Herbal Remedies and Natural Health Products

Plants have been a source of medicines for as long as civilization has existed. Every culture and traditional system of medicine has used herbal remedies in some form or the other to treat illness. It has been life-saving in many instances although less widely accepted as a first option of medicine in the 20th and 21st century when modern medical science provides a more cost effective and clinically proficient option in the form of drug therapy and surgery. However, this has not significantly hampered the popularity of herbal medicine amongst the masses and today herbal remedies in some form or the other exists in every pharmacy and even supermarket.

Natural health products is a broad term that encompasses many different types of complementary or non-pharmaceutical agents, including herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements and in some instances even animal parts. Despite the different types of natural health products it is nutritional supplements and herbal remedies that still dominate the complementary health product market.

Action of Herbal Products on the Body

Herbal products have various chemicals, some of which can have a physiological effect on the body and are referred to as active ingredients. These pharmacologically active substances may have a similar effect to pharmaceutical agents and many modern drugs have been derived from herbal remedies. Medical science time and again turns to Mother Nature for possible answers to health ailments.

However, the difference between a herbal remedy and pharmaceutical drug is that the effect of the latter is better understood, clinically tested and can be more accurately controlled. With herbal remedies the quantity of the active ingredient can fluctuate from season season or even among individual plants of the same weight sourced in the same harvest. This makes its actions less predictable and in many cases the clinical efficacy of these plant extracts have never been verified against the claims made by manufacturers and distributors.

Herbal remedies can be toxic when consumed in certain quantities and has side effects since it has a pharmacological action. However, the toxicity and side effects may be minimal or the quantity of active ingredient consumed is insufficient to product these effects. This is in contrast to pharmaceutical drugs where the active ingredient has been concentrated into a small pill.

Addiction to Herbal Remedies and Natural Products

Herbal remedies can have addictive substances within it and many illicit substances are plants or extracts from plants, like marijuana and cocaine. Therefore it can be surmised that some herbal products may be addictive irrespective of whether it is being consumed for its health benefits. With other natural substances, the presence of substances that can induce a euphoria may mean that it can be physically addictive as well. Some of these are purposely included in the product formulation as an energy booster or ‘feel good’ tonic.

However, the aspect of psychological addiction also needs to be considered. With health products this psychological dependence may not be as a means to distort perception or ease emotional pain. Instead it may be associated with concerns about one’s health, misconceptions about the benefits of certain products, the placebo effect and even fear of not using the product. Sometimes traditional customs and cultural beliefs may be a factor in the addiction.

 The bottom line is that any substance even an inert substance has to potential to be addictive, if not physiologically, then at least on a psychological level. Therefore herbal remedies and other health products are not different and if the pattern of use is suggestive of addiction, appropriate help should be sought from a professional.

Effects of Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs contain active substances that closely resemble the narcotic ingredients in other illicit substances. These drugs therefore cause a similar euphoria and may also be addictive. It is often packaged as “legal highs” in herbal products with the misconception that it is the natural substances in these concoctions that are causing the euphoria. More importantly though, by altering the chemical structure these drugs can bypass legislation that outlaws its use or classifies these substances as illegal.

Most drugs are either stimulants or depressants on the central nervous system and its effects account for the difference in the “high” from different drugs. It also acts on the reward centers of the brain by causing a flood of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine. Therefore these drugs can be just as addictive. It may also have various other effects on other systems of the body and will also have the same potentially lethal effect with overuse.

Dangers of Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs like illegal narcotics are dangerous for various reasons. Firstly it disrupts normal biochemical processes in the body that not only affect brain activity but also heart, lung and kidney function. Depending on individual sensitivity and size of the dose these drugs can be lethal. Furthermore, the manufacture of these drugs are not carefully regulated because it is illegal and manufacturers may be using dangerous toxic substances to “cut” the drug – increasing the quantity by bulking it with less expensive substances.

Since these drugs may vary in composition, the effects cannot be clinically understood in every circumstance and may lead to death even with moderate usage. Synthetic drugs are also added to herbal mixtures to mask the true nature of these substances. Herbal substances have a direct pharmacological effect on the body and the interaction between the active ingredient in the herbs and drugs may be potentially lethal.

Legality of Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs are now being banned in many countries. Previously legislation only identified the active ingredients in known narcotic substances as being illegal to use. Underground pharmacologists were able to bypass this by creating new compounds which had similar effects on the human body. These substances were often not detectable by routine drug tests and could easily be hidden from conventional screening techniques. Furthermore, since it was packaged as a herbal supplement and since many of these herbs are not regulated by the same legislation as pharmacological drugs, it was able to avoid scrutiny altogether. However, with recent changes in legislation, possessing, using or even purchasing these synthetic drugs can now be considered as a crime and one may therefore face prosecution.

Addiction is a dependence on a substance, object or activity that yields reward or pleasure, alleviates withdrawal symptoms and/or satisfies cravings. The term addiction is sometimes used a bit loosely. To a person who is dependent on chemical substances like narcotic drugs, painkillers, alcohol or even tobacco, this type of dependence is considered as a ‘true’ or palpable addiction. Failure to satisfy the cravings can lead to physical symptoms of withdrawal. It also leads to the need to constantly seek the substance thereby disrupting one’s personal relationships, academic commitments and career objectives.

Addictions to certain types of activities, for example a sex addiction, on the other hand may seem less like a dependence and more like a psychological problem. However, all types of addictions appear to have certain common points in the addict – a low self worth, seeking acceptance, depression and/or as a means of distraction from activities in one’s life. There may be other aspects, both psychological and social, at play in addiction, as well as physiological factors.

Is it possible to overcome an addiction?

Any addiction can be overcome but not every addict can recover. There is no single addiction, whether on substances or activities, that a combination of psychotherapy, rehabilitation and ongoing support cannot treat. Often this works hand in hand with concurrent medical treatment. Despite successfully overcoming the withdrawal symptoms and even the cravings, a person is sometimes unable to continue a life without an addiction. In this regard, the person may return to a life of addiction, either the same addiction or substitute it for another. It is therefore common to hear among people with a history of addiction and in support groups that recovery is neverending in the life of an addict.

Are addicts aware of their addiction?

Addicts are usually fully aware of their dependence. Some may wish to overcome it while other’s don’t. Addicts are also aware of the impact of their addiction on others, particularly their loved ones. However, the nature of addiction is such that even though an addict admits that their addiction hurts other and may even show remorse, this quickly overlooked to feed the addiction. In this regard addicts appear to be disingenuous and often are, but not due to a lack of compassion but rather due to being driven by the addiction.

Will an addict recover fully?

Recovery from addiction involves multiple aspects. As mentioned above, many believe that an addict never fully recovers but recovery is ongoing for life. Support groups and psychotherapy are often essential to maintain this recovery. However, this should not detract from those with an addiction who have successfully given up their dependence and are able to continue life without support groups and psychotherapy. These individuals, however, are few in number compared to most addicts.

Sometimes recovery involves overcoming the physiological and psychological effects of the addiction, particularly with substance abuse. There may be personality changes, mental dysfunction and physical impairment from the addiction, usually long term addiction. Each case has to be assessed individually in this regard and monitored an ongoing basis by mental health and medical professionals.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

It is often debated as to whether marijuana is addictive and if the dependence is physiological (physical) or psychological. Marijuana alters the mood and has an effect of brain activity and when these changes are highly desirable, marijuana is therefore highly addictive. A person who is dependent on marijuana use will allow the drug and their undertakings to acquire it affect their personal relationships and academic and occupational commitments. Cravings are real to habitual marijuana users and long term users will experience withdrawal symptoms upon quitting the drug. All these factors mean that marijuana addiction is as real and disruptive as that of any other narcotic.

However, there are scores of marijuana users who only partake in the drug for recreational purposes, can go for long periods of time (even months or years) without using or craving the drug and will not experience any withdrawal symptoms. This may be dependent on the frequency and duration of marijuana use. Other factors that may contribute to this as well is the concurrent use of other narcotics with marijuana. Marijuana’s effects on memory, mood and perception of time may be desirable for a person who is depressed, suffering with low self esteem and facing social problems in order to ‘numb’ the reality of daily existence.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms and Overdose

Discontinuing marijuana in a long term user can cause symptoms that may vary significantly and it is not uncommon for there to be no withdrawal symptoms. Some of the more commonly seen symptoms include agitation, irritability, confusion, difficult sleeping, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating and depression. However, it is important to take note of the symptoms associated with marijuana use and to verify whether the withdrawal symptoms were actually features that were existing prior to drug use. The signs and symptoms of marijuana use includes :

• ‘Bloodshot’ eyes (redness)
• Dry mouth
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor memory
• Sleepiness
• Lack of coordination
• Inappropriate behavior associated with loss of inhibition
• Talking and laughing excessively

 Marijuana overdose is only seen with very high doses or more potent species of hemp plant with high THC levels. The overdose symptoms may include abnormal sensations (paresthesia), rapid heart rate (tachycardia), shortness of breath, slurred speech, delirium, anxiety, hallucinations, disorientation and/or severe paranoia.

Recovery from Marijuana Addiction

Recovery from marijuana is similar to other narcotics and depends on controlling the withdrawal symptoms, adequate support and avoiding the triggers/scenarios that leads to marijuana use. Withdrawal symptoms are usually temporary but it is during this withdrawal period that users are compelled to seek and utilize the drug in order to ease the discomfort. This can be counteracted with the use of anti-anxiety, antidepressant and sedative drugs and this should be supervised by a medical professional to limit the usage and prevent addiction to these substances. Support starts on the individual level and extends to family, friends and colleagues. Support groups and one-on-one counseling with a therapist may both be necessary. Lastly a person has to be separated from other users and dealers who are often facilitators of the entire habit. This may be easier to achieve in an institution or moving away from familiar surroundings.

How is Marijuana Used?

Marijuana is usually smoked in a cigarette form (joint), pipe or water pipe (hookah, ‘hubbly’, bong). Often a cigarette or cigar is emptied of tobacco and then stuffed with marijuana along with a small amount of the original tobacco. Sometimes other illicit substances are added to the marijuana mix like cocaine, heroin, phencyclidine (PCP) or methaquolone.

A disturbing trend in recent years is the mixing of certain HIV drugs (antiretrovirals) with marijuana which is then smoked. Marijuana may also be ingested usually when incorporated into a foodstuff. Typically cookies, cakes and muffins are used for these purpose as the marijuana can be easily integrated into the mixture. This is referred to as a ‘space cake’.

Effects of Marijuana on the Human Body

When marijuana is smoked or eaten, its active ingredients can enter the bloodstream through the vessels in the lungs and gut. It quickly travels to the brain where it has its most pronounced effects although it does act on almost every system in the body. THC binds with cannabinoid receptors in the brain which are more abundant in those regions responsible for pleasure, memory and sensory perception. It starts taking effect within minutes and reaches a peak within 15 to 20 minutes of entering the bloodstream.Marijuana has the following effects on the central nervous system and other systems of the body :

• Alters space and time perception.
• Impairs concentration, memory and coordination.
• Abnormal sensory perceptions like numbness, tingling, ‘pins and needles’ and perceived hypersensitivity.
• Increases the heart rat and blood pressure.
• Reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
• Suppresses the appetite.
• Irritates and inflames the lining of the airways.
• Disrupts normal activity of the sex hormones in both males and females, thereby affecting the menstrual cycle, sperm count, fertility and even delay puberty if utilized from a young age.
• Exacerbates any psychiatric disorders and contributes to anxiety, depression and panic attacks in larger doses.

Regular smoking of marijuana increases the risk of developing COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and lung cancer.

Medical Marijuana

When the hemp plant is prescribed for the treatment and management of certain medical conditions, it is known a medical marijuana. There is growing evidence to suggest that it may be of use in pain management, easing nausea and vomiting in patients on chemotherapy (cancer treatment) and for the management of certain psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The dosage is carefully monitored and the drug is administered in more a controlled manner than is the case with its illicit use. Medical marijuana, however, is still a highly controversial topic and not approved for use in every country.

IBD and Cigarette Smoking

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition characterized by varying degrees of inflammation of the bowels. The two main types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease may arise in any part of the gut but is usually isolated to the terminal part of the small intestine (ileum) and colon, where ulcerative colitis only arises in the colon and/or rectum. Both conditions are believed to be due to a defective immune response that is genetically acquired. Diarrhea, with/without blood and mucus, abdominal pain and weight loss are some of the features seen in IBD.

Cigarette smoking appears to have an effect on both conditions. Crohn’s disease is more likey to be caused and exacerbated by cigarette smoking. On the other hand, ulcerative colitis is less likely to occur in smokers and therefore higher rates are seen among non-smokers and those who have previously smoked. This, however, is not a justification to begin smoking for ulcerative colitis sufferers. Various studies and clinical observations have found that cigarette smoking reduces the effectiveness of treatment and complicates the management.

IBS and Cigarette Smoking

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the bowels which appears to be due to a dysfunction in the gastrointestinal motility. As a functional disorder, there is no evident abnormalities in the bowel anatomy, pathological changes or clearly understood mechanism contributing to this condition. Some patients have diarrhea-predominant IBS while others have constipation-predominant IBS. Although the exact cause of IBS is not known, certain stimuli serves as triggers particularly in acute flareups.

Cigarette smoking is one of these known triggers, particularly in diarrhea-predominant IBS. Smokers are more likely to have diarrhea or at least more frequent bowel movements which is often uncontrollable. Smoking cessation on the other hand appears to improve the overall presentation of the condition. On the other hand, patients with constipation-predominant IBS sometimes report and improvement in bowel regularity with cigarette smoking. However, this is often short-lived and it is possible, although not conclusively verifiable, that cigarette smoking will exacerbate constipation-predominant IBS in the long run.

Nicotine, IBD and IBS

The use of nicotine patches in certain bowel conditions like IBD and IBS should not be a justification to continue smoking. Nicotine may aid with bowel motility but if used, it has to be administered in control doses via other routes like patches. Cigarettes do not only deliver nicotine to the system, but scores of noxious chemicals many of which are carcinogenic (cancer-causing chemicals). In conditions like IBD where there is an increased risk of colorectal cancer, cigarette smoking only serves to increase the risk of developing cancer due to the constant exposure to carcinogens.

The bottom line is that cigarette smoking is an addiction, both physiological and psychological. In that regard it has to be approached in a manner that any addiction would – controlling the withdrawal symptoms, reducing the stress or triggers that drives a person to use and support from family and friends. Some people have the willpower to go it alone and successfully give up their nicotine addiction but for most help is needed during the recovery period. Understanding the process and what to expect is the first step in overcoming it.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Nicotine is a stimulant and along with the other chemicals in cigarettes, it enhances the mood and increases stamina to some degree. Blood pressure and heart rate is also raised by cigarette smoking. In this regard, a person will feel “low” or “down” in terms of mood, tired and unlikely to be able to cope with daily activities as is normally the case. Irritability is another prominent feature when quitting. Difficulty concentrating and a “cloudiness” of the mind often drives a person to seek that “one last smoke” in order to get by the day.

However, this only serves to disenchant a person about their willpower to quit and lead to the misconception that cigarettes control them and can never be given up. It is therefore advisable that every person who decides to quit should consider nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), be it in the form of a nicotine spray, gum or patch. Even if it is not used, having it at hand will allow a person to better cope with the withdrawal symptoms and reach out for it when it is most needed.

Other symptoms that one can expect is very mild tremors, constipation and sleepiness throughout the day. Many people benefit from the use of antidepressants during this period, and the more popular smoking cessation drugs are actually antidepressants. This does not mean that every smoker or person who has just quit is depressed but rather the chemical effect of antidepressant helps to counteract the withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture, meditation and breathing exercises may all prove useful to some degree and depends on a person’s preference in coping with the recovery period.

Support for Quitting Cigarettes

Support needs to be present at multiple levels. From the closest members of the family who assist with easing the daily stresses to friends and colleagues who discourage the odd smoke or even not smoke around the person. This should extend further with support groups in the area or even counseling by a trained professional on a one-on-one basis.

Avoiding the Triggers

Although quitting cigarettes should be dealt with on a day-by-day basis, it is often easier to monitor each hour in the first few days. Avoiding triggers that drives you to smoke is essential but first it must be identified. For some it is about having a smoke with that cup of coffee, or the social smoke break with colleagues at work. Others need to have a smoke after meals or while driving. Ideally these triggers should be dealt with prior to quitting cigarettes. In other words, if you have become accustomed to smoking with every cup of coffee, then first try to break this habit before you quit cigarettes. Avoid smokers as far as possible, and while this may make you a little anti-social at the outset, your friends and colleagues will understand that it is just one step in quitting.

Rewarding Yourself

Irrespective of our age, we all like to be rewarded for our efforts. Rewards for quitting smoking is the same. Save up the money that you would have otherwise spent on cigarettes and motivate yourself to keep off cigarettes. For moderate smokers, the money spent on cigarettes within a year can be a fair amount, which may not buy you exactly what you want but can still go a long way in affording a treat that you otherwise would not have considered. Most importantly, remind yourself of the health benefits of having quit and how this will be an advantage to both you and your dependents in the long run. That alone is often rewarding enough for most people.

Low vs High Nicotine Cigarettes

Cigarette smoking is an addiction that has both a physiological (physical) and psychological aspect. Nicotine plays a role in both these aspects of the dependence irrespective of whether one uses low or high nicotine cigarettes. The quantity of nicotine varies among different brands and strengths and so does the amount of tar and other noxious compounds. These days, the different strengths are labelled as ultra light, light, mild and filters suggesting the heavier brands. Flavoring most commonly with menthol does not affect this. The quantity of nicotine may vary between 0.1mg to 1.5mg. There is a misconception that smoking lighter cigarettes are therefore less of a health hazard than high nicotine cigarettes. However, the detrimental health effects of cigarette smoking seems to have little to do with the strength of the cigarette but rather the number of cigarettes consumed in a day and the duration of cigarette smoking (pack years).

Quitting with Lighter Cigarettes

Every smoker will testify to the difficulty in overcoming the addiction. Therefore many methods are employed to kick the habit from weaning off slowly to going cold turkey. At times, smokers wishing to quit  switch to low nicotine options as a means of weaning off cigarettes. However, this may just be a means to delay the inevitable, which is eventually giving up cigarettes altogether.

Many smokers may find that they smoke more upon switching to lower nicotine cigarettes. Despite comforting themselves that their total daily intake is lower than it was, the important point to note here is that the habit actually increases. Cigarette smoking is not entirely about the addiction to nicotine and other monoamine oxidase inhibitors in cigarettes. It is also a habit of holding a cigarette in the hand, drawing on it and socializing with other smokers. Then there is the aspect of concomitant habits, like having a cigarette with coffee or after a meal.

Therefore switching to a lighter cigarette as a way of quitting smoking is not the most effective method. It may in fact have many pitfalls and even increase the severity of the habit. Whether one wishes to go cold turkey or slowly wean off cigarettes, the better option may be nicotine replacement products. Nicotine administration, however, is a habit and an addiction and it is best to consider changing the means of administration when quitting rather than reducing the quantity of daily usage.

 Weaning Off Cigarettes

Stepping down the consumption involves first identifying your current daily consumption. There is no point being misleading about this as the only person you will be lying to is yourself. This can seriously hamper the success of your smoking cessation endeavor. When weaning off cigarettes or nicotine products, one should work on a weekly schedule. Rushing through it can quickly lead to failure. Ideally the consumption should be reduced by one-third of the previous week until a point is reached where you can feel certain that you can do without it entirely.

For example, a person who is smoking 20 cigarettes a day will reduce cigarette consumption to 14 to 15 cigarettes per day for week one. This will then be further reduced to 10 cigarettes per day in week two. By week three the consumption will be about 7 cigarettes a day. Week four around 4 cigarettes a day. As you can see, this is a 30% reduction per week. If you feel that you are about to “slip off the bandwagon”, it is best to return to a higher consumption level where you are comfortable until you reach the point where you are willing to reduce the consumption again.

Gradually reducing your cigarette consumption and the use of nicotine products requires a predetermined schedule and discipline. Since the cigarettes or nicotine products are in your hand, it is easy to fall off track and consume more than was laid out for the day. Many feel that this is the best route to reduce the withdrawal symptoms of quitting but it is best to consult with a doctor or pharmacist and discuss suitable nicotine replacement products that can help you along.

Quitting Cold Turkey

This method often arises suddenly rather than being planned. You may decide to quit tomorrow and throw out your pack of cigarettes last thing in the evening or you suddenly wake up one morning and decide you no longer want to smoke. Not surprisingly, it often comes about with a health scare or after a night of excesses. Quitting cold turkey is not for every person. It requires a significant amount of discipline especially if you are frequently exposed to other smokers. Many who have successfully quit will confirm that it is the hardest method to overcome a cigarette smoking addiction. It is often useful to keep track of each day that you stay away from cigarettes and mark it clearly as a means of motivating yourself on day-to-day basis.

Using a nicotine replacement product to replace your cigarette smoking is not considered as ‘cold turkey’. Many people opt for snacks, gum or candy to replace the cigarettes with regards to the psychological dependence of having something in the hand or mouth. However, this should be used cautiously and can often contribute to weight gain during the quitting phase. Most cigarette smokers report the most intense withdrawal symptoms within the first 10 days of quitting, and this gradually eases over days and weeks. However, the craving may persist for weeks, months or rarely even for years.

Who is a porn addict?

A pornography addict is any person who needs frequent use of pornographic material for personal satisfaction or to maintain interpersonal relationships and usually hoards pornographic material for the same purposes. Although there is no clear definition, it is fair to say that a porn addict will seek pornographic material specifically in order to curb some desire and failure to do so will have some impact on a person’s life or functioning. Pornography addicts are often seen as people who have a difficulty in maintaining interpersonal relationships or normal sexual interaction. However, the use of pornography is so widespread these days as the addiction may often be more of an obsession than actual need. Therefore the arbitrary definition of a porn addict can be expanded to include a broader group of frequent pornographic material users. Any person who utilizes pornographic content on a frequent basis and makes efforts to acquire and view it can therefore be considered as a porn addict. It may sometimes just be an extension of other underlying conditions including sex addiction.

Types of Porn Addiction

Pornography addiction may vary based on the type of media or type of content. Not all addicts are so specific. Some may prefer print material like magazines, movies or digital images. Others may prefer live shows. The preferences among the subject matter may also vary drastically and unfortunately it can sometimes extend into illegal activities. Pornography may be necessary for arousal and sexual activity, may require the participation of life partners or be a private matter involving only the user. It may also progress from softcore to hardcore pornography and extend into fetishes.

Why is there a pornography addiction?

It is unlikely that any specific cause can be attributed to this type of addiction. For some it may stem from dysfunctional interpersonal relationships, in childhood or even later in adulthood, whereas for others it may be a difficulty maintaining a relationship without the use of pornography. Sometimes it is neither and just a matter of personal enjoyment. When it involves psychological disturbances, there may be dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, low self esteem, a desire for acts that may not be a possible in reality or just the fantasy. Although some criminals, involving sex crimes, have been noted to have a pornography addiction there is no clear indication that every addict has criminal tendencies. It is important to note though that some couples may prefer and enjoy the use of porn and in this regard it is difficult to label one or both partners as addicts.