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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

Acupuncture Firsts: What To Expect From That First Appointment

by Valerie Stevens

Acupuncture is a popular treatment for many chronic pain conditions, including carpal tunnel, arthritis and other problems. If you're considering acupuncture for a condition you've been struggling with, it can be helpful for you to understand the process. Here's a look at what you should know to ease your uncertainty before you take that leap.

How Does Acupuncture Actually Work?

Acupuncture uses a variety of points on your body to target specific types of pain, discomfort and trouble. Sometimes, the area targeted with the acupuncture needles can be far from the location where the actual issue is. It still works because of the inter-connectivity of the body's central nerve system. You may be provided with a gown to put on depending on where the treatment will be done. Once changed, you'll recline on a table so that the acupuncturist can start the treatment.

Acupuncture needles are very thin. As a result, they don't cause a lot of pain when they're placed. You might feel a slight ache in the area when the needle is first placed. From there, the acupuncturist may twirl or move the needle a little bit or apply a light electrical current or heat to the needle.

After this, the needles will usually be left in place for a few minutes while you rest and let them do their job. You shouldn't feel any discomfort during this time or during the removal process when the acupuncturist gently pulls them out.

How Long Are The Treatments?

The very first visit to the acupuncturist will typically take an hour to an hour and a half. It will begin with a health assessment and physical evaluation and then the first active acupuncture treatment. During the evaluation, the acupuncturist will ask about your health background including any chronic conditions. You may also find that the acupuncturist will check your pulse, assessing its rhythm and strength.

This allows him or her to determine the best treatment for your needs. This information will determine the placement of the needles during your first and subsequent sessions. Plan for a little less than an hour for your future appointments depending on what your treatment plan will include.

Everyone reacts differently to acupuncture treatment. You may feel invigorated and refreshed after treatment, or you may not notice a difference. Talk with your acupuncturist about any physical response you have to the treatment, as he or she can adjust needle placement as necessary if you aren't getting the results that you were hoping for.

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