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Author: Muskoka Recovery

Muskoka Recovery / Articles posted by Muskoka Recovery (Page 3)

Muskoka Recovery: The Importance Of Nutrition During Detox From Substance Abuse

Proper nutrition is an essential aspect of human health. Without it, individuals can be malnourished which can increase the chances of developing low energy, anxiety, and even depression. For those individuals in recovery, learning about proper nutrition is critical for their success in staying sober. Substance Abuse And Malnourishment Those suffering from alcohol and substance addiction very often lack the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals along with micronutrients and macronutrients in their diet. This is known as malnourishment. In many cases, addicts see the need to eat as a disturbance to their substance abuse, and will make poor food choices as a result. They choose foods that are easily available and quickly absorbed by the body: i.e. junk food, fast food, and sweets. Individuals who suffer...

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Compulsive Gambling Addiction In Ontario

Compulsive gambling, problem gambling, or gambling addiction is associated with many problems, which are not just entirely about losing money. Compulsive gambling can take over your whole life, leaving your relationships tattered, work and familial obligations neglected, and of course your finances decimated or gone entirely. To make things even worse, in many cases compulsive gamblers accrue a significant personal financial debt. In this article we will identify some common factors, symptoms, and risks associated with compulsive gambling. Compulsive Gambling Signs And SymptomsCompulsive gambling can affect virtually anyone, as symptoms can develop in young adolescence or even in later stages of life. It has been noted by researchers that men start gambling early on in life while women later on. Signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling...

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The Health Risks Of Binge Drinking

We often hear someone say “I’m a social drinker”, or “I only drink in moderation” when describing their drinking habits. And while being responsible drinkers, many people become alcohol dependent by consuming alcohol frequently in certain amounts: they binge drink. Binge drinking is a problematic addiction that carries with it many health risks and social problems.Binge Drinking DefinedMedical professionals and researchers define binge drinking as having many drinks on one occasion: 5 or more for a male, 4 or more for a female. Below is a list of standard drink amounts:341 mL (12 oz.) beer, cider or cooler (5% alcohol)142 mL (5 oz.) wine (12% alcohol)85 mL (3 oz.) fortified wine (18% alcohol)43 mL (1.5 oz.) liquor (40% alcohol)Alcohol affects everyone differently, and that is...

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How Addictive Is Cocaine?

It is a fact that a cocaine habit is one of the hardest drug addictions to overcome. This is not to say that everyone who takes the drug becomes an addict instantly, however, the addictive nature of cocaine coupled with frequent and prolonged use can result in a person becoming cocaine dependent. Cocaine as a stimulant affects the way users feel, ranging from alert to euphoric, or simply ‘high.’ This euphoric feeling does not last long, and so a person taking cocaine will gradually increase the dose and the risk to their mental and physical health.What Is Cocaine?Cocaine as a substance is extracted from the leaves of the cocoa bush Erythroxylum. It grows on the slopes of the Andes mountains in South America and has...

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The Effects Of Drugs And Alcohol On Your Heart Health

Alcohol and drug addiction not only affects the way your mind functions but your body also. Certain neurological and biochemical changes take place in an individual’s body when exposed to prolonged alcohol and drug abuse, resulting in chronic disease (ie. cardiovascular disease). This is most true when looking at heart health and the severe impact addiction has on one’s longevity and overall health. Let us look closely at the effect of drugs and alcohol and how these substances affect one’s heart health.Your Heart And Cardiovascular DiseaseA healthy and properly functioning heart is critical to your overall well-being. After all, your heart is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to your brain and other vital organs. Without a constant supply of oxygen vital organs quickly shut...

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What is Alcohol Dependence?

Numerous research papers have proven that alcohol dependence is the most prevalent addiction amongst the Canadian population. The overwhelming availability of alcohol along with a commonplace acceptance of social drinking in our society results in many people developing alcohol dependence. The destructive nature of alcohol dependence is so powerful that even when certain social, financial, and other consequences outweigh the benefits of drinking alcohol, an addicted person simply can not stop drinking, and thus needs much needed help in the form of therapy. Let us look closely now at the warning signs, symptoms and treatment options for those struggling with alcohol dependence.   Alcohol Dependence DefinedAlcohol dependence is defined as a substance use disorder where a person is physically and or psychologically dependent on drinking alcohol on...

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Youth And Drug Addiction In Ontario

Using substances in order to change the way one thinks and feels about their life is the quintessential definition of addiction. Some people find comfort in their addiction, but depending on the substance, this coping method can be very detrimental to one's mental and physical health. It must be said that teenagers and youth (15-24) have a lot of pressures to overcome as well. Whether it is their academic performance, personal relationships, work obligations, family life, or dealing with the Covid pandemic, Ontario’s youth use substances on an alarming level in overcoming these stressors. In this article we will look at youth addiction in Ontario and the negative impacts it has one their well being.   Signs Of AddictionVery often, young people who are at risk of...

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What is the Difference Between Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Rehab?

Inpatient or Outpatient rehab is intended for the addicted person to detox safely. Inpatient programs usually have medical professionals available all day at a wellness centre. Outpatient programs are considered day time programs where one can detox and still go to work or school. Which is the best option for a loved one or yourself? That depends on a few factors.Inpatient RehabInpatient rehab is an intensive residential treatment program designed to treat serious addictions such as drugs or alcohol. Patients are required to check themselves into a facility and remain there for a certain period of time. While there, they are under 24 hour surveillance from medical professionals and staff. Before Inpatient Rehab, one has to think about the following:Talking to to your employer Finding living arrangements for...

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How Detox Makes Withdrawal More Comfortable

Trying to end substance dependence begins with the mind wanting to be free of addiction. Your body, however, makes this hard as it goes through withdrawal. By suddenly deciding to go sober, your body can have problems functioning as your mind and body crave the drug. So how does detox and medication aid with withdrawal symptoms?What Is The Purpose of Detox?In short, detox is a medically supervised program to help an individual heal both body and mind prior to using substances. Medical professionals administer medication to help with the present withdrawal symptoms. This type of support group can make recovery from substance abuse easier and more successful. Detox From AlcoholDetox from alcohol abuse certainly makes withdrawal less pronounced when combined with medication. What is key to...

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Is Addiction A Disease?

While some addictive behaviours do not fit the standard definition of disease, certain addictions which take a toll on your physical and mental health are just that. A disease, just like chronic addiction, will impede the normal functioning of the body and brain and is manifested by visible distinguishing signs and symptoms. In this sense addiction is indeed a disease. Let us look closely at the phenomenon of addiction as a disease in this article.  “Addiction or alcoholism is a disease because it fits the definition of disease. It is progressive and chronic, and left untreated, it can kill you.” Addiction and Disease Defined Merely looking at the definitions of both terms, it becomes quite clear that addiction and disease have striking similarities between them.  Addiction is defined as...

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