Tag: dopamine

Categories
Addiction Recovery Alcohol Cocaine & Stimulants Opiates (Heroin and Prescription Pain Pills) Synthetics, Designer Drugs, & More

The Beginner’s Guide To Kidney Transplant

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;

  1. 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.

  1. 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

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567755/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553074/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230851/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5549004/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6716102/
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8711553/
Categories
Addiction Recovery Alcohol Opiates (Heroin and Prescription Pain Pills) Uncategorized

Opiate Addiction: Detox and Withdrawal 

Opiate Addiction: Detox and Withdrawal

Today, opiate addiction is all too common. Both prescription and nonprescription sources, such as online or through unregistered merchants, have made it so easy to purchase these drugs. Regardless of how vital living a healthier life is, using drugs like opiates are more socially accepted in some cultures, especially Western ones. The spread and impact across the US has become an epidemic. And the likelihood is high that you or someone you know has struggled with addiction. That’s why understanding Opiate Addiction: Detox and Withdrawal is so important.

What Are Opiates and Opioids?

Opiates are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. They are typically derived from opium –a substance that is produce naturally from poppies.Opiates are also referred to as narcotics. They also occur in the form of opioids. Opioids are opiate-like medications that are chemically made.

Opiates and opioids block pain signals that your body sends to your brain. They do so by attaching to structures called receptors. They can target nerve cells in your brain, spinal cord, or other body parts.

How Does a Person Become Addicted?

The opiate stimulates the brain’s reward system in a powerful way. This is a critical reason why people can so quickly become dependent. It is highly addictive, especially in the early phases of misuse. With time,the need for opioids becomes stronger. It goes beyond a basic desire for pleasure.Tolerance and reliance are linked to this high drive.

Opiate addiction occurs as it triggers your brain to release the feel-good chemical, namely dopamine (video). That is why it is simple for anyone to develop a pattern of drug abuse and addiction. It happens to individuals, particularly while seeking to address problems from pain management to emotional worries and stressors. Sometimes innocently enough by way of medical treatment by providers who were ignorant or dismissive of the risks that can lead to numerous mental and physical health issues. There can be short or long term negative-effects from drug addiction.

What Happens If I Stop Using Opiates On My Own?

While opiates can relieve pain and create euphoria, they can produce numerous unwanted side effects as well. They may include sudden withdrawal symptoms, unmanageable agony, and suicidal thoughts. It can all occur when opiate usage is stopped or doses are reduced rapidly. Drastically cutting back or stopping abruptly can easily prompt withdrawal. The body requires time to heal after the addicted person quits using the drug.

Even well into recovery the withdrawal symptoms begin to appear. This is due to something called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). You could have detox symptoms like restlessness, tears, cramping, flu like symptoms, etc. And yes, it can happen even when the opioid dosage is progressively reduced.

 

Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms & How Long Do They Last?

Opiate withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant and intense. Medical detox is the safest , least uncomfortable and most efficient method of eliminating opiates or other drugs.

Within 24 hours after the last dose, a person will typically begin to experience a combination of the symptoms. The significant indications are flu-like, fever, sweating, and vomiting.

Pain in the muscles
Diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea
Restlessness
Sweating
Anxiety
Dilated pupil
Watery eyes
Cramping / abdominal pain
Increased heart rate
Frequent and excessive yawning
Goose bumps
Insomnia
Shakes / tremors

The symptoms may last from few days to a week or even longer. In any case, they will eventually subside and disappear. After the last opioids intake, opiate withdrawal symptoms often begin 12 to 48 hours later. The worst ones usually manifest between 24 and 96 hours. After discontinuing opiate use for 5 to 7 days, you will start to feel better. However, the detox process can continue longer for some patients.

Opioid Withdrawal varies depending on multiple variables during the medical detox process. It could rely on factors such as the type of painkiller being misused, the individual’s level of drug tolerance, the duration of their addiction if they used several drugs and their mental and medical histories.

Why Is Additional Care Crucial For A Complete Recovery?

People in active addiction typically reject that their drug use is a problem. They are hesitant to get help. In some cases, an intervention might inspire someone to seek or accept help. Professional and appropriate interventions seek to provide an organized opportunity to make adjustments and get treatment before circumstances worsen. In most cases whether with an intervention or not, it can be helpful to involve their closest friends or family to provide physical and mental support.

Keep in mind that addiction is extremely taxing on the mind and body of the person struggling with it. Desperation and feelings of hopelessness can be overpowering and sometimes people attempt to hurt themselves. At the front end of treatment, it is usually the recommendation to only pursue drug detox under the supervision of a medical professional.

Entering Detox and Effects on Family

The strain from detoxing from opiates, or any drug or alcohol, can tear apart happy, loving homes. For example, as relatives battle over how to interact with a child who has been taking opiates, conflict becomes norm. Trust erodes and starts to disappear. If a family member tries to stop using on their, they may be tearful, erratic or act aggressively.

During medical detox is not the time to have deep, constructive conversations. It’s too early for the person seeking recovery and often times it’s too early for the loved ones who are still raw from the chaos, fear and emotional upheaval in the family. Those detailed conversations can wait until the person enters Residential, PHP or IOP level of care. In each of these there will be clinical professionals to facilitate these re-connections in a healthy and safe way.

Rational discussions are hard between the intense emotions and fears of all involved and the biology at play in the struggling addict. A lot fo times there are years of pain, fear and hurt feelings to work through for everyone involved. Addiction affects the whole family. It can help to talk to someone who is professionally trained and experienced in working with families facing addiction.

Leaving Opiate Addiction Detox Too Early

Leaving opiate addiction treatment during detox can bring negative changes. Many people in detox treatment begin to feel physically better long before they have actually even begun the work it will take for sustained recovery. This is why so many people leave treatment after only a handful of days. This is a serious and critical issue because the person is very likely to fall right back into use and may even accidentally overdose without intending to. Leaving treatment early puts the person struggling with addiction is a very dangerous position.

Can People Die from Opiate Withdrawal?

Yes, if left untreated, persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to heart failure, hypernatremia (a high blood salt level), and dehydration. A professional, medical detox facility will pay very close attention to this and be monitoring the client day and night. Otherwise, unless you have other complicating medical conditions, opiate withdrawal symptoms, while intense and uncomfortable are typically not life-threatening.

A Few Final Thoughts on Opiate Addiction

Any drug addiction, whether opiates, alcohol, benzos, cocaine or something else puts you at serious risk. Liver, stomach, kidney, heart and brain can all be damaged and a variety of other complicating medical problems can begin. The destruction on relationships and emotional health is no less severe.

It takes courage to look at yourself and admit you have a problem. And even more courage to step into the unknown and allow someone to help you. Stay open-minded. You don’t have to be perfect – you get to be human. Begin by being willing to begin something new.

The first step to a better life than you can imagine is to reach out and get professional help. 

Breathe. You CAN do this.

Categories
Uncategorized

Dopamine and the Early Recovery “Blahs” – Here’s What You Should Know

Dopamine and the early recovery process go hand in hand. When you’re recovering from opiate addiction, your brain is going to experience a lot of changes.

Unfortunately, many of these changes can lead to the recovery “blahs.” That can leave you feeling unmotivated, uninspired, and even depressed.

The more you understand about dopamine and the early recovery process, the easier it will be to take active steps to make your recovery go as smoothly as possible.

First, let’s look at why dopamine affects the brain so much when you have an addiction. Then, we’ll talk about how you can beat the early recovery “blahs.”

Dopamine, Drugs, and Your Brain

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter within the brain. It affects everything from sleep to concentration. What it’s most widely known for, though, is mood regulation. When you experience something good, dopamine is released into the brain. This might be something like getting a raise at work to something as simple as having your favorite dessert.

Certain drugs, like opiates, also typically cause a spike in dopamine. It creates a fast sense of satisfaction and gives your brain the message that you should feel rewarded for what you’re doing.

Because certain drugs make people feel so good, it’s not difficult to become addicted. The more you like something and the better it makes you feel, the more likely you are to do it again and again.

Unfortunately, over time, the brain becomes used to the drug and the surges of dopamine decrease. As a result, you might find yourself needing to take more of the drug or doing it more often.

Why You Experience the “Blahs”

Finding yourself in a rut during recovery is normal. It typically comes after a few weeks of abstaining from a substance. For others, though, it can happen a few months into your recovery period.

The problem with the recovery “blahs” is that they can sometimes lead to a relapse. Your brain isn’t getting the same release of dopamine that it once was, and it’s very easy to miss that feeling of pleasure, even if you’ve been off the drug for a while.

When your brain is recovering from that consistent increase in dopamine, it can be harder to feel it naturally from positive events or occurrences in your life. Additionally, you might start to feel the rush of success wearing off.

When you first start on your recovery journey and you’re committed to making a change, it’s easy to get a “high” from that. After several weeks, though, you might not get the same rush from it that you once did—even if that feeling of accomplishment is still there. Life might not feel as exciting to you as it did when you were using.

Beating the Recovery “Blahs”

So, what can you do to counteract dopamine and the early recovery problems you might face?

One of the best things is to find ways to boost dopamine in healthy ways. Create excitement for yourself if you’re feeling low or if it seems like your life is “boring” compared to what it used to be.

You don’t have to make huge changes or plan anything extravagant. Try some of the following things to get a boost of excitement:

  • Start a new hobby.
  • Go for coffee with an old friend.
  • Play a sport.
  • Try a new dish at your favorite restaurant.
  • Go to the spa.

There are endless possibilities for finding healthy ways to increase the pleasure sensors within your brain. When you’re dealing with the recovery “blahs,” these simple things can make a big difference.

If you’re still struggling with recovery and you feel like it’s not getting easier, please contact me.

Opiate addiction is serious, and it takes time and support to get through it. Together, we can work on different ways to make the recovery process easier for you.

Visit here to learn more about how I can help.