Friday, March 22, 2024

What’s Considered Alcohol Addiction

How To Get Help For Alcohol Addiction

How does alcohol make you drunk? – Judy Grisel

There are multiple ways to get help from alcohol dependence, including treatment, medication, and behavioral intervention. Often, the user is one of the last to recognize or realize his or her use is a problem, often thinking I have this under control. Once an alcohol use disorder has developed, however, it can be extremely to quit without help. Fortunately, there are ways to get help.

What Does It Mean To Binge Drink In Canada

The Canadian Medical Association Journal has issued a warning to the public in 2011. It states that binge drinking in Canada has become out of control. According to the numbers they have gathered, about 9% of Canadians regularly consume more beer than they should. They binge drink for a short period of time. It is can be likened to finishing five bottles of beer in less than two hours.

Why is binge drinking the most dangerous form of alcohol consumption? Here are the top reasons why:

  • Binge drinking could bring alcohol levels in the blood to reach a rather dangerous level. It is at this point that a person could suffer from alcohol poisoning. They could fall into a coma or choke in their own vomit.
  • People who often binge drink are at a higher risk of developing alcoholism. Such conditions may completely destroy their life and the lives of their families.
  • Alcohol, not many may be aware of, can be highly toxic when ingested in high doses. Drinking for years could lead to cirrhosis. The earliest stages of liver disease could start with the first episode of binge drinking.
  • Such a pattern of drinking could lead to terrible hangovers. This only means that you wont be fully functional, let alone productive the following day.
  • Teenagers in Canada are at a higher risk of binge drink. This only means that they wont be able to perform well in school.

What Are The Psychological Causes Of Alcoholism

There are many psychological roots to alcoholism, and these can vary considerably from person to person. According to the American Psychological Association, a number of factors can intersect to create conditions that increase the risk for alcohol use disorder. These include:

  • Personal tendencies toward impulsive decisions
  • Persistent issues with low self-esteem
  • Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety
  • Prior trauma, sometimes including physical and/or sexual abuse

âAlcohol use disorder most often develops when alcohol becomes a tool for a person to cope with their emotions,â Kara Nassour, LPC, NCC at Shaded Bough Counseling tells WebMD Connect to Care. âPeople may rely on alcohol to avoid feeling stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, grief, to forget about responsibilities, or to feel more confident socializing. To understand the addiction, you have to ask what function the alcohol serves for someone, even if it comes at a great cost.â

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Finding Help For Alcohol Use Disorder

If you think you or a loved one is suffering from addiction to alcohol, taking action is the best possible way to provide help. Our alcohol treatment programs are designed to provide exceptional support to you, providing you with tools to help your body finally stop relying on alcohol. Without a doubt, alcohol addiction will worsen over time, limiting relationships and career success and even leading to health complications. Yet, you can take action now to get the help you need to recover.

Americas Rehab Campuses are available to provide you with the type and level of support you need. Take the time now to embrace treatment. To do that, you need to invest in a medical detox program, in some cases, or inpatient treatment. We can create a customized treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

You can overcome addiction to alcohol. You do not have to be limited by this disease. What you do now to get into treatment really defines what your future is likely to be. Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide you with a way forward.

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Withdrawal: The 2nd Major Warning Sign

Alcohol

Do you need a drink to steady the shakes in the morning? Drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms is a sign of alcoholism and a huge red flag. When you drink heavily, your body gets used to the alcohol and experiences withdrawal symptoms if its taken away.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache

In severe cases, withdrawal from alcohol can also involve hallucinations, confusion, seizures, fever, and agitation. These symptoms can be dangerous, so talk to your doctor if you are a heavy drinker and want to quit.

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When Does Drinking Become A Problem

For most adults, moderate alcohol use no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women and older people is relatively harmless. (A “drink” means 1.5 ounces of spirits, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer, all of which contain 0.5 ounces of alcohol.

Moderate use, however, lies at one end of a range that moves through alcohol abuse to alcohol dependence:

  • Alcohol abuse is a drinking pattern that results in significant and recurrent adverse consequences. Alcohol abusers may fail to fulfill major school, work, or family obligations. They may have drinking-related legal problems, such as repeated arrests for driving while intoxicated. They may have relationship problems related to their drinking.

  • People with alcoholism technically known as alcohol dependence have lost reliable control of their alcohol use. It doesn’t matter what kind of alcohol someone drinks or even how much: Alcohol-dependent people are often unable to stop drinking once they start. Alcohol dependence is characterized by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms if drinking is suddenly stopped. Withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, sweating, restlessness, irritability, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions.

Although severe alcohol problems get the most public attention, even mild to moderate problems cause substantial damage to individuals, their families and the community.

Are The Symptoms Of Alcohol Misuse Reversible

Most individuals with an alcohol use disorder who experience brain or cognitive troubles will recover with treatment within a year of sobriety. In some instances, it can take much longer. The outcome of recovery and sustained sobriety depends on a host of medical, personal, and physiological factors. The first step in recovery from an alcohol use disorder is seeking an alcoholism treatment program from a rehab center that offers exemplary clinical services and compassionate care.

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What Are The Signs Or Symptoms Of Dependence On Alcohol

It can be tricky to spot the signs of alcohol dependence. People with an alcohol use disorder can be secretive about their drinking, and may become angry if confronted.

Doctors assess whether someone is dependent on alcohol by looking for signs that show their patient cant regulate their drinking, and that they have a strong internal drive to use alcohol. The specific symptoms they look for are:1

  • Impaired control over alcohol useThis might mean not being able to control how long a drinking session is, how much alcohol you consume when you do drink, how frequently you drink, being unable to stop drinking once you start, or drinking on inappropriate occasions or at inappropriate places.
  • Giving increasing priority to alcoholIf you give precedence to drinking over other daily activities and responsibilities, if drinking is more important to you than looking after your health, or you carry on drinking despite negative consequences for your health or life.
  • Unwanted physical or mental effects from drinkingShowing signs of increased tolerance to alcohol , experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or using alcohol to prevent or alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

A doctor may diagnose alcohol dependence when they see two or more of the above symptoms based on an ongoing pattern of how you use alcohol. Usually this is based on behaviour over the last 12 months or more, but alcohol dependence could be diagnosed based on continuous daily use of alcohol over a period of at least three months.

Learn More About American Alcohol Use Problems

What Happens When We Drink Alcohol?

American alcohol use habits can be seriously unhealthy. We turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, and over time that coping can turn into a disorder. Make sure you know the signs of alcohol use disorder and think about how healthy your relationship with alcohol is.If you or a loved one are battling an alcohol use disorder, reach out to us at Caron. We have inpatient and outpatient treatment options, as well as family support for those dealing with addiction. Learn more about our admissions process today.

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Treatment Options For Alcohol Abuse & Addiction

Here are some of the best treatments for AUD:

Inpatient treatment is the most intensive and effective option for alcohol addiction treatment. These programs usually last 30, 60, or 90 days. They may be longer in some cases.

Throughout an inpatient program, you’ll live on-site in a safe, substance-free environment. You’ll go through medically supervised detox first, then behavioral therapy. Other services may be added to your regimen.

Many of these treatment programs assist you with an aftercare program afterward.

PHPs are the second most intensive alcohol addiction programs. They’re sometimes called intensive outpatient programs . PHPs provide comparable services to inpatient programs.

These services may include:

  • Support groups
  • Other holistic or custom treatments

The main difference between PHPs and inpatient programs is that you return home and sleep at your house during a partial hospitalization program.

Some PHPs provide food and transportation. This varies by program.

PHPs are ideal for new patients and those who have completed an inpatient program and still require intensive treatment.

Outpatient programs are less intensive than inpatient programs and PHPs. They’re best for people who are highly motivated to achieve sobriety. Patients usually have responsibilities at work, home, or school.

These programs customize your treatment sessions around your schedule.

The most common medications used to treat AUD are:

  • Disulfiram

Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

Treatment for alcohol abuse can include inpatient or outpatient care, support groups, therapy, and detox programs to help you manage withdrawal symptoms. However, what works for one person may not work for someone else.

To learn about our alcohol addiction treatment options for yourself or a loved one, please contact us today.

This page does not provide medical advice.

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Alcoholism Short & Long

Short- and long-term physical effects associated with alcohol addiction can include:10

  • Heart problems like cardiomyopathy , arrhythmias , high blood pressure, and stroke.
  • Liver disease, including steatosis , alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Pancreatic problems like pancreatitis, an acutely painful inflammatory condition that can progress to a chronic disease. Pancreatitis can affect a range of pancreatic functions, including the normal release of digestive enzymes.
  • Certain types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.
  • A weakened immune system, which can increase your risk of infection and contraction of diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Potential short- and long-term psychological and cognitive effects associated with alcoholism include:10, 11

  • Cognitive problems, such as memory loss or problems thinking clearly.
  • Blackouts .
  • Serious brain damage and disorders like WernickeKorsakoff Syndrome, which leads to confusion, impaired optic nerve function, profound movement deficits, and problems with memory recall and consolidation.
  • Mood disorders, like major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
  • Anxiety disorders, especially panic disorder and social phobia.

The short- and long-term social impact of alcoholism can include:2, 13

  • Bluish skin color.
  • Paleness.

Risk Factors For Drinking Problems And Alcoholism

The Circle of Abuse â A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS

Risk factors for developing problems with alcohol arise from many interconnected factors, including your genetics, how you were raised, your social environment, and your emotional health. Some racial groups, such as American Indians and Native Alaskans, are more at risk than others for developing drinking problems or alcohol addiction. People who have a family history of alcoholism or who associate closely with heavy drinkers are more likely to develop drinking problems. Finally, those who suffer from a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder are also particularly at risk, because alcohol is often used to self-medicate.

The path from alcohol abuse to alcoholism

Not all alcohol abusers become full-blown alcoholics, but it is a big risk factor. Sometimes alcoholism develops suddenly in response to a stressful change, such as a breakup, retirement, or another loss. Other times, it gradually creeps up on you as your tolerance to alcohol increases. If youre a binge drinker or you drink every day, the risks of developing alcoholism are greater.

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Signs Of Alcohol Dependence

Signs of alcohol dependence include:

  • not being able to function without alcohol
  • drinking has become an important, or most important, thing in life
  • continuing to drink despite negative consequences for you or your loved ones
  • finding it difficult to control the amount or the times when you drink
  • finding it difficult to stop drinking when you want to
  • not always being able to plan with certainty how much you are going to drink on an occasion
  • drinking more alcohol
  • craving alcohol or having withdrawal symptoms
  • not seeming to be drunk after drinking large amounts

What Are Treatment Options For Alcoholism

Treating alcohol addiction can be complex and challenging. In order for treatment to work, the person with an alcohol addiction must want to get sober. You cant force them to stop drinking if they arent ready. Success depends on the persons desire to get better.

The recovery process for alcoholism is a lifetime commitment. There isnt a quick fix and it involves daily care. For this reason, many people say alcohol addiction is never cured.

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The American Alcohol Problem: An Overlooked And Deadly Epidemic

Its 5:30 on a Friday at the end of a long week, and youve just gotten home. Your boss yelled at you, you had to deal with an angry customer, and all you want to do is kick back and blow off some steam with a few drinks. Its been a long week, and youve earned a hard drink or three, right?This is a pretty classic story in American culture. More than 85 percent of U.S. adults have had a drink at some point in their lives, and more than half have had a drink this month. But American alcohol use isnt healthy.

What Is The Canadian Drinking Culture

What’s considered sexual abuse?

Whenever people in Canada get bored, most of them turn to drink as a pastime. In fact, the country has been known to the world as a beer-drinking nation. Beer is a beverage more consumed than wine and spirits.

More than 50% of the money spent on alcohol goes to beer. However, not everyone in Canada is an alcoholic, of course. Most beer drinkers in the country only ever drink socially. It means that they only drink beer when they are out to celebrate something like a special occasion. Other than that, they avoid it.

Social drinkers do not find anything wrong about giving up alcohol. In fact, weeks can pass without them thinking about beer. For many, drinking alcohol is only limited to when there is a reason to celebrate. There is a significant number of Canadians who drink above the government recommended level.

Then there are also those who regularly binge drink and suffer the consequences that come with it. They are those who cannot say no to beer drinking. Though they are aware of the negative consequences that come with their drinking, they still drink because the urge is stronger. Sadly, alcohol addiction in Canada is a serious problem. Underage drinking is budding to become a problem, too.

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The History Of The Alcoholism Research

Alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction are not new conditions. People who struggle to control their consumption have likely existed for as long as alcohol has been around. The public understanding of alcohol addiction, however, is a newer concept. Knowledge surrounding the causes of alcoholism was still scarce until the mid-1900s.

Little research on alcohol and alcohol addiction existed in the early 1900s. There were plenty of people who couldnt control their drinking but doctors couldnt explain why at the time. The disease concept of alcoholism hadnt yet been introduced. Many thought that drinking problems were the result of weak willpower or a lack of self-control.

The field of alcohol science progressed further after Prohibition was repealed in the 1930s. Researchers conducted more studies to help them learn and understand why, regardless of the consequences, some people cannot control or stop drinking. This new phase of research laid the groundwork for how we understand alcohol addiction today.

Are The Effects Of Alcoholism Reversible

Alcoholism is a disease that can affect both children and adults, but it doesnt affect everyone the same way. For some people, just one drink can result in intoxication, while for others, many more drinks are necessary to create the same effect. A drink is classified as 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of distilled spirits, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism . In terms of the effects on the body and brain, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of various health issues for any user.

Despite the harm associated with alcohol consumption, the effects are reversible most of the time. Identifying problematic drinking early and getting into treatment can reverse many of the mental, emotional and physical side effects of heavy drinking. However, at a certain point, the damage is too severe. For example, liver failure and cirrhosis are complications of heavy drinking that are permanent. Permanent health damage should not deter a person from seeking treatment since SUD treatment can still improve a persons quality of life.

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