Posted by fredjoiners on June 15, 2008
The highest rates of hepatitis C are in addicts and alcoholics.
Hepatitis C is a chronic liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Because many people do not have symptoms when they are infected, it is important for those at risk to take action to avoid infecting others.
Background
Although HCV has existed for a long time, it was only identified in 1989. HCV causes inflammation of the liver, which can progress to cirrhosis (extensive scarring that can affect the normal function of the liver).
Some people recover from their infection, but 75-85% progress to the chronic (carrier) state. People with chronic hepatitis C may not have symptoms for decades. Approximately 35% of those who have chronic hepatitis C, do not know that they are infected.
Other topics in this article are;
- Health Risks of Hepatitis C
- The Health Effects of Hepatitis C
- Minimizing Your Risk
Full story at; Health Canada
See also;
Posted in Doctors, Drugs, Dual Diagnosis, Harm Reduction, Health, Liver, Narcotics Anonymous, Recovery, addiction, alcoholism, disease, men, symptoms | Tagged: HCV, hepatitis C, infection | No Comments »
Posted by fredjoiners on June 15, 2008
Some of the highest rates of hepatitis B are in alcoholics and addicts.
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus is carried in blood and body fluids. It can lead to serious liver damage, life-long infection, liver cancer, liver failure and even death. Fortunately, there is a vaccine that can protect you against hepatitis B.
Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of a group of viruses that attacks the liver. Six hepatitis viruses have been identified but three - known as A, B, and C - cause about 90% of the acute hepatitis cases in Canada.
HBV is the most common form of hepatitis virus in the world. It is easily transmitted and is significantly more infective than HIV. HBV is primarily transmitted from one person to another through blood or other body fluids, such as vaginal secretions and semen. It is usually spread through sexual contact or by sharing contaminated needles or other drug equipment. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and birth.
The majority of people infected with HBV do not have noticeable symptoms and may unknowingly be experiencing liver damage and infecting others. That is why it is important for those most at risk to be vaccinated against the virus and avoid risky behaviour.
Topics in the linked article include;
- Symptoms of HBV
- Risks of Hepatitis B Exposure
- The Health Effects of Hepatitis B
- Minimizing Your Risk
Full story at; Health Canada
See also;
Posted in Doctors, Drugs, Dual Diagnosis, Harm Reduction, Health, Liver, addiction, alcoholism, disease, symptoms | Tagged: cancer, hepatitis B, virus | 1 Comment »
Posted by fredjoiners on June 7, 2008
Recovery Focused Approach to Tackling Drug Use in Scotland
Scotland’s first national drugs strategy The Road to Recovery: A New Approach to Tackling Scotland’s Drug Problem was launched on May 29, 2008. The Government believes that preventing drug use is more effective than treating established drug problems and that treatment services in Scotland should be based on the principle of recovery.
The key priorities are:
- better prevention of drug problems, with improved life chances for children and young people
- more people recovering from problem drug use
- communities that are safer and stronger places to live and work
- ensuring that children affected by parental substance use are safer
- improving the effectiveness of delivery at a national and local level
The Government’s vision for how drug treatment services in Scotland should be delivered is based on the principle that recovery should be the explicit aim of all services providing treatment and rehabilitation for people with problem drug use.
‘Recovery’ is the principle that people suffering from problem drug use should receive support which does more than just reduce the immediate risks and harms of addiction. Individuals become active participants in their own care, moving forward in the hope and belief that they will get better.
What do we mean by recovery?
We mean a process through which an individual is enabled to move on from their problem drug use, towards a drug-free life as an active and contributing member of society. Recovery is most effective when service users’ needs and aspirations are placed at the centre of their care and treatment. There is no right or wrong way to recover.
The Road to Recovery sets out the Government’s vision of recovery as an achievable goal for people with problem drug use and the actions it intends to carry out to promote a shared understanding of how to promote and support recovery. These include establishing and supporting a ‘recovery network’, building the capacity of services which can help services users choose the treatment that is right for them, and ensuring that the principles of recovery are reflected in the reform of delivery arrangements and in training and workforce development programmes.
Posted in Comorbidity, Doctors, Drugs, Dual Diagnosis, Harm Reduction, Health, Marijuana, Recovery, Research reports, Training, addiction, alcohol, treatment | Tagged: Scotland | No Comments »
Posted by fredjoiners on May 29, 2008
Scottish patients face quiz over drink habits at Last
A MULTIMILLION pound scheme has been launched to halt serious alcohol problems before they take hold in drinkers who are unaware they are exceeding safe limits.
Doctors, nurses and dentists across Scotland will be trained to quiz thousands of patients about their drinking habits and offer counselling to those breaching safe levels.
Women who regularly drink more than three units a day and men who drink more than five will be subjected to a ‘brief intervention’, where NHS staff will warn them about the dangers of alcohol, ask them to cut back on their drinking and tell them to return for a follow-up appointment.
Despite repeated attempts to highlight safe levels of alcohol, in Scotland there is still confusion about how much it is safe to drink. High on the list of people health officials want to reach are those who drink at home in the evening, after work and at weekends. They are unwittingly putting themselves at risk of a range of health problems, including high blood pressure and liver disease.
The move, part of an £85m three-year Scottish Government alcohol strategy, will see around one in six Scots ’screened’ for their drinking habits during routine appointments with GP’s, dentists and nurses.
Full story at Scotland on Sunday
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Posted in Doctors, Recovery, Training, alcohol, alcoholism, men, treatment, women | Tagged: counselling, dentists, drinker, GP's, nurses, patients, Scotland | No Comments »
The highest rates of hepatitis C are in addicts and alcoholics.
