Pure cocaine, along with the so-called “poor man’s cocaine” known as “crack,” is among the most widely abused substances in the world today. The pure cocaine in powder form is usually mistaken as fine sugar or baking soda. The street variant called crack is diluted and mixed with baking soda, allowing the street pushers to reap more profits. People who become addicted to both cocaine and “crack” are considered to be among the worst addicts that can be found in a rehab clinic mainly because of the intense physical and mental health damage that prolonged use can lead to. There is an extensive list of negative effects associated with long-term use of “crack.” Withdrawal from crack addiction is also very difficult in physiological and psychological terms. Nasal passages, which are the primary pathways by which cocaine gets into an addict’s body, can also suffer severe damage due to prolonged abuse. However, the damage tends to manifest only after the drug has been removed and withdrawal has occurred. Among the possible side effects of the damage are runny noses, nasal congestion, and nose bleeding. These side effects are relatively minor and can easily be treated by using the appropriate medications and having good environment, especially at home. During cocaine withdrawal, nasal problems are likely going to be the least of a recovering addict’s worries. Panic attacks similar to those developed by people with panic disorders are not uncommon to both addicts and recovering users. This is more pronounced once a person undergoes withdrawal because there is no longer the psychologically “stabilizing” effect of the drug. Also, people undergoing withdrawal have become so used to having “crack” on hand that they are almost mentally incapacitated by being deprived of it. Insomnia is also a recognized side effect of being forcibly withdrawn from cocaine abuse. However, insomnia encountered during withdrawal has a shorter range of effect compared with regular cases of insomnia. Mild headaches and occasional periods of excessive fear and anxiety are also possible symptoms of prolonged abuse, though they are not considered common. Muscle spasms are usually associated with the more violent cases of withdrawal. This is particularly common in those cases where the user has developed a dependency on the cocaine being in the system, such that the mind no longer believes the body can function without it. Muscle spasms are usually a minor indication of a worsening problem in cases such as this, since people who develop them tend to suffer more physically violent symptoms of drug withdrawal. These problems generally occur in the earlier stages of withdrawal, as the shock to the body being cut off from “crack” is still fresh. As the withdrawal sets in and the cleansing process is underway, the body slowly adjusts to a normal state and the likelihood of muscle spasms and convulsions decreases considerably. Chronic pain in the chest and coughing have also been noted as possible symptoms. Some withdrawal patients report that the coughing can sometimes be accompanied by severe chest pains. Phlegm coughed up by these patients tend to be colored black and are generally not mixed with blood unless the patient has another respiratory condition. Coughing and phlegm of this sort also manifests in people that abuse marijuana or nicotine. This is generally alleviated by any number of over-the-counter cough medications or increased intake of water and other fluids.
Tag-Archive for ◊ insomnia ◊
Insomnia is the body’s way of saying that something isn’t right. Many things can cause insomnia — things like stress, too much caffeine, depression, and changes in work shifts, and pain from medical problems, such as arthritis. Many people have insomnia. People who have insomnia may not be able to fall asleep. They may wake up during the night and not be able to fall back asleep, or they may wake up too early in the morning. It’s not really a serious problem for your health, but it can make you feel tired, depressed and irritable. It can also make it hard to concentrate during the day. Most adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. You know you’re getting enough sleep if you don’t feel sleepy during the day. The amount of sleep you need stays about the same throughout adulthood. However, sleep patterns may change with age. For example, older people may sleep less at night and take naps during the day. If the cause of your insomnia is not clear, your doctor may suggest that you fill out a sleep diary. The diary will help you keep track of when you go to bed, how long you lie in bed before falling asleep, how often you wake during the night, when you get up in the morning and how well you sleep. Here are some things you can do to help you sleep better: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends, even if you didn’t get enough sleep. This will help train your body to sleep at night. Develop a bedtime routine. Do the same thing every night before going to sleep. For example, take a warm bath and then read for 10 minutes every night before going to bed. Soon you’ll connect these activities with sleeping, and doing them will help make you sleepy. Use the bedroom only for sleeping or having sex. Don’t eat, talk on the phone or watch TV while you’re in bed. Make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark. If noise is a problem, use a fan to mask the noise or use earplugs. If you must sleep during the day, hang dark blinds over the windows or wear an eye mask. If you’re still awake after trying to fall asleep for 30 minutes, get up and go to another room. Sit quietly for about 20 minutes before going back to bed. Do this as many times as you need to until you can fall asleep. Acupuncture for insomnia depression anxiety! some people find acupuncture to be very effective in helping them with insomnia.
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In today’s life style of the human being, depression is a very familiar disorder. It is affecting every eighth man and every fourth woman. Many of us are unaware of the symptoms of depression which includes feeling of desperation, compulsive negative thoughts, increased or decreased appetite, insomnia or an increased need for sleep, being apart socially, frequent irritation, loss of memory and low concentration, interest towards suicide and death. It is good to think that depression is sadness and the causes of depression will vanish as a consequence negative feeling will subside. However, never take the causes of depression very easily. It may get worsen as it is not cured on time. It should be under periodic surveillance. It is assumed that the causes of depression are 40 – 70% hereditary and it also seen in some cases that person under depression have the child with depression disorder also. This means that the potential for depression lies in the person’s genetic organs. The depressed parent are often seen lacking energy to reproduces child and it is the matter of depression only as it has great influence on reproduction. It is totally against the nature of reproduction. Here we come to know that depression plays vital role and it is followed hereditarily. The causes of depression is hereditary or not, it is physiologically proven and it totally refuses that depression is nothing but a bad, angry or hopeless mood and it will get over as the time passes. Low serotonin level in human has proven one of the cause of depression and loss of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus has also been identified as one of the causes of depression. Seasonal problem may also cause depression. It is known that deprive of light and warmth in winter season and the person become depressed as a consequence not suffering from “cold bite” but actuality have the problem from shorter days and longer night. This type of seasonal disorder can further lead to a major depressed condition. Hormone also plays a major role in causing depression, especially among those women who suffers from Pre menstrual syndrome or post-partum depression. In fact, while one out of every four women suffers from depression compared to one in every eight men, this discrepancy disappears among women who have undergone menopause, when there are lower levels of estrogen. More and more researches are needed to rectify whether these hormonal disorder can really causes of depression or just merely triggers. Dismissed from job, got divorced, or a sudden death in family may not be the real cause of depression, but they can just tamper the problem in those who have predisposition for the problem. Most probably these events can cause feeling of worthlessness, but if theses are not persistent, they are the normal aspects of the grieving process and the not the real cause of depression. In some manner if these negative feeling are terminated they may help to set off depression. There are some physical disorder which are included among causes of depression. Heart condition and hepatitis may causes depression, as well as AIDS and other illness can cause weakness and tiredness.
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A teacher wrote this note in one of her students’ records; “Always late in class. Seems inattentive during discussions. To inquire regarding his situation.” One day after class, the teacher met with this student to ask regarding his condition. She was expecting that her student might relate some problems with his family or financially that interferes with his academic performance. She was surprised, however, to learn that the reason for her student’s constant tardiness and poor performance in school is lack of sleep and difficulty in sleeping. She thought that her student was just making up a lame excuse and reprimanded him severely. Later that week, when she casually related this to her friend who happens to be a doctor, he told her that her student may actually have a serious medical problem called insomnia. Insomnia is defined as a sleeping disorder where a person has difficulty sleeping or remaining asleep, thus, lacking a high-quality of sleep. The length of time that this condition persists may vary; from a single night to possibly a week or more. This condition may be caused by different factors such as physical illness or psychological problems. Moreover, its effects may largely impair a person’s life which is why this condition must be regarded seriously. However, like most health problems, insomnia is manageable or cured given proper treatment. The length of time that the sleep problem is experienced serves as basis for classification of the different types of insomnia. The first type which is called transient insomnia or short-term insomnia may last one night, a few nights or a few weeks. Another type of insomnia which persists for a longer period of time, a few months or even years, is termed as chronic insomnia or long-term insomnia. Another classification of the condition depends on the factors or causes related to it. If the problem exists without any underlying condition and is mainly caused by harmful sleeping habits, it is considered as primary insomnia. On the other hand, when sleeping disorders arise as a symptom of another preexisting condition it is then classified as secondary insomnia. The latter method of classification helps a lot in determining what form of management or treatment should be applied to cure the problem. As mentioned earlier, insomnia may be brought about by different factors or causes. It can be triggered by mental conditions, food or drugs, sleeping behaviors or habits, sleeping environment and medical or health condition. When a person is under stress, anxiety or fear, this may have an effect in his or her quality of sleep. Some medications, caffeine, nicotine and some herbal supplements may also affect sleep. Sleeping can be hindered or interfered by events such as a change in time zone or work shifts and by activities such as napping during the day, exercising before bedtime and eating or drinking too much before sleeping. A noisy environment, disruptive sleep partner, uncomfortable type of bed and unwanted room temperature can also make it difficult for a person to fall asleep. Lastly, trouble in sleeping may also be experienced when a person has any illness or pain, undergoes hormonal changes or has medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Having this condition can greatly disturb or trouble a person’s sleeping and waking hours. Usually, people with insomnia will undergo undesirable changes in their mood and daily activities. They may feel irritable and impatient most of the time and experience difficulty in concentrating and focusing on tasks. This condition may also lead them to often feel depressed and anxious. As a result, they exhibit poor performance in school and at work, and somehow become more accident-prone. Those who are diagnosed to have insomnia, however, should not panic or feel hopeless because of their condition. Fortunately, various treatments or solutions are already available to address this problem. Medications such as hypnotics and sedatives such as benzodiazepines, ramelteon and anti-depressants can be prescribed by sleep doctors to help decrease or eliminate difficulty in sleeping. Another therapy available is called cognitive-behavior therapy where a person is advised to modify his or her daily activities towards having better sleeping habits. Alternative and traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture and aromatherapy as well as other substances like herbal supplements can also be used to treat sleeping disorders. These treatments, however, should not be taken or undergone without proper prescription or advice from medical professionals. Inappropriate use or application of these may cause untoward reactions and side effects such as nausea, dizziness and diarrhea, cognitive and memory disturbance, substance abuse and even death. It is therefore necessary to always seek professional advice regarding matters of treatment. Insomnia is probably one of those unfamiliar or misunderstood health problems. This does not mean, however, that the condition is uncommon. Everyone probably has experienced or knows someone who had experienced one or more causes of insomnia. Everyone is also vulnerable to having it. Therefore, it is important to be knowledgeable of this condition to be able to address it properly. Had the teacher in the situation stated earlier known what insomnia is, what causes it, how it affects one’s life and what treatments or solutions are available, she may have appropriately done something to make her student’s life better.
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Insomnia comes in many different forms, and for various different reasons. This sleep disorder article will give you a broad view of this particular sleep problem and some ideas for finding help with insomnia. To begin with, it’s important to realise that everyone has different sleeping patterns and this sleep information may not apply to your particular sleep problem. For example, some people need ten hours of sleep just to feel refreshed, whilst others function quite normally on four or five hours. The definition of insomnia as a sleep problem therefore will depend on your individual needs and situation. Simply put, insomnia is a difficulty in falling asleep or obtaining enough sleep to function. This may manifest as an inability to fall asleep; a tendency to wake frequently; or waking too early in the morning. This can lead to tiredness, frustration and difficulty functioning normally. Finding good sleep information may help you to solve your insomnia problem – but it is likely that you will need to take some action in your waking life to alleviate the insomnia. Reading sleep disorder articles and other sleep information is only the beginning! Probably the most common cause of insomnia and other sleep problems is stress. Unfortunately, insomnia can itself be a contributing factor in causing too much stress – and the sleep problem sufferer can end up caught in a vicious cycle of exhaustion and worry. The most useful piece of sleep information may be that around a third of the population suffers from insomnia at some point – it’s such a common sleep problem that you won’t have any difficulty finding other sleep disorder articles on the internet! Sifting through that information may seem daunting however – let’s have a look at the most common ways to treat insomnia: Lifestyle and health: Often people with insomnia and sleep disorders tend to be consuming too much alcohol or caffeine. Try limiting your intake or cutting down on how much coffee or alcohol you are drinking – if you think you may need help then contact your health practitioner or local support group for advice. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise and fresh air can also help promote a good night’s sleep – once again, consult your doctor before embarking on any fitness programme. It’s best to make any lifestyle changes gradually to avoid shock to your system. Sleeping environment: Noise or disturbance in your bedroom is unlikely to lead to a restful night’s sleep. Perhaps you need insulation or darker curtains to help cut out sound or light pollution – or maybe you need to work out how to quiet down the neighbor’s dog! Taking the trouble to make your sleeping area a comfortable and relaxing space could help you to get a sound night’s sleep – well worth the effort. Other help: Your doctor may suggest a prescription of medication to help with a temporary sleep problem. However, sleep information suggests that this should only be used as a short term measure. There are herbal, over the counter remedies that may be less habit forming and gentler on your system – valerian and hops is one quite powerful herbal combination that helps some sufferers. Meditation and other relaxation methods have been shown to be very effective in alleviating stress and aiding sleep. There are many books available on the subject, or you could contact your fitness centre to enquire about yoga classes. Light exercise, combined with relaxation can be very helpful. Malcolm Moorhouse Is a professional web designer, psychic, tarot reader, astrologer with over 16 years experience. www.sleep-disorder-site.com info@sleep-disorder-site.com Copyright Malcolm Moorhouse 2006
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Copyright 2006 Douglas Alp With a large percentage of the public suffering from sleep disorders and it’s no wonder why many people cannot concentrate, are forgetful and are generally not functioning at an optimal level on a daily basis. Many people suffering from these sleep disorders and rely on sleep aids to place a band-aid on the problem. The problem with that is that there could be many uncomfortable side effects and these substances can become addictive. Our bodies definitely need sleep and although it may vary from person to person it is best to average from six to eight hours of sleep every day. Also the release of your natural growth hormone is released during your sleep time which enables your body to stay healthier and more youthful. You will notice in yourself that if you don’t sleep well for more than a few days there is a dazed look in your eyes, your skin will look a little tired and dull and your attention to detail definitely diminishes. Your body needs the proper sleep to keep you young, healthy and sustain life. So what can you do, maybe naturally to assist your body to calm down, relax your brain and body so that you can enjoy a healthy relaxing peaceful sleep and enable your body to replenish itself with a good sleep night after night. Food is a very important part contributing to your health and wellbeing. It also plays a major role in enabling the body to release the correct chemicals, naturally into the body to enable good solid sleep. For one, an amino acid called tryptophan, which is found in turkey, is the precursor to melatonin and serotonin, the natural sleep hormones. You see there is some truth that turkey makes you tired as illustrated when Uncle George falls asleep on the couch after Thanksgiving Day dinner. There are also other foods that can be eaten in the early evening that can assist your body to release the correct chemicals and set up the proper conditions for sleep. Firstly don’t eat after 7 pm. A large meal after this hour will take time to digest and may cause heartburn or indigestion which will affect your sleep patterns. It’s best to eat small portions or snacks two or more hours before bedtime. Try eating a small piece of cheese, a couple of slices of turkey, a few tablespoons of pure yogurt containing no sugar, or a handful of sunflower seeds, all of which contain or assist your body in producing tryptophan . Dairy products also assist your the body to induce sleep. The old saying a glass of warm milk will put you to sleep does have significant. Milk and products containing calcium help the brain to manufacture tryptophan. Also the mineral magnesium which is a natural sedative can be found in wheat bran, brewers yeast, seaweed, almonds and cashews. Other things you can do are to always have a complex carbohydrate with a small piece of protein at dinner Also avoid snacks with sugar and stimulants like coffee and soft drink after 2 pm. So when you are sitting there on the couch trying to relax from your long busy day don’t think about your sleep disorder or think about running to the medicine cabinet for another sleep aid but instead try having a cup a Chamomile tea and a handful of cashews, even try warming the cashews for 20 seconds in the microwave. It relaxing, soothing and will help your body sleep and stay more healthy and youthful.