TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. – Experts from Footprints Beachside Recovery Center, a rehabilitation facility specializing in alcohol and opioid substance abuse and addiction treatment in the Tampa Bay area, are encouraging people struggling with substance abuse and addiction to make positive changes for the New Year.
According to a new report published in Nov. by Trust for America’s Health, an estimated 1.6 million Americans could die from drugs, alcohol and suicide in the next decade. This estimation represents a 60 percent increase over the past decade.
“We are witnessing a surge in substance abuse across the nation. The most alarming statistic is the increase in deaths due to these issues,” said John Templeton Jr., president of Footprints Beachside Recovery Center. “We can’t express how important it is for people to get help before it’s too late.”
To help people in need, recovery experts from Footprints Beachside Recovery Center are offering treatment tips for dealing with addiction.
Alcohol - While cutting back can be a good start, heavy drinkers may need medical intervention, as the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can include seizures and even be life threatening. This should never be attempted cold turkey. Medical intervention like a detox followed by a minimum 30 day treatment program with individual therapy can be very effective.
Opioids - If you or someone you know is abusing prescription pain killers or opiates like heroin, treatment should be sought quickly. Treatment for opioids is very effective and should include a medical detox to ease the symptoms and inpatient treatment to remove the user from their environment. Even for someone who is not intending on misuse, they should have a plan to get off of their prescription safely and that shouldn’t just be “quitting” once the medication runs out. We always recommend speaking with your doctor or an addiction medicine doctor who understands the pharmacology of substances and the effects on each person.
Stimulants - Prescription medications like Adderall and Ritalin are often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but like all medication, they can be misused. Cocaine and methamphetamine are two of the most addictive street stimulants and can be snorted, injected or smoked. People who abuse stimulants should seek treatment due to the acute adverse physiological effects to the respiratory, cardiovascular and central nervous symptoms, and altered mental states, like suicidal ideation and neurological problems.
Smoking - Medications like Chantix and Zyban, as well as nicotine replace products like the patch, inhaler and nasal spray have also shown to be effective. Counseling and medication are both effective for treating tobacco dependence and using them together is more effective than using either one alone. The good news is that there are effective treatment options for smokers. In fact, there are more former smokers than current smokers.
Founded in 2008, Footprints Beachside Recovery Center is a small, private, holistic substance abuse treatment center for adults and is located in Pinellas County, Fla. Footprints provides specialized treatment plans for patients from throughout the U.S. and around the world. Opioid addiction recovery programs at Footprints focus on ensuring safe withdrawals and often combine holistic treatment with medication assisted therapies to reduce cravings and provide more successful recovery outcomes for patients.
CYREX LABORATORIES UNVEILS ARRAY 22 IN CANADA FOR UNPRECEDENTED ACCURACY IN ASSESSING SIBO
New Serum Test Identifies Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) to Help Treat Patients Suffering from Irritable Bowels, Malabsorption, Fatigue and More
PHOENIX (MARCH 22, 2017) –Small intestine bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is a notoriously challenging disorder to diagnose, due in part to the fact that its signs and symptoms can be confused with many other conditions. For example, many of the millions of people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may also have unidentified SIBO, so there is a pressing need for a more accurate assessment of this disorder. Cyrex Laboratories, a clinical laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmune reactivity, is leading the charge with their new Array 22- Irritable Bowel/SIBO Screen.
Array 22 is designed to identify specific bacteria in the small intestine that have migrated from the large intestine, potentially compromising essential barrier integrity and setting the stage for autoimmunity. This serum test is recommended for patients with irritable bowel symptoms, signs of malabsorption such as weight loss, fatty stools or anemia, and conditions such as fatigue, reflux, obesity, food intolerances or skin disorders.
Array 22 assesses potential breach of the intestinal barrier by bacterial cytotoxins and evaluates immune reactivity from their entry into circulation. This cutting-edge serum antibody test improves upon the standard breath tests for SIBO, by not only eliminating the need for exhaustive dietary restriction and collection protocols for patients, but also by providing better specificity and sensitivity.
“With the new Array 22, we’re specifically targeting the immediate need for a more precise evaluation of SIBO to give physicians the most accurate information possible to treat their patients,” said Jean Bellin, president of Cyrex Laboratories. “We’ve developed the Array 22 with the unparalleled quality standards and value that Cyrex Laboratories has become known for throughout the healthcare community.”
Patients suffering from irritable bowels or who suspect SIBO are strongly encouraged to ask their physicians about Array 22. Healthcare providers may request a consultation to discuss testing results with a member of the Cyrex clinical consulting team. Physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals, as well as patients, can learn more about Array 22 and the other unique arrays that comprise the Cyrex System, at www.joincyrex.com. About Cyrex Laboratories
Cyrex is a clinical immunology laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmune reactivity. Cyrex offers multi-tissue antibody testing for the early detection and monitoring of today’s complex autoimmune conditions. Cyrex develops innovative testing arrays through continuous collaboration with leading experts in medical research and clinical practice. Cyrex technology is built on four pillars of excellence, including the antigen purification system, optimized antigen concentration, antigen-specific validation and parallel testing technology. Cyrex is a CLIA licensed laboratory based in Phoenix, Arizona and holds a Medical Device Establishment License in Canada.
Anti-depressant could be used to help people choose healthy food
Scientists have found a drug that treats depression could be used to help people eat healthily.
In a series of trials researchers found that when people took citalopram, which is used as an anti-depressant and for OCD, they were more likely to opt for healthy food.
Warwick Business School Professor of Behavioural Science, Ivo Vlaev, believes this could be a big development in tackling obesity, which has more than doubled worldwide since 1980 according to the World Health Organization who also calculated in 2014 that more than 1.9 billion adults, 39 per cent of 18-year-olds and over in the world, were overweight or obese.
“These research findings have implications for understanding and treating obesity and even eating disorders,” said Professor Vlaev.
“We found that citalopram increased the number of choices for healthy foods made by people when compared to a placebo. Our trials suggest that after taking the drug people are more likely to make decisions on what food to eat based on health rather than taste.
“It appears to give people the long-term focus needed to consider how food will impact on their health, rather than the short-term decision to go for what tastes better.”
In the paper Serotonin enhances the impact of health information on food choice Professor Vlaev, Molly Crocket, of the University of Oxford, Luke Clark, of the University of British Columbia, and Ulrich Müller and Trevor Robbins, of the University of Cambridge, gave a pill to 27 adults and asked them to choose between pairs of snacks shown on a screen, sometimes they were two healthy options, sometimes two unhealthy foods and sometimes one of each.
They took a single dose of atomoxetine, and then repeated the task but this time taking citalopram, and then a placebo, without them knowing what they were taking.
Citalopram works by lengthening the time serotonin – a chemical that delivers messages to synapses in the brain known as a neurotransmitter – is held by the synapse in the cell, so prolonging its action. The researchers tested the hypothesis that serotonin is involved in value-based decision-making and promotes a focus on long-term goals in dietary choice.
Atomoxetine boosts noradrenaline – another type of neurotransmitter – in a similar way, but there is evidence noradrenaline has a distinct effect on cognitive flexibility and control.
The researchers found that when taking citalopram 60 per cent of the participants’ choices were healthy, while just 45 of them were healthy when taking the placebo. The number of healthy choices made taking atomoxetine was not significantly higher.
By rating the foods on health and taste beforehand, the trials also revealed that subjects’ choices while on citalopram were for health reasons as they more frequently selected the food that had the higher health rating, while on the placebo it was not even a consideration.
“This shows that serotonin is not about controlling impulsivity, but it helps people to have a more long-term focus on their decision,” said Professor Vlaev.
“Citalopram helps to give a boost of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of cognitive processes.
“Our data tentatively suggests serotonin amplifies the importance of health considerations in consumption decisions, perhaps via enhancing a focus on, or the value of, long-term outcomes.
“The lack of a direct effect of citalopram on health or taste ratings of food items also suggests serotonin promotes the integration of health information into choices rather than influencing the health ratings themselves.”
Professor Vlaev believes beyond the connotations to do with food, this research could have an impact on addictions and impulsive behaviours.
“Citalopram offers the potential for a better understanding of consumer food preferences and behaviour and why people still choose unhealthy snacks despite knowing they will be bad for them in the long-term,” he said.
“Also, serotonin-enhancing drugs like citalopram could be given during the initial stages of interventions aimed at changing the lifestyle of overweight and obese patients.
“Indeed, using drugs like citalopram that enhance the long-term goals in value-based decision-making could be used in other situations, like addictions and impulsive behaviours or be used to support psychological therapies for mental health conditions.”
MedReleaf continues to lead on scientific research: Landmark, peer-reviewed study shows medical cannabis dramatically improves lives of veterans with PTSD
MedReleaf, Canada's premium licensed producer of medical cannabis, today announced the findings from a landmark study on the effectiveness of medical cannabis on military veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The study found treatment with medical cannabis improved aggregate patient reported outcomes by 50-60% with a 77% decrease in suicidal thoughts as well as a 50% reduction in the consumption of related medications.
The study, being presented today in Vancouver at the 7th Annual Military and Veteran Health Research Forum, was conducted by Dr. Paul Smith, MD, using several of MedReleaf's proprietary strains of medical cannabis including AviDekel, Luminarium and Midnight.
From baseline to follow up, the study revealed a number of key insights on patient outcomes including:
Aggregate score of both PTSD symptoms and social impacts improved by 59%
Drug and alcohol overuse was reduced by 82%
Marital and relationship harmony improved 65% and
Severity of pain experienced by patients decreased 48%
Improvements in outcomes were also associated with a 50% reduction in the consumption of PTSD-related medications, including opioids. 36% of patients on PTSD related medications at baseline discontinued all such medications, for an estimated annual savings of $2,300 to $3,800 per patient.
"The evidence is overwhelming that cannabis is dramatically improving the lives of veterans with PTSD," noted Neil Closner, CEO of MedReleaf. "We're encouraged by Dr. Smith's work; it provides valuable insight and data that will assist the broader healthcare community in their quest to help veterans better manage their healthcare needs."
"In my practice, I see the worst of the worst in terms of PTSD; when all other treatment options fail, these patients come to me," noted the study's author, Dr, Paul Smith, adding "70% of veterans are dropping out of traditional PTSD programs in favour of a medical cannabis course of treatment and as the evidence overwhelmingly shows, it is remarkably effective."
Patients in the study required 9.4 grams of medical cannabis a day to achieve these results leading Dr. Smith to note, "There is no one-size-fits-all approach to effective cannabis dosing but I believe that when veterans get VAC coverage for cannabis oils and capsules, we'll see more veterans turn to this treatment and I think that with these new, accurate dosing methods of delivery we'll see a reduction in the amount of cannabis required for a course of treatment."
Following the presentation of the abstract at Forum 2016, Dr. Smith will submit the results for peer review with the goal of publication in the Journal of Veteran, Military and Family Health.
About the study
The study is based on chart audits of 100 patients with confirmed diagnosis of PTSD and who initiated a treatment of medical cannabis after January, 2014. Self-reported Patient-Related Outcomes (PRO) were captured at baseline and at a follow up visit between 3 and 18 months after initiation of a treatment of medical cannabis. The data review was conducted at a single medical practice with extensive treatment of medical cannabis and which serves a large number of military veterans.
The full abstract, including details on study background, methodology, epidemiology and detailed results can be found at www.medreleaf.com/research-overview.
About MedReleaf
MedReleaf is the leading, research-and-development driven, medical cannabis producer in Canada and the only ISO 9001 certified cannabis producer in North America. They offer the finest range of premium cannabis products sourced from around the globe and cultivated in their Ontario facility under the strictest guidelines and care. MedReleaf focuses on quality, safety, uniformity, and reliability, and they do it all to improve the quality of life for their patients. MedReleaf is setting The Medical Grade Standard™, because quality assurance is at the core of every product they produce. Through tireless clinical research in concert with the Canadian medical community, MedReleaf is consistently striving to unlock the immense potential of medical cannabis, and is dedicated to leading the way in the discovery of its medical and therapeutic benefits.
For more information on MedReleaf, its products and processes, please visit MedReleaf.com
Doctors should know what supplements patients take to prevent interactions with medications
Botanical supplements are used by people around the world to treat a wide range of physical and mental ailments. Some of these botanical supplements have high levels of antioxidants, which may have some positive health effects for certain conditions. However, a new study from the University of Missouri in partnership with scientists in Africa has uncovered evidence that these supplements and their antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of prescription medications. The researchers examined the effects of a widely used African botanical supplement, called Sutherlandia, and found that it may disrupt the effectiveness of a common anti-tuberculosis drug. This could lead to the development of active tuberculosis and perhaps drug resistant forms of the pathogen in some patients.
For the study, William Folk, a professor of biochemistry in the University of Missouri School of Medicine and College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and his colleagues monitored South African patients who were taking either Sutherlandia or a placebo, along with the world-standard anti-tuberculosis drug, isoniazid. Sutherlandia is a supplement commonly taken in Africa to fight symptoms of infection and some chronic diseases, such as diabetes. The researchers observed that several patients taking the Southerlandia supplement developed active tuberculosis despite taking Isoniazid.
“We believe that the antioxidants in Southerlandia can directly disrupt how Isoniazid functions within the body to prevent tuberculosis,” Folk said. “Isoniazid is very reliable in preventing the active form of this potentially deadly microbe, which is present in nearly one-third of all humans, but if individuals concurrently take a botanical supplement, they could undo the good that the scientifically proven drug is accomplishing. More than one-third of the world’s population is susceptible to active tuberculosis, so it is unfortunate that Sutherlandia, which traditionally is taken to prevent or treat infections, can actually cause them to develop the disease, and perhaps also cause the microbe to become a drug-resistant ‘super bug.’”
Folk says this finding could apply to many different botanical supplements and many different medications, including cancer-fighting drugs. He says it is important for future research to examine potential interactions between drugs and antioxidant-laden supplements.
“With so many people around the world turning to botanical supplements to help with a wide range of health issues, it is vital that we explore how these supplements interact with established medical drugs,” Folk said. “Many drugs use pathways that could be disrupted by antioxidants, so we need for physicians to better advise their patients. Many physicians do not know everything that their patients take, so it is important for people to inform their physicians, and for physicians to ask, so they can better advise their patients what is best for their health.”
The study, “Does Concurrent Use of Some Botanicals Interfere with Treatment of Tuberculosis?” was published in Neuromolecular Medicine DOI 10.1007/s12017-016-8402-1. Coauthors include Aaron smith, Hailong Song, Dennis Chuang, Jianlin Cheng, Sezong Gu and Grace Sun. This study was funded by grant P50AT006273 from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and the University of Missouri. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors.
Extremely Active Rats Become Lazy when They Artificially Receive “Runners’ High”
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Past research has shown that the pleasure and reward centers of the brain are activated similarly by dangerous drugs as well as by exercise, which is why therapies have been developed for drug addicts that include lots of exercise. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that activating these pleasure and reward receptors in the brain could provide the “reward” of dangerous drugs without having to consume those drugs.
For the study, a team of scientists led by Frank Booth, a professor at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, selectively bred rats that exhibited traits of either extreme activity or extreme laziness. The researchers then gave chemicals to the rats to either activate or shut off their mu-opioid receptors, which are the genes in the brains of rats and humans which release dopamine, a pleasure-inducing chemical. Greg Ruegsegger, a doctoral student in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine and lead author of the study, says that when the receptors of the extremely energetic rats were activated, those rats were much less inclined to exercise.
“These highly active rats would run on their wheels constantly,” Ruegsegger said. “However, when we chemically activated their mu-opioid receptors, those rats drastically reduced their amounts of activity. Since exercise and addiction to substances follow this same chemical process in the brain, it stands to reason that activating these receptors in people with dangerous addictions could provide the same rewards they are craving without the use of dangerous drugs or alcohol.”
When MU researchers studied the brains of the rats, they found 400 percent more of the reward receptors in the extremely active rats than the extremely lazy rats. They believe this indicates that the extremely active rats were active to receive “rewards” from their mu-opioid receptors, which may explain why they voluntarily run such extreme amounts.
The researchers also used chemicals to shut off the mu-opioid receptors in the active rats, but found that it similarly reduced activity in the rats, though not as drastically as turning on those receptors in the active rats. Researchers found that activating and shutting off the receptors in the lazy rats seemed to have no significant effect on those rats’ overall activity levels.
This study was published in the journal Neuropharmacology.
In 15 Minutes Riff Raff Will Show You How To Get Pythons - Train It Right
This is a highly entertaining 15 minutes of "fitness" video that you will ever watch. Good for him for trying to live a healthy lifestyle vs his hardcore partying ways. He's trying to "gain weight and feel great!"
What do you think? His diet is insane. He can definitely eat LOL! He definitely loves his sauces! Check out his starbucks order. Could you drink that?
