A family experiencing the difficulties involved with a loved one who struggles with alcoholism knows all too well the fears and uncertainties that come with those struggles. For those dealing with alcoholism, new treatment programs are available and each of these, along with the traditional methods, offers their own procedures for providing assistance to both the alcoholic and his family. The vast majority of these programs are legitimate and offer solid solutions that can provide the way back. It often comes down to finding the best program that your loved one will respond to. Regardless of which method a family chooses, the chance of success is greatly enhanced when followed up with a twelve step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Often, drastic circumstances happen before those in trouble are even willing to admit to a problem. It's only then alcoholism treatment can serve its purpose for many. There are ways families can keep their sanity while dealing with those who suffer from this disease. It's important to realize family members and friends simply can't "fix it", nor can they take the burden off the alcoholic. There are support groups available for family members and counselors strongly recommend these groups for all members of a family. There, attendees learn coping skills, responsibilities as well as behaviors that force them to shoulder what those who are truly responsible cannot or will not accept. Even before those in trouble enter into an alcoholism treatment program, these support groups can provide much-needed guidance and support for those who must watch their loved ones make bad decisions and less than ideal choices for themselves.
Too many times, problems arise as a result of alcoholism that sometimes mean severe legal repercussions. No one can ever be prepared for the problems that arise as a result of alcohol abuse. DUI or DWI arrests, automobile accidents, financial problems and even divorce are not uncommon in the lives of an alcoholic. Even worse, lives can sometimes be jeopardized due to the decisions one makes under the influence.
There are times, however, when legal problems, including problems with law enforcement, can actually be the catalyst that leads to the treatment of alcoholism. The toll it takes on those who love this person can be devastating; still, they're often grateful when the bottom is finally hit and the one they love can come full circle in a treatment program for alcoholism. From there, hope can be reclaimed and the healing process can begin for the family as a whole.
It's not unheard of for couples who might have been facing divorce to rediscover what drew them together in the beginning. Entering into alcoholism treatment isn't a cure-all, and more times than not, marriages that are shattered often can't recover. Still, one learns to trust again and find faith many say they've not known for years. During recovery, one learns new coping skills, new ways to trust their own instincts and learn how to live from day to day without alcohol.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
What Causes Back Pain and How to Treat It
Back pain is one of the most common health conditions to afflict mankind since time began. Lower back pain in particular is a frequent cause of complaint when it comes to back problems. There are various causes of back pain. Let's take a look at some of them here.
The most frequent reason for experiencing back pain is typically muscle strain. Sometimes you stress your back muscles beyond their capacity, resulting in damage or injury. This is similar to the way in which muscles become sore when lifting too much weight. If your back pain is a result of muscle strain, your best treatment is to take it easy for several days and avoid any exertion of your back muscles. Over the counter pain relievers and muscle relaxants will also assist in easing the pain and discomfort of back pain caused by muscle strain. Other effective treatments are warm compresses and massage.
Back pain can also be caused by stress. Whenever you're feeling nervous and stressed, you'll usually find that your muscles tighten up. Of course, the back will experience some of this effect as well. Your first line of defense is to relax. Learn some stress management techniques that will help you calm down. Massage and aromatherapy are also excellent treatments for muscle and back pain due to stress.
Another frequent reason why we experience back pain is spinal damage. An injured disc or pinched nerve will make themselves known by causing you discomfort. Visit your doctor if your back pain is ongoing or doesn't respond to treatment in a few days. He or she will be able to diagnose the problem properly and arrange for the most effective treatment options.
Other reasons for back pain can be problems within your organs, like your kidneys or gall bladder. Even though these organs lie deep within your body, it's possible to experience pain in your back muscles if these organs have sustained damage or have become diseased. Here again, a trip to the doctor is your best bet if you think that you have an injury that might be affecting any of your vital organs.
How you manage your back pain will depend on what the actual reason for the pain is. If your back pain isn't serious, the condition will clear up in a few days. But if the pain never seems to go away, you need to consult your doctor for an examination. That way you'll be sure to get the most effective back pain treatment for your particular problem.
The most frequent reason for experiencing back pain is typically muscle strain. Sometimes you stress your back muscles beyond their capacity, resulting in damage or injury. This is similar to the way in which muscles become sore when lifting too much weight. If your back pain is a result of muscle strain, your best treatment is to take it easy for several days and avoid any exertion of your back muscles. Over the counter pain relievers and muscle relaxants will also assist in easing the pain and discomfort of back pain caused by muscle strain. Other effective treatments are warm compresses and massage.
Back pain can also be caused by stress. Whenever you're feeling nervous and stressed, you'll usually find that your muscles tighten up. Of course, the back will experience some of this effect as well. Your first line of defense is to relax. Learn some stress management techniques that will help you calm down. Massage and aromatherapy are also excellent treatments for muscle and back pain due to stress.
Another frequent reason why we experience back pain is spinal damage. An injured disc or pinched nerve will make themselves known by causing you discomfort. Visit your doctor if your back pain is ongoing or doesn't respond to treatment in a few days. He or she will be able to diagnose the problem properly and arrange for the most effective treatment options.
Other reasons for back pain can be problems within your organs, like your kidneys or gall bladder. Even though these organs lie deep within your body, it's possible to experience pain in your back muscles if these organs have sustained damage or have become diseased. Here again, a trip to the doctor is your best bet if you think that you have an injury that might be affecting any of your vital organs.
How you manage your back pain will depend on what the actual reason for the pain is. If your back pain isn't serious, the condition will clear up in a few days. But if the pain never seems to go away, you need to consult your doctor for an examination. That way you'll be sure to get the most effective back pain treatment for your particular problem.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Successfully Addressing Alcohol Treatment
It's reported in many credible studies that nearly 700,000 Americans are practicing or receiving alcoholism treatment each day. Most experts agree that aggressive detoxification, a closely monitored program for a period of time, followed by a twelve-step program are most effective in treating alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous is the most well known and respected twelve step program available. Those participating in a twelve step program, especially when used as part of a tiered approach, are more successful in abstinence than those who choose to not participate.
But before entering a program such as this, those who are seeking sobriety often enter into either an in-patient or out-patient alcohol treatment program that will lay the foundation so that they may successfully abstain once they're away from the structured environment these programs provide. But what are the most successful alcohol treatment programs and how does one make the right choice?
There's been a recent interest in interventions, partly due to recent televised programs that outline how these gatherings work. Again, success rates vary, but when carried out properly and with the right goals in mind, many families are able to convince a loved one they need help. These interventions include family members and close friends who come together with the shared goal of convincing a loved one he or she has a problem that can benefit from professional addiction help.
Usually, the alcoholic denies there being a problem and only when forced to take a step back and reconsider do they agree to go into therapy or any kind of program geared toward alcoholism. Once the loved one agrees to go into treatment, they're quickly whisked away to a pre-determined facility. The purpose of having the plans in place prior to the intervention is to keep any downtime to a minimum. The shorter the window of time available, the less chance of his refusing to go into alcohol treatment or attempting to change the agreement.
Once in alcohol treatment, the alcoholic undergoes extensive detox to rid the body of the physical remnants and all traces of alcohol. Afterwards, during extensive therapy, the alcoholic can then begin to understand the reasons for taking that first drink, how and why it became a problem and triggers that can be pinpointed to specific times when he or she was most vulnerable. Most alcohol treatment facilities agree an in-depth understanding and uncovering of "layers" can only lead to the right tools to effectively deal with problems and lessen the risk of further damage. Finally, they are able to understand it's not about reducing the amount of alcohol consumption, but rather, total abstinence being the only way.
As mentioned, experts say an approach that incorporates a combination of methods is the most successful. Usually, after successfully completing the aggressive in-patient or out-patient programs, alcoholics are strongly encouraged to enter into a twelve-step program. Indeed, those who have successfully mastered abstinence for many years agree their success was greatly enhanced by attending daily meetings.
Regardless of which combination one chooses, the point is find the best suited alcohol treatment program that will save your loved one's life. There are many avenues that offer hope to the loved ones and help for the alcoholic.
But before entering a program such as this, those who are seeking sobriety often enter into either an in-patient or out-patient alcohol treatment program that will lay the foundation so that they may successfully abstain once they're away from the structured environment these programs provide. But what are the most successful alcohol treatment programs and how does one make the right choice?
There's been a recent interest in interventions, partly due to recent televised programs that outline how these gatherings work. Again, success rates vary, but when carried out properly and with the right goals in mind, many families are able to convince a loved one they need help. These interventions include family members and close friends who come together with the shared goal of convincing a loved one he or she has a problem that can benefit from professional addiction help.
Usually, the alcoholic denies there being a problem and only when forced to take a step back and reconsider do they agree to go into therapy or any kind of program geared toward alcoholism. Once the loved one agrees to go into treatment, they're quickly whisked away to a pre-determined facility. The purpose of having the plans in place prior to the intervention is to keep any downtime to a minimum. The shorter the window of time available, the less chance of his refusing to go into alcohol treatment or attempting to change the agreement.
Once in alcohol treatment, the alcoholic undergoes extensive detox to rid the body of the physical remnants and all traces of alcohol. Afterwards, during extensive therapy, the alcoholic can then begin to understand the reasons for taking that first drink, how and why it became a problem and triggers that can be pinpointed to specific times when he or she was most vulnerable. Most alcohol treatment facilities agree an in-depth understanding and uncovering of "layers" can only lead to the right tools to effectively deal with problems and lessen the risk of further damage. Finally, they are able to understand it's not about reducing the amount of alcohol consumption, but rather, total abstinence being the only way.
As mentioned, experts say an approach that incorporates a combination of methods is the most successful. Usually, after successfully completing the aggressive in-patient or out-patient programs, alcoholics are strongly encouraged to enter into a twelve-step program. Indeed, those who have successfully mastered abstinence for many years agree their success was greatly enhanced by attending daily meetings.
Regardless of which combination one chooses, the point is find the best suited alcohol treatment program that will save your loved one's life. There are many avenues that offer hope to the loved ones and help for the alcoholic.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Natural Ways To Relieve Sight Problems
Today, most of us who work with computers will develop eye strain. Watching TV or reading in a poorly lit room can also cause a strain on the eyes. Here are some natural ways to relieve sight problems that affect us daily.
The general rule of thumb is to sit at arm's length from the computer screen. Conversely, sitting too far away from the computer screen can also cause eye strain. You should be able to sit back in your chair comfortably and be able to read at a distance.
Just as we need to get up and walk around when sitting for too long, the same applies to our eyes. They can grow tired and the best advice given is to get up every hour and relax the eyes by closing them for a few minutes.
If your computer is located near a window, every now and then it’s a good idea to stop what you are working on and look out the window. If you work in an office that does not have windows, simply look across the room and find an object you can focus on for several seconds. This change of focus will alleviate eye strain as well.
Ensure that the lighting in your office or home is sufficient. Try to avoid any direct light or glare that may emanate from lighting fixtures or direct sunlight.
Purchase 100% UV protection sunglasses. Don’t be fooled by days in which the sun isn’t shining so brightly, as it is can be just as strong on hazy days.
Experts recommend that you do not watch TV in total darkness. Dim the lights about half way. Also, look directly at the screen from a distance. This is especially true for children who tend to sit very close to the TV.
If you drive long distances to and from work, try to stop a few times on the way home. Certainly, after spending the entire day at a computer station your eyes will already be taxed, so it’s a good idea to stop and rest your eyes for a bit.
If you find that you develop a headache after sitting at the computer for some time, stop what you are doing (and take off your glasses if you wear any), and find a quiet place where you can sit for a few minutes with your eyes closed.
Try doing some vision improvement exercises to improve your situation.
You know, our eyes need just as much care and rest as our bodies. We multi-task all day long and do not realize the effect it has on our eyes. Whether we are engaging in hobbies such as knitting or reading, watching TV, or working at home or at the office, sometimes we forget just how much strain we are putting on our delicate eyes.
The general rule of thumb is to sit at arm's length from the computer screen. Conversely, sitting too far away from the computer screen can also cause eye strain. You should be able to sit back in your chair comfortably and be able to read at a distance.
Just as we need to get up and walk around when sitting for too long, the same applies to our eyes. They can grow tired and the best advice given is to get up every hour and relax the eyes by closing them for a few minutes.
If your computer is located near a window, every now and then it’s a good idea to stop what you are working on and look out the window. If you work in an office that does not have windows, simply look across the room and find an object you can focus on for several seconds. This change of focus will alleviate eye strain as well.
Ensure that the lighting in your office or home is sufficient. Try to avoid any direct light or glare that may emanate from lighting fixtures or direct sunlight.
Purchase 100% UV protection sunglasses. Don’t be fooled by days in which the sun isn’t shining so brightly, as it is can be just as strong on hazy days.
Experts recommend that you do not watch TV in total darkness. Dim the lights about half way. Also, look directly at the screen from a distance. This is especially true for children who tend to sit very close to the TV.
If you drive long distances to and from work, try to stop a few times on the way home. Certainly, after spending the entire day at a computer station your eyes will already be taxed, so it’s a good idea to stop and rest your eyes for a bit.
If you find that you develop a headache after sitting at the computer for some time, stop what you are doing (and take off your glasses if you wear any), and find a quiet place where you can sit for a few minutes with your eyes closed.
Try doing some vision improvement exercises to improve your situation.
You know, our eyes need just as much care and rest as our bodies. We multi-task all day long and do not realize the effect it has on our eyes. Whether we are engaging in hobbies such as knitting or reading, watching TV, or working at home or at the office, sometimes we forget just how much strain we are putting on our delicate eyes.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
What You Need to Know About Hearing Aids
With the right kind of information it becomes much simpler to choose the best hearing aid for your hearing problems. The fact of the matter is that no two people will have the same kind of hearing problems and because of this different hearing aids will suit different people. This in turn means that a standard hearing aid device might not work in every instance which would then mean that you would need to make use of available information in order to pick the right hearing aid or even to customize a particular hearing aid.
In regard to using customized hearing aids you will need to first of all base your decisions on available information that will show you the best kind of customization as well as most affordably priced options. However, when choosing a hearing aid it is always recommended to pick quality over cost.
You can benefit from different kinds of hearing aid information including information that tells you about how to adjust an equalizer setting on your customized hearing aid. Most hearing impairments are caused by inability to hear at certain frequencies, especially at the higher end of audible frequencies. So, the right hearing aid would be one that can amplify the required frequency that was causing hearing problems.
An audiologist is one of the best people to turn to for more information and of course they will easily inform you about how best to adjust a hearing aid so that it provides desired performance.
Another area where good information can help is in understanding different kinds of presets. So, in case you are experiencing hearing problems in particularly noisy environments then you need to know which switch to flip in order to get the right output for a noisy environment from the hearing aid.
There are other tidbits of hearing aid information that will also help you to overcome your hearing disabilities including understand what dual microphones are as well as knowing what a telecoil is and also what noise reduction is all about.
There is also a lot of digital hearing aid information available that will be very helpful to both the first time user as well as to existing users of digital hearing aids. This information can help in determining which the right make and model are that will suit their hearing problems. There is actually a lot that needs to be learned regarding a digital hearing aid including knowing what feedback reduction is, what directional microphones are and also what is meant by the term compression.
In regard to using customized hearing aids you will need to first of all base your decisions on available information that will show you the best kind of customization as well as most affordably priced options. However, when choosing a hearing aid it is always recommended to pick quality over cost.
You can benefit from different kinds of hearing aid information including information that tells you about how to adjust an equalizer setting on your customized hearing aid. Most hearing impairments are caused by inability to hear at certain frequencies, especially at the higher end of audible frequencies. So, the right hearing aid would be one that can amplify the required frequency that was causing hearing problems.
An audiologist is one of the best people to turn to for more information and of course they will easily inform you about how best to adjust a hearing aid so that it provides desired performance.
Another area where good information can help is in understanding different kinds of presets. So, in case you are experiencing hearing problems in particularly noisy environments then you need to know which switch to flip in order to get the right output for a noisy environment from the hearing aid.
There are other tidbits of hearing aid information that will also help you to overcome your hearing disabilities including understand what dual microphones are as well as knowing what a telecoil is and also what noise reduction is all about.
There is also a lot of digital hearing aid information available that will be very helpful to both the first time user as well as to existing users of digital hearing aids. This information can help in determining which the right make and model are that will suit their hearing problems. There is actually a lot that needs to be learned regarding a digital hearing aid including knowing what feedback reduction is, what directional microphones are and also what is meant by the term compression.
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