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Depression

What Is Drug Addiction in Relation to the Brain?

What Is Drug Addiction in Relation to the Brain? Drug addiction is a full-body issue; every body system is affected and changes in response to the drug use or abuse. However, the brain has a special relationship to drug use, because much of the brain’s chemistry is affected by drugs. While different drugs will change the brain in different ways, there is a very specific science to the changes which occur in the brain with drug use. A Brain Overview The brain is the most complex, and least understood, system in the body. It weighs approximately three pounds and is a mass of gray-ish matter. It is the epicenter of every human movement, decision, and activity. The brain regulates every part of a person’s life, from emotions, to movement, to the ability to breathe and circulate blood. There are many parts that work together to create nature’s most perfect working machine. Each part has an assignment, however, without one part, the other parts simply won’t work. When a drug alters a part of the brain, that part malfunctions, and, as with any machine, the rest of the brain stops working correctly.  Certain drugs will target specific brain areas, however, general areas affected include the brain stem, the cortex, and the limbic system. The Brain Stem This part of the brain controls sleeping, heart rate and breathing. It is located at the bottom of the brain, toward the back of the neck. It connects to the spine, and often helps send signals from the brain to the rest of the body. The Cortex The cerebral cortex, which includes much of the top of the brain, includes a number of different sections and handles a number of different functions. The senses are located here, as is our reasoning and our ability to think. The Limbic System This section is toward the center of the brain, and it includes the pleasure center. Our sense of pride from receiving awards is here, as is our pleasure from eating or socializing. This part of our brain sends pleasure signals which keep us alive. Unfortunately, drug abuse also targets this area, and drugs will replace what some people are missing in life to bring them pleasure. The brain is a complex structure, and it is very fragile. It can be altered by most drugs on the legal, and illegal, market. If you’d like to talk about drugs and effects on the brain, call Vancouver Home Health Care Agency today. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

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The Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Mental Illness

The Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Mental illness and substance abuse have such a close relationship that doctors will often give patients a dual diagnosis; that is, a patient is diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse. This relationship is quite complex, however, there are a number of guidelines that help determine when the relationship exists. Self Medication Alcohol and drugs are often used to self medicate, especially for individuals who have untreated mental illnesses. Anxiety and depression are most often “treated” with some form of substance abuse. Many people self medicate in this manner simply because the pain of the mental issue is subsided in an altered mental state. However, it is understood that abuse of substances is physically damaging, no matter how much it helps ease the pain of a mental illness. Many times, the drug actually exacerbates the problem by altering the chemicals in the brain. Making Issues Worse As stated above, alcohol or drugs can make mental illness worse. For example, a depressed person might be more likely to attempt suicide while drunk from alcohol. Additionally, withdrawal will make the mental illness worse, such as increased panic attacks from coming off heroin. Drugs and alcohol change brain chemistry, and mental illness is attributed to irregular brain patterns. This means that an already damaged brain is receiving further damage. Causing Mental Illness People who do not have mental illness when starting a drug could develop a mental illness through drug use. This is called a “substance-induced psychosis”, and it is very real. Again, drugs damage the brain, and mental illness is associated with damages to the nerves of the brain. It make sense that drugs could lead to a mental illness where none previously existed. Without a doubt, drugs make a mental illness worse every single time. Active drug users are less likely to complete or follow through with treatment for mental illness, and they are less likely to follow medication plans or to take medications properly. They are hospitalized more often and are less likely to receive the correct type of medical care, because the medical community must deal with the addiction above the mental illness. Many of these individuals experience early deaths, and they are at higher risk for suicides. If you’d like to talk more about substance abuse and mental illness, call the Vancouver Home Health Care Agency today. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

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Mental Health and Behavior

Mental Health and Behavior “Why can’t you get better?” “Why have you changed?” “What’s wrong with Dad?” “Why are you always so grumpy you used to be so happy?” “Just get happy!” These are among the many questions posed to those with mental illness, and while the person who asks may mean no harm, they are hurtful. Mental illness is a growing issue in America; it is greatly misunderstood due to misconceptions and incorrect information. Sufferers often feel embarrassed to admit to mental illness, as the American society still has a difficult time accepting its existence. However, mental illnesses such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety should not be pushed aside, and the first step to healing is recognition. Depression Depression can be temporary or permanent, and it is common among those who face terminal illnesses or death. In fact, it is one of the natural stages of grieving. Depression can present itself in many forms, from subtle changes in attitude to complete personality changes. The most common signs of depression are, but not limited to: Difficulty remembering or concentrating Fatigue Feelings of helplessness, guilt or pessimism Insomnia or excessive sleeping Irritability Loss of interest in hobbies Persistent pains, cramps, headaches, or problems with digestion Feeling empty Suicidal thoughts or attempts Realizing these symptoms are happening can cause embarrassment and withdrawal, which is dangerous. When a person faces a terminal illness or the need for in-home care, some depression should be expected. Admitting these feelings or changes and getting help is one of the hardest steps to take for an American, who may feel shunned in society. However, American suicide rates were at 41,000 in 2013 according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which means that society must work harder to not only recognize mental illness, but work harder to help fix it. There are treatments for depression, such as Wellbutrin and Paxil, with high success rates. Admitting there is an issue is the first step; getting help is the second. There should be no reason for embarrassment in either step. PTSD PTSD, or post traumatic stress disorder, is a sudden mental illness which attacks the sufferer without warning. It is an illness which stems from a traumatic event, such as a damaging car accident or a war. While it is most often found in veterans, it can occur in others who have suffered traumatic events. The most common symptoms are: Re-experiencing the event Avoiding reminders of the trauma Increased anxiety Treatments include cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, EMDR, and medication. Cognitive therapy helps sufferers talk about the incident. Exposure therapy works when a patient repeatedly talks about the incident, eventually getting “used to” the memory and accepting what happened. EMDR is eye movement desensitizing and reprocessing, which helps a person redirect the memories through the use of eye movement, taps, or other stimuli. Medications most commonly prescribed for PTSD are SSRI’s, which are anti-depressants. Two of the most common types are Celexa and Prozac. These types of mental illnesses are the most common among those who need in-home care or are faced with a terminal illness. The most important thing to remember is that these feelings are natural, and to be expected. If you or someone you know has just had a life changing event, such as the start of in-home care, remember that it is not shameful to feel negatively about the changes. Depression, PTSD and anxiety happen to many people, and mental illness is not something to be hidden away. It is as real as cancer and can be as permanent as diabetes, so it must be treated with dignity and respect, not embarrassment and shame. The professionals at Vancouver Home Healthcare Agency can help find the right therapists to work with these illnesses, and any other mental illness suffered by an in-home patient. At Vancouver Home Healthcare Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

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