5 Contributing Factors and Causes of Drug Addiction

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Across the world, drug addiction is a problem that affects many people, with effects extending to their families and the community. The impacts of addiction are not only on the physical and mental health and relationships of the addicts but also their financial wellbeing. Drug use and addiction are progressive, and there are contributing factors and causes that you should know about. Understanding these factors and causes also influences the decisions and steps an addict or family takes to seek help. 

Mental Health Disorder

People with existing mental disorders have higher chances of engaging in abuse of drugs and developing an addiction. Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are more likely to push and turn an individual into an addict. In most cases, an individual with existing mental issues will opt for self-medication and, with time, develop a tolerance leading to addiction. People with existing mental health problems must seek help, especially in the early stages of drug use, before developing an addiction.

Peer pressure

While having friends and loved ones around you is beneficial, some companies can prove harmful to you. If your friends or loved ones engage in drug use, the likelihood of engaging in such activities is higher. With peer pressure, the habits become progressive, meaning that you get hooked and develop an addiction with time. Peer pressure is a significant factor among teens and youth. Individuals who use drugs will also choose to spend time and associate with others with the same behavior. This makes it hard to stop as the pressure and influence are strong. It also becomes hard to seek help when the peer pressure is strong and the need to quit lower.

Prescription Drugs

The risk factor for drug addiction is much higher on prescription drugs because, in most cases, they are addictive. Painkillers, antidepressants, and sedatives are among the prescribed drugs that people use and lead to addiction. Doctors and healthcare practitioners must provide control measures when prescribing addictive drugs to their patients. You should note that when the body develops tolerance to some of these drugs, it becomes easier for an individual to develop an addiction. Prescription drugs can also lead to physical and mental dependence, making it hard for an addict to stop or seek professional help.

Loneliness and Solitude

The relationship you have with your family, friends, and loved ones influences the likelihood of using drugs and developing an addiction. People with reservations and who prefer solitude will consider seeking solace from drugs. If you have a broken relationship with your family or loved ones, the temptation to look for other means of solace, hence engaging in drugs, is there. When you are lonely and out of touch with the social and active world, drugs become your companion, leading to addiction in the process. 

Family and Environment

There is a correlation between family history and drug use. An individual brought up and raised in a family with drug users has a higher chance of emulating that behavior. This is the same when you reside in an environment with drug users. The risk factor is higher in children with drug-addicted parents. If the environment only allows for drug abuse, it is hard for children to see beyond drug use, especially when they don’t go to school or have proper adult guidance. Learn how family and the environment can contribute to drug abuse and addiction and the effective mitigation measures you can take to avoid such cases here https://www.ascendantny.com/.

Drug abuse and addiction is a progressive habit and disease that takes time to exhibit. It also takes time before an individual sees the need to seek help and work towards recovery. Understanding the contributing factors and causes of drug addiction makes it easier to identify, seek, or offer help to individuals struggling with drug addiction.

Understanding Vascular Dementia and Stroke

Vascular dementia is called vascular dementia because it occurs after a cardiovascular event called a stroke. It is not the most common kind of dementia, but it is still a serious disease that often requires an assisted living facility or home care. In one study, between 9.6 percent and 14.4 percent of people with one stroke suffered from vascular dementia. 

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After a recurrent stroke, approximately 29.6 percent to 53.1 percent of people suffered from dementia. This kind of dementia is not any different from other kinds of dementia, other than how it is caused. Learn more about this kind of dementia here.

What Causes Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia occurs most commonly after the age of 65, with the risk increasing significantly by the age of 90. This disease is caused by a vascular event where blood does not reach the brain in a timely manner. It is an irreversible problem caused by stroke. When a blood vessel has a blockage, blood can not reach the brain. That blockage is often caused by a disease or internal bleeding.

The blood provides important nutrients and oxygen to the brain. When the brain can't get those things, there may be some brain cells that expire. This will cause vascular conditions such as stroke, which will lead to dementia. 

Types of Vascular Dementia

There are two kinds of vascular dementia. They are called cerebral amyloid angiopathy and subcortical dementia. Subcortical dementia is marked by a small vessel problem. In this condition, the small vessels are damaged by stroke and are twisted. This is the problem that will result in less blood flow to the brain.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a kind of dementia that is caused by a protein problem. The protein is called amyloid. When that protein blocks vessels in the brain, this results in a plaque buildup which slows down brain activity. This can lead to dementia, and is also seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Symptoms of Vascular Dementia

The symptoms of vascular dementia are very similar to the symptoms of other kinds of dementia. The patient has a difficulty in making decisions, with planning and organizing being among the most difficult decisions to make. They may also have large motor movement impairment. Their walk or gait may be impacted, and they have a poor balance.

It is impossible to diagnose vascular dementia on its face. A doctor will perform a variety of tests to determine if brain function is different than what it would normally look like after a stroke. However, if you or a loved one have suffered a stroke, and are experiencing vascular dementia symptoms, it could be very possible that there is vascular dementia.

How to Treat Vascular Dementia

There is no one treatment for vascular dementia. It is treated very much the same as other types of dementia. There are slightly more symptoms of vascular dementia than there are in many other kinds of dementia. An assisted living facility may be the best solution for someone with this disease.

Because there may be mobility issues, exercise is not advised unless a doctor has given the okay. Sitting activities such as entertainment, games, and puzzles can help a vascular dementia client.

Get Information on Vascular Dementia Today

Vascular dementia is a disease that impacts those that have had a stroke. It is irreversible, and a tragedy, every time. Contact someone for support if you or a loved one is suffering from vascular dementia.

How to Stay Mentally Strong When You’re Physically Unwell

How to stay mentally strong

Coping with a physical illness or injury can be emotionally draining, particularly if you’re running a business and dealing with a chronic condition at the same time. As well as accessing treatment for your physical ailments, it’s essential to focus on your mental health too. From taking back control to legal advice from auto accident lawyers, with these handy tips, you can stay strong mentally while you enhance your physical health and avoid burnout in your business.

Try meditation

Meditation and mindfulness can be a great way to cope with whatever life throws at you. Proven to relieve stress and anxiety, engaging in daily meditation or mindfulness sessions can help you to feel stronger and more optimistic. Even if you have a long road to recovery ahead of you, maintaining a positive attitude can help you to cope with the symptoms of illness or injury, and juggle your business life at the same time.

Take control of your recovery

When you’re dealing with physical health issues, it’s easy to feel out of control. When you’re waiting for doctor’s appointments or test results, for example, you may feel at the mercy of the medical profession. By taking charge of your recovery, however, you can arm yourself with knowledge and feel more empowered than ever before. 

Learning more about your condition or injury will enable you to access the best treatment. What’s more – researching the medical options available could lead you to the best doctors and clinicians. Being your own advocate can be time-consuming and tiring, so ask a trusted family member or friend to provide support. 

Being your own advocate can be time-consuming and tiring, so ask a trusted family member or friend to provide support.  While doing this, remember to factor in other crucial elements like health insurance. This empowers you to take control of your recovery by providing financial support and access to necessary medical services. However, it’s equally vital to make an informed decision when selecting a plan, and reading some recent PHP agency reviews can be instrumental in this process. These reviews offer insights into the experiences of individuals who have used or evaluated health insurance offerings. 

Seek legal advice

If you’ve suffered harm because of an incident that wasn’t your fault, it can be difficult to cope with the feelings of frustration you’ll experience. When accidents occur because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, it can be even harder to adjust to long-term health problems or lengthy recovery plans. 

By seeking legal advice, you can determine whether you’re eligible to take action following an injury or illness. As well as obtaining financial compensation, making a successful claim will ensure you get the justice you deserve. For many people, this validation helps them to stay mentally strong while they’re dealing with the aftermath and gives them something to focus on while they are receiving medical treatment. 

Find natural forms of pain relief

When you’re physically unwell, you can experience a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Often, people rely on pharmaceuticals to alleviate their symptoms and these can be extremely effective. However, strong painkillers and other medications can leave you feeling sluggish or lethargic, which can make it harder for you to do the important day to say stuff like running your business. 

If you want to try and avoid taking high doses of medication, talk to your clinical team about natural alternatives. With physical therapy or yoga, for example, you may be able to speed up your recovery and decrease your reliance on prescription medication. 

Strengthening Your Mind

Keeping your mind active when your body needs rest isn’t always easy but it’s certainly worthwhile. If you feel able to focus on hobbies or develop new interests, you’ll find it easier to cope with long periods of inaction while you recover from your physical injuries or illnesses.