Tag: addiction as a brain disease

Methamphetamine and the Brain

Post author By ben
Post date July 18, 2023

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth is a highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. Meth abuse can cause severe damage to the brain, leading to long-term cognitive and behavioral problems. This essay will explore the biochemical effects of meth abuse on the brain.

Methamphetamine works by increasing the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward, in the brain. Meth causes the release of large amounts of dopamine, which leads to a rush of euphoria and increased energy. However, this flood of dopamine can also damage the brain’s reward system, leading to addiction and dependence.

Methamphetamine Abuse

Meth abuse also causes damage to the brain’s neurons, the cells that transmit information throughout the brain. Meth can cause the neurons to release toxic levels of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter that can damage and kill neurons. This damage can lead to long-term cognitive problems, such as memory loss, impaired judgment, and difficulty with decision-making.

Meth abuse can also cause changes in the brain’s structure and function. Chronic meth use can lead to a decrease in the volume of gray matter in the brain, which is responsible for processing information. This decrease in gray matter can lead to problems with attention, memory, and decision-making.

Meth abuse can also cause changes in the white matter of the brain, which is responsible for transmitting information between different parts of the brain. These changes can lead to problems with communication between different brain regions, which can affect cognitive and behavioral function.

Methamphetamine and Brain Damage

In addition to these biochemical effects, meth abuse can also cause physical damage to the brain. Meth use can lead to inflammation and damage to the blood vessels in the brain, which can cause strokes and other cardiovascular problems. Meth abuse can also cause seizures, which can lead to brain damage and cognitive problems.

In conclusion, meth abuse can cause severe damage to the brain, leading to long-term cognitive and behavioral problems. Methamphetamine works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which can damage the brain’s reward system and lead to addiction. Meth abuse can also cause damage to the brain’s neurons, changes in the brain’s structure and function, and physical damage to the brain. It is important to understand the biochemical effects of meth abuse on the brain in order to develop effective treatments for addiction and prevent long-term damage to the brain.

Tags addiction as a brain disease, effects of meth, meth and health, methamphetamine

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The Beginner’s Guide To Kidney Transplant

Post author By ben
Post date October 24, 2022

If you are here reading The Beginner’s Guide To Kidney Transplant than likely you or someone you love is faced with the prospect of needing a kidney transplant. This can be an overwhelming time and there is a lot of information out there and a lot to consider. This article is just to get you started and do a quick overview. Speak to your physicians, talk to your family and friends, get second opinions or even third – whatever it takes for you to feel able to make an informed decision and the one that is right for you.

The kidney is a fundamental element of excretory system. The two bean-shaped kidneys play a very critical role in the human body. They are responsible for filtering out the blood and other body fluids. This way, they ensure the release of waste.

Several sorts of kidney problems occur. You might experience a kidney stone, swelling or deterioration. All such kidney problems can halt excretory functions. The kidney becomes unable to filter blood. The wastes accumulate within different body parts, causing numerous issues like high blood pressure. When 90% of a kidney stops filtering and excreting, it results in kidney failure.

A kidney transplant is a life-saving procedure. It can cure kidney failure and other conditions requiring the removal of one or both kidneys.

In the initial stages, kidney wash through machines and dialysis works. However, in severe kidney failure, the only option is a kidney transplant.

Although a human body can survive on one kidney, weak individuals need another. People with other medicinal ailments or second kidney failure also rely on an outsourced kidney. This is only possible through a kidney transplant.

Causes of Kidney Failure

Despite occurring naturally, a few other factors can also cause kidney failure. Individuals having diabetes are more prone to kidney problems. Chronic or uncontrolled blood pressure levels also add to kidney damage. The consistent inflammation can affect the filtering process. They all eventually lead you towards severe kidney failure. That more possibly necessitates a kidney transplant.

Dialysis Vs. Kidney Transplant

With failed kidney, there can be two available options. Either one can go for dialysis, which is a machine-assisted excretion for a lifetime, or have a kidney transplant.

No doubt, a kidney transplant is scarier than dialysis. But it can be effective in the long term. With dialysis, a person has to continue undergoing the same procedure again and again. There is no point in getting recovered or coming back to normal. It is because dialysis is a procedure rather than a treatment.

A kidney transplant, on the other hand, offers you a one-time risk. Once you have matched the donor and undergone surgery, you will be free to continue living. That is why a kidney transplant is a preferable choice.

Some people are afraid of surgery or getting rejected during kidney transplants. Remember, it is still completely up to the patient what to opt for.

Why Opt for a Kidney transplant?

When compared to dialysis, a kidney transplant is preferable because of the following reasons;

Low Treatment Cost – It is one-time, whereas dialysis will continue to cost for a lifetime.
Better Quality of Life –It will let you live the rest of your life in peace and comfort.
Fewer Dietary Restrictions –Unlike dialysis patients, there is no limitation on what or what not to eat.
Lesser Health Risk –Unlike dialysis, it enables you to stay healthy in the long run.

Kidney transplant cannot always be in favor of everyone. A few things might restrict you from going for a transplant. It is potentially unsuitable for people with old age, severe heart diseases, cancer, mental illness, alcohol or drug addiction, etc. So, everyone needs to consult with the doctor first, and if it comes under any no-go category, the person will have to continue with dialysis.

Types of Donors for Kidney Transplant

For a kidney transplant, there can be two types of kidney donors. They are the following;

Living Donor

A human body can rely completely on one healthy kidney for all metabolic activities. That is why an individual can always donate a kidney to someone in need. However, criteria to be met, such as blood group and tissues, should match to either donate or accept a kidney.

A kidney donor can be a family member or someone else. It is always preferable to receive a kidney from a blood relation as it lets you avoid the risk of rejection and is usually beneficial.

Deceased Donor

Another way of getting a kidney is from a deceased person. It happens in a way that hospitals usually gather data on people needing a kidney. The hospital informs immediately whenever a deceased person’s kidney matches the patient. The doctor prepares an instant surgery for a transplant. It is significant because the kidney transplant should take place shortly for a kidney to be valuable.

Kidney Transplant Procedure

Kidney transplantation is more or less like other surgical treatments. During a kidney transplant surgery, the doctor injects the anesthetic dose within your blood through an intravenous line in your arm. It is basically to make you fall asleep or for a while to undergo the incision. Once unconscious, the doctor makes an incision to open up your abdominal region. He then puts in the donor’s kidney and connects the arteries and veins to your circulatory system. As the blood starts flowing, the new kidneys function within your body.

Alongside that, your kidneys need a connection to the ureter. It can only then carry on the excretion process smoothly. The doctor connects the newly induced kidney to the ureter and the bladder.

As far as your original kidneys are concerned, they usually remain inside the body and aren’t disposed of. However, in some cases, when the failed kidney causes trouble, it is removed too.

Risks of Having a Kidney Transplant

Although a prevailing treatment for severe kidney issues or kidney failure, a kidney transplant is not a full-proof solution. It causes multiple risks either during the transplantation surgery or afterward.

Rejection of the Donor Organ – While operating, the donated kidney might not be compatible with your body. It is possible to even after undergoing the matching tests and everything else. Hence, it is risky.
Kidney Diseases –The transplantation, although it eradicates the ailment, for the time being, there are chances of the patient regaining a mild or severe ailment.
Side-effects –Undergoing the surgery can cause you side effects. It will leave an incision mark and temporarily cause redness, swelling, and pain.

None of the above three risks is unpreventable. Almost every doctor provides medication to minimize donor rejection, kidney diseases and surgical side effects.

Postoperative Possible Complications of Kidney Transplant

Infection – Minor infections like urinary tract infections, colds, and flu are common after kidney transplants. However, in most severe conditions, pneumonia or CMV infection may occur.
Blood clots – The most common complication after a kidney transplant is the development of blood clots in the arteries connected to the donated kidney. In some cases, medications can be used to dissolve the blood clots.
Urine leakage – Sometimes, after a kidney transplant, urine may leak through the connection between the ureter and bladder. This usually happens during the first-month post-kidney transplant.

Conclusion

Opting for a kidney transplant requires you to think twice before stepping in. It is all onto you because you must live with both the benefits and risks of the transplant. You must be brave enough to analyze the situation and make a decision.

Once you agree to the transplant, it might cause you mental stress. You may feel worried about undergoing surgery and have a fear of rejection. But it would help if you calm your mind. Do exercise, eat healthy, engage in positive activities, and take good care of yourself before and after the kidney transplant.

References

Tags addiction, addiction as a brain disease, chemical dependency, dopamine, dopamine tone, drugs and the brain

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Is Addiction Really a Disease? – Taking a Look at the Facts

Post author By ben
Post date January 13, 2020

Tell someone you have a condition like diabetes, and they will almost certainly respond with concern and compassion. But tell them you’re struggling with addiction, and the reaction may be much, much different.

Yes, we’ve grown away from that a bit thanks to media, the internet and social commentary. But many misperceptions still remain when it comes to mental illness and addiction.

Here’s a look at the facts surrounding addiction and an examination of whether it constitutes a disease or not. Let’s dive in.

What Is Addiction?

It may involve the use of a substance, or it may mean a particular behavior. Either way, addiction “rewards” a person for the repeated use of a substance or behavior. Even when the consequences are demonstrably harmful, the addicted person feels the incentive to indulge.

A few of the many addictive substances and behavior are:

Drugs (legal and/or illegal)
Alcohol
Tobacco
Sex
Pornography
Gambling
Disordered eating
Internet gaming/Internet usage
Exercising
Shopping
Pain (e.g., cutting)
Stealing
Setting fires

Addiction can strike across all genders, classes, ethnicities, and ages.

Is Addiction Like a Disease?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine calls addiction “a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry.” In plain English, this is not an issue of willpower or morality.

Addiction is a brain disease, a compulsive disorder. Of course, there is a wide range of mental activity going on during craving, but here are some sample breakdowns:

A person may feel helpless or powerless for several reasons. The discomfort of these feelings leads us to seek solutions. Addictive behavior gives us a false perception of empowerment. It provides us with a sense of regaining control.
In other instances, helplessness produces anger. Once again, this stems from a feeling of not being in control. Rage is a powerful catalyst for destructive behavior. Addiction is nothing if not destructive behavior; thus, it gives us that false feeling of empowerment.
You feel helpless. You feel anger about feeling helpless. But, in a state of powerlessness, you choose displacement. Rather than confronting someone or something that has wounded you, you reverse your powerlessness by choosing an addictive behavior. Your pain appears to be (temporarily) soothed, but, of course, the source remains. This pattern keeps the cycle going and deepening.

Is Addiction Really a Disease?

Yes. According to the American Medical Association, it is caused by a combination of factors:

Behavioral
Environmental
Biological (this includes the significant risk factor of genetics)

A few factors to consider include:

Addiction is not a choice. Yes, of course, individuals can choose whether or not to partake in a substance or activity. However, people cannot decide how their body and mind respond to any substance or activity.
People with an addiction are responsible for seeking treatment and maintaining recovery. But, they need empathy and understanding. Addiction is powerful, and a support system is crucial.
It’s not fair to discount addiction as a disease because it involves choice. For example, a person who chooses to be sedentary and/or follow an unhealthy diet is not wanting to have heart disease. Actions have consequences, but that does not preclude the existence of a disease.
As touched on above, addiction rewires the brain—specifically the reward system. This rewiring influences a brain’s ability to:

Make decisions
Remember
Learn
Control behavior

Everyone Deserves to Heal

The good news is that help is available regardless of how any individual perceives addiction. A full assessment is essential early on.

Also, addiction can trigger other conditions from anxiety and depression to hepatitis C and sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment will take an integrated form and be provided with dignity and respect.

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Whether you are the person with an addiction problem, or it is someone you love, treatment begins with acceptance and a sincere request for help. Contacting a trained and experienced counselor is an excellent first step.

Please reach out to us today or visit my page on addiction recovery to learn more about how I can help.

Tags addiction as a brain disease, addiction as a disease, alcohol addiction, drug addiction, what is addiction?