Archive for December 31st, 2009

Five Signs Of Prescription Drug Addiction

Comments: 0December 31st, 2009 by admin



Vicodin is a brand name for the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocondone. This powerful pain killer is semi-synthetic that is derived from two naturally occurring opiates, codeine and thebaine. The drug hydrocondone binds to the pain receptors in the brain and spinal cord, subsequently reducing the sensation of pain.

Acetaminophen can control the production of prostaglandins, which cause pain. Vicodin is perfectly safe as long as it taken as prescribed. If Vicodin is taken in a larger dose or for longer than the prescribed duration, it is addictive.

Vicodin comes in tablet, capsule and liquid form.

This drug is becoming one of the most widely abused drugs in the United States. Its misuse is as harmful as cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine.

Effects of Vicodin

Vicodin is similar to codeine and is almost equal in strength to morphine in producing opiate-like effects. Continuous use may result in requiring larger and larger doses to achieve the same effect. Long term use can result in physical dependence. The body adapts to the substance and withdrawal symptoms occur if the presence of the drug is removed.

Symptoms of Addiction

Unfortunately, many people who are addicted to Vicodin are also addicted to other substances. One indicator is alcoholism or addiction to another substance. Studies show that 83% of Vicodin addicts are addicted to some other substance as well. Also, most often the addicted person is someone who can afford to pay for medication or is privately insured.

Vicodin is use to the treatment of pain. For this reason, people who can afford to seek medical treatment are more likely to become addicted. The most common source of pain reported is in the head and neck. Though the medical issue was addressed when the patients complained to their physicians, addiction was not a concern. Using Vicodin for chronic pain, real or imaginary, can and has lead to drug addiction. Additionally, patients with chronic pain are at risk for withdrawal from the drug which in many cases can be deadly if the prescription is discontinued for any reason. It is for this reason that many patients who experience chronic illness do not want to use prescription medication.

If the following symptoms are noticed, there is genuine reason to believe the person is addicted to Vicodin:

Anxious feeling about getting a prescription refilled before it runs out Tendency to take more of the drug to achieve the desired effect or to take it more often than prescribed Unable to quit the medication even if there is a sincere wish to do so or feeling guilty about taking Vicodin Committing illegal acts to acquire Vicodin such as juggling doctors or buying Vicodin on the street Thinking about the medication upon awakening or the patient’s Vicodin use has become in issue with friends and loved ones.
If any of these apply to you or to someone you love, then you may want to seek treatment for addiction right away. If you think you are addicted either physically or emotionally to Vicodin, talk to your doctor, a counselor or a substance abuse professional as soon as possible to avoid the inescapable dangers of Vicodin addiction. The Farley Center and Williamsburg Place are available to help. Their staff is caring and supportive. They understand and they want to help. Call the Farley Center at (800) 582-6066 for a free assessment interview and to get immediate referrals to a professional in your area.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Alcohol

Vitamin B8 Benefits, Deficiency and Sources

Comments: 0December 31st, 2009 by admin



Vitamin B8 is a water-soluble vitamin, which is not only widely distributed in food but also manufactured in the lower digestive tract of the human body. It is very stable when heated.

Benefits of Vitamin B8 -

* Vitamin B8 or biotin is imperative for a healthy immune system. It is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats from food. It is also required for the utilization of proteins, folic acid and vitamin B 12.

* Vitamin B8 plays an important role DNA and RNA synthesis (genetic material), production of red blood cells and proper functioning of the nervous system.

* It is essential for the growth of healthy hair as well as prevents premature greying of the hair as well as hair loss. Biotin, found as an active ingredient in many of today’s shampoos and hair conditioners, is said to repair damaged hair and keep hair healthy.

* This vitamin also helps to maintain the skin in healthy condition. It helps to evenly distribute the colour pigment – melanin throughout the skin. Deficiency of this vitamin often leads to pigmentation problems.

* Required in the creation of glycogen, and is also essential in the making of fatty acids.

* Essential for pregnant women as it helps prevention of neural tube birth defects

* It has a significant role in red blood cell formation along with homocysteine metabolism (required for proper functioning of the heart). Deficiency of Vitamin B-8 results in megaloblastic anemia.

Deficiency of Vitamin B8 -

A deficiency in B8 is rare since it is widely available in food.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in anemia

HIV Symptoms and When to Get Tested

Comments: 0December 31st, 2009 by admin



There is a common misconception among many people these days that HIV home tests are unnecessary for them. While some people still believe that the disease only exists among prostitutes, homosexuals, and IV drug users, the HIV statistics prove that people of any age, race, sexual preference, or lifestyle can contract the disease. While sexual intercourse is by far the most common means of transmission, any contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person can result in transmitting the illness. It is very important to understand that anyone who is sexually active or comes into contact with the bodily fluids of others is at risk of developing HIV.

Another common misconception among many is that HIV testing is only needed if you begin to show symptoms of being sick. While HIV does have numerous symptoms, it is important to know that many people do not show HIV symptoms at all for months or even years. While diseases such as herpes and gonorrhea have specific symptoms, HIV is an immune deficiency, which means that its main effect is that it makes people more susceptible to other illnesses. For this reason, people who are HIV positive often think that a cold or flu is often a symptom only of itself and miss being diagnosed altogether.

In most cases, the early development of HIV is entirely symptom free. People who do show HIV/ AIDS symptoms during this stage often mistake them for the flu, as a fever, muscle pain, and swollen lymph glands are the most common effects. Later symptoms of the disease can range from chronic diarrhea to sudden weight loss, sores on the mouth and skin, rashes, exhaustion, and sweating as well as chronic yeast infections. Because all of these symptoms can also be found with other illnesses, it is important to undergo regular HIV testing to ensure that your status is negative. When diagnosed early, many people can live remarkably long and healthy lives with HIV.

HIV becomes detectable anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after transmission. As the disease begins to spread within the body, the immune system will begin to develop antibodies. The presence of these antibodies is what allows a diagnosis to be made by doctors. While they often develop within a few weeks, it is important to be tested for at least a year after contact with someone who is positive and to get tested regularly if you are sexually active or are exposed to bodily fluids.

Testing for HIV can be done in many ways by doctors. For people seeking a confidential and private way to test for HIV antibodies, an HIV home test allows you to perform a simple needle stick and mail the sample to a lab for rapid analysis. You will never be asked to give personally identifiable information and will be able to learn your results from the privacy of your own home. The test is virtually painless, and results can be available anywhere from the next day to a few weeks. Knowing your HIV status is crucial, and home HIV test kits make it easier than ever to always have the answer.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in anemia