Alcoholism

What Happens When We Drink Alcohol?

Alcohol is a depressant that includes liquor, beer and wine. When an individual consumes alcohol, it goes down the throat and is absorbed by the stomach. Then, the alcohol enters the bloodstream where it goes to all the tissues in the body, including the brain. The actual effects of alcohol will vary by the person’s weight, size, age, and even gender. The effects of alcohol are also dependant on how much is consumed and if the person has recently eaten any food. The more alcohol that is drank, and the less food in the stomach, will provide greater effects on the body.

Typical side effects of drinking alcohol include a disinhibiting effect, which is why many people drink at social events. Alcohol also causes talkativeness and dizziness, disturbed sleep, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, impaired judgment, and lack of coordination. Sometimes, people drinking alcohol will exhibit increased acts of aggressiveness that can lead to violence and abuse. Of course, the there is the dreaded hangover the day after large amounts of alcohol has been consumed, which usually consists of headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and thirst.

When people drink a lot of alcohol often, and for a long period of time, it can lead to addiction, or alcoholism. If an alcoholic suddenly stops drinking after a long time of alcohol consumption, they will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms. Withrawal is characterized by tremors, severe anxiety, convulsions, and hallucinations.

Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to many health problems, especially liver damage and brain damage. Pregnant women who drink put their child at great risk of having fetal alcohol syndrome, which includes mental illnesses and physical abnormalities that can not be reversed. Research shows that a child of an alcoholic parent has a high risk of becoming an alcoholic too.

Filed Under: Substance Abuse & The Body Tagged With: Alcoholism, Fetal alcohol syndrome, Interventions

Rehab is the Best Way to Help a Person With Substance Abuse Problems

Everyone wants their family members and friends to have the best possible life, be successful, happy, and healthy. But, sometimes that doesn’t happen. When a family member or friend is having trouble with drugs or alcohol, so much so that their whole life is affected, rehab is probably the best place for them.

Alcoholism is a disease that can not be treated without professional help. It can take over a person’s life and bubble over into the lives of family members and friends. The best way to help an alcoholic loved one is to send them to a rehabilitation center. Typically, an alcoholic will require live-in treatment, where the person stays at the rehab center for 30 to 90 days, sometimes longer. The alcoholic will receive various forms of therapy, including individual and group therapy, and sometimes art therapy or other non-traditional forms of treatment. Every center has a different approach and philosophy, so it’s important to research rehab options prior to choosing one for your loved one.

Drug abuse is also a condition that many people require the assistance of professionals. Some people say drug abuse is worse than alcohol abuse, some say it’s not. But, one thing is clear and that is that drug abuse should not be taken lightly. A person abusing drugs not only has to have help kicking the habit, but it is imperative that the underlying problem that caused the person to turn to drugs is also resolved.

Many people turn to substances to self-medicate and forget their problems. Then, the person becomes hooked on the drugs or alcohol. Having a couple drinks on the weekend to unwind, or a glass or two of wine with dinner isn’t bad. It’s when drugs or alcohol interferes with a person’s life, that there is a problem. When a person can’t hold down a job, or spends their salary on drugs instead of food, or they can’t get out of bed in the morning or they scream and possibly hit their kids. The best way to help a person abusing substances is to send them to rehab.

Filed Under: Substance Abuse Treatment Tagged With: Addiction Psychiatry, Alcoholism, Substance abuse

Avoiding Relapse With LaPalomaTreatment.com

As much as we would like to think that once we kick the addiction, we have overcome it for good, there are always opportunities where relapse or recurrence may result from our behaviors or our encounters. The holidays, for example, are a period of time that can unfortunately seem to drive many people back into their old habits, habits that cause them to self medicate, or otherwise to turn to drugs. Unfortunately, if you have dealt with addiction in the past, then a single taste can overwhelm you quickly, causing you to escalate back into a drug addicted state.

You may have overcome your addiction in the past, but that does not automatically mean that you are immune from the possibility of relapse. As such, it is important for you to consider potential triggers that would cause you to turn back to your old lifestyle, old habits and your issues with addiction. The holidays are a common trigger, potentially creating instances where someone who is recovering may want to relapse. It is important to consider the options that are available when you feel a relapse coming on, such as contacting someone at LaPalomaTreatment.com for help.

The right support is capable of helping you to avoid the potential for relapse. If you feel yourself slipping in any way, shape or form, then it is vitally essential that you seek help from trained professionals. Trained professionals in the rehab industry will help you find lifestyle changes and smart systems for getting through the holidays without turning to drugs and alcohol in the process. All it takes is the right level of support from individuals with training and expertise in drug addiction recovery, and you will find yourself feeling stronger and more capable than ever in your fight against addiction.

Filed Under: Relapse Tagged With: Addiction And Recovery, Alcoholism, Centers and Counseling Services, Professions In Addiction, Relapse, Substance abuse, Substance dependence, United States

Refocus on Life!

There are many choices to make while battling substance abuse or addiction. Making choices that keep the body and mind busy can help with the addiction. In short, it is best to be slightly busier than usual. Focusing on interests, hobbies, family, work, or children can be an excellent way to keep the mind thinking about more positive life circumstances.

Interests and hobbies can be an creative outlet for those fighting drug addiction or alcohol abuse. No matter the season or time of year, activities can occupy the mind and assist people in recovery. Similar to a form of therapy, gardening, hiking, or spending time reading or drawing can be helpful. Because the mind is busy focusing on the activity, the substance is thought about less often. As a result, those who are addicted can learn more about themselves because they are finally able to engage in wholesome activities and think more clearly about their likes and dislikes.

Up to this point, the family members and children of the affected person may have endured many hardships. It is difficult for a caring family to feel helpless in the world of drug or alcohol addiction. Children may be cared for by people other than the parent, and they may be ready for some individualized time. Choosing an activity such as riding bicycles, going out to eat, or playing video games and doing artwork may delight the child as well as keep the addicted individual engaged in something other than alcohol and drugs.

Finding work may be difficult for someone who has battled a drug or alcohol addiction. If possible, applying at work places can provide these individuals with motivation toward new goals and careers. Presenting oneself to a potential employer can change the path of life for everyone involved, and taking on a new job helps occupy the time. Becoming financially stable is a key factor in recovery as well.

Filed Under: General Rehab & Addiction Tagged With: Alcoholism, Substance abuse, Substance dependence

Do You Need Help with an Addition?

There are many people who need help. An outreached hand is something that only a very limited few actually offer. Most people, on the other hand, simply take what they are given or suffer in silence. That can be a life sentence, though.

I recently encountered a situation in which a friend of a friend was struggling to battle his addiction to alcohol. He was not abusive but he was depressed. He needed help and, after spending ten years drinking, he finally asked for help from my friend.

It is shocking to think about the many people who struggle day in and day out to find some type of help for their health. What I did not know is that this person had spend the last five years thinking about getting help but never took the step because he did not know how. He did not know where to go or who to ask for help. He was ashamed to admit he needed help and he was even more ashamed that he could not stop himself. I was very saddened by this, but the outcome was good for him.

After years of not asking for help, he finally did. Because of this, he is now taking the time to work at improving his health and is future. He enrolled in a program we found at LaPalomaTreatment.com. The program allows him to improve his health and fight his mental addiction to alcohol. At the same time, it gives him plenty of great things to do and to look forward to each day of his treatment.

I am sure this is the type of help that he needed because for the first time of years, I saw a smile on his face. It was something wonderful to see someone who needs help for such as life changing problem to finally find that help. If you need it, ask for it.

Filed Under: Support Tagged With: Addictions, Alcoholism, Professions In Addiction, Substance abuse

The Addiction Difference Between Men and Women

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In most instances, comparing men and women is like comparing apples and oranges. The biological, psychological, and emotional characteristics that define each sex are incomparable, and scientific studies are recognizing the dichotomy. In a review of substance abuse literature published from 1975 to 2005, researchers found that 90% of the articles that took gender into consideration were published in the past 15 years.

Gender-aware studies have greatly impacted the clinical sector of substance abuse treatments. There are now women-specific programs and support groups, and the proliferation of research has provided insight into the addiction differences between men and women.

While studies show that men are still more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol (except for prescription drugs, where female use approaches that of men), recent findings suggest that women advance more quickly than men from first use to regular use to dependency and first treatment. Despite fewer years of use and overall smaller quantities of drugs or alcohol, the severity of women’s symptoms is typically equal to their male counterparts. In addition, females tend to experience a greater number of adverse medical, psychiatric, social consequences than men, a phenomenon known as ‘telescoping’. Biological and psychological factors can be attributed to this difference.

Many factors influence women’s substance abuse, and a good number of them are social. Alcoholic women are more likely than alcoholic men to have a familial role model or a spouse who is also dependent on alcohol or drugs. Women also cite stressful life experiences and personal trauma including sexual violence, especially as a child, as a reason for drug and alcohol use. Statistically speaking, on a global scale, more women between the ages of 15-44 experience physical and sexual violence resulting in death or mutilation than do cancer, road accidents, malaria and war combined. It’s possible that drug use among women has become a coping mechanism.

Increased substance abuse among females has indirectly resulted in a rise in HIV, other STDs, unwanted pregnancies and prostitution. Treatment centers are tailoring their programs and services to accommodate this shift, thanks in part to relevant studies and data available to guide them.

Filed Under: General Rehab & Addiction Tagged With: Alcoholism, Centers and Counseling Services, Research

Quality of Life Can Improve

There are many aspects of life that will be improved during recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction. Relationships, jobs, family, and overall quality of life will take a turn for the better. Those who are willing and able to make strides against the addiction find that it is well worth the effort and hardships that they may endure along the way.

Relationships are a key factor in battling alcohol addiction or drug use. Those who are in the process of recovery find that friendships become easier to maintain. Relating to others, which most likely was difficult when they were involved with drugs and alcohol, becomes more of a natural part of life. Instead of conflict arising daily, understanding is created between friends and hope grows for renewed relationships.

Family can be one of the most supportive units during the recovery process. Simple encouragement, providing rides or financial support to and from rehabilitation, or creating a safe environment for the affected individual can help immensely. Because love and care can be felt, the person in recovery is given a sense of belonging and hope for the future. Recovering individuals feel a sense of accountability for their actions, and most do not want to disappoint their loved ones. Parents, children, and relatives can all provide forms of support and, during rehabilitation, individuals will begin to show appreciation and better care in return.

Careers are, many times, negatively affected by drug or alcohol abuse. Although initially a person may be able to hold a job, keep the problem a secret, or do his/her work in a satisfactory manner, eventually the habits become evident. Financial circumstances may become more difficult and recovery needs to begin. As one seeks help through family, support groups, or rehabilitation, the possibility of work becoming a positive part of life again is excellent. Individuals who are sober are better motivated. Pride will grow and financial support of both the person and his/her family can stabilize.

Filed Under: Substance Abuse Recovery Tagged With: Alcoholism, Quality of life, Substance abuse

Don’t Let Drugs Wreck Your Life

It can be easier than most people think to end up with a drug or alcohol problem. A prescription for painkillers turns into something more, or a weekly drink with friends morphs into having a few every night. By keeping that in mind and watching out for it, a lot of people are able to keep problems at bay. Some people aren’t as strong, though, and they end up getting into substance abuse trouble slowly, over time. They don’t realize it when it’s happening, but eventually they see that things have developed beyond a point that they’re comfortable with.

If you’re in that kind of position, you don’t have to let drugs or alcohol control your life. There’s something you can do – you can get help. Sometimes, people can get the help they need from friends or family members. Other times, they need to get help from professionals. If you can get help from professionals coupled with support from your friends and family members, that’s a great way to move forward and start on the path toward a better future. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen if you’re willing to be dedicated about it.

Staying focused on the kinds of things that matter to you can help you to get clean and sober. Even if you fail, keep trying. Eventually, you’ll be successful with it. Get support from people who care about you. Go to rehab if you need to. You may even have to change your group of friends and stop associating with people who drink or use drugs. Do whatever it takes, because it’s your life and you can take it back. You don’t have to let it belong to alcohol, drugs, or anything else that you’re addicted to. You can regain control, if you’re willing to try.

Filed Under: General Rehab & Addiction Tagged With: Alcoholism, Drug, Substance abuse

Abusing Drugs or Alcohol? It’s Time to Get Help

If you’re struggling with an addiction to alcohol or drugs, you don’t have to assume that there’s nothing more you can do. Even if you’ve tried to get help in the past and it hasn’t worked out, you still have choices. There are more places that can help you and provide you with information. Some people also learn differently than others, so if you don’t feel like standard treatments are right for you, keep in mind that there’s more you can do, and other ways to get free of an addiction. Some of the non-standard treatments actually work quite well, so you shouldn’t give up on the idea of living a clean and sober life.

Some people use hypnosis, acupuncture, and other non-traditional methods to get free of an addiction. If you can do this, you’ll have a chance at a life that doesn’t feel as empty as the life of an addict often does. Once you recognize that you need help, you can start focusing on getting better. Even if you don’t think you have a problem, listen to what your friends and family members are saying about you. If they think you have a problem, it’s possible that you do and you’re just not acknowledging it.

Be honest with yourself and think about your behavior and your actions. Each time you take action on a problem, you’ll be better able to handle the problem in the future. Don’t assume that a problem will go away on its own. Substance abuse is very serious, and it can ruin lives if it’s not corrected. You have the opportunity to take your life back and make it yours again, so take that opportunity and do something with it. That way you can get back to the life you had before drugs and alcohol took it over.

Filed Under: Interventions Tagged With: Alcoholism, Substance abuse, United States

Even Children Can Suffer From Substance Abuse

Most people who think about substance abuse problems assume that only adults could have those kinds of struggles. That’s actually not the case, though, because children can also be victims of substance abuse. More and more children are dipping into their mothers’ and fathers’ medicine cabinets and taking pills that were prescribed for their parents. Children are also using marijuana and other drugs – as well as alcohol – at younger ages than they were in the past. These kinds of problems need to be thought about carefully, because adults can miss the warning signs if they aren’t watching out for them.

Even if your child gets good grades and doesn’t give you any trouble, it’s still a good idea to pay attention to what he’s doing. Some drug problems begin very slowly, and you might not see any serious signs until there’s already a serious problem. By paying closer attention to what your child is doing, you minimize the chances of letting a drug or alcohol problem develop. Even small changes in behavior can indicate that there’s an issue to be dealt with. You should also follow your instincts, because they’re rarely wrong – especially when it comes to what’s going on with your children.

You can help reduce any temptation that your child might have by keeping a liquor cabinet locked and not having your medications out where your child can find them. If they’re difficult to get to, your child is less likely to try to locate and take them. Of course, you can’t watch your child every minute. Teaching them good coping skills, and making sure they know how to say no to someone who’s offering them drugs or alcohol, are all part of responsible parenting. If you give your child the right skills, you won’t be as worried about him when he’s away from you.

Filed Under: General Rehab & Addiction Tagged With: Alcoholism, Child, Substance abuse