Disease is a broad term that encompasses a range of involuntary health conditions, including those caused by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Among these, addiction to drugs and alcohol is increasingly recognised as a disease by the medical community. This categorisation is significant because it frames addiction as a medical issue rather than a failure […]
Read More On ThisMonth: February 2010
Alcoholism as a Primary Illness
Alcoholism as a Primary Illness: Meaning that addiction to alcohol is a separate illness to other conditions connected to it and not the symptom of another underlying condition. Also, that the alcoholism needs to be addressed first – other co-existing conditions e.g. depression, can be most accurately diagnosed and treated only once the alcoholic is in […]
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Addiction Treatment in South Africa (Part 2)
I was recently asked by a local newspaper to comment on drug addiction treatment in South Africa. Part 1 is here, below is Part 2 of their questions and my comments. 7. Why do we have so many overseas (UK) patients coming to South Africa for addiction rehab and alcoholism treatment? (I assume that it’s linked to […]
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Addiction Treatment in South Africa (Part 1)
I was recently asked by a local newspaper to comment on addiction treatment in South Africa. Below are their questions and my comments. 1. Qualifications: Worked in the addictions field for 15 years, accredited through both the FDAP (UK) and the IC&RC (USA) since 2001. Have held the ‘Head of Treatment’ position in both the UK […]
Read More On ThisAlcohol Treatment Centre
An alcohol treatment centre is a licensed clinic that specialises in the screening, assessment and treatment of alcoholism and related disorders. It’s rare in this day and age to find an alcoholic without co-occurring issues, perhaps co-morbidity such as depression / bi-polar or perhaps other substance abuse along with alcoholism. Quality alcohol detox & treatment […]
Read More On ThisBuprenorphine (Subutex)
Buprenorphine (Subutex) is an opiate antagonist, a relatively new drug in the fight against addiction. See a more detaield description of its use combating opiate addiction here. Subutex falls into a class of medications called opioid partial agonists. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that are targeted by opioids, such as heroin or […]
Read More On ThisAntagonist
An antagonist is medicine that thwarts the effects of another drug. An antagonist is a substance that blocks the effects of another specified drug; for example, naltrexone is an antagonist for opioids and antabuse is an antagonist for alcohol. Antagonists are used in the treatment of addiction and alcoholism. However, this is unlikely to keep an alcoholic or […]
Read More On ThisAmphetamine
A stimulant, often illegally produced and sold to addicted people. Amphetamine is a stimulant that can be used to increase wakefulness. Amphetamine reduces fatigue and appetite. It can only be used legally with a prescription but is commonly abused recreationally. Amphetamine affects three major neurochemicals – dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Even though these neurochemicals are responsible for […]
Read More On ThisAlcohol Poisoning
As a result of drinking too much alcohol, symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include; semi or total loss of consciousness (passing out), slow, irregular or shallow breathing, low body temperature, persistent vomiting, no response to pain. If you think somebody may have alcohol poisoning it’s best to seek medical attention immediately. Alcohol poisoning occurs when […]
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