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Physical Dependence and Addiction: Is There a Difference?

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The phrases “physical dependence” and “addiction” are sometimes used interchangeably in conversation. They refer to different conditions, both of which can exist without the other. It’s important to be precise when talking about addiction, since this is one of the keys to getting people who need treatment the help they need. Definition of Physical Dependence Physical dependence on a drug is a state in which withdrawal symptoms occur with either a rapid reduction of dose or abrupt stoppage of use. (Please note that alcohol is considered a drug.) How Physical Dependence Develops When someone is ingesting a substance regularly, their brain becomes used to having a certain level of that particular chemical in their system. Physical dependence can occur with alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medications, and a number of other substances. The brain doesn’t differentiate between what type of substance it has become used to when it initiates the withdrawal symptoms; it is only reacting to t...
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How to Avoid Common Relapse Triggers

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Rehab is behind you. You’re facing the world with a renewed sense of self-worth and well-being. You have a positive outlook and are looking forward to living a healthy and happy life. During your time in a residential center, you built the foundation of your recovery. You learned coping skills and gained the tools you need to stay free of substance abuse. You also learned about relapses. You know you must always be aware of the triggers that could send you back into the world of addiction.   What is Relapse? When a person is drug or alcohol free for a length of time and then returns to substance abuse, it's called a relapse. A relapse can be a one time occurrence or a return to total addictive behavior. Substance abuse addiction is a chronic brain disease and like many other diseases, there is a risk of relapse. Being aware of the causes, symptoms, and signs of relapse helps to minimize the chances of experiencing one. Relapse Triggers Although relapse triggers differ from one...
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How to Know If Your Loved One Has an Addiction

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Have you been wondering whether your loved one has an addiction problem? Are you noticing certain behaviors that seem out of character? Perhaps you just have a feeling that something is not right. Knowing the signs of addiction will help you determine if your loved one has a drug or alcohol problem. Making that determination is the first step toward getting the help your loved one needs to become free of their addiction and start their journey toward recovery. What Is Addiction? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “addiction” is defined as the “ compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance.” The definition goes on to state that the substance is known by the user to be harmful. Many people who are struggling with an addiction try very hard to hide their problem from their families. Some are in denial that they even have a problem. But every person suffering from substance abuse has one thing in common--they are each a member of the rapidly increasing numb...
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How to Tell Your Family That You Have an Addiction

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Have there been times when you have tried to tell your family about your addiction? You gather up your courage and try to tell them, but, before you start, fear and uncertainty take hold. Maybe it’s not the right time. Maybe they really won’t understand. Will they stop loving me? As these kinds of thoughts race through your mind, you decide to keep hiding your secret longer. You might even try to convince yourself that you really don’t have an addiction problem at all. General Warning Signs of Addiction There are many warning signs of addiction. These signs can be behavioral, physical or emotional. General warning signs of addiction include:   Needing more drugs or alcohol to become satisfied Using more frequently Having symptoms of withdrawal Isolating yourself from family and friends Becoming withdrawn or unreliable Experiencing mood swings Having feelings of depression, anxiety or aggression Not caring about work or school Inattention to personal hygiene and physical appearance ...
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UNUSUAL HEART FUNCTIONS FROM THE NEI JING

I have been consulting the Nei Jing for 35 years initially in its French translation (by Chamfrault) and later in Chinese. As we all know, the Nei Jing is a mine of information and most of the things we do in practice are in this text. It should be stressed that the Nei Jing was written by many different doctors and edited several times notably during the Song dynasty.  For this reason besides containing all the familiar theories, the Nei Jing also has many passages that present unusual theories.  This clinical tip and subsequent ones will discuss the more unusual aspects of the Nei Jing, the first one being about the Heart. The Heart and the eyes  There are many passages of the Nei Jing that make correlations between a Zang and the sense organ that are different than the usual ones (e.g. Liver and eyes, Lungs and nose, etc.).  For example, chapter 81 of the Su Wen correlates the Heart to the eyes. It says “ Among the 5 Zang, the Heart is the orifice of the eyes and ...
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