Health for Life

Internet addiction

As a specialist said, Internet addiction has for the first time been linked with changes in the brain similar to those seen in people addicted to alcohol, cocaine and cannabis.

What is Internet addiction?

Net addiction is described as an impulse control disorder, which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug and is very similar to pathological gambling.

As we know, Internet users may enjoy aspects of the Internet that allow them to meet friends, socialize, and exchange ideas through the use of chat rooms, social networking websites, or “virtual communities… etc.”   Other Internet users spend endless hours researching topics of interest Online or “blogging”.

Similar to other addictions, those suffering from Internet addiction use the virtual fantasy world to connect with real people through the Internet, as a substitution for real-life human connection, which they are unable to achieve normally.

Warning signs of Internet addiction

• Preoccupation with the Internet.  (Thoughts about previous on-line activity or anticipation of the next on-line session.)
• Use of the Internet in increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction.
• Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop Internet use.
• Feelings of restlessness, moodiness, depression, or irritability when attempting to cut down use of the Internet.
• On-line longer than originally intended.
• Jeopardized or risked loss of significant relationships, job, educational or career opportunities because of Internet use.
• Lies to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet.
• Use of the Internet is a way to escape from problems or to relieve a dysphoric mood.  (e.g. Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anxiety, depression.)

(http://www.addictionrecov.org/Addictions/index.aspx?AID=43)

Other Symptoms Include:

• Failed attempts to control behavior

• Heightened sense of euphoria while involved in computer and Internet activities

• Neglecting friends and family

• Neglecting sleep to stay online

• Being dishonest with others

• Feeling guilty, ashamed, anxious, or depressed as a result of online behavior

• Physical changes such as weight gain or loss, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome

• Withdrawing from other pleasurable activities

(http://www. netaddiction.com)

Effects?

That is very dangerous situation addict person and others in there family. Internet addiction results in personal, family, academic, financial, and occupational problems that are characteristic of other addictions. Individuals suffering from Internet addiction spend more time in solitary seclusion and spend less time with real people with their lives, and are often viewed as socially awkward. Arguments may result due to the volume of time spent on-line.  Those suffering from Internet addiction may attempt to conceal the amount of time spent on-line, which results in distrust and the disturbance of quality in once stable relationship.

Go to The first step is to determine if there is a problem.  A Certified Addictions Counselor trained in identification and treatment of Internet addiction can effectively perform an assessment to determine what level of care is most appropriate. It is very important matter solve this problem.

Young Issues

This is very bad problem with last 5 decades. and very dangerous problem with all younger’s.

Key facts of young Issues

• about 2.6 million young people (aged 10 to 24) die each year, mostly due to preventable causes.
• About 16 million girls aged 15 to 19 give new unexpected birth every year.
• Young people, 15 to 24 years old, accounted for 40% of all new HIV infections among adults in 2009.
• In any given year, about 20% of adolescents will experience a mental health problem, most commonly depression or anxiety.
• As an estimated 150 million young people use tobacco.
• Approximately 430 young people aged 10 to 24 die every day through interpersonal violence.
• Road traffic injuries cause an estimated 700 young people to die every day.

As I know, most young people are healthy. But, more than 2.6 million young people (aged 10 to 24) die each year. A greater number still engage in behaviors that jeopardize not only their current state of health, but often their health for years to come. Nearly two-thirds of premature deaths and one-third of the total disease burden in adults are associated with conditions or behaviors that began in their youth, including: tobacco use, a lack of physical activity, unprotected sex or exposure to violence.

Some of the main health issues

• HIV

Every day, 2400 more young people get infected and globally there are more than 5 million young people living with HIV/AIDS. This is a very bad incident.

• Early pregnancy and childbirth

16 million girls give new birth every year – roughly about 11% of all births worldwide. The vast majority of adolescents’ births occur in developing countries. The risk of dying from pregnancy related causes is much higher for adolescents than for older women.

• Injuries

Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death and disability among young people. Road traffic injuries take the lives of a staggering 700 young people every day.

• Tobacco use

Today an estimated 150 million young people use tobacco , The vast majority of tobacco users worldwide began when they were adolescents.. This number is increasing globally, particularly among young women

• Harmful use of alcohol

Harmful drinking among young people is an increasing concern in many countries. It also reduces self-control and increases risky behaviors.

Alcohol use starts at a young age: 14% of adolescent girls and 18% of boys aged 13–15 years in low- and middle-income countries are reported to use alcohol.

• Malnutrition

That is major problem, Many boys and girls in developing countries enter adolescence undernourished, making them more vulnerable to disease and early death.

• Violence

Violence is one of the leading causes of death among young people, particularly males: an estimated 430 young people aged 10 to 24 years die every day through interpersonal violence.

• Mental health

Mental health very important of all younger’s. In any of given year, about 20% of adolescents will experience a mental health problem, most commonly depression or anxiety. The risk is increased by experiences of violence, humiliation, devaluation and poverty, and suicide is one of the leading causes of death in young people.

This is not good things for our world.

Article source : World Health Organization and WHO Media centre

How to prevent Drug Addiction

Drug addiction has become a very common and dangerous occurrence of most people, and more often than not, young people become a target of this bad practice.  As we know most parents have 1 question, and that is how to prevent drug addiction from their son or daughter,  and get acquainted with how to prevent drug addiction and keep loved ones away from this bad habit. The easiest way to keep children and other family members away from drugs is to pay attention to them. I get you best 4 methods for your children ,

4 Ways to Prevent Drug Addiction

1.     Talk about It

Study up on the effects of different drugs and the ways, in which your children may take them, It is never too early to talk about the dangers of drug addiction. you can talk to them about it and convey as many concrete facts as you feel they can handle.

   2. Look for Symptoms of Drug Use

First, look for signs of falling grades or trouble with teachers. There may be a radical change in face, clothes or hair style. Be attention parents, your child may stop normal activities and reject formerly close friends in favor of new ones you don’t know. It becomes very unlucky situation. He may begin sleeping late far more often than normal, and he may appear lethargic and tired while he is awake, you must keep your eyes on them.

  3. Know Your Child’s Schedule

As we know, older children and teens need independence, and overly restrictive parents may cause more problems than they solve. Be aware of her and know what activities she is normally involved in. Keep your communication open; encourage always her to let you know where she’ll be in case, you need to reach her in an emergency. She will be more inclined to trust you if there’s a problem, and you can keep track of her while still giving her space.

4. Monitor or Remove Drugs From Your Home

That is very important for  when preventing drug addiction. Refrain from using any illegal substances and dont keep any in your home. The issue goes beyond that, however since abuse of legal prescription drugs is a rapidly expanding problem among teenagers. Know where your prescription medications, are and keep them somewhere safe.