Alcoholism and Obesity

July 30, 2014

Alcoholism and Obesity – Their Relationship

Alcoholism and Obesity are two health conditions you must not allow to affect you all at the same time.

From the definitions of the two terminologies you may not see clearly the absolute similarities however these two conditions (alcoholism and obesity) may be much more correlated that you have ever imagined. If you look at the two conditions, you will realize that both are provoked by an episode of loss of control. It may not matter how the loss of control took place whether it was genetically instigated, propelled by environmental factors or it was just a moment of one’s weak moments does not count, the common denominator is there is a loss of control.

Many people suffering from these conditions normally invest heavily in the management of their addiction occasioned by various factors like struggling to maintaining control, feeling guilty or just juggling with when they will access their addictive elements that is alcohol or food. With this both conditions can grow progressively worse and when taken to the extreme can be life threatening.

The powerful ingredients making alcoholism and obesity to be similar are the contents of what causes their being addictive which are ethanol and food and how they work on the brain. For instance ethanol stimulates reward centers in the brain exactly the way sugar, salt and fat also do. It is because of this that people with a tendency of over-drinking may also have the same tendency to overeating.

Alcoholism and Obesity – Alcohol and Weight loss

Ignorantly people often say that alcohol consumption increases appetite and therefore alcohol consumers are motivated to eat more thereby gaining weight. This is not true since ethanol which is the key addictive ingredient in alcoholic drinks and fat from foods have approximately the same amount of calories however those people suffering from alcoholism have a tendency not to be affected by obesity primarily because they are often malnourished due to poor feeding habits having replaced a portion of their food calories with calories from alcohol

According to a study conducted in 2005 sampling regular alcohol consumers it was established that those who drank the smallest amount (i.e. one drink per day) with the extreme frequency (i.e. three to seven days per week) had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who drank more occasionally, but in larger units. Even though we may not rely heavily on these findings they may indicate some relationship between over-drinking and overeating.

Connection between Alcoholism and Obesity

Early 2010 researchers from Washington University School of medicine released one of the most important findings regarding the connection between obesity and alcoholism. The study was based on two large alcoholism surveys previously done where 80,000 people participated in both. They then put proper control on all the factors of the study and the ultimate finding was that in quite recent survey those with a family history of alcoholism had a greater chance of being affected by obesity. For women, who had a 49 percent greater chance, this was especially true. One possible reason is that in trying to avoid the alcoholic behaviors observed in their families, people replace alcohol with a different addiction.

Surprisingly enough researchers did not find any connection or association between obesity and family history of alcoholism in the first survey. The fact that the link strengthened as much as it did in the relatively short amount of time between the two surveys suggests that environmental factors (the increase in sedentary times; the increased prevalence of fatty, sugary and salty foods in grocery stores and restaurants; and the reduced access to opportunities for activity) are involved. In brief a genetic risk might be submissive in a world that makes maintaining one’s weight a relatively straightforward task. But, change the environment to make unhealthy eating easier and being active harder, and the problem will become apparent.

Finally in their (researchers’) comments in their publication they focused on changes to our food environment, suggesting that obesity may be rising in “individuals vulnerable to addiction. This may be specifically the result of a changing food environment and the increased availability of highly palatable foods.”

Alcoholism and Obesity – Overlapping Brain Pathways

More and more, neuroscientists are finding similarities in the pathways that lead to excessive eating and dependence on alcohol and other drugs. Both obesity and alcohol addiction have been linked to the brain’s reward system. Overconsumption can trigger a gradual increase in the reward threshold, requiring more and more palatable high-fat food or strengthening alcohol to satisfy cravings. It is no secret that addiction and obesity the two major and most challenging health problems in U.S and many other nations across the globe today. It is therefore important that we learn from these research findings to not just keep talking but to put into practice some of the knowledge we have gathered about addiction to the study of overeating and obesity.

Every day possess an opportunity to learn something new and we are privileged to be learning more about how eating and drinking are indistinguishably connected at the physiologic level. These physiologic commonalities help to explain why the behaviors of excessive food intake and excessive alcohol consumption share so many similarities. Nonetheless, in appreciation of possible link between obesity and alcoholism we all have a duty to unlock the link and use the findings to understand, treat and most importantly prevent these two diseases from further damaging our societies and families.

It will finally take a collective approach for all of us to win this race. On your part you can contribute by talking to the experts like Dr. Dalal Akoury, Founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center concerning all that may be bothering you concerning these these health conditions. Doctor Akoury and her team of experts are there for you and your friends to ensure you are not just educated but well treated by offering exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to you, your friends, other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. Remember together we will win and celebrate having chosen to be a part of this truly successful and fast addiction recovery treatment.

Alcoholism and Obesity – Their Relationship

Employees and Drug Addiction

July 24, 2014

Employees and Drug Addiction – Workplace

Workplace must be accommodating enough to discourage drug addiction. Stressful set ups will only injure any meaningful gains made.

The reality of addiction related problems in the workplaces is becoming a common phenomenon and unless we positively come out to address it we will soon not have an economy to run as organization or nations. The prevalent of addiction cut across all sectors of life of both the individuals and the society and when it does it destroys one’s health, relationships, emotional well-being and this effects eventually finds their way in the workplace bringing very negative results. It is believed that majority of people struggling with addiction are employed in various sectors of the economy and because of this their performance is reduced to about two thirds in relation to those employees free from the scourge.

Various studies have established that prior to enrolling for treatment these employees were unproductive due to consistent absconding of duty, lateness or just lazing a round because of their addiction problems. This is a clear indication that employees addiction impacts negatively to their work performance which eventually translate to the inflated cost of doing business to their employers beside the dented reputation of the organization image and goodwill. In the interest of this it’s important to consider and understand the role of the workplace and the employer in the addiction recovery process. Therefore:

Why is it Difficult for Employees to Ask for Help?
It may not be easy for employees to seek for help for fear of being victimized by their employers and the related stigmatization. However employers should take note that support their employees with addiction problems to reach out for help not only benefits the employee in terms of their physical, emotional, and mental health but also benefits the organization in many productive ways.

The Benefits of Addiction Treatment

As indicated above helping employees with their addiction conditions in beneficial to both the employees and the employer as discussed below.

Benefits to an Employee and the Employer – when our mental health is good, we are able to cope with the hassles and stressors of everyday life. We are purposeful and productive. But our mental health is poor it can impact a variety of aspects of our lives. When someone is suffering from mental health problems or illness, such as a substance abuse problem or other type of addiction, the impact on the individual can be more pervasive and severe. Co-workers may perceive these types of individuals as difficult or unreliable, and this can create a very unpleasant work environment.

When mental health or other medical conditions become so severe, the individual may have to take a leave from work for an extended period of time. This can escalate:

Disability costs
Benefits utilization
Replacement costs and
Costs associated with lost productivity.

Failing to address the underlying mental health problems of the employee increases the likelihood of the individual developing recurring problems at work. However, with adequate intervention and an ongoing treatment strategy, someone suffering from a mental health illness such as an addiction can experience good mental health and an improved quality of life.

How Employers Can Help?
There are several ways an employee can benefit including some of the recommendations made by the Mental Health Commission of Canada which include the following steps to be taken by the employers at workplaces:

Health promotion and prevention of psychological issues at work
Early identification of psychological problems and optimal treatment of mental health conditions to reduce disability and to support a return to work strategy.

Early Intervention for Best Results
What makes the establishment of wellness programs even more imperative, is that research has demonstrated that individuals struggling with an addiction, on average wait thirteen and a half years before entering residential treatment. The goal therefore is, to intervene early with an employee who has a substance use or behavioral addiction problem, before it progresses and worsens over time. By establishing a non-punitive, supportive organizational culture involved in the psychological well-being of their employees, an organization can minimize the potential escalating costs associated with employees and their problematic substance use and behavior.

Treatment Benefits beyond Absenteeism, Tardiness and Productivity
Even though studies have established the above as some of the costs and benefits associated with addiction in the workplace, employers must not limit their evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of treatment based exclusively on workers’ absenteeism, tardiness and productivity. The economic benefit of addiction treatment goes beyond these variables to include reduction on-the-job errors, accidents and injuries, and reduced disability costs. Other benefits may include improved morale, decreased conflict among workers and reduced costs associated with dismissal, hiring and training. Depending on the workplace context, other potential benefits can also include reduced legal liabilities and minimizing potential negative impacts on organizational reputation and trust between stakeholders and clients.

However it is understandable that becoming involved in employees’ psychological well-being is not an easy feat for employers and when performance is affected, it’s difficult to have the tough talk. This is where adequate training and education for managers and employees would help organizations to overcome this potential barrier.

The Bottom-Line and Beyond
Appealing to “the bottom line” and outlining the economic benefits of addiction treatment has shown to be an effective way to engage employers in the recovery of their employees’ addiction. The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a primary neurological disease affecting brain reward, motivation, memory and its related circuitry. Because it is a chronic brain disease, addiction requires treatment and management over a lifetime unlike other chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Addiction can be as devastating as any other illness and is classified as a disability by many employment legislations across the globe.

It is therefore very important to assist employees in their recovery process. Common barriers such as shame, organizational denial, and enabling behaviors of coworkers can prevent employees from seeking help for this medical and psychological problem. Employers need to understand the ways that their organizations may maintain these barriers and appreciate that employer involvement in the recovery process is beneficial for both the employee and the organization.

Effective addiction treatment that includes long-term continuing care and support from family and employers is a mutually beneficial solution to a problem that often permeates a variety of aspects of an individual’s life – including their work. So when it comes to your employees and addiction it is your business to liaise with reputable addiction professionals like doctor Dalal Akoury who founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where addiction treatment is administered in total focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Employees and Drug Addiction – Workplace

Indicators of Alcoholism

July 21, 2014

Indicators of Alcoholism – Drug Addiction

Alcoholism indicators. It is very frustrating to the families seeing their loved ones being messed up by alcohol abuse and addiction.

If there is anything you do not want for your children is them being associated with people addicted to any drug of any kind. The grave dangers of being in a state of addiction will not allow anyone in the right state of mind to have their children go through the problems related to substance abuse. One of the commonly abused drug is alcohol, a substance whose consumption is legal and is used freely the world over. Parents have a duty to watch over their children and bring them up in total safety of any harm of addiction. This is an enormous role to do and especially in this time of work commitment where there is very little time parents spend with their children. But even in the middle of all these busy schedule parents must be very observant and ensure safety of the children from all manner of addictions. Therefore as a parent do you suspect that your child is abusing alcohol or using drugs? Are you worried in anyway? Have you noticed some changes with your child? As a parent, it is usual to be concerned and this is what we want to discuss in this article.

Indicators of Alcoholism – How Are Parents Affected?

Being knowledgeable about alcoholism and drug addiction is very instrumental to helping your children. You will need to begin with yourself and access the degree to which you’re affected by their use of alcohol or drugs. Being knowledgeable and your capability to being helpful to them will rest on your understanding of alcohol and drugs and who your children’s abuse has affected you individually. By the way the most important step you may take into helping your children is to commit to sourcing for help and support for yourself. You can do this by answering these questions as follows: As for alcohol find out if you are easily trouble bus someone’s and for drugs ask yourself if you will need help. With this in mind let us progress to the warning sings.

Indicators of Alcoholism – Warning Signs

The use and abuse of alcohol and drugs are serious issues that should not be ignored or minimized and we should not sit back and hope they just go away. If left untreated they can develop into drug dependence or alcoholism. As a result, it is important to identify the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse early. If you’re worried that your child might be abusing alcohol or drugs, here are some of the indicators to look for:

Indicators of Alcoholism – Physical and health warning signs of drug abuse

Eyes that are bloodshot or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal.
Frequent nosebleeds could be related to snorted drugs like meth or cocaine.
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
Seizures without a history of epilepsy
Declining personal grooming or physical appearance.
Impaired coordination, injuries, accidents, bruises that they won’t or can’t tell you about that is to say they can explain how they got hurt
Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
Shakes, tremors, incoherent or slurred speech, impaired or unstable coordination.

Indicators of Alcoholism – Behavioral signs of alcohol or drug abuse

Missing class, falling grades, getting in trouble at school
Drop in attendance and performance at work- loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports or exercise- decreased motivation
Complaints from colleagues, supervisors, teachers or classmates
Missing money, valuables, prescription or prescription drugs, borrowing and stealing money
Acting isolated, silent, withdrawn, engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
Clashes with family values and beliefs
Preoccupation with alcohol and drug-related lifestyle in music, clothing and posters
Demanding more privacy, locking doors and avoiding eye contact
Sudden change in relationships, friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
Frequently getting into trouble (arguments, fights, accidents, illegal activities)
Using incense, perfume, air freshener to hide smell of smoke or drugs
Using eye-drops to mask bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils

Indicators of Alcoholism – Psychological warning signs of alcohol or drug abuse

Unexplained, confusing change in personality and/or attitude.
Sudden mood changes, irritability, angry outbursts or laughing at nothing.
Periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation.
Lack of motivation; inability to focus, appears lethargic or “spaced out.”
Appears fearful, withdrawn, anxious, or paranoid, with no apparent reason.

Signs and symptoms of alcoholism and drug dependence

Alcoholism involves all the symptoms of alcohol abuse, but also involves another set of elements i.e. Physical dependence e.g. tolerance and withdrawal.

Tolerance – Tolerance means that, over period of time you will need more of alcohol to feel the same effect you use to feel at minimal quantity. Ask yourself if you drink more than you used to? Or drink more than other people without showing obvious signs of intoxication?

Withdrawal – As the effect of the alcohol wears off you may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or jumpiness, shakiness or trembling; sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, irritability, fatigue or loss of appetite and headaches. Do you drink to steady the nerves, stop the shakes in the morning? Drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms is a sign of alcoholism and addiction.

In serious cases, withdrawal from alcohol can be life-threatening and may involve hallucinations, confusion, seizures, fever, and agitation. These symptoms can be dangerous and should be managed by a physician specifically trained and experienced in dealing with alcoholism and addiction like Dr. Dalal Akoury, Founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. She is having over two decades of experience in offering exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars globally and anyone or qualified professional can now be a part of this truly successful and fast addiction recovery treatment.

Loss of Control – Drinking more than you wanted to, for longer than you intended, or despite promising yourself that you will not do it this time.

Desire to Stop but Can’t – You have a persistent desire to cut down or stop your alcohol use, but all efforts to stop and stay stopped, have been unsuccessful.

Neglecting Other Activities – You are spending less time on activities that used to be important to you (hanging out with family and friends, exercising- going to the gym, pursuing your hobbies or other interests) because of the use of alcohol.

Alcohol Takes up Greater Time, Energy and Focus – You spend a lot of time drinking, thinking about it, or recovering from its effects. You have few, if any, interests, social or community involvements that don’t revolve around the use of alcohol.

Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences – You drink in full knowledge that it’s causing problems. As an example, you realize that your alcohol use is interfering with your ability to do your job, is damaging your marriage, making your problems worse, or causing health problems, but you continue to drink.

Indicators of Alcoholism – Drug Addiction

Alcohol and the Workplace

July 21, 2014

Alcohol and the Workplace – Drug Addiction

Office alcohol consumption is the genesis to poor productivity and injury to the image of the whole image of the organization

It has been said that alcohol is the most abused substances of all other drugs known to be addictive. It is worrying that young children as young as 9 nine years have started using drugs and these are the most fundamental concerns we have to deal with as a society. Alcohol consumption being the most a bused substance has very many health and social consequences in all societies. Since it is not illegal to take alcohol it consumption becomes very difficult to control on individuals even though some governments are trying to regulate it sales but all these does not significantly bring is the desired measures to reducing its effects in our societies and especially in our work stations. Therefore our discussion is going to be dwelling on alcohol and its effects on the work place.

People get employed in different sectors and organizations to be productive and earn a living from the income they generate as a result of their services rendered. The employment engagement can be either in the public or private sector and in all the employers expects return from their employees. When alcohol consumption becomes a problem in an employee’s life then organizations they work for suffers immensely and the employee also stand great risk of harming themselves and even the people around them. In the workplace, the impact of alcoholism focuses on four major issues:

Premature death and fatal accidents
Injuries and accident rates
Absenteeism due to extra sick leave
Loss of production

The effect of alcohol consumption need not to be a problem if not abused, the organization may not suffer all these if their employees drink responsibly however when they become addicted then the above are the most immediate consequences.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Premature death and fatal accidents

When an employee dies the organization loses work force much as they will be replaces the experiences gained by the demised staff is gone. Sometimes the organization invests heavily on their staff by training them and to lose them in prematurely because of alcohol is such a cost to the employer.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Injuries and accident rate

The organization needs their personnel to be healthy for them to deliver effectively on their respective assignment. This is not possible when they suffer injuries either at the work station or outside. Moreover it becomes very costly for the organization that will have to pay those damages or compensation emanating from the injuries they incur while on duty.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Absenteeism

It goes without saying that alcoholism being a disease may lead one into being hospitalized for treatment either in a rehab or just in ordinary health facilities. Heavy alcohol users often find themselves on the wrong side of the law and while they are in the hands of law enforcement agencies the organization will not only suffer from their being absent but also denting reputation. The cost or organization image is a very valuable asset for all organizations and any injury to it is very harmful and may not be recovered from easily.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Lose of production

All the above discussed consequences lead us into one thing and that is losing in production. All businesses will only be effective and profitable when their productivity is in shape. We need effective and competent sober work force to deliver this. Alcohol consumption is the enemy number one for any meaningful business. The funny thing is that even those firms producing these alcohols also need their personnel to be sober while at work. A drunken work force is a liability for any business oriented organization and must be avoided by all means. There are so many other problems which are associated with alcohol consumption at work some of which may include:

Tardiness and sleeping on the job
Theft
Poor decision making by the personnel
Loss of efficiency and accuracy
Lower morale of colleagues who are not drinking
Increased likelihood of having trouble with colleagues, supervisors or tasks
Higher staff turnover
Training of new employees
Disciplinary procedures

Problems of alcoholism can affect any industry and any organization in discriminatively however this problem may be very prevalent certain industries like:

Food service
Construction
Mining and Drilling
Excavation
Installation, maintenance and repair

Two specific kinds of drinking behavior significantly contribute to the level of work-performance problems: drinking right before or during working hours (including drinking at lunch and at company functions), and heavy drinking the night before that causes hangovers during work the next day.

And it isn’t just alcoholics who can generate problems in the workplace. Research has shown that the majority of alcohol-related work-performance problems are associated with nondependent drinkers who may ones in a while drink too much not exclusively by alcohol-dependent employees. In addition, family members living with someone’s alcoholism also suffer significant job performance related problems- including poor job performance, lack of focus, absenteeism, increased health-related problems and use of health insurance

Alcohol and the Workplace – Solutions to address the problem

The employers need to establish an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in their work systems. This has been found to be the most effective way to address alcohol and drug problems in the workplace, employees and their family members are provided referrals to community resources and services. Many individuals and families face a host of difficulties closely associated with problem drinking, and these problems quite often spill into the workplace. By encouraging and supporting treatment, employers can significantly help in reducing the negative impact of alcoholism in the workplace as well as reducing their costs of operations.

In conclusion studies have established that alcohol treatment pays for itself in reduced healthcare costs that begin as soon as people begin treatment. Alcohol treatment also improves an individual’s functioning, leading to increased productivity at work. We must therefore invest in prevention and treatment adequately not just by safe guarding our effectiveness in work places but to the economy of our nations. The full involvement of addiction experts will be very essential and if you are a manager in an organization where this is a problem, then you can contact AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility founded by Doctor Akoury who is an addiction expert of many decades and you and your employees will be cared for professionally while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE this way you will have your business back to its desired levels of productivity.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Drug Addiction

Alcohol addiction on the Brain

June 9, 2014

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Specific Effects on the Brain

Addiction and especially alcohol addiction affects the brain nerve system

The most sensitive organs of the body is the brain it controls the whole functions of the body and when it stops life also stops and the bearer dies. Because of its sensitivity it must be protected and defended from any harm to that may come to it either internally or externally. It is because of this background that we want to discuss how certain substances can affect the brain and the possible precautions to keep it in its perfect operational state. Alcohol and specifically ethanol is a central nervous system depressant that has a range of side effects on the body and brain.

We are focusing on the brain because while other cells within the human body has the ability to regenerate, brain cell do not regenerate. Alcohol affects the brain in many ways some include:

Excessive alcohol consumption over period of time can lead to problems with cognition and memory.
Alcohol contracts the brain tissue and depresses the central nervous system.
Alcohol destroys the brain cells.
When alcohol reaches the brain, it interferes with communication between nerve cells by interacting with cell receptors.
The alcohol suppresses excitable nerve pathway activity.
Among other actions, alcohol enhances the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, thus causing a person to become sluggish.
Alcohol weakens the excitable neurotransmitter glutamine, which adds to sluggish tendencies.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Cerebral Cortex

I believe that you have come across somebody who has drunk alcohol and that you can a test to the fact that under the influence of alcohol such a person’s brain functions shifts dramatically. It is the cerebral cortex that senses shift of thought and initiate voluntary muscle movements. Alcohol will then affects the cerebral cortex in many ways like:

Negative effect on thoughts or thinking processes which in many times lead to poor judgment by the victim.
Lowers inhibitions. When this happens the victim becomes too talkative, portrays false sense of confidence that can only last while still under the influence of alcohol and disappears as soon as the consumer is sober.
With increasing blood alcohol levels (BAC), all of the above become increasingly pronounced

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Limbic System

Limbic system primary function is majorly to control memory and state of emotion. There is always serious memory lose among most people consuming alcohol alongside the experience of an exaggerated state of emotion. It should be noted that limbic system consists of the hippocampus and the septal regions which are the easy targets of alcohol.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Cerebellum

The primary function of cerebellum is the coordination of muscle movement which is a soft spot for alcohol abuse.
The excessive consumption of alcohol reduces the effective coordination of the muscles and motor skills are reduced.
In most cases when the coordination of muscles is affected then the individual may lose balance and can even fall down.
The difference between cortex and cerebellum is that cortex initiates muscle movement while cerebellum creates nerve impulses which control ones balance and body movements.
Additional parts of the brain affected by alcohol are the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
Increased alcohol consumption can cause increased sexual desires.
Alcohol depresses the nerve centers in the hypothalamus that determine sexual arousal and performance so despite this increased sexual desire, the consumer actual sexual performance may decline.
It infiltrates the pituitary gland by inhibiting secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which effects urine excretion.
ADH works with the kidneys to reabsorb toxins in the body. When inhibited, ADH levels drop and reduce the kidney’s ability to reabsorb water necessary to produce a healthy amount of urine. This malady can cause problems on a sexual level.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

Additional parts of the brain affected by alcohol are the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
Increased alcohol consumption can cause increased sexual desires.
Alcohol depresses the nerve centers in the hypothalamus that determine sexual arousal and performance so despite this increased sexual desire, the consumer actual sexual performance may decline.
It infiltrates the pituitary gland by inhibiting secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which effects urine excretion.

ADH works with the kidneys to reabsorb toxins in the body. When inhibited, ADH levels drop and reduce the kidney’s ability to reabsorb water necessary to produce a healthy amount of urine. This malady can cause problems on a sexual level

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Medulla

This is the part of the brain that influences the functions of the body that takes place automatically like the heartbeat, body temperature and breathing.
Alcohol will affect this section by causing the person to feel sleepy.
Excessive consumption of alcohol will not only cause the person to be unconscious but can also be very fatal.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Consumption

Most side effects from alcohol occur after drinking just one time. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption practiced in excess over an extended period of time can create much more serious problems for the brain than minor infractions. For example, if an individual develops an addiction to alcohol, their chances of developing a thiamine deficiency are doubled. In more severe or advanced cases of alcohol dependency, a brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), also known as “wet brain”, may develop. WKS is a disease that consists of two different syndromes. The first is a short-lived and severe condition called Wernicke’s encephalopathy and the second is a long-lasting critical condition known as Korsakoff’s psychosis. Symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy include mental confusion, paralysis of nerves behind the eyeballs, and decreased motor function.

In addition to Wernicke’s encephalopathy it is believed that approximately 80 to 90 percent of alcoholics will also develop Korsakoff’s psychosis, a chronic and debilitating syndrome characterized by persistent learning and memory problems. Patients suffering from Korsakoff’s psychosis are forgetful, quickly frustrated and have difficulty with walking and coordination. Despite having difficulty remembering information from the alcoholic’s past, it is their struggle retaining new information that is most striking. For example, an individual may be able to discuss an event in their lives with great detail, but an hour later forgets ever having the conversation.

In conclusion alcohol is a toxin that destructs the human body in high doses and over time. It has a risk of addiction or dependency. It impairs judgment and shifts the body’s originating physicality caution should be exercised when and if consumption of alcoholic beverages is involved. You now know the consequences of alcohol addiction and more so to the brain. Do not let this bring you down if it is already a problem in your life there is help around you at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care where focus is on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. You need your brain to live and alcohol cannot be the reasons why you’re losing it reach out for help and from the experts.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Specific Effects on the Brain

Tag Archives: Alcohol abuse