Drug Abuse and Mental Disorders

Mounting evidence suggests that common genetic factors may predispose individuals to both mental disorders and addiction, or to having a greater risk of the second disorder, once the first appears. Stress, trauma like physical or sexual abuse and early exposure to drugs are common factors that can lead to addiction and to mental illness, particularly in those with underlying genetic vulnerabilities. Both drug and mental disorders affect some of the same areas of the brain. For example, the areas of the brain that react to drug use are the same as those circuits that react to reward processing and show abnormalities in specific mental disorders. Drug abuse and mental illness are developmental disorders. Drug abuse and mental illness often begin in adolescence or even childhood, which are periods when the brain undergoes dramatic developmental changes. Early exposure to drugs can change the brain in ways that increase the risk for mental illness, just as early symptoms of a mental disorder may increase vulnerability to drug abuse.

Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a complex condition characterized by intense and, at times, uncontrollable drug craving, along with the desire to compulsively seek and use drugs that persists even in the face of devastating consequences. While the path to drug addiction begins with the voluntary act of taking drugs, over time, the ability of a person to choose not to do so becomes compromised and seeking and consuming the drug becomes compulsive. This behavior results largely from the effects of prolonged drug exposure on brain functioning. Addiction is a brain disease that affects multiple brain circuits, including those involved in reward and motivation, learning and memory and inhibitory control over behavior. Because drug abuse and addiction have so many dimensions and disrupt so many aspects of the life of an individual, treatment is not simple. Effective treatment programs typically incorporate many components, each directed to a particular aspect of the illness and its consequences. Addiction treatment must help the individual stop using drugs, maintain a lifestyle free of drugs and achieve productive functioning in the family, at work and in society. Because addiction is typically a chronic disease, people cannot simply stop using drugs for a few days and halt addition. Most patients require long-term or repeated episodes of care to achieve the ultimate goal of sustained abstinence and recovery of quality of life.

The Global Medicine Network was created to establish personal and professional contacts among individuals and organizations working in international health Executive Medicine Global Providing comprehensive medical assessments and personalized preventive strategies for busy individuals is the mission. Executive Medicine Network Executive Medicine Program is here to meet the health needs of busy executives and corporate leaders. Executive Remedy The Beverly Hills plastic surgeon specializing in face-lifts and rhinoplasty can help you. Face Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Our Doctors have performed and perfected thousands of procedures from minimally invasive techniques to major reconstructive work. The plastic surgeons at San Francisco Plastic Surgery know which plastic surgery method will work best to enhance each person’s beauty. San Francisco Plastic Surgery Our Doctors have performed and perfected thousands of procedures from minimally invasive techniques to major reconstructive work. The plastic surgeons at San Francisco Plastic Surgery know which plastic surgery method will work best to enhance each person’s beauty. San Francisco Plastic Surgery

Tips for a Safe and Successful Physical Activity Program

Check with a health care provider to determine if a chronic health problem such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure exists. Ask a health care provider about what type and amount of physical activity is right. Start slowly. Try to add more physical activity in to a daily routine and gradually work up to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30) minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week to improve health. For additional health benefits, aim to work out for 300 minutes (5 hours) of moderate-intensity physical activity or 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, per week. Set both short term and long-term goals to keep motivated. Set rewards by celebrating every success.
Everyone should track physical healthy progress by keeping an activity log. Note the days of a workout, activities, duration of the workout, and physical feelings from the workout. Also, record the days without physical activity what may have caused a change in routine.
Keep moving! Try these exercises: step aerobics, kick boxing, high- or low-impact aerobics, bicycling, brisk walking dancing square dancing, salsa, African dance, swing, jogging, playing sports tennis, basketball, soccer, swimming.