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 April 6, 2008
Awareness, Acceptance, Action
Dear God,
Slow me down when all I do is try to fix and control things and people.
Help me to first accept situations, as they are when I become aware of them.
- Slow me down in your stillness.
- Mark my awareness with unselfishness,
- my acceptance with humility, and
- my actions with usefulness to me and others.
You are reading from the book: The 12 Step Prayer Book Volume 2 by Bill P. and Lisa D.
See also;
 |
The 12 Step Prayer Book: A Collection of Favorite 12 Step Prayers and Inspirational Readings
by Bill P., Lisa D.
Read more about this title… |
Posted in ACOA, Alateen, Alcoholics Anonymous, Co-dependency, Narcotics Anonymous, spiritual | Tagged: 12 step, acceptance, action, Awareness, control, god, humility | 1 Comment »
Posted by fredjoiners on December 15, 2007
This brief list of symptoms may help people tell the difference between alcoholism, addiction or mental illness.
NB; There are other signs and symptoms, but these are the most common.
Alcoholic
- Irritability, mood swings
- Elaborate excuses for behavior;
- Unkempt appearance
- Blackouts (periods of temporary memory loss while intoxicated)
- Impaired motor coordination, slurred speech, flushed face, bloodshot eyes
- Numerous injuries, burns, bruises, etc. with vague explanations
- Smell of alcohol on breath, or excessive use of mouthwash, mints, etc.
- Increased isolation from others
Drug Addicted
- Rapid mood and/or performance changes
- Frequent absence from work;
- Frequent use of restroom
- Increased bodily complaints necessitating more prescriptions of pain medications
- May wear long sleeves all of the time
- Increased isolation from others
Mentally Ill
- Depressed, lethargic, unable to focus or concentrate, apathetic
- Makes many mistakes at work
- Erratic behavior or mood swings
- Inappropriate or bizarre behavior or speech
May also exhibit some of the same or similar characteristics as chemically dependent person
Note - it is most important to look for patterns or changes in behavior.
Not all characteristics need to be present to indicate that a problem exists.
Seek help for further diagnosis from a healthcare worker, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-anon or Naranon.
In the first instance always seek help from a healthcare worker especially where mental health is concerned.
Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption.
Posted in Al-anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Drugs, Narcotics Anonymous, addiction, alcohol, alcoholism, symptoms | 1 Comment »
The highest rates of hepatitis C are in addicts and alcoholics.
