By Riffat Sadiq
Addiction. The word brings to mind the use of illegal drugs, abused by junkies huddled in dark corners. Hardly anyone thinks of the drugs in their own medicine cabinet, prescribed by a certified physician. Yet, unfortunately, the incidence of addiction to perfectly legal, commonly prescribed drugs is increasing every day.
Healing, in the strictest sense, is not just confined to doling out medicine but requires a holistic approach. Responsibility, empathy and trustworthy attitude on the part of professionals go a long way towards speeding up the recovery process. Unfortunately, many health professionals do not bother to go into details and merely treat the surface problem as it appears.
Many female addicts in a rehabilitation centre report that when they consulted doctors in case of severe tension and disturbed sleep, they were prescribed tranquilisers. Over time, use of tranquilisers led to addiction. Painkillers prescribed after surgery can also lead to addiction.
Prescribing medicines based on incomplete history and injecting painkillers without informing the patient of the precautions and risks can have serious, far-reaching consequences. When a patient complains of disturbed sleep, health professionals should try to discover the underlying factors and refer these patients to psychologists/psychotherapist to be counselled in this regard.
At the very least, doctors themselves must try to counsel the patient on the spot and think carefully before making out a prescription. It is their responsibility to make the patient understand the dangers of the drug they are going to take.
Causes behind emotional disturbances vary between men and women. In men, usually, the pressure to be the bread-earner can take a toll. Job and workplace conflicts/politics, heavy workload and a feeling of inadequacy due to not being able to provide the best for their family can lead to frustration and stress. Domestic issues like disturbed conjugal life, demands and expectations of family members, etc. also lead to tension and may cause hypertension, lack of sleep, etc.
For women, the issues may be somewhat different. Conflict with in-laws, the pressure of dealing with one’s own parents, lack of attention from partner, lack of amenities, the burden of household chores and managing the children, not having enough time to socialise and a feeling of lack of control over their own life can adversely affect their health.
Furthermore, in our society, unmarried women often suffer feelings of loneliness and deprivation owing to society’s attitude towards them.
These factors lay the ground for emotional turmoil that is reported to doctors in the form of headache, tension, disturbed sleep, tiredness, body aches, loss of appetite, etc. Tranquilisers prescribed in such cases simply take the patient deeper into the abyss of depression.
Some of the media too, is playing a very irresponsible role by promoting the use of painkillers and tranquilisers.
Advertisements for over-the-counter analgesics and anti-histamines simply promote the concept that pills can be popped like candy whenever the need arises. Health authorities need to instruct manufacturers to include warnings in their advertising.
There is also a very disturbing trend of self-medication prevalent in our society. Once the patient has been prescribed a certain medicine, he/she tops-up the prescription as and when they feel the need. People also, often take medicines on their friends’ recommendation instead of visiting the doctor themselves.
We need to create awareness regarding the fact that even seemingly harmless drugs should be taken with caution, as per a doctor’s advice.
Ref : http://www.dawn.com/2011/03/06/drug-abuse-addicted-to-prescription.html
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
7-Ways for Staying Away from drugs
7-Ways for Staying Away from drugs
By Shireen Ismail
1-Seek guidance of Allah Almighty
Always pray to Allah Almighty to guide you regarding making friends because He only knows the intentions of people. He is the only one who knows what is going on behind the scene. Therefore, ask Him to help you to be stayed away from all kinds of evils.
2- Try to be a part of good company
Try to find a company of good friends. Good friends not in term of appearance, status or extra ordinary talent but in term of good attitude. A friend having good self esteem help you to build self confidence, sense of right and wrong and exhibits tolerance, if something bad happens in life. Being a part of good company, you will prevent your self from going astray, for instance, drug addiction.
3.Don't copy others
Try to know yourself, who are you? What do you want? Focus on your abilities, talent and resources not on what others are doing. Don't copy others and try to be satisfied what actually you are. Attire, make up and particular style of people of showbiz and other fields never make you satisfied as your own unique personality can.
4. Express yourself
Express your feelings and emotions in positive ways such as writing essays, poems, painting, designing, making recipes, sharing with significant one, If no one is there to share your feelings, then try to write a story about your self. Also talk to Almighty after prayer, He will listen your and make you relaxed.
5. Do some exercises
Do some physical and mental exercises such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing to be relaxed. These exercises will make you energetic and confident to deal with life problems and tension.
6. Dare to ask question
If some one offers you cigarette or something else then you ask questions like, what is this?. What is the benefit of it? Why is he using that? Don't care of loosing such kinds of friends. Don't be fearful of being rejected by others.
7.Dare to say ' No'
Refuse to experiment a cigarette even you are being made fun of others, rejected or deemed a coward person. Dare to say no and go on another way and you will find people having positive attitude. Don't be scared of being alone.
By Shireen Ismail
1-Seek guidance of Allah Almighty
Always pray to Allah Almighty to guide you regarding making friends because He only knows the intentions of people. He is the only one who knows what is going on behind the scene. Therefore, ask Him to help you to be stayed away from all kinds of evils.
2- Try to be a part of good company
Try to find a company of good friends. Good friends not in term of appearance, status or extra ordinary talent but in term of good attitude. A friend having good self esteem help you to build self confidence, sense of right and wrong and exhibits tolerance, if something bad happens in life. Being a part of good company, you will prevent your self from going astray, for instance, drug addiction.
3.Don't copy others
Try to know yourself, who are you? What do you want? Focus on your abilities, talent and resources not on what others are doing. Don't copy others and try to be satisfied what actually you are. Attire, make up and particular style of people of showbiz and other fields never make you satisfied as your own unique personality can.
4. Express yourself
Express your feelings and emotions in positive ways such as writing essays, poems, painting, designing, making recipes, sharing with significant one, If no one is there to share your feelings, then try to write a story about your self. Also talk to Almighty after prayer, He will listen your and make you relaxed.
5. Do some exercises
Do some physical and mental exercises such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing to be relaxed. These exercises will make you energetic and confident to deal with life problems and tension.
6. Dare to ask question
If some one offers you cigarette or something else then you ask questions like, what is this?. What is the benefit of it? Why is he using that? Don't care of loosing such kinds of friends. Don't be fearful of being rejected by others.
7.Dare to say ' No'
Refuse to experiment a cigarette even you are being made fun of others, rejected or deemed a coward person. Dare to say no and go on another way and you will find people having positive attitude. Don't be scared of being alone.
Role of The Mosque in Confronting The Epidemic of Substance Abuse
Role of The Mosque in Confronting The Epidemic of Substance Abuse
It is well known that alcoholism was wide spread all over the Arab Peninsula. The acceptance of the people for alcohol use was at its acme. Literature especially poetry reflects this fact. The deleterious effects of alcoholism was manifested on the social life conducting the tribes to continuous conflicts and wars
The main approach to the problem by Islam, was to adopt gradation in forbidding alcoholism. This was carried out side by side with improving the social conditions of the people. Faith played a major part in these two approaches. The time estimated from the beginning of the campaign to its end was about 15 years. The personality of the leader, "The Prophet" was revolutionary affecting this change. The model he gave, as 1st step was the true example adopted by him and all his near followers and so they were respected and their pieces of advice were accepted, absorbed, well learned and maintained denoting absolute response:
"THE PROPHET GAVE TRUE EXAMPLE TO BE FOLLOWED" (S.33: V.21)
The 2nd step was disseminating knowledge about the evils of alcohol that it is deleterious and detrimental:
THE BELIEVERS ENQUIRE ABOUT SPIRITS AND GAMBLING. INFORM THEM THAT THEY HAVE THEIR EVILS AND USES FOR PEOPLE BUT THEIR EVILS OUTWEIGH THEIR USES. (S2: V.219).
Thus drawing the attention to the deleterious effects of using spirits and gambling.
The 3rd step was rather decisive, it says blankly.
YOU BELIEVERS DO NOT APPROACH PRAYING WHILE YOU ARE UNDER THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOL. (S.4: V.43)
Thus minimizing the abuse during most of the day, as the five prayers extend from dawn time until nightfall. The 4th step came when the people had matured enough to accept it through the penetrating model, the persuading orientation and the partial legislation. It was related that one of believers namely "Omar Ebn El Khtab" said in a meeting in the mosque "Oh Allah give us a decisive say about alcohol". At this time of real faith and maturation the last step was declared by the verse saying:
YOU BELIEVERS, SPIRITS, GAMBLING. IDOLS AND FORTUNE TELLING ARE ALL EVILS WHICH YOU SHOULD ABANDON THAT YOU MAY PROSPER. (S.5: V.90)
These vita steady steps treating the social and the spiritual side were the two pillars upon which the plan of combat rested.
History states that since the last verse the majority of the abusers abstained and the people lived without alcohol and did not drink or touch or sell or buy or sit with abusers or even carry it. This picture is unique in history and is a witness of the success of the campaign. From the above stated example we can deduce the items of the Islamic approach.
1. The model of the leader.
2. The dissemination of information about the evils of abuse.
3. Legislative steps were gradual hand in hand with these approaches and the change was to the better of the social life of the people.
4. The law of prohibition and imposing punishment for abusers came last.
It is well known that alcoholism was wide spread all over the Arab Peninsula. The acceptance of the people for alcohol use was at its acme. Literature especially poetry reflects this fact. The deleterious effects of alcoholism was manifested on the social life conducting the tribes to continuous conflicts and wars
The main approach to the problem by Islam, was to adopt gradation in forbidding alcoholism. This was carried out side by side with improving the social conditions of the people. Faith played a major part in these two approaches. The time estimated from the beginning of the campaign to its end was about 15 years. The personality of the leader, "The Prophet" was revolutionary affecting this change. The model he gave, as 1st step was the true example adopted by him and all his near followers and so they were respected and their pieces of advice were accepted, absorbed, well learned and maintained denoting absolute response:
"THE PROPHET GAVE TRUE EXAMPLE TO BE FOLLOWED" (S.33: V.21)
The 2nd step was disseminating knowledge about the evils of alcohol that it is deleterious and detrimental:
THE BELIEVERS ENQUIRE ABOUT SPIRITS AND GAMBLING. INFORM THEM THAT THEY HAVE THEIR EVILS AND USES FOR PEOPLE BUT THEIR EVILS OUTWEIGH THEIR USES. (S2: V.219).
Thus drawing the attention to the deleterious effects of using spirits and gambling.
The 3rd step was rather decisive, it says blankly.
YOU BELIEVERS DO NOT APPROACH PRAYING WHILE YOU ARE UNDER THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOL. (S.4: V.43)
Thus minimizing the abuse during most of the day, as the five prayers extend from dawn time until nightfall. The 4th step came when the people had matured enough to accept it through the penetrating model, the persuading orientation and the partial legislation. It was related that one of believers namely "Omar Ebn El Khtab" said in a meeting in the mosque "Oh Allah give us a decisive say about alcohol". At this time of real faith and maturation the last step was declared by the verse saying:
YOU BELIEVERS, SPIRITS, GAMBLING. IDOLS AND FORTUNE TELLING ARE ALL EVILS WHICH YOU SHOULD ABANDON THAT YOU MAY PROSPER. (S.5: V.90)
These vita steady steps treating the social and the spiritual side were the two pillars upon which the plan of combat rested.
History states that since the last verse the majority of the abusers abstained and the people lived without alcohol and did not drink or touch or sell or buy or sit with abusers or even carry it. This picture is unique in history and is a witness of the success of the campaign. From the above stated example we can deduce the items of the Islamic approach.
1. The model of the leader.
2. The dissemination of information about the evils of abuse.
3. Legislative steps were gradual hand in hand with these approaches and the change was to the better of the social life of the people.
4. The law of prohibition and imposing punishment for abusers came last.
A Chain of Destruction
A Chain of Destruction
By Rifat Sadiq
Addiction to drugs leads to gradual destruction of physical, mental, social and spiritual health of an individual. Continuous use of any drug results in biochemical changes; impair all internal system of human body. When this epidemic weakens the immune system, the human body becomes vulnerable to chronic or incurable diseases. Being indulge in addiction, an addict ruins not only his physical health but also embraces psychological problems as well. Addiction deteriorates the addict's ability to manage his stress and to solve his problems. Feelings of hostility, anger, guilt and hopelessness are vividly seen in addict's personality.
A drug addict remains isolated from significant one, does not fulfill social responsibilities that further lead to disturbed interpersonal relationships. Avoiding family and relatives, absence from workplace and deterioration of family finances and assets bring disharmony in all aspects of life. An addict seems to deviate from social norms, religious rituals, looses a sense of right and wrong and appears as a socially dysfunction person.
Unfortunately, an addict ruins himself and his whole family by impacting adversely their mental and emotional health. As a result, they seem to avoid facing society. Deviant behaviors like stealing, pick pocketing, quarreling, using abusing language and involvement in sexual behaviors generate feelings of shame and guilt in family members. Sometimes, they have to give money to their addicted family member and become co-dependent. In South Asian countries, daughters and sisters of addicts are having problems of suitable proposal for marriage. People do not like to have any relation with addict's family. For this reason, family seems to hide the reality and refuses to provide any kind of support to its addicted family member.
After the destruction of family life, addicts have to live away from family, spend time with street addicts, and indulge more and more in drugs that, eventually, put them to death. Sometimes, their funerals are attended by family, relatives and friends and sometimes, these poor addicts are buried by welfare organizations.
By Rifat Sadiq
Addiction to drugs leads to gradual destruction of physical, mental, social and spiritual health of an individual. Continuous use of any drug results in biochemical changes; impair all internal system of human body. When this epidemic weakens the immune system, the human body becomes vulnerable to chronic or incurable diseases. Being indulge in addiction, an addict ruins not only his physical health but also embraces psychological problems as well. Addiction deteriorates the addict's ability to manage his stress and to solve his problems. Feelings of hostility, anger, guilt and hopelessness are vividly seen in addict's personality.
A drug addict remains isolated from significant one, does not fulfill social responsibilities that further lead to disturbed interpersonal relationships. Avoiding family and relatives, absence from workplace and deterioration of family finances and assets bring disharmony in all aspects of life. An addict seems to deviate from social norms, religious rituals, looses a sense of right and wrong and appears as a socially dysfunction person.
Unfortunately, an addict ruins himself and his whole family by impacting adversely their mental and emotional health. As a result, they seem to avoid facing society. Deviant behaviors like stealing, pick pocketing, quarreling, using abusing language and involvement in sexual behaviors generate feelings of shame and guilt in family members. Sometimes, they have to give money to their addicted family member and become co-dependent. In South Asian countries, daughters and sisters of addicts are having problems of suitable proposal for marriage. People do not like to have any relation with addict's family. For this reason, family seems to hide the reality and refuses to provide any kind of support to its addicted family member.
After the destruction of family life, addicts have to live away from family, spend time with street addicts, and indulge more and more in drugs that, eventually, put them to death. Sometimes, their funerals are attended by family, relatives and friends and sometimes, these poor addicts are buried by welfare organizations.
Patterns and Consequences of Drug Abuse Problems at workplace
Patterns and Consequences of Drug Abuse Problems at workplace
Haider Ali Meher and Riffat Sadiq
Abstract
Drug abuse problems severely hit the economy of Pakistan that resulted in poor work on the part of employees, incidents, wastage of time and material and loss of productivity. Therefore, the objective of this survey was to examine the patterns and consequences of drug abuse problems at workplaces. For this purpose, 150 drug abusers working in industries, companies and hospital of Karachi city were approached. A questionnaire was used to get information regarding demographics characteristics, their patterns of drug abuse at workplaces and its consequences they and their employers were facing. Results reveal that among 150 drug abusers, most of the abusers (30%) were taking drugs either in the washroom or in the cafeteria of their organizations . 60% preferred to take drugs in official break time, 70% liked sitting with their colleagues. Most of them (28%) were using cannabis, 25.33% were on heroin and 24.67% were poly drug abusers. Smoke was mode of drug intake among 40% abusers. Moreover, 18 drug abusers were using injection and 27.7% of them shared syringes with their working drug partners.
As far as consequences of drug abuse are concerned, 86% abusers accepted to impact total productivity of their organizations, 76% committed serious mistakes, 56% wasted raw material, 88% reported slow speed of their work, and 78% reported impaired quality of work. 25.33% remained absent for 3- 4 days in a months except holidays, and 54% did not satisfy their employers. Statistical analysis of the results also reveals that 40% quarreled with their colleagues, and 18% became cause of incident at their workplaces. Before indulging in addiction, 24% abusers were earning 8000 to 10000 but after addiction 20% were earning that amount. Among 150 drug abusers, 16% were earning 10 to 12 thousands but after getting drugs, 4% earning between 10 to 12 thousands per month. Furthermore, 12% abusers were earning more than 20 thousands per month but after addiction only 2% abusers out of total 150 were able to earn more than 20 thousands in a month. The present survey highlights the impact of drug addiction not only on employees but also on the productivity of organizations. Further researches should be conducted to address this serious issue.
Copyright© Drug Free Nation 2011
Haider Ali Meher and Riffat Sadiq
Abstract
Drug abuse problems severely hit the economy of Pakistan that resulted in poor work on the part of employees, incidents, wastage of time and material and loss of productivity. Therefore, the objective of this survey was to examine the patterns and consequences of drug abuse problems at workplaces. For this purpose, 150 drug abusers working in industries, companies and hospital of Karachi city were approached. A questionnaire was used to get information regarding demographics characteristics, their patterns of drug abuse at workplaces and its consequences they and their employers were facing. Results reveal that among 150 drug abusers, most of the abusers (30%) were taking drugs either in the washroom or in the cafeteria of their organizations . 60% preferred to take drugs in official break time, 70% liked sitting with their colleagues. Most of them (28%) were using cannabis, 25.33% were on heroin and 24.67% were poly drug abusers. Smoke was mode of drug intake among 40% abusers. Moreover, 18 drug abusers were using injection and 27.7% of them shared syringes with their working drug partners.
As far as consequences of drug abuse are concerned, 86% abusers accepted to impact total productivity of their organizations, 76% committed serious mistakes, 56% wasted raw material, 88% reported slow speed of their work, and 78% reported impaired quality of work. 25.33% remained absent for 3- 4 days in a months except holidays, and 54% did not satisfy their employers. Statistical analysis of the results also reveals that 40% quarreled with their colleagues, and 18% became cause of incident at their workplaces. Before indulging in addiction, 24% abusers were earning 8000 to 10000 but after addiction 20% were earning that amount. Among 150 drug abusers, 16% were earning 10 to 12 thousands but after getting drugs, 4% earning between 10 to 12 thousands per month. Furthermore, 12% abusers were earning more than 20 thousands per month but after addiction only 2% abusers out of total 150 were able to earn more than 20 thousands in a month. The present survey highlights the impact of drug addiction not only on employees but also on the productivity of organizations. Further researches should be conducted to address this serious issue.
Copyright© Drug Free Nation 2011
Sleepy Nation, Biggest Disaster
Sleepy Nation, Biggest Disaster
By Haider Ali
"Don't kill any one by bullet; just give him a free token of drug (small token of Heroin) on daily basis. He will die himself'', said a street addict.
.
"People are ready to give food to dogs but not to addicts" another street addict told
Now, I take drugs because I have wasted my life. At the age of 50, I am alone, no family, no love, no respect, an addict regrets
Availability of drugs increases the chance of being indulged in addictive behavior. We find people taking drugs sitting in the corner of streets, near the bus stops and under the bridges. We all pass them inadvertently, sometimes show disdain and treat them like slum dogs. They are called by different funny names, teased and mocked by our children. Drugs bring disaster for individual, family and then for whole nation. Unfortunately, being a nation, we are overwhelmed by ignorance, not bother to ask where these drugs are coming from, and how much drugs have severely affected our society.
No place is safe now. Our industries, educational institutes and public places have been affected by this menace. Our youth, future builders of Pakistan, are ruining their lives. Many are addicted to prescribed drugs. Cigarette, gutka (tobacco) and supari (betel nut) are not considered as addiction. Smoking has become a fashion for teenagers. No one is noticing it.
Who is to be blamed? Only our government or we all
I think the whole nation is responsible, our teachers, parents, health professionals, preachers and media also. It is time to take preventive measures to save our future from being trapped by drugs.
But when will be wake up?
By Haider Ali
"Don't kill any one by bullet; just give him a free token of drug (small token of Heroin) on daily basis. He will die himself'', said a street addict.
.
"People are ready to give food to dogs but not to addicts" another street addict told
Now, I take drugs because I have wasted my life. At the age of 50, I am alone, no family, no love, no respect, an addict regrets
Availability of drugs increases the chance of being indulged in addictive behavior. We find people taking drugs sitting in the corner of streets, near the bus stops and under the bridges. We all pass them inadvertently, sometimes show disdain and treat them like slum dogs. They are called by different funny names, teased and mocked by our children. Drugs bring disaster for individual, family and then for whole nation. Unfortunately, being a nation, we are overwhelmed by ignorance, not bother to ask where these drugs are coming from, and how much drugs have severely affected our society.
No place is safe now. Our industries, educational institutes and public places have been affected by this menace. Our youth, future builders of Pakistan, are ruining their lives. Many are addicted to prescribed drugs. Cigarette, gutka (tobacco) and supari (betel nut) are not considered as addiction. Smoking has become a fashion for teenagers. No one is noticing it.
Who is to be blamed? Only our government or we all
I think the whole nation is responsible, our teachers, parents, health professionals, preachers and media also. It is time to take preventive measures to save our future from being trapped by drugs.
But when will be wake up?
Fashion of Smoking and our students
Fashion of Smoking and our students
By Safia Rafiq
Few days back, I saw 3 students smoking cigarette standing near by their tuition academy, holding bags and books in their hands. Their actions and style of smoking reminded me of a celebrity of Indian film industry, Salman Khan, who used to smoke in one of his film that captured the attention of our youth. After that many young boys appeared to be copying his hair style, attire and particularly his style of smoking cigarette.
I thought for a while that their parents, at that time, were satisfied believing that their sons went out for studies and trying hard to make their future bright. But if they saw them holding cigarette in one hand and books on another hand while standing outside their academy, certainly they would die on the spot. Unfortunately, smoking cigarette has become a fashion among school and college going students. It is a great concern for all those parents who are keen to make their children educated and competent persons of their community.
Because habit of smoking slowly and gradually destroys a person's health and its smoke also irritates those who are sitting near by the smoker. A student who smokes is also responsible to pollute the whole educational environment besides destroying his own health. Moreover, smoking habit increases the chance of being tilted toward addiction of drugs. Researches proved that many addicted people were used to be smoking before taking cannabis or heroin. Therefore, Parents, teachers and other well wishers of our students and youth must discourage this bad habit in order to save them from incurable diseases (drug addiction) and as well as to make them able to play their vital role in building a healthy nation of Pakistan.
By Safia Rafiq
Few days back, I saw 3 students smoking cigarette standing near by their tuition academy, holding bags and books in their hands. Their actions and style of smoking reminded me of a celebrity of Indian film industry, Salman Khan, who used to smoke in one of his film that captured the attention of our youth. After that many young boys appeared to be copying his hair style, attire and particularly his style of smoking cigarette.
I thought for a while that their parents, at that time, were satisfied believing that their sons went out for studies and trying hard to make their future bright. But if they saw them holding cigarette in one hand and books on another hand while standing outside their academy, certainly they would die on the spot. Unfortunately, smoking cigarette has become a fashion among school and college going students. It is a great concern for all those parents who are keen to make their children educated and competent persons of their community.
Because habit of smoking slowly and gradually destroys a person's health and its smoke also irritates those who are sitting near by the smoker. A student who smokes is also responsible to pollute the whole educational environment besides destroying his own health. Moreover, smoking habit increases the chance of being tilted toward addiction of drugs. Researches proved that many addicted people were used to be smoking before taking cannabis or heroin. Therefore, Parents, teachers and other well wishers of our students and youth must discourage this bad habit in order to save them from incurable diseases (drug addiction) and as well as to make them able to play their vital role in building a healthy nation of Pakistan.
Drug Addiction and our Economy
Drug Addiction and our Economy
By Ubaid-u-Rehman
About 6 million drug addicts in Pakistan are destroying their lives besides affecting every sector of society, specifically, the business sector in terms of causing accidents, reducing or causing loss of productivity, poor work and absenteeism, etc. The number of drug addicts in the business sector has gone up with the labor class and lower middle class by taking drugs for various reasons. The economy of Pakistan is paying a big price for it owing to employee accident and errors, high illness rates, wastage of time, low productivity and absenteeism.
A survey conducted by Drug Free Nation in Karachi city indicates that drug abuse workers affected their organization in terms of loss of productivity, poor work and absenteeism. Among them 76% workers committed mistakes, 56% wasted raw material, 24% remained absent from work 3 to 4 days a week that impaired 86% of total productivity. Their speed of work was slow, 48% did not satisfy their employers whereas 78% impaired their quality of work. Furthermore, 40% of them quarreled with their colleagues at their workplaces.
Above mentioned consequences of drug abuse problems are confined to merely Karachi city. A survey conducted on national level will further clear the impact of addiction on total economy of Pakistan. Furthermore, there is a great need to launch a program to make our workplaces drug free.
By Ubaid-u-Rehman
About 6 million drug addicts in Pakistan are destroying their lives besides affecting every sector of society, specifically, the business sector in terms of causing accidents, reducing or causing loss of productivity, poor work and absenteeism, etc. The number of drug addicts in the business sector has gone up with the labor class and lower middle class by taking drugs for various reasons. The economy of Pakistan is paying a big price for it owing to employee accident and errors, high illness rates, wastage of time, low productivity and absenteeism.
A survey conducted by Drug Free Nation in Karachi city indicates that drug abuse workers affected their organization in terms of loss of productivity, poor work and absenteeism. Among them 76% workers committed mistakes, 56% wasted raw material, 24% remained absent from work 3 to 4 days a week that impaired 86% of total productivity. Their speed of work was slow, 48% did not satisfy their employers whereas 78% impaired their quality of work. Furthermore, 40% of them quarreled with their colleagues at their workplaces.
Above mentioned consequences of drug abuse problems are confined to merely Karachi city. A survey conducted on national level will further clear the impact of addiction on total economy of Pakistan. Furthermore, there is a great need to launch a program to make our workplaces drug free.
Ethical Responsibility of Health Professionals
Ethical Responsibility of Health Professionals
By Riffat Sadiq
Healing refers to make an ill person free from all kinds of pain and distress. Years ago, hakeem (herbalist) was there to treat patients. Many people used to visit spiritual healer for their illnesses having thought of being victim of witch craft (black magic). With the passage of time, proper institutes have been established to train those who were interested in healing sick person. Now, people have different options to visit health professionals according to their need.
Healing itself is not just confined to treat a patient or make prescriptions but it is a way to dealing an ill person. Therefore, health professionals are ethically responsible to go in depth while attending patients pertaining to their presenting problems. Researches have proved that behind physical problems/diseases, number of psychological and social factors work. Unfortunately, there are health professionals, not all, who do not bother to uncover the hidden factors and merely treat the problem as it appears. As being happened in the case of addiction of tranquilizers/painkiller which is killing our nation slowly and silently. Unfortunately, it is not easily recognized by a common man.
Usually, tranquilizers/painkillers are prescribed by health professionals to overcome excessive worries, sleep disorders and severe pain. But continuous use of these medicines/injection, by own self, result in addiction. During working experience in an addiction treatment centre, my female addicted patients reported that when they consulted doctors in case of severe tension and disturbed sleep, they were recommended tranquilizers to have sound sleep and reduce the level of tension. But frequent use of tranquilizers eventuated in addiction.
One of my patient also reported that she used to remain disturbed and could not sleep all the night owing to having severe conflicts with husband and in-laws. Doctor prescribed her laxotanil. Initially, she used to take one tablet at night but gradually, she became habituated. Whenever, she got tensed, she took medicine and now she could not go to bed without taking laxotanil. Medicine did not solve her problems but made her addicted that ruined her marital life one day. She couldn't do her household chores properly and take care of her children. As a result, she lost her family, husband and every thing.
A primary school teacher was overwhelmed by feelings of apprehension and inferiority complex owing to poverty at home, frequent bickers between parents since her childhood, not having suitable proposal and lack of gratification of her need for affection. Her mother was on bed for many years and used to take tranquilizer as prescribed by her physician. One night, she thought to take same medicine to reduce her tension. That made her addict and she could not be recovered yet.
In order to get quick relief from pain, people are also injecting painkillers. One of my addicted patient reported to me that, ''I feel to be more relaxed and tension free after injecting sosegon, because I do not want to face frequent quarrels at home.'' Actually, doctor had injected her that painkiller after surgery and since then she was using it by her own self.
The trend of taking tranquilizers and painkillers is also common in men. They also were recommended by their doctors to use them to overcome their tension. Even, people working in hospitals and clinics are also using these medicines by their own. They reported that they saw doctors prescribing these medicines to psychologically disturbed patients for stopping their worrying habits and poor sleep. Therefore, they did not feel any harm of using it to treat same problems they had.
Researches revealed that causing factors for tension and disturbed sleep vary among men and women. In men, earning bread for family is a major stressor in South Asian Countries. Along with job stress, other family problems like conflict between wife and parents also make them disturbed. One of my acquaintances reported me that he was disturbed and could not concentrate on his work owing to quarrel between his mother/sister and wife and he asked me to recommend him psychotropic medication.
On the other hand, conflicts with in laws, sarcasm frequently received from partner, lack of amenities in life, overburden by household chores and not having enough time to be socialized are adversely affecting women' mental health. Furthermore, in our society, unmarried women seem to be overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness and deprivation owing to not having proper match or either they are compelled to tie a knot with mismatch, a compromise for whole life. All these factors make ground for emotional turmoil that is reported to doctors in form of headache, tension, disturbed sleep, tiredness, body aches, loss of appetite, etc.
At this stage, health professionals must counsel these patients and take time to make prescription. In this way, patients will understand their problems and will be able to find a rational solution instead of trying to escape from reality. Moreover, collaboration of physical and mental health problems can save people and prevent our nation from indulging in addiction of tranquilizers/painkillers.
By Riffat Sadiq
Healing refers to make an ill person free from all kinds of pain and distress. Years ago, hakeem (herbalist) was there to treat patients. Many people used to visit spiritual healer for their illnesses having thought of being victim of witch craft (black magic). With the passage of time, proper institutes have been established to train those who were interested in healing sick person. Now, people have different options to visit health professionals according to their need.
Healing itself is not just confined to treat a patient or make prescriptions but it is a way to dealing an ill person. Therefore, health professionals are ethically responsible to go in depth while attending patients pertaining to their presenting problems. Researches have proved that behind physical problems/diseases, number of psychological and social factors work. Unfortunately, there are health professionals, not all, who do not bother to uncover the hidden factors and merely treat the problem as it appears. As being happened in the case of addiction of tranquilizers/painkiller which is killing our nation slowly and silently. Unfortunately, it is not easily recognized by a common man.
Usually, tranquilizers/painkillers are prescribed by health professionals to overcome excessive worries, sleep disorders and severe pain. But continuous use of these medicines/injection, by own self, result in addiction. During working experience in an addiction treatment centre, my female addicted patients reported that when they consulted doctors in case of severe tension and disturbed sleep, they were recommended tranquilizers to have sound sleep and reduce the level of tension. But frequent use of tranquilizers eventuated in addiction.
One of my patient also reported that she used to remain disturbed and could not sleep all the night owing to having severe conflicts with husband and in-laws. Doctor prescribed her laxotanil. Initially, she used to take one tablet at night but gradually, she became habituated. Whenever, she got tensed, she took medicine and now she could not go to bed without taking laxotanil. Medicine did not solve her problems but made her addicted that ruined her marital life one day. She couldn't do her household chores properly and take care of her children. As a result, she lost her family, husband and every thing.
A primary school teacher was overwhelmed by feelings of apprehension and inferiority complex owing to poverty at home, frequent bickers between parents since her childhood, not having suitable proposal and lack of gratification of her need for affection. Her mother was on bed for many years and used to take tranquilizer as prescribed by her physician. One night, she thought to take same medicine to reduce her tension. That made her addict and she could not be recovered yet.
In order to get quick relief from pain, people are also injecting painkillers. One of my addicted patient reported to me that, ''I feel to be more relaxed and tension free after injecting sosegon, because I do not want to face frequent quarrels at home.'' Actually, doctor had injected her that painkiller after surgery and since then she was using it by her own self.
The trend of taking tranquilizers and painkillers is also common in men. They also were recommended by their doctors to use them to overcome their tension. Even, people working in hospitals and clinics are also using these medicines by their own. They reported that they saw doctors prescribing these medicines to psychologically disturbed patients for stopping their worrying habits and poor sleep. Therefore, they did not feel any harm of using it to treat same problems they had.
Researches revealed that causing factors for tension and disturbed sleep vary among men and women. In men, earning bread for family is a major stressor in South Asian Countries. Along with job stress, other family problems like conflict between wife and parents also make them disturbed. One of my acquaintances reported me that he was disturbed and could not concentrate on his work owing to quarrel between his mother/sister and wife and he asked me to recommend him psychotropic medication.
On the other hand, conflicts with in laws, sarcasm frequently received from partner, lack of amenities in life, overburden by household chores and not having enough time to be socialized are adversely affecting women' mental health. Furthermore, in our society, unmarried women seem to be overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness and deprivation owing to not having proper match or either they are compelled to tie a knot with mismatch, a compromise for whole life. All these factors make ground for emotional turmoil that is reported to doctors in form of headache, tension, disturbed sleep, tiredness, body aches, loss of appetite, etc.
At this stage, health professionals must counsel these patients and take time to make prescription. In this way, patients will understand their problems and will be able to find a rational solution instead of trying to escape from reality. Moreover, collaboration of physical and mental health problems can save people and prevent our nation from indulging in addiction of tranquilizers/painkillers.
Introduction of Drugs
Introduction of Drugs
By Dr.Abdullah Wardak
Drug abuse is consumption of drugs, other than for medicinal purposes or in unnecessary quantities .people who abuse and develop dependence on narcotics drugs and psychoses substances are generally known as ''drug addicts'' From the sociologist point of view ''drug addiction is the state of assimilation into a specific life style of drug taking ''where is from the psychiatric and medical point of view. it implies physical ,psychological and psychic dependence on the tolerance of drug with tendency to increase the doses, legally in several countries it is explained as ''habitual use of drugs ,associated with their loss of self control and consequences detrimental to the individual and harmful to the public morals, safety ,health and welfare of the society .
The world health organization (WHO, 1973) has defined drug abuse as a stat of periodic, chronic intoxication, detrimental to the individual and to the society, produced by repeated consumption of drugs either natural or synthetic. The value loaded meanings of terms like drug abuse, drug addiction, drug habituation etc .forced the WHO( 1974)to replace this concept with the new one called ''DRUG DPENDENCE" the WHO defies this as a state arising from the above conceptualization of drug abuse.
It is not a new problem to be takeled, it is being dealt globally since so many decades but now it demands specials emphasis and integrated by developing countries that require extensive programs but have limited resources as compared to developed countries that have well planned principles to follow.
By Dr.Abdullah wardak
Head of Drug Demand Reduction Department
Ministry of Public Health Afghanistan.
By Dr.Abdullah Wardak
Drug abuse is consumption of drugs, other than for medicinal purposes or in unnecessary quantities .people who abuse and develop dependence on narcotics drugs and psychoses substances are generally known as ''drug addicts'' From the sociologist point of view ''drug addiction is the state of assimilation into a specific life style of drug taking ''where is from the psychiatric and medical point of view. it implies physical ,psychological and psychic dependence on the tolerance of drug with tendency to increase the doses, legally in several countries it is explained as ''habitual use of drugs ,associated with their loss of self control and consequences detrimental to the individual and harmful to the public morals, safety ,health and welfare of the society .
The world health organization (WHO, 1973) has defined drug abuse as a stat of periodic, chronic intoxication, detrimental to the individual and to the society, produced by repeated consumption of drugs either natural or synthetic. The value loaded meanings of terms like drug abuse, drug addiction, drug habituation etc .forced the WHO( 1974)to replace this concept with the new one called ''DRUG DPENDENCE" the WHO defies this as a state arising from the above conceptualization of drug abuse.
It is not a new problem to be takeled, it is being dealt globally since so many decades but now it demands specials emphasis and integrated by developing countries that require extensive programs but have limited resources as compared to developed countries that have well planned principles to follow.
By Dr.Abdullah wardak
Head of Drug Demand Reduction Department
Ministry of Public Health Afghanistan.
Golden Words 2
Alcohol is a root cause of many misdeeds Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
Tobacco slowly kills its user Dr. Daniyal
Illicit use of drugs makes you like a wall that can be diminished any time Muhammad Naveed
Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol or morphine or idealism Carl Gustav Jung
"Drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with your self esteem." Kurt Cobain
Herb is the healing of a nation, alcohol is the destruction. Bob Marley
Tobacco slowly kills its user Dr. Daniyal
Illicit use of drugs makes you like a wall that can be diminished any time Muhammad Naveed
Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol or morphine or idealism Carl Gustav Jung
"Drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with your self esteem." Kurt Cobain
Herb is the healing of a nation, alcohol is the destruction. Bob Marley
Real Stories about Drug Addiction 2
From Sobriety to Success
I had been a good student and worked hard to become a doctor. I got admission in medical college I had a dream to become doctor. I used to study with my class fellows till late night. I had to stay with them at their home. One of our college fellow used to take medicine to be more energetic to study for a longer time. One day , me too used that medicine . I felt too good and energetic. So, I started taking medicine on daily basis . When I did not take medicine, I used to feel lethargic. Till final year of my college life, I had become an addict of medicine.
After becoming doctor, I started practise in posh area of my city. My clinic was running well. After sometimes, I also started injecting myself. The da y came when every one of my area knew about my addiction and used to call me junky doctor.
One day, a patient came to my clinic and said that he has been recovered from addiction of medicine, therefore, he does not want him to prescribe that medicine. That made me feel ashamed of my self. I inquired about his treatment and approached same treatment and rehabilitation centre.
Thanks God, I am now leading a sober life
Imitating behavior leads to addiction
Though, I was youngest in my family, I got too much attention andlove from all of my family members. I was close to my eldest brother who was addicted to cannabis. He used to smoke cannabis in front of me. I used to notice him and one day, in his absence, I took one cigratte. I did not know how to smoke but I tried. That led to addiction and I became an addict of cannabis till the age of 17 years. After that, I started taking heroin too.
My fiancee tried to convince me to quit drugs but I could not. I used to buy drugs from drug peddler and used it in front of my fiancee. As a result, my relationship was broken . I am still taking drugs and waiting for death.
Addiction: A threat for whole family
I belong to a reputable religious family . My elder brother is a hafiz-e-Quran . He is married having three children. My father sent me to a renowned center for relgious education in Multan. One day, I got news about my elder brother's addiction so I had to discontinue my studies and came back to Karachi . He was taking drugs for last five years . He used to buy drugs from a peddler who also used his sister for this purpose. My brother had sexual relationship with his sister. I tried my best to get treatment for my brother but I failed. More than 20 times, treatment has been given to him but he did not sustain his recovery.
My brother also involved in drug selling and has been arrested by police. I had to go to police station to resolve this matter. I am earning member of my family. I have to take care of my family, brother's children and managing addicted brother. Sometimes, hopelessness rules over me and I see darkness in future
I had been a good student and worked hard to become a doctor. I got admission in medical college I had a dream to become doctor. I used to study with my class fellows till late night. I had to stay with them at their home. One of our college fellow used to take medicine to be more energetic to study for a longer time. One day , me too used that medicine . I felt too good and energetic. So, I started taking medicine on daily basis . When I did not take medicine, I used to feel lethargic. Till final year of my college life, I had become an addict of medicine.
After becoming doctor, I started practise in posh area of my city. My clinic was running well. After sometimes, I also started injecting myself. The da y came when every one of my area knew about my addiction and used to call me junky doctor.
One day, a patient came to my clinic and said that he has been recovered from addiction of medicine, therefore, he does not want him to prescribe that medicine. That made me feel ashamed of my self. I inquired about his treatment and approached same treatment and rehabilitation centre.
Thanks God, I am now leading a sober life
Imitating behavior leads to addiction
Though, I was youngest in my family, I got too much attention andlove from all of my family members. I was close to my eldest brother who was addicted to cannabis. He used to smoke cannabis in front of me. I used to notice him and one day, in his absence, I took one cigratte. I did not know how to smoke but I tried. That led to addiction and I became an addict of cannabis till the age of 17 years. After that, I started taking heroin too.
My fiancee tried to convince me to quit drugs but I could not. I used to buy drugs from drug peddler and used it in front of my fiancee. As a result, my relationship was broken . I am still taking drugs and waiting for death.
Addiction: A threat for whole family
I belong to a reputable religious family . My elder brother is a hafiz-e-Quran . He is married having three children. My father sent me to a renowned center for relgious education in Multan. One day, I got news about my elder brother's addiction so I had to discontinue my studies and came back to Karachi . He was taking drugs for last five years . He used to buy drugs from a peddler who also used his sister for this purpose. My brother had sexual relationship with his sister. I tried my best to get treatment for my brother but I failed. More than 20 times, treatment has been given to him but he did not sustain his recovery.
My brother also involved in drug selling and has been arrested by police. I had to go to police station to resolve this matter. I am earning member of my family. I have to take care of my family, brother's children and managing addicted brother. Sometimes, hopelessness rules over me and I see darkness in future
5- Strategies to deal traumatic events
5- Strategies to deal traumatic events
By Riffat Sadiq
Any trauma in our lives leaves behind negative feelings, anger, hopelessness and sadness. If these feelings and thoughts are not overcome on time may lead to psychological disorders in future. All kinds of psychological disorders impair personal, social and occupational life. Traumatic experiences such as; death of loved one, divorce, physical and sexual abuse have profound impact on our memories. In order to escape from these painful memories, a person either accepts death or indulges himself in those activities which stop him from thinking about the trauma. Addiction is one of the behavior or activity that seems to be a solution for escape to addicts.
There are many people who became addict after traumatic experiences which were not endurable for them. Being obsessed by drugs, for them, was better than to think about painful past experience. Realistically, addiction is not a solution but brings several problems that make human being like a slum dog that is beaten and kicked by every one.
Following are 5 strategies that can you help to overcome your negative thoughts and feelings associated with past experience;
1- I am not the only one:
Think for a while, you are not the only one who has experience such trauma. So many people around you are having same problems. It will keep happening when you will be no more in this world. You are not the only one who has been cheated, kicked, tortured or abused by significant or insignificant one. This way of thinking will reduce your negative feelings and emotions.
2- It is a trial:
Any trauma, accident is from Almighty as a trial for us in this world. Almighty puts human being in different kinds of problematic situations to test them. You, too, have been selected for this trial, for a definite time, which you are presently facing. When time gets over, your trial will be disappeared and Almighty will open new door for you.
3- Ask for tolerance and Patience:
Seek help from Almighty and request him to provide you enough patience and tolerance to endure this pain. He will open your mind and make you patient to face all hurdles and pain regarding your problem.
4- Talk to significant one:
Do not hide your feelings and pain from others. Concealing inner feelings make our inner like a volcano which can be burst any time. By discussing whatever you are feeling and thinking with significant one will help you to feel relaxed and to overcome your negative emotions.
5- Get help from professionals:
Pertaining to your problems, try to get help from professional (psychologist). Professional help will facilitate you to express all hidden feelings and emotions associated with traumatic experience. An emotionally supportive environment provided by professional will encourage you to look ahead and progress further.
By Riffat Sadiq
Any trauma in our lives leaves behind negative feelings, anger, hopelessness and sadness. If these feelings and thoughts are not overcome on time may lead to psychological disorders in future. All kinds of psychological disorders impair personal, social and occupational life. Traumatic experiences such as; death of loved one, divorce, physical and sexual abuse have profound impact on our memories. In order to escape from these painful memories, a person either accepts death or indulges himself in those activities which stop him from thinking about the trauma. Addiction is one of the behavior or activity that seems to be a solution for escape to addicts.
There are many people who became addict after traumatic experiences which were not endurable for them. Being obsessed by drugs, for them, was better than to think about painful past experience. Realistically, addiction is not a solution but brings several problems that make human being like a slum dog that is beaten and kicked by every one.
Following are 5 strategies that can you help to overcome your negative thoughts and feelings associated with past experience;
1- I am not the only one:
Think for a while, you are not the only one who has experience such trauma. So many people around you are having same problems. It will keep happening when you will be no more in this world. You are not the only one who has been cheated, kicked, tortured or abused by significant or insignificant one. This way of thinking will reduce your negative feelings and emotions.
2- It is a trial:
Any trauma, accident is from Almighty as a trial for us in this world. Almighty puts human being in different kinds of problematic situations to test them. You, too, have been selected for this trial, for a definite time, which you are presently facing. When time gets over, your trial will be disappeared and Almighty will open new door for you.
3- Ask for tolerance and Patience:
Seek help from Almighty and request him to provide you enough patience and tolerance to endure this pain. He will open your mind and make you patient to face all hurdles and pain regarding your problem.
4- Talk to significant one:
Do not hide your feelings and pain from others. Concealing inner feelings make our inner like a volcano which can be burst any time. By discussing whatever you are feeling and thinking with significant one will help you to feel relaxed and to overcome your negative emotions.
5- Get help from professionals:
Pertaining to your problems, try to get help from professional (psychologist). Professional help will facilitate you to express all hidden feelings and emotions associated with traumatic experience. An emotionally supportive environment provided by professional will encourage you to look ahead and progress further.
Parents: Helping Hands for Children
Parents: Helping Hands for Children
By Safia Rafiq
Though, it is very shocking for parents to know that their child is taking drugs. Initially, they are in complete denial by rejecting the reality, later on start cursing their fate in spite of taking step to resolve this matter realistically. They are overwhelmed by feeling of guilt and shame.
Here, parents must understand that their guilt, shame and anger will not work out at all, though it is very painful for them. If they want their child to be recovering from this disease, they should first understand the nature of the problem, identify the causing factors and should get help from significant others.
Being good parents, first positively communicate with your child over this sensitive issue. Try to rule out how their child started taking drugs and why. It will help you to identify the problem on one hand and to reduce the communication gap between you and your child on the other hand. Putting blame on child and your fate will increase the distance; as a result, chances of recovery will be minimized.
Try to forgive your child and encourage him or her to get help from professionals. In order to take back child on the right path, it is essential to forgive his first mistake along with providing realistic solutions for his problems. Follow instructions of professional regarding treatment of your child, provide positive environment that can facilitate his recovery. All those factors responsible for his addictive behavior must be discussed in healthy way in order to have long term recovery from drugs.
Parents are basically helping hands for children. Unhealthy and insecure attitude of parents increases the chances among children to go astray. Therefore, parents should understand their role in preventing and treating drug abuse problems in their children.
By Safia Rafiq
Though, it is very shocking for parents to know that their child is taking drugs. Initially, they are in complete denial by rejecting the reality, later on start cursing their fate in spite of taking step to resolve this matter realistically. They are overwhelmed by feeling of guilt and shame.
Here, parents must understand that their guilt, shame and anger will not work out at all, though it is very painful for them. If they want their child to be recovering from this disease, they should first understand the nature of the problem, identify the causing factors and should get help from significant others.
Being good parents, first positively communicate with your child over this sensitive issue. Try to rule out how their child started taking drugs and why. It will help you to identify the problem on one hand and to reduce the communication gap between you and your child on the other hand. Putting blame on child and your fate will increase the distance; as a result, chances of recovery will be minimized.
Try to forgive your child and encourage him or her to get help from professionals. In order to take back child on the right path, it is essential to forgive his first mistake along with providing realistic solutions for his problems. Follow instructions of professional regarding treatment of your child, provide positive environment that can facilitate his recovery. All those factors responsible for his addictive behavior must be discussed in healthy way in order to have long term recovery from drugs.
Parents are basically helping hands for children. Unhealthy and insecure attitude of parents increases the chances among children to go astray. Therefore, parents should understand their role in preventing and treating drug abuse problems in their children.
Effectiveness of Family Therapy
Effectiveness of Family Therapy
By Munnaza Mehmood
It is fact that if one family member is addicted, the whole family environment is badly affected. Drug abuse problems make other family members mentally, physically and socially ill. For this reason, family members become themselves co-dependents and suffer from numbers of psychological problems. They provide money to their patient to escape from the problematic situation.
Therefore, health professionals, besides treating addicts, recommend family therapy so that family can play its role in the treatment of family member. Family therapy focuses on entire family, treat psychological problems and assist in facing social problems. Unhealthy coping mechanism in family members of drug addicts affects the treatment process. When patient, after detoxification, goes back home and faces same dysfunctional patterns, he can not stay away from drugs too long. In order to have addict in long term recovery, a healthy change is needed in family patterns. Hence, Family therapists focus on entire family.
Psychological problems which are oblivious in family members are fear and rejection. Usually, drug addict's family receives rejection and criticism from society which results in psychological problems like depression, aggression and hopelessness. They could not perform their social roles and become dysfunctional. Therefore, it is necessary to treat their psychological problems so that they become functional member of society besides working hard for the recovery of their addict family member.
Researches have shown that dysfunctional family in one cause of indulging in drug addiction. Additionally, family dysfunctional patterns are hindrance in the treatment and recovery of patient. And family therapy facilitates the treatment and rehabilitation process of drug addicts and also improves the mental health of whole family.
By Munnaza Mehmood
It is fact that if one family member is addicted, the whole family environment is badly affected. Drug abuse problems make other family members mentally, physically and socially ill. For this reason, family members become themselves co-dependents and suffer from numbers of psychological problems. They provide money to their patient to escape from the problematic situation.
Therefore, health professionals, besides treating addicts, recommend family therapy so that family can play its role in the treatment of family member. Family therapy focuses on entire family, treat psychological problems and assist in facing social problems. Unhealthy coping mechanism in family members of drug addicts affects the treatment process. When patient, after detoxification, goes back home and faces same dysfunctional patterns, he can not stay away from drugs too long. In order to have addict in long term recovery, a healthy change is needed in family patterns. Hence, Family therapists focus on entire family.
Psychological problems which are oblivious in family members are fear and rejection. Usually, drug addict's family receives rejection and criticism from society which results in psychological problems like depression, aggression and hopelessness. They could not perform their social roles and become dysfunctional. Therefore, it is necessary to treat their psychological problems so that they become functional member of society besides working hard for the recovery of their addict family member.
Researches have shown that dysfunctional family in one cause of indulging in drug addiction. Additionally, family dysfunctional patterns are hindrance in the treatment and recovery of patient. And family therapy facilitates the treatment and rehabilitation process of drug addicts and also improves the mental health of whole family.
Words that help in overcoming addiction
Words that help in overcoming addiction
Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company. (Hazrat Ali Ibn-e-Abi Talib)
If at first an idea isn't absurd there is no hope for it." (Albert Einstein )
Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens (Khalil Jibran)
Life is very interesting... in the end, some of your greatest pains, become your greatest strengths.(Drew Barrymore)
Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way." (Abraham Lincoln)
Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company. (Hazrat Ali Ibn-e-Abi Talib)
If at first an idea isn't absurd there is no hope for it." (Albert Einstein )
Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens (Khalil Jibran)
Life is very interesting... in the end, some of your greatest pains, become your greatest strengths.(Drew Barrymore)
Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way." (Abraham Lincoln)
Real Stories about Drug Addiction
No Ray of Hope
I was living happily with my husband and three children. They were getting quality of education and I was dreaming of their success. My husband was doing business. Suddenly, I came to know that my husband has indulged in addiction. One day, my husband came late. When I inquired about that he started beating me. He was using alcohol and was out of control.
For this reason, he could not concentrate on his business. He destroyed his business, money and then started selling household things. My children had to quit education and spent most of their time playing outside the home. One day, my husband died of overdose.
After his death, I started working in a factory to fulfill the need of my children but no ray of hope is there for me. Second phase of my miserable life has started with the indulgence of my eldest son in drug addiction.
Drug Addiction: A escape from reality
Before addiction, my life was smoothly running being with my family, my wife and two children. Due to frequent power failure in my residential area during hot days, I used to spend time sitting outside in park near to my home. Youngsters used to smoke during that time. They were chain smoker and some of them were hashish smokers.
Initially, I forbade them from smoking. Some of them offered me but I denied. One day, I had conflict with my family and was feeling blue. I was sitting in the park with same people. I was too disturbed and when they offered me a cigarette. I could not refuse and tried it. I felt good for a while. Since then, I am taking drugs.
Now, I am addicted to crystal. My business has been finished and I am on the street. My wife wants to get divorce from me and my children are disturbed and insecure.
From Sobriety to Success
I was dearest to my parents because of being only son. We were living in the area where gambling and addiction were frequently used. I also started smoking in my teen age. Gradually, I used cannabis and then heroin. After the death of my father, I was on the street and became beggar.
I also have been involved in criminal activities. One day, an outreach worker of an NGO convinced me to get treatment. Then, I got treatment and tried to come back to life but was relapsed. I was re-admitted in the hospital for treatment. Then, I also attended meetings held by Narcotics Anonymous. Now, I am living as a recovering addict and got married. I am very happy with my present life.
I was living happily with my husband and three children. They were getting quality of education and I was dreaming of their success. My husband was doing business. Suddenly, I came to know that my husband has indulged in addiction. One day, my husband came late. When I inquired about that he started beating me. He was using alcohol and was out of control.
For this reason, he could not concentrate on his business. He destroyed his business, money and then started selling household things. My children had to quit education and spent most of their time playing outside the home. One day, my husband died of overdose.
After his death, I started working in a factory to fulfill the need of my children but no ray of hope is there for me. Second phase of my miserable life has started with the indulgence of my eldest son in drug addiction.
Drug Addiction: A escape from reality
Before addiction, my life was smoothly running being with my family, my wife and two children. Due to frequent power failure in my residential area during hot days, I used to spend time sitting outside in park near to my home. Youngsters used to smoke during that time. They were chain smoker and some of them were hashish smokers.
Initially, I forbade them from smoking. Some of them offered me but I denied. One day, I had conflict with my family and was feeling blue. I was sitting in the park with same people. I was too disturbed and when they offered me a cigarette. I could not refuse and tried it. I felt good for a while. Since then, I am taking drugs.
Now, I am addicted to crystal. My business has been finished and I am on the street. My wife wants to get divorce from me and my children are disturbed and insecure.
From Sobriety to Success
I was dearest to my parents because of being only son. We were living in the area where gambling and addiction were frequently used. I also started smoking in my teen age. Gradually, I used cannabis and then heroin. After the death of my father, I was on the street and became beggar.
I also have been involved in criminal activities. One day, an outreach worker of an NGO convinced me to get treatment. Then, I got treatment and tried to come back to life but was relapsed. I was re-admitted in the hospital for treatment. Then, I also attended meetings held by Narcotics Anonymous. Now, I am living as a recovering addict and got married. I am very happy with my present life.
Use of betel nut in young children
Use of betel nut in young children
By Safia Rafiq
During a training program conducted in a school, it was inquired about the use of betel nut from school children in daily routine. It was observed that 65 percent of them were using bête nut. Some of them were using 2 to 3 small size of packet and some of them were using 7 to 8 once a day. Children also reported that sometimes, they used betel nut in front of their family and sometimes, they hid from their parents.
It is a great concern for all of us that the use of betel nut in young children is rapidly increasing. Betel nut is easily available at tuck shop on cheap prices. A single small packet costs 1 rupee and young children can easily buy that.
Another great concern is that their families do not consider the use of betel nut as addiction. In some families, mothers, sisters and elder brothers also use it and send these innocent children to tuck shop to buy betel nut for their use. They put the example of using betel nut for them and as a result, these young children also test it. Though, this betel nut (supari) gives sweet taste, therefore, children like it very much.
Unfortunately, they become addicted to these supari (betel nut) that gradually and slowly impair their health. It was also reported by the children that after continuous use of betel nut, they had headache and chest pain. They lost their interest in studies too.
No one is paying attention to this problem. Perhaps, we are living in supari and gutka culture. When elder do not hesitate to take gutka and betel nut then it is not possible for these young children to be stayed away from that. In order to prevent our young children from drug addiction and use of supari and to eliminate supari and gutka culture, we all will have to work together.
By Safia Rafiq
During a training program conducted in a school, it was inquired about the use of betel nut from school children in daily routine. It was observed that 65 percent of them were using bête nut. Some of them were using 2 to 3 small size of packet and some of them were using 7 to 8 once a day. Children also reported that sometimes, they used betel nut in front of their family and sometimes, they hid from their parents.
It is a great concern for all of us that the use of betel nut in young children is rapidly increasing. Betel nut is easily available at tuck shop on cheap prices. A single small packet costs 1 rupee and young children can easily buy that.
Another great concern is that their families do not consider the use of betel nut as addiction. In some families, mothers, sisters and elder brothers also use it and send these innocent children to tuck shop to buy betel nut for their use. They put the example of using betel nut for them and as a result, these young children also test it. Though, this betel nut (supari) gives sweet taste, therefore, children like it very much.
Unfortunately, they become addicted to these supari (betel nut) that gradually and slowly impair their health. It was also reported by the children that after continuous use of betel nut, they had headache and chest pain. They lost their interest in studies too.
No one is paying attention to this problem. Perhaps, we are living in supari and gutka culture. When elder do not hesitate to take gutka and betel nut then it is not possible for these young children to be stayed away from that. In order to prevent our young children from drug addiction and use of supari and to eliminate supari and gutka culture, we all will have to work together.
Preventing drug addiction among teen age children
Preventing drug addiction among teen age children
By Riffat Sadiq
Our teens are at great risk of drug addiction as shown by empirical studies. This age is a puberty age therefore, certain physical and emotional changes occur in the personality. Parents should be alert all the time to not only keep an eye on them but also provide emotional support and should understand their feelings. If they do so, they children will be less likely to be influenced by others. Moreover, they will be prevented from drug addiction. There are some strategies or tips for parents to save their children
1. Build healthy communication:
Parent should build healthy and clear communication with their teen age children in order to have understanding what they feel and think. Healthy, positive and clear communication reduces confusion in parent-child relationship and boosts the confidence in children. Healthy communication also includes the friendly discussion regarding social issues and addiction is one of them.
2. Provide appropriate information
Parents are responsible to provide age-appropriate information pertaining to social problems. Information related to all kinds of drugs, its causes and consequences should be discussed with children in order to prevent them from drugs.
3. Keep an eye on their activities and friends
Responsible parents have knowledge about the children's activities and their friends too. Parents must be aware of the time their children spend with their friends, teach them to deal peer pressure and say no when they are offered to be involved any illicit activity.
4.Set rules
Parents should set rules and implement these rules in family. Rules must be age- appropriate and for whole family. Rules should not be imposed but gradually taught with understanding. If they follow rules, then parents should appreciate them.
5. Be a role model
Parents are role model for their children. If parents, themselves, use drugs, they will not be able to save their children from this disease. Parents should avoid all kinds of drugs and become a good example for their children.
By Riffat Sadiq
Our teens are at great risk of drug addiction as shown by empirical studies. This age is a puberty age therefore, certain physical and emotional changes occur in the personality. Parents should be alert all the time to not only keep an eye on them but also provide emotional support and should understand their feelings. If they do so, they children will be less likely to be influenced by others. Moreover, they will be prevented from drug addiction. There are some strategies or tips for parents to save their children
1. Build healthy communication:
Parent should build healthy and clear communication with their teen age children in order to have understanding what they feel and think. Healthy, positive and clear communication reduces confusion in parent-child relationship and boosts the confidence in children. Healthy communication also includes the friendly discussion regarding social issues and addiction is one of them.
2. Provide appropriate information
Parents are responsible to provide age-appropriate information pertaining to social problems. Information related to all kinds of drugs, its causes and consequences should be discussed with children in order to prevent them from drugs.
3. Keep an eye on their activities and friends
Responsible parents have knowledge about the children's activities and their friends too. Parents must be aware of the time their children spend with their friends, teach them to deal peer pressure and say no when they are offered to be involved any illicit activity.
4.Set rules
Parents should set rules and implement these rules in family. Rules must be age- appropriate and for whole family. Rules should not be imposed but gradually taught with understanding. If they follow rules, then parents should appreciate them.
5. Be a role model
Parents are role model for their children. If parents, themselves, use drugs, they will not be able to save their children from this disease. Parents should avoid all kinds of drugs and become a good example for their children.
Mugged
Mugged
Behold this ceramic; made personally,
...Designed not for liquor, just for coffee or tea.
A pottery project, a study in clay,
...To be "in one's cups" in a whole different way.
To some folks, I guess, this is a great recreation
...For me, I confess, it's no match for libation.
Hands shaking, room quaking, I can't seem to stop it,
...It's all I can do not to fumble and drop it.
With help from the nurses because I'm unsteady,
...We mold and we paint and by then we are ready
To fire this fine piece, this great work of art
...By this child that's grown old, this drunken old fart.
I'm not really sure just how things got this bad,
...I partied and drank some, but not like dear DAD.
Worked hard for my family, our kids, and her cat,
...But never felt worthy, I now realize that.
Yet turning to whiskey to get some relief
...Became the main source of my trouble and grief.
My life fell to pieces before I found out
...The impact of drinking is felt roundabout.
An earthware cup that set hard on its base
...May chip but won't break thus retaining its grace.
But crystal decanters, twinkling good cheer,
...Can shatter at noises that no one can hear.
The glass that I lived in was thin but opaque
...Shakespeare says "Devils assume pleasing shape".
Disguised as a savior, this bottled solution
...Dissolved all my guts with internal pollution.
Now friends discouraged, the family may leave,
...No rescue forthcoming, no well-timed reprieve.
Reluctant and frightened, I'm forced into treatment,
...I'd take a long walk if I knew where my feet went.
In spite of myself, I admit that this cup,
...Reminds me again that I just can't give up.
The urge to create has returned after years.
...To mold a life that's formed free of fears.
I'll face the hot flame of painful mistakes,
Paint bright the future, in spite of the shakes.
Build sturdy the walls of this transforming crucible,
...Less glaze and more depth will, like me, be more usable.
They talk some of God here, it still makes me flinch,
...But it's spiritual thirst that I know I must quench.
It's here on the inside, the place I must go
...Reforming takes place where it rarely does show.
All that is needed for me in the end,
...Is simple surrender and will to begin,
To empty my vessel of grief and yearning,
...Become a container for growth and learning.
What comes in a cup?
...Much more than you think,
Especially for those who have lived on the brink
...Of drowning in sorrow from too much to drink.
Here's raising my mug for a toast without malice
...Communion for life with my little clay chalice.
Note: This poem has been written by Mark, C. Retrieved on July 07 from http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Poems.html
Behold this ceramic; made personally,
...Designed not for liquor, just for coffee or tea.
A pottery project, a study in clay,
...To be "in one's cups" in a whole different way.
To some folks, I guess, this is a great recreation
...For me, I confess, it's no match for libation.
Hands shaking, room quaking, I can't seem to stop it,
...It's all I can do not to fumble and drop it.
With help from the nurses because I'm unsteady,
...We mold and we paint and by then we are ready
To fire this fine piece, this great work of art
...By this child that's grown old, this drunken old fart.
I'm not really sure just how things got this bad,
...I partied and drank some, but not like dear DAD.
Worked hard for my family, our kids, and her cat,
...But never felt worthy, I now realize that.
Yet turning to whiskey to get some relief
...Became the main source of my trouble and grief.
My life fell to pieces before I found out
...The impact of drinking is felt roundabout.
An earthware cup that set hard on its base
...May chip but won't break thus retaining its grace.
But crystal decanters, twinkling good cheer,
...Can shatter at noises that no one can hear.
The glass that I lived in was thin but opaque
...Shakespeare says "Devils assume pleasing shape".
Disguised as a savior, this bottled solution
...Dissolved all my guts with internal pollution.
Now friends discouraged, the family may leave,
...No rescue forthcoming, no well-timed reprieve.
Reluctant and frightened, I'm forced into treatment,
...I'd take a long walk if I knew where my feet went.
In spite of myself, I admit that this cup,
...Reminds me again that I just can't give up.
The urge to create has returned after years.
...To mold a life that's formed free of fears.
I'll face the hot flame of painful mistakes,
Paint bright the future, in spite of the shakes.
Build sturdy the walls of this transforming crucible,
...Less glaze and more depth will, like me, be more usable.
They talk some of God here, it still makes me flinch,
...But it's spiritual thirst that I know I must quench.
It's here on the inside, the place I must go
...Reforming takes place where it rarely does show.
All that is needed for me in the end,
...Is simple surrender and will to begin,
To empty my vessel of grief and yearning,
...Become a container for growth and learning.
What comes in a cup?
...Much more than you think,
Especially for those who have lived on the brink
...Of drowning in sorrow from too much to drink.
Here's raising my mug for a toast without malice
...Communion for life with my little clay chalice.
Note: This poem has been written by Mark, C. Retrieved on July 07 from http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Poems.html
Dangers of Smoking
Dangers of Smoking
It is a universally accepted and indisputable fact that smoking has many serious health and life hazards, for example, lung cancer, etc. to the smoker as well as those (non-smokers) in his (smokers) environment, therefore, not permissible. Shari'ah has explained in great length the importance and virtue of good health to the extent that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) even advised to maintain a balance in eating and drinking as an imbalance could be harmful to health. He advised having dates, being hot in nature with cucumber, as it (cucumber) has a cooling effect. (Shamaail). On one occasion, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) even stopped Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallaahu Anhu) from eating dates upon recovering from his illness and advised him to have vegetables instead.Although dates is not only nutritious but also a means of obtaining blessing, but in certain conditions, since it could be harmful, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised against it. From that, one can gauge the extent of abstaining from cigarettes which contain many harmful ingredients, for example, carbon monoxide, nicotine, tar and benzene vapour.Therefore, smoking is harmful to the smoker as well as those around him. Consider the following: Muhammad Abdul Ghaffaar al-Afghan in his book, 'Ninety nine harms of smoking' has said that smoking results in many sicknesses which doctors have explained and they all amount to ninety nine.Doctor Salahuddeen Abdur-Rabbi Nabiy, a neuro surgeon in Cairo says, 'When a person becomes enslaved to the habit of smoking, it has a very harmful effect on the smoker's health, especially to his heart. As a result his heart beat and blood circulation becomes unstable and he experiences drowsiness from time to time due to the shrinkin of his brain arteries.Sometimes during old age, he suffers from high blood pressure and angina. Similarly, his digestive and respiratory systems are harmed and the smoker loses his appetite. He is also afflicted by a cough which is known as the smoker's cough. When his nervous system is affected the smoker feels a prickly sensation, a numbness in his limbs and also a pain in the nerves.'In the annual conference of the American Doctors Council which took place in Chicago in 1966, the main topic discussed was the harms of smoking. Doctors, who were aware of the role that smoking played in lung cancer, became alarmed when they heard that the least harm smoking causes is that at arouses anxiety. Doctor Edward Kweller Hammond, head of statistics in the Cancer Association of America said, "Verily lung cancer which is caused by smoking cigarettes is not so serious in comparison to the injury caused by smoking with other means." It is stated in the ninth edition of "World of Knowledge" magazine that the time has come wherein it has become necessary to expose all the harms of smoking. It should also be realised that these dispecable substances even cause death.It is also necessary to elucidate the harms of smoking in the hope of saving many intelligent and educated youth, who will be astonished on how much has been written regarding this topic. It is also stated in the above-mentioned magazine under the following heading, "Cancer Caused by Smoking":This fatal illness is the culmination of many illnesses which are the result of thin blood and other sicknesses which are related to the blood vessels. All these are connected to this loathsome substances. However, lung cancer is the most likely outcome of smoking.Lung cancer was a very rare disease but the end of this century witnessed a high rise in its occurance, primarily in men and thereafter in women. In the beginning of the sixties, the death rate due to lung cancer increased compared to before. Smoking also yields other health hazards besides its general and specific economic harms.PROOF FOR THE PROHIBITION OF SMOKINGSmoking did not exist in the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ?ayhi Wasallam), but our magnificent Deen has laid down general principles from which many laws are derived. From these principles, the Ulama (Allah's mercy be upon them) have come to the conclusion that smoking is Haraam.An Aayaat of the Noble Qur'aan states, 'And do not throw yourself into destruction with your own hands.' (Baqarah 195). Smoking causes fatal sicknesses, for example, lung cancer, tuberculosis, etc.In another Aayat, Allah Ta'ala says, 'And do not kill yourselves'. (Nisaa 29). Nabi Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam said, 'Whomsoever drinks poison, thereby killing himself, will sip this poison forever and ever in the fire of Jahannum.'Cigarettes consist of many poisonous substances and furthermore, the smoker indulges in a slow suicidal act by smoking this poison.and Allah Ta'ala Knows BestMufti Ebrahim Desai
Source: http://www.islamcan.com/youth/dangers-of-smoking-1.shtml
It is a universally accepted and indisputable fact that smoking has many serious health and life hazards, for example, lung cancer, etc. to the smoker as well as those (non-smokers) in his (smokers) environment, therefore, not permissible. Shari'ah has explained in great length the importance and virtue of good health to the extent that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) even advised to maintain a balance in eating and drinking as an imbalance could be harmful to health. He advised having dates, being hot in nature with cucumber, as it (cucumber) has a cooling effect. (Shamaail). On one occasion, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) even stopped Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallaahu Anhu) from eating dates upon recovering from his illness and advised him to have vegetables instead.Although dates is not only nutritious but also a means of obtaining blessing, but in certain conditions, since it could be harmful, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised against it. From that, one can gauge the extent of abstaining from cigarettes which contain many harmful ingredients, for example, carbon monoxide, nicotine, tar and benzene vapour.Therefore, smoking is harmful to the smoker as well as those around him. Consider the following: Muhammad Abdul Ghaffaar al-Afghan in his book, 'Ninety nine harms of smoking' has said that smoking results in many sicknesses which doctors have explained and they all amount to ninety nine.Doctor Salahuddeen Abdur-Rabbi Nabiy, a neuro surgeon in Cairo says, 'When a person becomes enslaved to the habit of smoking, it has a very harmful effect on the smoker's health, especially to his heart. As a result his heart beat and blood circulation becomes unstable and he experiences drowsiness from time to time due to the shrinkin of his brain arteries.Sometimes during old age, he suffers from high blood pressure and angina. Similarly, his digestive and respiratory systems are harmed and the smoker loses his appetite. He is also afflicted by a cough which is known as the smoker's cough. When his nervous system is affected the smoker feels a prickly sensation, a numbness in his limbs and also a pain in the nerves.'In the annual conference of the American Doctors Council which took place in Chicago in 1966, the main topic discussed was the harms of smoking. Doctors, who were aware of the role that smoking played in lung cancer, became alarmed when they heard that the least harm smoking causes is that at arouses anxiety. Doctor Edward Kweller Hammond, head of statistics in the Cancer Association of America said, "Verily lung cancer which is caused by smoking cigarettes is not so serious in comparison to the injury caused by smoking with other means." It is stated in the ninth edition of "World of Knowledge" magazine that the time has come wherein it has become necessary to expose all the harms of smoking. It should also be realised that these dispecable substances even cause death.It is also necessary to elucidate the harms of smoking in the hope of saving many intelligent and educated youth, who will be astonished on how much has been written regarding this topic. It is also stated in the above-mentioned magazine under the following heading, "Cancer Caused by Smoking":This fatal illness is the culmination of many illnesses which are the result of thin blood and other sicknesses which are related to the blood vessels. All these are connected to this loathsome substances. However, lung cancer is the most likely outcome of smoking.Lung cancer was a very rare disease but the end of this century witnessed a high rise in its occurance, primarily in men and thereafter in women. In the beginning of the sixties, the death rate due to lung cancer increased compared to before. Smoking also yields other health hazards besides its general and specific economic harms.PROOF FOR THE PROHIBITION OF SMOKINGSmoking did not exist in the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ?ayhi Wasallam), but our magnificent Deen has laid down general principles from which many laws are derived. From these principles, the Ulama (Allah's mercy be upon them) have come to the conclusion that smoking is Haraam.An Aayaat of the Noble Qur'aan states, 'And do not throw yourself into destruction with your own hands.' (Baqarah 195). Smoking causes fatal sicknesses, for example, lung cancer, tuberculosis, etc.In another Aayat, Allah Ta'ala says, 'And do not kill yourselves'. (Nisaa 29). Nabi Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam said, 'Whomsoever drinks poison, thereby killing himself, will sip this poison forever and ever in the fire of Jahannum.'Cigarettes consist of many poisonous substances and furthermore, the smoker indulges in a slow suicidal act by smoking this poison.and Allah Ta'ala Knows BestMufti Ebrahim Desai
Source: http://www.islamcan.com/youth/dangers-of-smoking-1.shtml
Can Ramadan Beat Bad Habits
Can Ramadan Beat Bad Habits?
By Saffia Meek
Can habits be changed simply by abstaining from food?
Do you have any bad habits that you wish you could change but just don't have the stimulus or will power to do it?
Ramadan can be part of the solution to your problem by providing the motivation, the self-control, and the opportunity for you to implement better habits. Imagine, if fasting can teach us to control our cravings for things that are good for us (food and water), then it certainly can train us to stop doing things that are destructive to our health and lives.
Our Daily Addictions
According to Dr. Mohammad Zafar A. Nomani, professor of nutrition at West Virginia University, US, fasting tends to cause a burning or heavy feeling in the stomach and sour mouth for some people because of the increase in gastric acids in the stomach.
Consume a light meal and take a break from the doughnuts and coffee and eat foods high in protein, fiber, and nutrients. Whole-wheat bread, vegetables, humus, beans, and fruits are all good sources of fiber, which help in reducing gastric acidity and excess bile acids.
Smokers benefit from fasting, being forced to abstain during the day. According to Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, smoking one pack of cigarettes a day for one year adds two cups of tar to a smoker's lungs. However, the body is able to eliminate the tar if you stop smoking. By the end of a month of not smoking, the senses of smell and taste return, shortness of breath subsides, and energy increases.
According to a study done by the American Psychosomatic Society, caffeine and nicotine use increase the occurrence of irritability during fasting, but by the end of Ramadan, the smokers' irritability had dropped to a level lower than before the month of fasting began.
Even our choices at the grocery store are impacted by our increased Allah-consciousness. With the enhanced awareness of food during Ramadan, we are motivated to eat more fruit and drink more water than in our usual diet. More dates are eaten during Ramadan than any other time of year.
By the end of the day, you have managed to abstain from not-very healthy things like snacks foods, cigarettes, caffeine, sugar. You will probably realize than that you cannot only survive without them, but actually feel better without them.
Once you have detoxified your system from the caffeine, sugar, and nicotine withdrawals, the headaches disappear and you are left with more energy than when you were drinking coffee all morning.
Breaking Out of Isolation
Ramadan gives Muslims a great opportunity to escape this cycle of isolation and depression.
It is not unusual for people to get in a daily rut isolating themselves from those outside of their everyday routine. We get in the habit of going from home to work and back home for dinner each night with our families. Even weekends are so full of family-oriented chores and activities that we tend to put off praying at the mosque or visiting friends, which could end up leading to depression.
It seems that the TV and the computer get more of our attention each day than our faith does. According to the Sourcebook for Teaching Science, the average American home watches TV for 6 hours and 47 minutes each day. This time does not include the time spent on the computer.
The Sourcebook goes on to say that millions of Americans are so hooked on television that they fit the criteria for substance abuse as defined in the official psychiatric manual, according to Rutgers University psychologist Robert Kubey.
Ramadan gives Muslims a great opportunity to escape this cycle of isolation and depression. Ramadan traditions promote spending time together with family and friends, getting to know one another better, and meeting other Muslims that we might otherwise have not get acquainted with.
Iftars (meals to break the fast) and Tarawih Prayers (optional night prayers) provide a chance to break from our familiar patterns and relax with others who share our faith, thus increasing our connections as human beings and as believers. This socialization improves the sense of brotherhood or sisterhood within ourselves and the Muslim community.
According to Dr. Nomani, an added bonus of praying the nightly Tarawih is that it counts as mild exercise, burning up to 200 calories and helping to digest the food we ate at iftar.
Changing our normal routine during Ramadan allows us a chance to modify our lives and break free of bad habits. Fasting grounds us in reality, making us conscious of our behaviors and choices. Moreover, in being more mindful for one month, perhaps we will be strong enough to maintain better habits beyond Ramadan.
Quick Tips for a Healthier Fast
• Reduce the amount of caffeine intake a week or two prior to Ramadan in order to decrease the likelihood of "caffeine headaches."
• Avoid caffeine during Ramadan. Drink water rather than coffee or tea.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary foods.
• Break your fast with dates and water, then eat a meal after the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer.
• Try to get enough sleep at night or take a nap during the day.
• Use the spiritual and social uplifting to keep you excited and motivated beyond Ramadan.
Sources:
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1220203588297&pagename=Zone-English-HealthScience%2FHSELayout
By Saffia Meek
Can habits be changed simply by abstaining from food?
Do you have any bad habits that you wish you could change but just don't have the stimulus or will power to do it?
Ramadan can be part of the solution to your problem by providing the motivation, the self-control, and the opportunity for you to implement better habits. Imagine, if fasting can teach us to control our cravings for things that are good for us (food and water), then it certainly can train us to stop doing things that are destructive to our health and lives.
Our Daily Addictions
According to Dr. Mohammad Zafar A. Nomani, professor of nutrition at West Virginia University, US, fasting tends to cause a burning or heavy feeling in the stomach and sour mouth for some people because of the increase in gastric acids in the stomach.
Consume a light meal and take a break from the doughnuts and coffee and eat foods high in protein, fiber, and nutrients. Whole-wheat bread, vegetables, humus, beans, and fruits are all good sources of fiber, which help in reducing gastric acidity and excess bile acids.
Smokers benefit from fasting, being forced to abstain during the day. According to Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, smoking one pack of cigarettes a day for one year adds two cups of tar to a smoker's lungs. However, the body is able to eliminate the tar if you stop smoking. By the end of a month of not smoking, the senses of smell and taste return, shortness of breath subsides, and energy increases.
According to a study done by the American Psychosomatic Society, caffeine and nicotine use increase the occurrence of irritability during fasting, but by the end of Ramadan, the smokers' irritability had dropped to a level lower than before the month of fasting began.
Even our choices at the grocery store are impacted by our increased Allah-consciousness. With the enhanced awareness of food during Ramadan, we are motivated to eat more fruit and drink more water than in our usual diet. More dates are eaten during Ramadan than any other time of year.
By the end of the day, you have managed to abstain from not-very healthy things like snacks foods, cigarettes, caffeine, sugar. You will probably realize than that you cannot only survive without them, but actually feel better without them.
Once you have detoxified your system from the caffeine, sugar, and nicotine withdrawals, the headaches disappear and you are left with more energy than when you were drinking coffee all morning.
Breaking Out of Isolation
Ramadan gives Muslims a great opportunity to escape this cycle of isolation and depression.
It is not unusual for people to get in a daily rut isolating themselves from those outside of their everyday routine. We get in the habit of going from home to work and back home for dinner each night with our families. Even weekends are so full of family-oriented chores and activities that we tend to put off praying at the mosque or visiting friends, which could end up leading to depression.
It seems that the TV and the computer get more of our attention each day than our faith does. According to the Sourcebook for Teaching Science, the average American home watches TV for 6 hours and 47 minutes each day. This time does not include the time spent on the computer.
The Sourcebook goes on to say that millions of Americans are so hooked on television that they fit the criteria for substance abuse as defined in the official psychiatric manual, according to Rutgers University psychologist Robert Kubey.
Ramadan gives Muslims a great opportunity to escape this cycle of isolation and depression. Ramadan traditions promote spending time together with family and friends, getting to know one another better, and meeting other Muslims that we might otherwise have not get acquainted with.
Iftars (meals to break the fast) and Tarawih Prayers (optional night prayers) provide a chance to break from our familiar patterns and relax with others who share our faith, thus increasing our connections as human beings and as believers. This socialization improves the sense of brotherhood or sisterhood within ourselves and the Muslim community.
According to Dr. Nomani, an added bonus of praying the nightly Tarawih is that it counts as mild exercise, burning up to 200 calories and helping to digest the food we ate at iftar.
Changing our normal routine during Ramadan allows us a chance to modify our lives and break free of bad habits. Fasting grounds us in reality, making us conscious of our behaviors and choices. Moreover, in being more mindful for one month, perhaps we will be strong enough to maintain better habits beyond Ramadan.
Quick Tips for a Healthier Fast
• Reduce the amount of caffeine intake a week or two prior to Ramadan in order to decrease the likelihood of "caffeine headaches."
• Avoid caffeine during Ramadan. Drink water rather than coffee or tea.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary foods.
• Break your fast with dates and water, then eat a meal after the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer.
• Try to get enough sleep at night or take a nap during the day.
• Use the spiritual and social uplifting to keep you excited and motivated beyond Ramadan.
Sources:
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1220203588297&pagename=Zone-English-HealthScience%2FHSELayout
What Is Heroin?
What Is Heroin?
" Heroin is an illicit opiate drug, derived from morphine. It is sold as a white or brown powder, or as a black/brown tarry substance
" It is a very potent analgesic substance that works very fast and produces a powerful euphoria and sense of well being
" It is very addictive - the regular use for only a week or so can result in a physical dependence
How Is Heroin Administered?
Heroin users administer the drug in one of three ways, by:
" Snorting in intranasaly
" Smoking it
" Injecting it into a vein, or less commonly, into a muscle
How Does Heroin Affect the Brain?
" Heroin is an opiate drug, able to directly stimulate the opiate receptors in the brain. When a person takes heroin, the drug passes through the blood brain barrier and suffuses the brain with opiates. These opiates activate neurotransmitter receptors in areas of the brain responsible for regulating pleasure and pain. Once heroin activates the brain's opiate receptors, a person feels significant analgesia, as well as euphoria and contentment.
" Regular use of heroin over time leads to physical changes in the brain. With chronic use, heroin causes a reduction in the numbers of opiate receptors in the brain. Once these receptors are reduced in number, a person needs a greater amount of heroin to feel the same high (tolerance) and the person will feel symptoms of withdrawal when not using heroin (physical dependence).
" The brain adapts easily and quickly to heroin use, becoming physically dependent on the powerful substance after only a short time of regular use. This easy development of physical dependence is one primary reason why heroin is so addictive and so tough to quit.
What Are the Characteristics of a Heroin High?
There is no denying that using heroin makes a person feel very good. It produces an intense high, that depending on the route of administration, can induce a minute or two long rush that users describe as almost "orgasmic' in nature. Other characteristics of a heroin high include:
" A powerful sense of well being, free from worry
" A sleepy drowsy sedation
" Nodding, an awake but dreamlike state
" A feeling of warmth
" Slowed breathing
A heroin high lasts for up to 5 hours.
What Are the Short Term Health Consequences of Heroin Use?
Heroin can cause feelings of nausea and induce vomiting when taken by inexperienced users or when taken in large doses. Other medical consequences of acute heroin use can include:
" Mental confusion and slurred speech
" Analgesia
" Decreased respiration and heart rate
" Sweating
" Itchiness
" Constricted pupils
" A reduced cough reflux
The most significant acute consequence of heroin use is overdose, which can easily be fatal. Symptoms of heroin overdose include:
" Very shallow breathing or no respiration
" Convulsions
" Coma
" Cold and clammy feeling skin
" Extremely constricted pupils (pinpoint)
A heroin overdose is easily countered with a dosage of naloxone, a heroin antidote. Unfortunately, many people who overdose die before health care workers can administer an injection of the life-saving drug.
What Are the Long Term Heath Consequences of Heroin Use?
The chronic use of heroin can lead to devastating health consequences. Although heroin in itself is not a particularly toxic substance, the means of administration, the lifestyle associated with heroin use and the impurities present in street level heroin all combine to put chronic heroin users at great risk of a number of medical conditions and the risk of an early death.
Health consequences of chronic heroin use can include:
" HIV or hepatitis B or C infection - Injecting heroin (or even sharing straws) transfers blood born infectious disease between users. IV drug users face an extremely high risk of hepatitis C and a high risk of HIV.
" Cognitive impairments - long term heroin use seems to cause reduced cognitive functioning
" Skin infections - unsanitary injection practices can lead to skin abscesses and even gangrene
" Track marks - injection scars
" Botulism - users of black-tar heroin are at an elevated risk of very toxic botulism spores
" Bacterial infections - resulting from poor injection practices; these can lead to cardiac infections that increase the risk of heart failure
" Collapsed veins - frequent injections can lead to vein scarring or collapsed veins
" Malnutrition - heroin suppresses appetite and chronic users are sometimes more likely to spend money on drugs, than food
" Organ damage - resulting from a reduction in blood flow as a consequence of vein damage
" Pneumonia - The heroin lifestyle reduces the overall health of the addict, increasing susceptibility to pneumonia and even tuberculosis
Put simply, people using heroin are far more likely to die an early death than people not using heroin.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Heroin?
Heroin addiction perpetuates itself in part due to the intense withdrawal symptoms that occur with abstinence. Also known as "dope sickness", heroin withdrawal symptoms begin within about a half day after last use, peak after 2 or 3 days and continue for between 4 days and a week with severity.
Symptoms of heroin withdrawal can include:
" Nausea
" Vomiting
" Headache
" Muscle aches and pains
" Yawning
" Diarrhea
" Runny sinuses
" Depression
" Anxiety
" Restlessness
" Sweating
" Restless legs or "kicking"
" Stomach cramps
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant, yet unlike alcohol withdrawal symptoms, they are rarely dangerous.
Fortunately, medications exist that can greatly diminish the intensity, or even eliminate, withdrawal symptoms.
" Heroin is an illicit opiate drug, derived from morphine. It is sold as a white or brown powder, or as a black/brown tarry substance
" It is a very potent analgesic substance that works very fast and produces a powerful euphoria and sense of well being
" It is very addictive - the regular use for only a week or so can result in a physical dependence
How Is Heroin Administered?
Heroin users administer the drug in one of three ways, by:
" Snorting in intranasaly
" Smoking it
" Injecting it into a vein, or less commonly, into a muscle
How Does Heroin Affect the Brain?
" Heroin is an opiate drug, able to directly stimulate the opiate receptors in the brain. When a person takes heroin, the drug passes through the blood brain barrier and suffuses the brain with opiates. These opiates activate neurotransmitter receptors in areas of the brain responsible for regulating pleasure and pain. Once heroin activates the brain's opiate receptors, a person feels significant analgesia, as well as euphoria and contentment.
" Regular use of heroin over time leads to physical changes in the brain. With chronic use, heroin causes a reduction in the numbers of opiate receptors in the brain. Once these receptors are reduced in number, a person needs a greater amount of heroin to feel the same high (tolerance) and the person will feel symptoms of withdrawal when not using heroin (physical dependence).
" The brain adapts easily and quickly to heroin use, becoming physically dependent on the powerful substance after only a short time of regular use. This easy development of physical dependence is one primary reason why heroin is so addictive and so tough to quit.
What Are the Characteristics of a Heroin High?
There is no denying that using heroin makes a person feel very good. It produces an intense high, that depending on the route of administration, can induce a minute or two long rush that users describe as almost "orgasmic' in nature. Other characteristics of a heroin high include:
" A powerful sense of well being, free from worry
" A sleepy drowsy sedation
" Nodding, an awake but dreamlike state
" A feeling of warmth
" Slowed breathing
A heroin high lasts for up to 5 hours.
What Are the Short Term Health Consequences of Heroin Use?
Heroin can cause feelings of nausea and induce vomiting when taken by inexperienced users or when taken in large doses. Other medical consequences of acute heroin use can include:
" Mental confusion and slurred speech
" Analgesia
" Decreased respiration and heart rate
" Sweating
" Itchiness
" Constricted pupils
" A reduced cough reflux
The most significant acute consequence of heroin use is overdose, which can easily be fatal. Symptoms of heroin overdose include:
" Very shallow breathing or no respiration
" Convulsions
" Coma
" Cold and clammy feeling skin
" Extremely constricted pupils (pinpoint)
A heroin overdose is easily countered with a dosage of naloxone, a heroin antidote. Unfortunately, many people who overdose die before health care workers can administer an injection of the life-saving drug.
What Are the Long Term Heath Consequences of Heroin Use?
The chronic use of heroin can lead to devastating health consequences. Although heroin in itself is not a particularly toxic substance, the means of administration, the lifestyle associated with heroin use and the impurities present in street level heroin all combine to put chronic heroin users at great risk of a number of medical conditions and the risk of an early death.
Health consequences of chronic heroin use can include:
" HIV or hepatitis B or C infection - Injecting heroin (or even sharing straws) transfers blood born infectious disease between users. IV drug users face an extremely high risk of hepatitis C and a high risk of HIV.
" Cognitive impairments - long term heroin use seems to cause reduced cognitive functioning
" Skin infections - unsanitary injection practices can lead to skin abscesses and even gangrene
" Track marks - injection scars
" Botulism - users of black-tar heroin are at an elevated risk of very toxic botulism spores
" Bacterial infections - resulting from poor injection practices; these can lead to cardiac infections that increase the risk of heart failure
" Collapsed veins - frequent injections can lead to vein scarring or collapsed veins
" Malnutrition - heroin suppresses appetite and chronic users are sometimes more likely to spend money on drugs, than food
" Organ damage - resulting from a reduction in blood flow as a consequence of vein damage
" Pneumonia - The heroin lifestyle reduces the overall health of the addict, increasing susceptibility to pneumonia and even tuberculosis
Put simply, people using heroin are far more likely to die an early death than people not using heroin.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Heroin?
Heroin addiction perpetuates itself in part due to the intense withdrawal symptoms that occur with abstinence. Also known as "dope sickness", heroin withdrawal symptoms begin within about a half day after last use, peak after 2 or 3 days and continue for between 4 days and a week with severity.
Symptoms of heroin withdrawal can include:
" Nausea
" Vomiting
" Headache
" Muscle aches and pains
" Yawning
" Diarrhea
" Runny sinuses
" Depression
" Anxiety
" Restlessness
" Sweating
" Restless legs or "kicking"
" Stomach cramps
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant, yet unlike alcohol withdrawal symptoms, they are rarely dangerous.
Fortunately, medications exist that can greatly diminish the intensity, or even eliminate, withdrawal symptoms.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)