Preventing Relapse Following Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
For clinicians and medical staff treating individuals with substance use disorders, the term relapse can carry a different meaning than it does for the general public or even those in the 12-step community. Medically, relapse refers to a return to behavior where a person could once again be diagnosed with an active substance use disorder.Relapses […]
The Impact of Alcohol on Your Liver
According to data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 86% of adults over 18 have reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lives, with 56% having consumed it in the past month. Each year, an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes, making alcohol the third leading cause of […]
The Harsh Reality of Alcohol Withdrawal
“My hands shake uncontrollably, making it impossible to write. I experience fever, chills, nausea, and a lack of appetite. I manage to consume only 300-500 calories a day, forcing myself to eat. My mind feels confused with random thoughts; recently, I even thought I was dead and this was the afterlife. I struggle with stuttering […]
The Ongoing Discomfort of Alcoholic Neuropathy
Among the numerous harmful health effects of alcohol consumption, one of the most prevalent and enduring is alcohol-induced neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy. This condition arises from excessive alcohol intake, which damages the peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting signals between the body, spinal cord, and brain. Peripheral nerves require essential vitamins—such as thiamine, folate, […]
How to Overcome Anger While Drinking
Have you ever felt like you become a different person after drinking too much? This experience is all too common among those dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues. Alcohol can alter behavior significantly, sometimes leading to anger or aggression. Research published in the Psychology of Addictive Behaviors indicates that alcohol is involved in […]
Indicators of High-Functioning Alcoholism
Alcohol can have a profoundly damaging impact on an individual’s life. For many people struggling with alcoholism, it can lead to the collapse of careers and marriages, and contribute to a deepening spiral of depression. In some cases, alcohol may seem like a daily necessity for managing daily life, but it’s important to recognize that […]
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a severe outcome of binge drinking that can lead to unconsciousness, liver damage, brain injury, and even death. Consuming more alcohol than your body can process in a short time is dangerous. As a central nervous system depressant, alcohol impacts heart rate, breathing, body temperature, and the gag reflex. Immediate medical attention […]
Recognizing the Signs of Alcoholism
Diagnosing alcoholism can be challenging, especially in a society where alcohol consumption is commonplace at social gatherings, bars, restaurants, or at home. This regular behavior is often referred to as social drinking. However, excessive drinking can easily lead to alcoholism, which is defined as a physical or mental dependence on alcohol. The ubiquity of casual […]
Social Drinking vs. Binge Drinking
What is Binge Drinking? Have you ever questioned whether you or someone you know might have a drinking problem? While there isn’t a single definitive answer, there are ways to identify the characteristics of alcoholics, social drinkers, and binge drinkers. Recognizing these traits and warning signs is crucial if you suspect that you or someone […]
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Consumption
Many are familiar with the immediate, short-term effects of alcohol consumption, such as impaired motor skills, reduced inhibitions, and dehydration. However, the long-term consequences of regular drinking may not be as well understood. While it’s generally known that chronic alcohol use harms the body, the specific long-term effects are less commonly recognized. Notably, alcohol is […]