There's a strong link between alcohol use and depression, with approximately one-third of people with major depression also having a drinking problem. A 2016 study, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, led by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center suggests that both alcoholism and depression exist in various forms and these co-occurring disorders may have different underlying mechanisms.
For the study, researchers used a mouse model to ascertain that depressive-like symptoms can be eliminated by using an anesthetic drug that also has antidepressant properties. Researchers believe that commonly used antidepressants, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), are not very effective in this group of people. They found that ketamine, an anesthetic drug, has a long-lasting antidepressant effects in humans.
The researchers also tested the effect of raising brain levels of an endocannabinoid, called 2-AG, implicated in depression and anxiety-like behavior, by blocking the enzyme monoacylglycerol (MAG) lipase. The research has been shown to prove a previous study which found that raising 2-AG levels with an MAG lipase inhibitor reduced stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors.
"We are excited to pursue the role of the endocannabinoid system further," the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Reporter quoted senior author Danny Winder, Ph.D., professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and of Psychiatry, as saying. But clinical use of ligands (compounds) that bind endogenous cannabinoid receptors is still in its infancy."
Benefits of medical detox on alcoholics
Alcohol consumption leads to physical and emotional changes, putting the health of an alcoholic at a high risk. Even a small amount of alcohol can have an adverse effect on the body as it is absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to the other organs of the body.
Medical detoxification (or detox) is the initial period of medical management which helps an addict in reducing alcohol dependency. Detox gives the best results when it takes place at a rehab center with 24/7 treatment setting. Patients tend to experience withdrawal symptoms – ranging from a mild headache to severe delirium tremens (DT) – during the initial seven to 10 days of the procedure. Once the patient is through with the initial process of cleansing, he or she may have to take medication and therapy, without which, relapse is more likely.
Many rehabs also offer therapies that are designed to help patients deal with psychological problems, such as depression, related with alcoholism. As quitting alcohol may have emotional repercussions, it is important to know what triggers alcohol cravings and what are the healthier ways to cope with these triggers. Because craving is such a difficult problem in alcoholics, therapy sessions need to encourage patients to develop social skills and help them find ways to avoid situations which could trigger a relapse.
The latest study is likely to set the stage for development of new treatments for mood and anxiety disorders that are induced by withdrawal from alcohol.
Path to recovery
Drug cravings are impossible to resist with common triggers, including the group of people with whom one uses alcohol, social situations and certain mental conditions such as anxiety, depression or joy. Using proper medications, like buprenorphine and naltrexone, counseling, and detox therapy can significantly improve chances of recovery in addiction patients. Studies have shown that people who undergo an inpatient treatment are far more likely to get rid of addiction than those who do not consider long-term care.
It is not easy to fight the vicious cycle of addiction, recovery and relapse. If you or someone you love is dependent on drugs and displays increasing risk of developing other health-related issues, probably it's time to visit a detoxification treatment center in Arizona or any other region you are in. A detoxification treatment center Arizona can help you begin the path of recovery effectively and successfully before it grows into an unmanageable problem. If you have questions or would like further information regarding medically supervised detox, please call Arizona Detox Helpline at 866-593-8453.
Source : articlesbase.com
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