat, cat valium, jet, super c, super acid, green, cat killer, ket, and kit kat. Using ketamine is sometimes called “kitty flipping”, and achieving an out of body or near death experience with ketamine is called a “k-hole”.

Abuse

Users abuse ketamine in several different ways. The most common are:

• Injection
• Mixed with alcohol
• Snorted
• Laced into tobacco or marijuana cigarettes

By popping pills Because ketamine doesn’t usually come in a powder or pill form, drug dealers who steal this drug from vet clinics or buy it from other sources have to process it further to make it into a powder. Ketamine is usually taken in a club or rave setting. Other drugs that ravers often abuse are: GHB, ecstasy, MDMA, cocaine, ephedrine, methcathinone, LSD, methamphetamine, and magic mushrooms. Many abusers of these drugs are working to achieve a change in their personal perceptions. Ketamine is sometimes used as a date-rape drug, because it can cause a user to feel like they can’t move. Other effects of ketamine are: 

• Feeling like you are out of your own body
• Thinking you are dead
• Change in perceptions
• Hallucinations
• Feeling detached from the environment around you
• Nausea
• Unusual thoughts
• Paranoia
• Severe Confusion
• Slowed heart rate
• Slowed breathing
• Convulsions
• Insomnia

Death from overdose Frequent or long-term use can also cause permanent brain damage, flashbacks, impaired motor functions, and can cause ulcers to form in the bladder. The Drug Enforcement Agency categorizes ketamine as a Schedule III drug. This means that use of ketamine can cause physical or psychological dependence. So, abusers of ketamine can become addicted and feel the need to use this drug even beyond the party scene.

Treatment

The most common place where ketamine is abused is at a rave or club. This means that prevention is a viable option. There are groups who put on “clean” raves or dances. This is a place where the kids can become involved in dancing and expressing themselves without drugs or alcohol. Additionally, drug education is always an effective means of prevention. The more you know about drugs, the more likely you are to make an educated decision. Finally, treating addiction to ketamine is best done in an inpatient rehab program. The withdrawal symptoms can include: 

• Erratic behavior
• Double vision
• Hearing loss
• Rapid breathing
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Chills
• Sweating
• Exhaustion
• Irregular heartbeat
• Decreased appetite
• Loss of motor control

Craving for the drug Because of the physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, it’s better to withdraw from this drug under the supervision of a caring and competent rehab. At A Forever Recover, we use holistic methods of withdrawal. We also utilize therapy methods which help the individual find the deep-rooted reason behind their drug abuse and addiction. 

Sources: 

www.cesar.umd.edu

www.drugabuse.gov

www.nlm.nih.gov

Is Alcoholism Hereditary?

Topping the list of most commonly abused drugs in the US is alcohol. This is likely because it is so easy to obtain; it’s not illegal after the age of 21 and there is no prescription needed to obtain it. Additionally, alcoholic beverages have been around for literally thousands of years.

People have been drinking alcohol since at least 7000 B.C. Evidence of the fermented beverages has been found in ancient Chinese and Egyptian civilizations. The Babylonians worshiped a wine goddess. The ancient Greeks wrote against excessive drinking. Native Americans developed fermented drinks from grapes, corn, and apples.

With such an ancient and wide-spread drug, it’s easy to see why so many people use it now.

What is Alcoholism?

“Alcoholism” is defined by the dictionary as: “A disorder characterized by the excessive consumption of and dependence on alcoholic beverages, leading to physical and psychological harm and impaired social and vocational functioning.”

Generally speaking, when a person is an alcoholic they actually depend upon alcohol to function in everyday life. Additionally, if they stop drinking alcohol “cold turkey” or even reduce the amount of alcohol they drink daily, they will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms.

Some of these symptoms are:

• Fever
• Delirium Tremens (uncontrollable shaking and hallucinations)
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Craving for alcohol
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Convulsions

Just the Facts

• Alcohol kills more teenagers than all other drugs combined.
• 32% of underage drinking-related deaths are due to drunk driving.
• The younger you begin drinking alcohol – the more likely you are to become an alcoholic.
• According to statistics, youth who drink are 50 times more likely to use cocaine than those that never drink.
• The body takes about 30 minutes to begin to feel the effects of alcohol.
• Alcohol – like any other drug – is a poison. Overdose (alcohol poisoning) can result in impaired judgment, vomiting, loss of consciousness, coma, and even death.
• Binge drinking or getting “black-out drunk” can lead to permanent brain damage, coma, and death.
• Up to two thirds of date rape cases involve alcohol.
• The ability to make responsible decisions is adversely affected by alcohol abuse. This includes the ability to be an effective and caring parent.
• Children with parents who speak with them about alcohol and drugs are less likely to take them than children with parents who do not talk with them about these subjects.
• The minimum drinking age of 21 years old was actually based on research which shows that young people react differently to alcohol. For example: Teens get drunk twice as fast as adults and tend to have more trouble knowing when to stop.
• There are 1.4 million drunk driving arrests in the US every year.
• As many as 40% of all violent crimes occur under the influence of alcohol.

Is Alcoholism Caused by Genes?

There is a commonly held belief that alcoholism is caused by a person’s genes. While there have been studies into this, and many scientists believe it may be true, they have yet to discover whether or not alcoholism is hereditary.

However, it is true that people who grew up with alcoholic parents are more likely to become alcoholics themselves. Considerable evidence exists that familial and environmental factors play a large part in the case histories of alcoholics. Children with alcoholic parents tend to feel like alcohol is a valid solution for their problems (their parents used it – why shouldn’t they use it as well?)

Solutions to Alcoholism

There are two solutions for this common issue.

The first solution is education. The more children and teens are educated about alcoholism, the dangers of alcohol abuse, and the realities of what alcohol actually does to you, the less likely they are to abuse alcohol. Additionally, if adults and parents are educated on how to speak with kids about these topics, they can help educate the children in their lives.

The second solution is drug rehabilitation. At Best Drug Rehab, we offer a tailored, holistic drug rehabilitation program. Each program is specifically created for each individual coming through our doors. At the end of our program, our graduates have achieved complete sobriety and have undergone counseling and education on the exact factors that caused them to take drugs or abuse alcohol in the first place. Our job is to help a person get sober and stay sober for the rest of their life.

Sources

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Foundation for a Drug-Free World

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (madd)

Top 3 reasons people relapse back to addiction

The factors associated with relapse are of utmost concern in the field of drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Because of this, the focus of federal and state organizations that help fund rehab centers has turned to “evidence-based treatment.” This means treatment programs that have been proven effective by successful graduates.

With the number of people in the US who need rehab (23.5 million in 2009 alone), the rise in prescription drug abuse, and the latest scourge of synthetic drugs, the need for positive results in drug rehab becomes increasingly urgent.

What is relapse?

The dictionary defines relapse in three ways:

1. To fall or slide back into a former state.
2. To regress after partial recovery from an illness.
3. To slip back into bad ways; backslide.

Let’s look into this further. Drug rehabilitation centers want to help a person stop taking a drug – but also stop feeling the need to take drugs again. This means that we not only have to detox a person to get them off the drug, but the best type of drug rehab would be one that also addresses the reason the person started to take the drug. This would be the best way to prevent drug relapse.

Relapse Reasons

1. Unrealistic expectations

A person who has gone through a rehab program justifiably expects a better life when they complete the program. However, a better life doesn’t just “happen” – especially after you have broken your ties with the people who might normally help you. A former addict has to work to reestablish those ties and regain the trust of those who they may have betrayed while addicted. This is hard work.

Example: A former opiate addict gets clean and sober. He feels great, like he can conquer the world. He leaves rehab, where everyone has been supportive and helpful. He assumes that now he is off heroin, everything will be fine. But it’s not. He still needs to fix his broken relationships, or find a new job. Life is tough. Instead of using the tools he learned in rehab, or utilizing the rehab facility as a basis for support, he feels ashamed of his failures and turns back to drugs to “deal” with the situation. This would constitute an unrealistic expectation of life after rehab. 

2. Lying

Rehab is hard work. Getting completely clean and sober – then addressing the problems that made a person turn to drugs or alcohol can be something a person is unwilling to do. If they lie throughout their rehab program and don’t find the true reason behind their addiction, they will not be getting everything they can out of it.

Example: An alcoholic gets sober. She blames her alcoholism on her ex-husband or some other easy target. She in turn does not delve deep and discover that she been suffering from depression since high school, or she doesn’t know how to talk to people without alcohol, or she could never really stably hold a job. When she leaves rehab, these problems persist and she relapses. 

3. Taking Recovery for Granted

Effective drug rehabilitation means that one has not only gotten off drugs, but has isolated the root causes behind their addiction, and has learned how to deal with life’s problems without resorting to drug use. When life is going better after rehab, a former addict or alcoholic may start thinking that they exaggerated their condition in the first place. They may decide that one more drink, or pill, or snort – for old time’s sake – won’t hurt them. They may take the drug again and go back down the rabbit hole of addiction. One thing that anyone considering rehab needs to understand is that drugs are both physically and mentally addictive. You may be much better mentally, but the physical addiction can still rear up and put you right back where you started: addicted.

Solutions

The need for effective rehabilitation is now more evident than ever. At Best Drug Rehabilitation, the overall approach is holistic. This means drug-free detoxification; education in life skills; faith-based programs in a multi-denominational setting; counseling to get to the heart of the problem; as well as other integrated methodologies. Before completion of the program, a thorough relapse prevention plan is detailed by addiction specialists – a plan which the recovering addict has considerable input in, since he or she would have first-hand knowledge of their specific potential relapse triggers. Recovery is a life-long goal, and holistic rehabilitation will help the former addict achieve this.

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Prescription Drug Abuse