ADDICTION AND NUTRITION

Alcohol and drug abuse /addiction can result in numerous and gross nutritional deficiencies that hamper the physical and mental health of the individual. A healthy diet plays a major role in sustaining and improving the quality of life in recovery.
Alcohol and drug use can affect nutrition in the following ways
(i)  Not eating- drinking and using drugs causes a drop in appetite and at times they forget to eat.
(ii)  Eating insufficient– Drinking /using drugs is given a priority over eating .
(iii)  Overeating- at times there can be an increased appetite due to drug and alcohol use and the person eats unconsciously without an idea of satiety.
(iv)  Damage to organs- Alcohol and drug abuse can result in damage to the liver, pancreas, stomach, intestinal linings which are all involved in the digestion, absorption and retention of nutrients in the body.
(v)  Drop in Immunity- The depletion of nutrients causes a fall in immunity making the person prone to various ailments
(vi)  Gastrointestinal disorders
(vii)  drop in glucose levels resulting in mental and physical imbalances.
Alcohol
Those addicted to alcohol have poor food intake. Either they do not eat at all in order to drink or eat a lot without awareness of satiety.
In both cases there is nutritional depletion as the body is busy processing the alcohol that needs to be metabolized before the food.
Alcohol results in inflammation of the gut and stomach lining  resulting in indigestion, acid reflux, gastritis, malabsorption resulting in diarrhea and consequent dehydration.
Severe deficiencies of Thiamine, B12,B6 and Folic acid develop resulting in conditions like peripheral neuritis , anemia, fatigue, headache, memory problems and Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome due to Thiamine deficiency.
Muscle wasting, immunity reduction happens making the person prone to ailments , and in Indians the most common ailment that afflicts a person when the immunity drops is Tuberculosis.
Chronic alcohol use can cause significant damage to the liver and pancreas which are involved in digestion of proteins, fats, carbohydrates , hormones and sugar balance thus causing an imbalance in them.
Opiates
Withdrawals from drugs like opium, heroin etc results in cramps and severe diarrhea preventing the person from eating resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Eating carbohydrates and enough fluids will tide over this.
Stimulants -like amphetamines, MDMA, Crystal meth, cocaine
Stimulants keep the drug user awake for hours on end, hyperactive and kills the appetite whereby people do not eat for days  . This results in malnutrition , electrolyte and hormonal imbalance leading to severe weight loss, muscle loss, alopecia, increased risk of infections , heart ailments, depression, apathy, confusion etc.
In treatment, eating more  can result in an upset digest system as it is just getting used to food. this requires an experienced medical care. meals should be had in small portions.
Marijuana
Marijuana usage results in a ravenous appetite but for mainly junk food excessive consumption of which can result in obesity. Lack of any nourishment in junk food results in malnutrition also. There is a deficiency of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which can result in skin ailments like eczema, rash and other inflammatory processes. Healing of wounds is delayed and susceptibility to infections is increased.
Diet during Treatment and Recovery
-A craving for sweets develops in most people in recovery from addiction to alcohol and drugs , as sweets trigger the same dopamine reward pathway that are triggered by the substances in brain.
-Exercise regularly- various yoga asanas aid in bringing the hormonal balance in the body and regain optimum organ functioning, regain physical and mental balance and core muscle tone. Start working out slowly being in connect with one’s body as the existent muscle wasting and lack of tone if pushed into working out too soon and too hard will result in recurrent injuries.
-Eat more complex carbs – Green vegetables,Whole grains and foods made from them, such as and whole-grain breads,rotis, Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and pumpkin, Beans, lentils, and peas.
(i)  Eat small portions of frequent meals, the appetite will slowly improve.
(ii)  There should be an increase in intake of fiber which will maintain gut health and proteins would help build muscles affected by alcohol and drug abuse.
(iii)  Avoid or reduce Caffeine intake in the form of coffee or carbonated drinks.
(iv)  Have plenty of water
(v)  Taking supplements of vitamins and minerals are essential as they will help initially to replenish immediate deficiencies and then enable the body to function well.
Every treatment /rehab facility should have a good and nutritious diet provision with adequate opportunities to exercise . We at AH provide such  an optimum  blend of nutrition and physical and mental growth in a luxurious ambience.
Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers In Mumbai

MDMA [3,4,methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine]

The rave and party drug that has taken the party scene by a storm for several decades .

it is available in Pill form – Ecstasy – which can however be adulterated by bath salts[cathionines]  or any other chemicals. It is called Molly for “molecular” available in capsule form but which can be mixed with bath salts again. It is also available in crystal form which is swallowed or dissolved in water and drunk . Powdered versions are also available  which are snorted.

it is a psychedelic drug with stimulant effects.

It affects three chemicals in the brain-

Dopamine- causes euphoria and increased energy.

Norepinephrine- causes increase in heart rate and in blood pressure which can result even in a heart attack or a stroke.

Serotonin- MDMA causes the brain to secrete enormous amounts of serotonin and eventually this depletes the serotonin sources and reduces it considerably. Initially it causes one to feel all loving and caring , alters perceptions, heightens the senses. However,  soon it causes a very low dip or even depression and anxiety in the individual.

The effect of MDMA sets in within 30 to 60 minutes. In 3.5 to 4 hours it peaks followed by a plateau and then a depressive phase to stave off which a dose is popped again.

At times to enhance the psychedelic effects it is combined with LSD, Psilocybin mushrooms or Ketamine called as “flipping”. Also with marijuana and alcohol.

Effects. The person under influence becomes physically very active alert and hence it is used in rave parties where people dance non stop for the entire night and day . The music has a synergistic effect in enhancing the psychedelic effects. The mind becomes hyperactive. Thoughts run at a high speed.

After effects-  dry mouth, lack of appetite, bruxism [ lockjaw] repeated involuntary  clenching of teeth  , blurred vision, chills, sweating, fatigue, anxiety, paranoea, feelings of excessive love, increased sexual desire, this can result in high risk sexual behaviors too , insomnia, lack of focus .

In people who have myopia, with a high number , MDMA causes expansion of the eyeball which puts pressure on the retina . the small retinal capillaries might leak resulting in floaters in the line of vision. Retinal tears also might happen increasing the risk of loss of vision.

In people who have traits of ADHD , the use of this drug magnifies the effects.

In people with underlying anxiety and dependency issues , these symptoms get highlighted and last longer.

Thus depending on the frequency , duration, quantity of usage  and the underlying personality traits, the duration of the effects also vary.

Over the course of the week following moderate use of the drug, a person may experience: irritability, impulsiveness and aggression, depression,sleep problems, anxiety, memory and attention problems, decreased appetite, decreased interest in and pleasure from sex

Chronic use results in depression anxiety and paranoea.

Other physical adverse effects

MDMA can cause increased body temperatures to abnormal levels so much so that it can lead to multi organ failure , heart failure and can prove fatal.

Withdrawals seen –  fatigue , anxiety, depression, lack of appetite , difficulty in focus.

Treatment-

Residential care in an alternate life therapy center/drug rehab in an environment that is non judgmental, loving and accepting with counseling, meditation, yoga, writing and other alternate therapies is the path to a  resolution.

We provide the same at AH

http://anatta.in/mdma-34methylenedioxy-n-methylamphetamine/ 

I AM CLEAN, NOT PERFECT

Addiction is a painful process of living day and night in the clutches of the substance. The family goes through a loss of identity and an emotional roller-coaster ride with the addicted person trying to control his/her using.
Finally, the dependent decides to seek help. He goes to an alcohol/drug rehabilitation program for treatment for a certain duration of time. The family or co dependent can be under the impression that he will come out of the rehab as though he has been dry cleaned and all will be perfect.
In actuality , the real issues surface after the return from the rehab.
The family, unlike the addict in a residential rehab program, has not had the benefit of living away from emotional triggers and takes time to understand the process the addict has gone through and help him continue to not find the need to drink/use.
If the family has not undergone co-dependency counselling, they will look at him with ‘old eyes’ and emotions of fear, apprehensions, mistrust and judgement.
Earlier, the substance was the buffer to escape from the realities of life for the alcoholic/drug addict. Life was going on around him but he was only with the substance.
He is now just starting to get comfortable in his own skin living day to day without any substance. The crutch/substance that made him become oblivious of emotions is no longer present, and emotions are felt in their entirety and depth.
The person has to deal with them with the new tools learnt in rehab, without using a substance, and is finding his/her footing. The person has changed.
However, the spouse and family look at him as if, since he has become ‘rehabilitated’,he can now handle family responsibilities and a job and businesses. The spouse thinks.”Now my world is finally in place. He will take care of my emotional and other needs.” This is the illusion of the co dependent.
The person who has undergone treatment also wants to take on work and take the financial reins into his own hands. However, trust is difficult to get by. The emotional roller-coaster ride comes back with a vengeance in the family.Surprisingly most separations and divorces happen after the dependent returns home from a rehabilitation centre. The co-dependent who, until this point, was ‘right’ about a lot of issues only because of the other person’s drinking/using, begins  to realise that the person has now changed and does not indulge in emotional conversations and does not allow himself to get mood altered.
This entire conflict is the result of the myth that the suffering addict is not just clean but, because he has undergone treatment, should be ‘perfect’.
At AH we provide a luxury rehab facility with an Alternate life therapy program wherein the alcoholic/drug addict finds life and living beyond addiction to alcohol and drugs using various tools like counselling, meditation and writing, along with movies, meals out, hiking etc; in short, living a complete life, not finding the need to drink or use. The family too undergoes a similar process simultaneously so that both grow at an individual capacity and are able to then meet at  a common platform of understanding.

SEXUALITY AND INTIMACY IN ADDICTION

Humans are sexual beings. Sexuality includes physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual aspects. It does not only mean the act of sex but the energy of sex and the awareness of humans as sexual beings. Intimacy is building a close rapport, companionship and friendliness with another person.
Sexuality arises in infancy when the infant plays with its genitalia – repression/suppression of this most natural energy begins then itself by parents scolding the infant. In puberty, attraction to the opposite sex reaches its peak, but the topic is taboo in family/society. Religious beliefs complete the vortex of fear, guilt, shame and suppression. Perversion sets in as pornography is resorted to as an educative tool. Add drugs/alcohol to it and the psychological degeneration, delusion and self abuse that sets in is immeasurable.
In a suffering dependent, issues related to one’s sexuality are very extensive and deep rooted. This is not addressed in most treatment programs across the world, let alone in India. However, amongst the various relapse factors, sexuality issues rank amongst the highest.
The drinking /using might have begun as fun, experimentation, peer pressure etc. As it reaches addictive usage there has been a breakdown of most intimate relationships like husband/wife, parent/ child, partners/friends etc. in the cycle of wanting to drink and use and the repeated lies, the deception and the manipulation involved in perpetuating that habitual cycle. The intimacy with oneself has itself collapsed. Any attempt at intimacy by others is also thwarted as it is a threat to one’s usage or it is initiated to enable using or initiate sex.
Alcohol and drugs reduce inhibitions and increase sexual drive. As inhibitions drop with intoxication, promiscuity and unsafe sex is indulged in. The duration of the sexual act from initiation to orgasm lasts longer under intoxication, giving the illusion of it being greater, but though the drive and desire is high, the performance is affected.
Treatment
Considering the sensitivity and the importance of the issue, it is essential for it to be addressed in an unprejudiced, accepting ambience, maintaining confidentiality.
The person identifies and deals with areas of conflict from childhood, adolescence, adulthood and addiction through writing, detaching emotions from incidents. Counseling helps resolve them; meditation enables and sustains growth of awareness. He or she learns how the substances used affects/ afflicts sexuality and performance and what change can be expected in recovery.
It is of paramount importance that the person’s significant other (co-dependent) also receives the same treatment for his/her sexuality issues.
The individuals find freedom from shame, fear, guilt and anger related to sexuality.
Rebuilding Intimacy, Sexuality and Sexual Relations Post-Treatment
The individual is still coming to terms with a life away from the substance, but has experienced joy and is at peace with himself/herself, free from physical and emotional pain. Rebuilding relationships and redeveloping lost trust and intimacy with loved ones is worked through with guidance from a therapist.
Many might have had most sexual experiences under intoxication. Experiencing sex anew can open up other issues. For example, the intercourse may not last as long as it did under intoxication, or medical issues like premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunctions, secondary infertility etc may arise. All these can be resolved through counseling and medication.
We at Anatta are probably one of the only centers in India that addresses and deals with issues related to sexuality in addiction and co-dependency in its entirety in an ambience that is open and accepting through counseling, writing and meditation enabling truly holistic healing

Synthetic drugs

Synthetic drugs are taking the world of drug usage by a storm. Theseare chemically altered or laced substances mimicking marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines and sold over the counters in shops.

The packaging of the drugs always indicate “Not fit for human consumption” but are blatantly sold.
Every 2-3 weeks a new altered synthetic drug hits the market even

before the authorities can test them to know their effects and danger or even legislate to decide their illegality . The loopholes are first figured out in the regulations by replacing a banned chemical compound in a synthetic cannabinoid or cathinones as some are called with a new formulation unknown to authorities . So consumers are totally unaware of the reactions of some of these chemicals .. Thus they are very dangerous as they contain chemicals that can be several times more stronger than the original chemical compound they are mimicking. There have been several fatalities linked to use and abuse of synthetic drugs.

Some of the Synthetic drugs and their effects:

Synthetic Marijuana-
Sold as incense, products like Spice, G-Four, K2 ,Yucatan fire, Skunk, Moon rocks, Mojo etc.These are chemicals mimicking as cannabinoids sprayed on random herbs/ leaves and sold . Effects- extreme anxiety, nausea, paranoea, confusion, hallucinations. It has also been associated with elevated blood pressure, reduced blood supply to the heart.
Long term effects- affects short term memory, motivation, emotional instability, reasoning, learning and stamina are adversely affected.

5 –MeO-DMT
Is made synthetically and also derived from the venom sac and skin of a type of toad Bufo alvarius. It is vaporized, insufflated or injected. The experiences are immersive, like a rushing sensation , a shifting of perspective, of short duration , there is an experience of a void, dissociation . Excessive usage can also result in death.

LSZ Lysergic acide 2,4 dimethylazetidide
It is an ergoloid or synthetic form of LSD Effects –can result in severe paranoea.

MXE
MXE is a “replacement dissociative” that mimics the effects of drugs like Ketamine and PCP. Dissociatives disrupt the actions of the brain chemical glutamate at certain types of receptors on nerve cells
throughout the brain causing the distortion of perceptions of sight and sound and producing a feeling of detachment from the environment and one’s self. Dissociatives can impair vision and the hearing, cause anxiety, memory loss, impaired motor skills, numbness, and many other
unpredictable symptoms that can last for hours and sometimes days.

Flakka and bath salts
Flakka and bath salts also called cathinones are”replacement euphoric stimulants and empathogens” and are meant to mimic the effects of both amphetamines and hallucinogens. It can also contain mephedrone.. -Bath salts are sold as crystalline powder in a small bag with names such as Ivory Wave, Blow, Red Dove, Vanilla Sky Aura, Zeus 2, Zoom, Bliss, Blue Silk, White Lightning, Ocean, Charge,White Dove and others. Flakka contains alpha-PVP, a
of cathinone, the amphetamine-like drug found in bath salts which was banned in 2011. These drugs cause a surge in two chemicals: the feel-good chemical dopamine (responsible for the euphoric sensations) and norepineprhine (which raises heart rate and blood pressure and can make us more alert).
-Excessive use has been linked with feelings of extreme anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior., seizures, insomnia, chest pain, self mutilation.

- Users frequently describe the high as “horrible” and report seeing demons, monsters, foreign soldiers or aliens. Some have symptoms for 2-3 days. Some require long term psychiatric care because their symptoms don’t improve.

Long term physical effects- Kidney failure, Liver failure, Increased risk of suicide , long term mental illness etc.

In India as in other countries ,these drugs are available through mail order sites where they are sold as research chemicals. As a result they are not marked as scheduled drugs in India nor covered in the NDPS act due to which they get cleared at customs . Thus they enter the country
legally ready for consumption.

Awareness about the solution to addiction is as important as awarenessof the problem- ie treatment in a voluntary, confidential, conducive,
compassionate environment.

CRYSTAL METH

Ice, glass, speed, hot ice, quartz, blade,cristy, batu crank,chalk… heard of these names ? they are all street names for Methamphetamine/ crystal meth .
Methamphetamine  is an old drug which has come back with a bang with easier methods of manufacture.

History
It was first manufactured in Germany in 1888. During the second world war it was discovered that the crystalline from was water soluble to make it injectable. it was given to soldiers on both sides of the war to stay awake ad focused. Large quantities were given by the Japanese to their Kamikaze soldiers before their suicide bombing missions. In the 1950s it was used to treat depression and as an aid to dieting as it kills the appetite ; students began using it to focus on studies and by the 1960s easy availability of the injectable form then made the abuse more rampant and has reached alarming proportions globally. in 1970 US declared it an illegal substance. in the 1990s the Mexican mafia established huge meth labs in California then spread to Europe and across the world.

In India crystal meth has entered the drug scene since 2years and addictions to it has increased by leaps and bounds.In Asia it is now produced mainly in Thailand, China and Myanmar.

Crystal methamphetamine is methamphetamine in a crystalline form . It is consumed orally , or as an injectable drug or chased.

It is highly addictive in nature probably from the very first use  and has become a cheap substitute to cocaine.
Long term use and addictive use results in several changes physically and psychologically.
Physically
Acute effects
It gives a rush a strong sense of happiness euphoria  confidence hyperactivity and energy. The effects last for 6-8 hours Upto 24hours
The physical effects of methamphetamine can include loss of appetite, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, excessive sweating, restlessness, dry mouth and teeth grinding (leading to "meth mouth"), headache, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, high body temperature, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, twitching, numbness, tremors, dry skin, acne, and pale appearance.
Chronic physical effects
Premature aging , wrinkles, skin ulcers, tooth and gum decay ,  alopecia areata , rapid weight loss, insomnia, brain damage, stroke, heart ailments, chronic fatigue, muscle wasting , it is toxic to the nerves, sensations as if something is biting from within, crawling under the skin resulting in picking of skin  etc.

Psychological effects
Acute - paranoia, aggression, suicidal thoughts and ideations, hallucinations , increased libido resulting in risky sexual behaviors resulting in sexually transmitted diseases and HIV , obsessive behaviors, restlessness,methamphetamine psychosis etc.

We at Anatta have had consecutive crystal meth users coming into treatment in the past several months from the younger age group of early 20s . For us that is a very sombre indication that  addiction to this drug is on the rise and also in combination with alcohol at times with other drugs. Some users drink alcohol to cut the high of meth but due to the  euphoria of meth the alcohol consumed is much more in quantity and the polydrug addiction makes things worse.
Internationally it is known as a very difficult addiction to treat.
The treatment of meth addicts takes longer , the detoxification period is longer due to the severe physical and psychological withdrawals. Following that the emotional swings the person undergoes takes longer to settle down. we have however found meditation to be a fantastic tool along with counseling and homoeopathic medications to enable a faster healing  process.

There is a solution available and that is Anatta Humanversity. It is an alcohol rehab as well as a rehab for drug. Take help of this addiction treatment center and get treated quickly. Now help is only a phone call away.