Music Therapy: Healing Your Body and Mind with Music

Do you know that music therapy is part of the treatment programs in some California rehabilitation centers? This is because music has been proven to heal the body, mind, and soul of individuals who are ill-conditioned, depressed, and addicted to drugs and alcohol. Find out how music heals.

Music is a universal language. It could transcend languages, time, and cultural differences. It can make you laugh, cry, renewed and smile. But more than affecting your mood and mental performance, studies reveal that music have therapeutic benefits. Called the music therapy, it could significantly lessen blood pressure, reduce pain and anxiety, enhance relaxation, communicate with brain-damaged patients and even set the pace for gait training.

Scientists believe that listening to music stimulates the release of natural chemicals in our brains called endorphins that causes the “high” feelings because they block pain signals from the nervous system. Also, endorphins are believed to boost the immune system, reduce stress and pain.

Music reduces stress because in addition to lowering heart rate, skin temperature and muscle activity, it facilitates the identification and feelings associated with stress and express these in positive ways.

For people with physical disabilities, music can be utilized as motivation for movements or structure exercises. Background music enhances physical exercise, develops and maintains joint and muscle function and increases muscle strength. Those with speech problems can use music or singing to improve breathing control, articulation, pronunciation and rate of speech.

Studies also reveal that listening to music for hours helps the patients heal faster. It distracts them from pain and worry, improves their appetite and sleep and helps them cope with their illnesses. This is believed to be beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy who suffer from nausea and vomiting from medication. It may not be the cure, but the peace of mind and relaxation music brings to both the cancer patients and the families can already make a major difference.

Music can really do wonders for the mind, the soul and the body. This is the reason why California rehabilitation centers consider music therapy as a good way to help victims of substance abuse recover from their condition. For more information, visit http://www.paxhouse.org/CA_Drug_Treatment.html.

Most Commonly Abused Drugs – Pax House

Here are the most commonly abused drugs and some of their effects on the body, according to rehab centers in California.

 

California Rehab Center – Pax House

Pax House staff is committed to providing meaningful interaction with every client during their journey through the treatment process. We understand the challenges of early recovery and will serve as positive role models.  Our goal is to demonstrate a happy, fun, healthy, productive, positive life without the use of alcohol and drugs.  Each staff member reflects the success of this goal.

How to Keep Your Drinking in Moderation

We all know that drinking too much is bad for the health and may even lead to more serious conditions such as alcohol abuse. However, you might argue that there are times when you need to do social drinking. This is also true.

Now, if you want to master the art of drinking in moderation, keep in mind these essential tips as suggested by a treatment center in California.

1. The most essential thing to know your limit. Understand that you need to have parameters whose bounds you have to respect and conform with. Should you doubt what your limits are, experiment in the comforts of your home and with the help of your spouse or your friends. But before doing these experiments make them understand that purpose for it and what you are trying to achieve.

2. Another way by which you could also control the amount of your drinking is by consuming food while you drink. Consume types of food that are high in protein like meat, cheese or peanuts, these will slow down your body’s alcohol absorption.

3. In drinking, remember to sip your drink and avoid gulping; savor the flavors and aromas. Corollary to this, you should be able to stay away from “chugging” contests or the other drinking games.

4. Feel free to decline any time you feel you don’t want to drink. Remember to only drink when you really want one. If someone forces you to do so, ask for a non-alcoholic beverage, if that doesn’t do the job simply “lose” the drink by leaving it somewhere.

5. When drinking, particularly with others, skip a drink every now and then. Try to squeeze in a non-alcoholic beverages in between this will help keep alcohol low the levels of alcohol in your blood.

6. Foster constant movement, don’t just sit around. If you are active the less you will tend to drink and you will be keener to perceive the effects of alcohol on you.

7. Be sure in drinking unfamiliar drinks that you are drinking with caution. Some of these drinks may be deceiving.

8. Finally, when you are under medication, it is incumbent upon you to inquire first with your physicians or pharmacists about the necessary precautions as regards alcohol.

Taking necessary precautions when dealing with alcohol and other harmful substances may save your life in the long run. For more information, consult with a treatment center in California or visit the website http://www.paxhouse.org/CA_Drug_Treatment.html.

The Side Effects of Anti-Depressant Drugs

Antidepressants are useful in treating depression. Thus, many physicians opt for this treatment instead of psychotherapy, which can be a more tedious treatment process. However, antidepressants are not what one may call a panacea or a magic potion for depression. These drugs may, and usually do, cause certain side effects, which are usually mild and temporary.

When taking in large doses, anti-depressant drugs can also be harmful in the body. Victims of overdose usually tend to be addicted to the drug and may not be able to do without it. A California rehabilitation center warns about the possible effects of anti-depressant drugs when abused and overused.

Side Effects

Some of the side effects of antidepressants are dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness, constipation, blurred vision, and sexual and bladder problems. These side effects may be mild but having them can be irritating. Thus, it would be helpful to know some tips to dealing with these side effects or, at least, lessen their irritating character.

Dealing with Side Effects

Obviously, for those who experience dry mouth, it would be helpful to drink lots of water. Dizziness and drowsiness can be remedied by moving more carefully and slowly and avoiding doing heavy manual labor. It would also be helpful if one would take the medication when about to sleep.  Constipation can be addressed by eating food with more fiber. Those who experience blurred vision should not take glasses as this side effect will go away when the treatment is over. Lastly, the functioning of the bladder and the reproductive system should not be messed with.  Problems in these areas should be consulted with the doctor, especially if pain and discomfort is felt by the patient.

It has been found that the newer types of antidepressants are more effective. Yet, this new breed of drugs also comes with a new line of side effects. These include headache, nausea, nervousness, insomnia, and agitation. Nausea and headache are often temporary and pain killers need not be taken for relief. Trouble getting sleep usually occurs during the first few weeks and such an inconvenience can be remedies by altering the dosage of the medication – either by reducing or increasing them, depending on the doctor’s observations, although this side effect usually passes with time. Agitation, or when the patient feels jittery, should be made known to the doctor especially if it happens for the first time after the drug is taken and is more than transient.

Before the effects of these drugs become harmful, and even fatal, to the body, it’s best to take them with proper prescription from your doctor. Otherwise, you might end up in a California rehabilitation center. For more information, visit http://www.paxhouse.org/CA_Drug_Treatment.html.

Substance Abuse: The Truth about Alcohol

One of the substances that is being abused and over-consumed by individuals who have no self-control is alcoholic drinks. A California rehab explains that alcohol is dangerous to human health when taken too much and out of control.

Here are some facts about alcohol that you should know.

• The alcoholic contents of a beer, a glass of wine and a shot of whiskey are all the same.
• High school drinking for seniors in US has dropped 30% from the year 1982, similarly, college freshen drinking has been very low for the past 38 years.
• Surveys have shown that 83% of adolescent Americans actually don’t drink alcohol.
• But the average age at first drink has risen from 16.1 in the year 1984 to 16.2 by the year of 2002.
• Distilled spirits the likes of which are, brandy, tequila, rum, whiskey, gin and others, contain no fats, no cholesterol nor carbohydrates.
• The human body actually produces its own supply of alcohol 24 hours a day.
• The meaning of the word “toast” as a way of wishing good health started in ancient Rome when once a piece of toasted bread dropped into the wine.
• The Vikings actually used the skulls of their enemies as drinking cups.
• In Missouri, anyone under 21 years of age who takes out their house trash containing even one empty alcoholic beverage container is chargeable with illegal possession of alcohol.
• Those of the early Church were actually of the belief that alcohol is inherently good and is a gift from God and in fact to despise it is pure heresy.
• At thanksgiving there may not be any mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce or pumpkin pies to eat but surely there would be beer, gin, brandy or wine to drink.
• During the age of prohibition, advocates of temperance employed a scholar to rewrite the Bible by removing all references to alcohol.
• The alcohol Bourbon is named after the Bourbon County in Kentucky, where it was first made by a Baptist minister.
• Alcohol drinks of either low alcohol content (which are those containing below 15%) or high alcohol content (containing over 30%) tend to be absorbed into the body more slowly.

While alcohol does provide some benefits to the body, over-consuming it can harm your health and may even lead to serious problems. To prevent being checked in at a California rehab for substance abuse problem, make sure that you be responsible in drinking alcohol. For more information, visit http://www.paxhouse.org/CA_Drug_Treatment.html.

You and the Abused Drugs: The Negative Effects

It is not surprising to us that every country, nation, and society has individuals – young or old – who practice taking drugs without proper medical supervision. It is true that many young people take and experiment drugs because, according to them, “They are just curious.” These youngsters think that using and abusing drugs make them more powerful and authoritative.

Defining Drug Addiction

According to Murdock Ritchie of Yale University School of Medicine, drug addiction is a compulsive use of a certain drug in greater amounts than are used in ordinary therapeutic practice and is harmful to the individual, to society, or to both.

When taking drugs became a craving, a person will develop a tolerance to the drug, so that it becomes a necessity to a drug addict to increase doses in order to produce a desired effect.

If an addict withdrew himself from taking drugs, symptoms such as severe leg and abdominal cramps, muscular twitching, vomiting, and diarrhea will occur. He will become restless and irritable, not be able to relax, and sweat profusely. It is also difficult for him to rest or sleep if the drug is withdrew from his system.

Most Commonly Abused Drugs

Below are the most commonly abused drugs and some of their effects on the body, according to rehab centers in California.

• Marijuana – People who abuse this drug tends to be forgetful of the things they said, even just a few minutes ago. They are unable to concentrate on what they are doing or what they are saying.

• Cocaine – This drug, if abused, makes a person experience a temporary sense of happiness and tends to increase energy.

• Stimulants – This type of drug makes a drug user more confident and awake.

• Depressants – Continuous use of these drugs causes unconsciousness and even death.

• Hallucinogenic drugs – Users of these drugs will have ‘hallucinations’ when used continuously.

• Angel dust – It causes the users to be confused that may lead to accidents and their rage may lead to violence.

• Heroin – This is the most dangerous type of drug because it causes not only tolerance, but also physical dependence.

• Vapors – These may be consumed by inhaling. These cause violent behavior, excitement, and will lead to unconsciousness.

Drug Abuse Treatment

Treating drug abuse patients requires hard work, time, and complete effort. The best solution is to bring drug addicts to rehab centers in California to get comprehensive treatment from professional doctors and therapists. One reliable rehab center that you can consider is the Pax House. To know more about the institution and the service they provide, visit http://www.paxhouse.org/CA_Drug_Treatment.html.

How to Help a Drug Abuse Victim

Seeing someone you love destroying his or her life due to drug addiction is a painful experience. However, you can give your loved one a chance of living a positive life by knowing the ways of helping out. Dealing with substance abuse is never easy, especially when you truly care about someone. It takes a lot of patience and understanding for you to help someone regain the life he or she has lost.

Talking Sensibly

Most drug addicts will never talk about their addiction. However, this is the first step of helping out. By knowing the ways to approach your loved one, you can convince him or her to go into a treatment center in California. Remember that confrontational conversations do not work. Your loved one may be easily angered, making all things worst. Talk to your loved one calmly without any hint of judgment. If possible, talk to him or her about the reason of addiction.

Knowing the Signs and Symptoms

You will know the severity of the addiction once you see the different signs and symptoms that your loved one manifests. One of the most noticeable sign is the sudden change of behavior. He or she may be too happy or too angered only by simple things. Also, his or her behavior may change. The sleeping pattern, diet, and physical activities may change all too suddenly, as well.

Aside from behavioral and psychological signs, several symptoms can also be observed. A sudden weight gain or weight loss may be a symptom of drug abuse. He or she may have red eyes, dilated pupils, and slurred speech, and skin discolorations.

Seeking Help

There is no one-cure for drug addiction. Your loved one can be thoroughly treated by letting him or her be confined in a treatment center in California. Treatment centers have all the skills, knowledge, and tools to diagnose and treat your loved one from drug addiction. Of course, your moral support is very important. By letting your loved one know that you are with him or her every step of the way, he or she can cope up easily. For more information about helping a drug abuse victim, visit http://www.paxhouse.org/CA_Drug_Treatment.html.

Cases of Substance Abuse in Different Countries

Substance abuse is a worldwide scare. Every country has to solve issues with their citizens suffering from drug addiction. Substance abuse, or simply known as drug abuse, is defined as consuming harmful substances at an amount higher than the safety standards. It also includes being dependent on a particular substance, similar to non-medical terms. The definition actually is so broad that it takes a worldwide phenomenon – where more and more people are becoming victims. In fact, the substance abuse in California alone continues to rise despite efforts to create awareness of it.

Cases in Europe

The Telegraph news reported that Britain is now the ‘addiction capital of Europe’ as tagged by the Centre of Social Justice. The country’s cases of drug and alcohol addiction summed up to a total of £36 billion a year. In England, a total of 6,486 patients have undergone medical treatments from the year 2011 until 2012; this is 39 percent higher than the cases gathered in 2005. The mortality rate from substance abuse also increased from 29 to 52 percent in England and Wales.

Cases in the United States

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there were about 1 million Americans who have HIV/AIDS, and one-third of the patients were linked to directly or indirectly injection of drugs. In the year 2003, it was found out that more than 11,326 of the 43,171 cases of AIDS involve injection of drugs.

Drug Abuse in Asia

In a recent study published at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the estimated rates of drug abuse in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Thailand Vietnam, and Myanmar is 2 percent. This is far different from any other countries as the prevalence rate of drug abuse is less than 0.01 percent. Also, in a separate study conducted by the same agency in September 2002, Asian men drink significantly more than Asian women. Also, cigarette smoking is increasingly more prevalent among both genders.

Substance use is truly a worldwide scare. That is why the awareness should not be focused on substance abuse in California alone. To know more about drug addiction, visit http://www.paxhouse.org/.

Preventive Measures to Stop Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a culprit to the society because it destroys the lives of millions of people. Recovering from substance abuse is hard, so it is better to practice preventive measures instead. All people are susceptible to drug abuse especially when they are exposed to social pressures and personal challenges. The healthcare professionals at different rehab centers in California recommend these practices that may help in avoiding substance addiction.

Healthy Ways to Handle Stress

Stress and tensions are inevitable. People do have different coping mechanisms with them, but there are healthy ways of handling stress. Instead of taking in alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, it may be a good idea to choose other channels to cope up. By talking to people, hanging out with friends, doing exercise, and meditation, for examples, you can handle stress in a healthier way. These will also avoid any urge to try addictive substances.

Professional Counseling

Most people think that talking to a professional means suffering from a mental or psychological condition. There is no truth behind this belief. In fact, talking to an expert may be the best step to avoid addiction. It is common for people to feel low at times, even feel depressed when something goes wrong in their life. A professional with years of knowledge and experience can help out with long-term therapy so that when the same emotions strike back, handling them will be easier than before.

Maintaining a Happy Life

Positivity is a great way to focus on the good things and avoiding the bad stuff. Maintaining a happy lifestyle promises great outlook in life. As a result, the idea of succumbing into addictive substances may be reduced. Achieving a happy life is easy. Hanging out with positive people, doing happy things and living a healthy lifestyle are just few of the ways to be happy.

Know the Consequences

It is also good to know the consequences associated with substance abuse. It is not just about reducing the quality of life. The over-all wellness of a person is also compromised as the body becomes dependent to the harmful substances.

It is true when people say that prevention is better than cure. To avoid potential problems, it is best to stay away from them. For more information about substance abuse, visit the rehab centers in California or go to http://www.paxhouse.org/CA_Drug_Treatment.html.