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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

Mind Over Matter: 5 Great Neurological Services

by Valerie Stevens

The brain is a mysterious and complex part of the human body that scientists still don't fully understand. The good news is that they're getting better at understanding it with every passing year. Hospitals now offer a wide variety of services to diagnose, prevent and treat neurological damage and disorders. If you've been contemplating visiting the hospital for treatment, or simply want to educate yourself about the medical services available to you, take a look below at five of the most useful options below.

Computed Tomography Angiography

Running a specialized x-ray called a CTA allows specialists to locate blood vessels in the brain that may be damaged, blocked, or too narrow. The test usually takes no more than half an hour and works by injecting a small dose of contrasting material into the blood flow so that potential blood flow problems can be spotted easily and treated more efficiently. 

Psychological Testing

Patients who are physically healthy but are worried about the deterioration of their mental health can visit a local hospital or neurological institute to receive psychological testing. Patients can be tested for attention deficit disorder, memory loss, language abilities, reasoning skills and more. 

Neuro-Physical Disorder Treatment

Fortunately, hospitals and neurological institutes offer plenty more than just preventative and diagnostic services. For those who already suffer from a movement disorder such as Parkinson's, help is available. For example, one form of treatment for Parkinson's includes deep brain stimulation, in which electrodes are placed on the brain and controlled in a way that alleviates symptoms over time.

Vertigo Treatment

Those who suffer from vertigo aren't as alone as they might think. Frequent dizzy spells plague people with no other pre-existing neurological conditions, and can last indefinitely. Luckily, hospital staff are more than qualified to treat vertigo. Treatment most often begins with a physician performing the Epley maneuver, a non-invasive procedure in which particles in the inner ear (usually one or more minute crystals) are carefully relocated so as to alleviate dizziness. 

Cognitive Disorder Treatments

If you're someone who suffers from amnesia or dementia, help is available at nearby neurological institutes. Various medication can help to stall the onset of cognitive disorders, and with regular rehabilitation, some cognitive functions can even return to near-normal levels. Family members and friends of those affected by severe cognitive disorders can also receive counseling to help with and prepare for the challenges that often come with the territory. 

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