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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

When Hemorrhoids Flare Up: Getting Relief At Home

by Valerie Stevens

Hemorrhoids are a very common condition that affect as many as 50% of people over the age of 50, as well as countless others. Unfortunately, this condition can often result in a great deal of pain and discomfort as the veins around the anus swell during a flare up. Thankfully, there are steps that you can take to obtain relief for these symptoms without running to the doctor every time your hemorrhoids flare up.

Over-The-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter pain medications can often offer relief from the pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. However, it is important to note that this pain will likely return as the medication wears off. Therefore, these pain-killers should only be used as a temporary option while you seek out alternative remedies that can offer longer lasting relief.

Witch Hazel Pads

Witch hazel has a numbing effect that can relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids virtually immediately. A quick visit to your local drugstore will allow you to find several hemorrhoid products that contain witch hazel. However, if you do not wish to purchase these commercial products, you can also make your own hemorrhoid pads by soaking a piece of gauze in a shallow dish of which hazel and allowing any excess moisture to drip off before placing the gauze over the anal area.

Relieving Pressure

Sitting or standing for long periods of time can make the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids worse as more pressure is put on the anal area. In order to relieve this pressure, try laying on your stomach with a pillow under your hips. This will immediately relieve the pressure on your rectum and can help to decrease inflammation caused by hemorrhoids. The longer you are able to rest in this position, the more relief you will experience.

Warm Soak

Soaking in a warm bath can help to reduce the swelling caused by hemorrhoids and can greatly reduce the pain associated with this condition. When running a warm bath, be sure to keep the water lukewarm as hot water can easily burn the sensitive skin that is exposed due to this condition.

If you struggle to get in and out of the bathtub or if you simply do not have a tub, you may also wish to purchase a sitz bath. This bath basin fits over your toilet seat and allows you to enjoy the benefits of warm water hemorrhoid therapy without the need to take a traditional bath.

Cold Packs

The application of cold packs can also be quite effective in reducing the swelling and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. When using this remedy, you should limit the amount of time an ice pack is left on your anus to only a few minutes at a time. This will prevent any damage to the sensitive tissue as a result of the extreme cold.

If you still can't find relief, there's no reason to continue suffering. Talk to your doctor about a more permanent treatment, like surgical removal of the hemorrhoids. For more information, you can talk to Pilipshen Colon and Rectal Surgical Services.

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