Addressing the problem of alcoholic relapse

June 15, 2015

Addressing the problem of alcoholic relapse: Risks factors for relapse

Addressing the problem of alcoholic relapse is very important in solving the problem of addiction. Many alcoholics who are on treatment often feel discouraged when they relapse, but this should not be the case as relapse in part of the healing process. all you need to do is to pick up the peaces and move on.

Alcoholism is a common problem globally and people of all walks of life are affected in equal measure. Alcoholism like any other drug has no respect to anyone irrespective of your social status, educational background, race, religion or any other you may think of. When treating this problem of addiction, there is bound to be relapse at some point of time either during or even after years of total recovery and abstinence. The efforts made to get alcohol out of your life could be through into the gutters if this problem of relapse is not properly addressed. That is why experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center have made it a priority in this article to formulate the modalities of addressing the problem of alcoholic relapse so that this problem of alcoholism can be dealt with permanently.

In all addictions relapse is very common and can happen to a patient several time during treatment or even after. Doctor Akoury is making it clear that the fact that relapses is almost inevitable, this should not cause any problem or even discouragement. Instead it should be seen as part of the treatment process and not really a failure on the part of the patient. As a matter of fact it this ever happens to you, you are only going to add on to the statistics. In other words, you are not going to be the first person to have been through this neither are you going to be the last. Therefore it will interest you to know that more that 80% and probably more have been affected with this problem of relapse, so never get scared it you relapse instead you should pick up the pieces and get back your focus to the objective of defeating the problem of whatever addiction you are struggling with. However in this journey of addiction recovery, knowledge in very important. Having your facts right will always help you deal with the problem as and when it comes. Therefore the following are some of the factors that will place one at a high risk of relapsing: Frustration and anger, social pressure and internal temptation. With this you will be able to take the appropriate action and in good time.

Addressing the problem of alcoholic relapse: Risk Factors

It is amazing that even with obvious health risk of alcohol people are still very much into drinking. It has become a global problem with the west taking the lead in alcohol abuse. America for example is struggling with this problem of alcohol abuse with most under age getting into drinking habit. Most American adults drink at levels that put them at risk for alcohol dependence and alcohol-related problems. Let us therefore look at some of the risk factors for alcohol dependence and they may include:

Addressing the problem of alcoholic relapse: Age

Drinking in Adolescence – we all know that alcohol consumption is very unhealthy in all dimensions, the risks of alcohol use gets more complicated depending on when one begins taking alcohol and the duration of usage. For instance anyone who begins drinking in adolescence is at risk for developing alcoholism. The earlier a person begins drinking, the greater the risk and so young people at highest risk for early drinking are those with a history of abuse, family violence, depression, and stressful life events. People with a family history of alcoholism are also more likely to begin drinking before the age of 20 and to become alcoholic. Such adolescent drinkers are also more apt to underestimate the effects of drinking and to make judgment errors, such as going on binges or driving after drinking, than young drinkers without a family history of alcoholism.

Drinking in the Elderly Population – Although alcoholism usually develops in early adulthood the elderly are not safe either. They are also affected though in a different way for example those who maintain the same drinking patterns as they age can easily develop alcohol dependency without realizing it. It will take a fewer drinks to become intoxicated, and older organs can be damaged by smaller amounts of alcohol than those of younger people. Besides all these, many medications prescribed for older people interact adversely with alcohol.

Addressing the problem of alcoholic relapse: Gender

There is no doubt that majority of alcohol users are men though the women population drinking is also rising by the day. Studies suggest that women are more vulnerable than men to many of the long-term consequences of alcoholism. For example, women are more likely than men to develop alcoholic hepatitis and to die from cirrhosis, and again they are more vulnerable to the brain cell damage caused by alcohol.

Addressing the problem of alcoholic relapse: Psychiatric and Behavioral Disorders

Psychiatric Disorders – Severely depressed or anxious people are at high risk for alcoholism, smoking, and other forms of addiction. Likewise, a large proportion of alcohol-dependent people suffer from an accompanying psychiatric or substance abuse disorder. Either anxiety or depression may increase the risk for self-medication with alcohol. Depression is the most common psychiatric problem in people with alcoholism or substance abuse. Alcohol abuse is very common in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Long-term alcoholism itself may cause chemical changes that produce anxiety and depression. It is not always clear, then, whether people with emotional disorders are self-medicating with alcohol, or whether alcohol itself is producing mood swings.

Finally, I believe you’re up to date with the social aspects of alcohol use. In our introduction we illustrated how relapse is a common happening in addiction treatment and probably this is your area of concern. If that describes your situation then you are the person am looking for because am offering an opportunity to get over it in the most professional way. It is important to appreciate that you cannot go through it your own, you will need the opinion of experts in this line and Dr. Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is the person you need right now. She made a decision to create a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. I beseech you to take the first step of scheduling for an appointment with this great professional for the commencement of your treatment today.

Addressing the problem of alcoholic relapse: Risks factors for relapse

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today

June 3, 2015

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: The body responsiveness to Alcohol abuse

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today are evident on how users of alcohol live their lives. A life full of destruction

The life complications keep getting more and more frustrating because of several factors including alcohol abuse and drug addiction. These two health conditions directly affect the well-being of human life and cannot be over looked. Over the years people have been into the business of marry making while consuming alcohol and all other alcoholic beverages across the globe. It is through this marry making that today life is almost becoming unbearable for most families and especially those taking care on an alcoholic loved one. One may wonder how marry making and self-enjoyment of life while taking a few bottles of drinks could be a problem. If this is what is going on in your mind right now, then you are at the right place, because throughout this article, we are going to be discussing the general effects of alcohol abuse today in our lives. With the help of doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, one of the leading pioneers in natural and holistic addiction treatment we will be well informed of the health effects of alcohol abuse and even drug addiction. You can therefore take this earliest opportunity to schedule for an appointment with her for more guidance and professional help.

Individual’s patients struggling with substance abuse may opt for the appointment with the experts for lasting solution, however the experience doctor Akoury has garnered over the past few decades can be very beneficial to other professional in the same discipline. And if you are wondering on how you can be part of this doctor Akoury is organizing an Educational, Functional and Integrative Addiction conference for medical experts including doctors, counselors, nurses and addiction therapists. The conference will be August 23-25 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This new frontier in Addiction Medicine will be conducted by the most influential group of leading visionaries specializing in the latest advances in natural and integrative addiction medicine, under the theme “The Future of Integrative Addiction”. You can get more information about this on www.integrativeaddiction2015.com or email sharon@integrativeaddiction2015.com. Just to give you a preview of those who will be attending this very important conference, we currently have confirmations from the who is who in the world of medicine including Dr. Mitch Ghen, DO, Ph.D, Sean Devlin, DO, HMD., Sahar Swidan, Pharma D. BCPS., Kenneth Proefrock, N.M.D., William Eidelman, M.D., and Gregory G. Smith, MD. That is just a preview you can get more information from the contacts given above and you are highly welcome to this one in a life time event. Back to the general effects of alcohol abuse today, the body is very much vulnerable to the toxic elements as we will soon find out from the explanations in this discussion.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effects to the Skin, Muscle, and Bone Disorders

Several studies have associated severe alcoholism with osteoporosis which is the loss of bone density, muscular deterioration, skin sores, and itching. Whereas women are the most concern with the beauty of their skin complexion as compared to men, alcohol-dependent women seem to face a higher risk than men for damage to muscles, including muscles of the heart, from the toxic effects of alcohol.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effects on Reproduction and Fetal Development

Sexual Function and Fertility – Alcoholism increases levels of the female hormone estrogen and reduces levels of the male hormone testosterone, factors that are closely associated with erectile dysfunction and enlarged breasts in men, and infertility in women. Such changes may also be responsible for the higher risks for absent periods and abnormal uterine bleeding in women with alcoholism.

Drinking During Pregnancy and Effects on the Infant – it is important to note that when nursing pregnancy even the so called moderate amounts of alcohol can have damaging effects on the developing fetus, including low birth weight and increased risk for miscarriage. High amounts can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition that can cause mental and growth retardation. Although there is no specific amount of alcohol intake, the risk of developing the syndrome is increased depending on the time of alcohol exposure during pregnancy, a pattern of drinking (four or more drinks per occasion), and how often alcohol consumption occurs.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effect on Weight and Diabetes

Moderate alcohol consumption may help protect the hearts of adults with type 2 diabetes. Heavy drinking, however, is associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for this form of diabetes. In addition, alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, a drop in blood sugar, which is especially dangerous for people with diabetes who are taking insulin. Intoxicated diabetics may not be able to recognize symptoms of hypoglycemia.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effect on Central and Peripheral Nervous System and Mental Functioning

Drinking too much alcohol can cause immediate mild neurologic problems in anyone, including insomnia and headache. Long-term alcohol use can physically affect the brain. Depending on length and severity of alcohol abuse, neurologic damage may not be permanent, and abstinence nearly always leads to eventual recovery of normal mental function.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

People with alcoholism should be sure to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Even apparently well-nourished people with alcoholism may be deficient in important nutrients. Deficiencies in vitamin B pose particular health risks in people with alcoholism. Other vitamin and mineral deficiencies, however, can also cause widespread health problems.

Folate Deficiencies – Alcohol interferes with the metabolism of folate, a very important B vitamin, called folic acid when used as a supplement. Folate deficiencies can cause severe anemia. Deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to birth defects in the infant.

Peripheral Neuropathy – Vitamin B12 deficiencies can also lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes pain, tingling, and other abnormal sensations in the arms and legs.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Drug Interactions

The effects of many medications are strengthened by alcohol, while others are inhibited. Of particular importance is alcohol’s reinforcing effect on anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications.

Alcohol also interacts with many drugs used by people with diabetes. It interferes with drugs that prevent seizures or blood clotting. It increases the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding in people taking aspirin or other non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and naproxen. Chronic alcohol abusers have a particularly high risk for adverse side effects from consuming alcohol while taking certain antibiotics. These side effects include flushing, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In other words, taking almost any medication should preclude drinking alcohol. If you were not aware of the effects of alcohol before, now you know and it is time for you to make a difference in your society. If you know of anyone who is struggling with alcoholism, you can be the bridge of recovery to them by arranging with then to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for help. But for the experts the Integrative Addiction conference for doctors, counselors, nurses and addiction therapists is a must attend for you and you can also consult with doctor Akoury for more information about Integrative Addiction Treatment on the following contact details:

Dalal Akoury M.D

AWAREmed

Tel: 843 213 1480

Email: dollyanis@hotmail.com

www.awaremednetwork.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILBEhjYkwKQ

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: The body responsiveness to Alcohol abuse

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem

June 2, 2015

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem: What you can do to help?

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem is a journey and not really a destination

In this time of age, it is becoming very difficult to find societies that are free from alcohol abuse or drug addiction. The easy accessibility and affordability of these drugs have made it very difficult in dealing with problems of addiction. Nonetheless with or without the prevailing challenges, we still have a duty to perform in containing the problem. You may overlook at certain things you do as very insignificant but when it is offering any help however negligible it may be, you must not be discouraged. You must soldier on for that little will be very important for the life of your loved one in the long run. We all have a role to play in helping loved ones with drug or alcohol problems and with the help of professionals like doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we will succeed. And now that we have a professional to consult, let me make enquiry to keep us moving, do you have any member of your family or friend who is struggling with drug addiction or alcohol problem? If you have then you’re probably wondering how you can help. If this describes you, then you are in the right place and with the help of doctor Dalal Akoury we are going to help you get the clarity of some of your concerns as follows:

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem: How Can I Tell If I’m Overreacting to a Substance Abuse Problem?

This is a worthy concern because we must always be careful not to raise false alarm particularly with substance abuse. Therefore when you are trying to help it must not be construed to be overreacting. In many situations people will often notice problems or indicators in friends or family member’s work, health, family, finances, relationships, social functioning, legal issues, self-esteem or self-respect these are some of the areas that will give indications that a problem is in the making. You must therefore not be afraid of facing the problem for fear of being accused of being overreacting. Remember that continuing to use substances in spite of the fact that such behavior is causing problems is a big problem in itself. It gives a clear reflection that substance use has become more important than the problems it causes. It therefore goes without mentioned that anyone who is not willing to discuss the issue or consider whether there might be a problem under such conditions clearly demonstrate that an addiction problem do exists. With these indications, the question that follows would be, what are the action points one can take to be safe? The following guidelines will be very helpful:

Knowledge of all the signs and symptoms of substance use is very important as this will help you make informed decisions on the direction and treatment options to take.
Before you can make decisions, keenly make observation about the person’s behavior closely over a period of time may be a few days or weeks to have a clear understanding of what is making you to think that there is a problem. Having such information will be very helpful especially when it becomes necessary latter for your to share the same with other members of the family. It is also very important that as you chose to share this with other family members, seeking for pieces of advice from professionals would be very necessary before any decision can be made about the next cause of action.
With that said and done you can now share your observations with other family members and friends seeking their opinion about the same. The purpose of this is to determine how other people other than you also see the situation. In the event that they are in agreement with your observation, then there is a problem which needs to be fixed and this introduces the next step which is figuring out who will initiate the talk to the person about getting help.
Up to this point your role would be to ensure that professionalism is observed all through by first contacting experienced substance abuse professional, mental health professional, physician, employee assistance professional, guidance counselor, clergy or other helping professional to help you help your loved one. When sharing with the professionals about your observations, it is important that you describe your family member’s substance use pattern to see whether the professional would deem it a problem. Don’t be mean with information and ensure that you provide details such as the type of alcohol or other drugs, how much the person is using, how often, how long the pattern has continued, negative consequences and the person’s response to discussions or confrontations about substance use.
Ensure that you and other family members are safe from potential physical or emotional harm. If there is a threat or feat of physical violence you should develop a safety plan.

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem: Benefits of Early Identification and Action

Where I hail from there is a wise saying that “the early bird catches the worm” meaning in this context timely identification of drug related problems will give a healthy opportunity for recovery. This is all we need to champion for because we can. It is regrettable that what we watch or read from the media like the movies, books and magazines often portray people who have the “hit bottom” before they can be helped. This is what we have been made to believe and so many people have given up even before making any attempt of seeking for treatment. This is a misleading myth because the truth of the matter is people do not need to bottom out to be helped. It has been established from various studies that early identification of the problem is a much more effective solution for substance use problems.

Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility which was established by doctor Dalal Akoury primarily to bring a difference in addiction treatment agree that early identification occurs at the first signs of a problem before anyone has suffered a traumatic event, dropped out of school or lost important relationships, jobs, their health or self-respect. It is important to note that identification can be done through various means including a screening by a health care professional, employee assistance professional or even a family member. What happens after the screening depends on the results of the test. Some people can learn to cut back, while some need further assessment and possibly treatment says doctor Akoury.

In general, though, all people are better equipped to work on recovery if their substance use problem is discovered and confronted early. Treatment in the early stages of a substance use disorder is likely to be less intense, less disruptive and cause less anxiety.

When we fail to identify the signs and symptoms in good time, we will be actually waiting for the occurrence of a risky strategy. In other words we all need help in good time and in the absence of that much needed help, family members can only expect crises like arrests for being on the wrong side of the law, medical emergencies due to intoxication, job loss because of bad influence and non-performance, public embarrassment and even death. We will continue with the benefits of early detection in the subsequent articles but in the meantime, you may want to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury for professional guidance in the journey of addiction recovery.

Helping loved ones with Drug or Alcohol Problem: What you can do to help?

Effects of Alcoholism in breast feeding mothers

May 30, 2015

Effects of Alcoholism in breast feeding mothers: Does Mom’s Drinking Harm Breastfed Babies?

Effects of Alcoholism in breast feeding mothers. In this case both the mother and the baby are negatively affected

Children are not just gifts but are blessings that everyone would desire to have. When we are privileged to get them the laws of the land tasks us with their care, protection and well upbringing. Those who don’t have them live in great hopes of getting at least one in the near future. What surprises many is the way some parents fail to appreciate the priceless value of children they have more so to those parents who are intoxicating their lives with alcohol. If alcohol can cause one to neglect her own children, then to such a person of what benefit is alcohol? Surely the effects of alcoholism in breast feeding mothers cannot be this cruel. The purpose of this article is to dig deep into the injustices that we cause our young ones all in the name of misuse of alcohol. If you have been with us on this link, you must have come a cross from our previous posting where doctor Akoury in total disbelief could not understand why in a town the number of bars outnumbered the combined total of schools, churches, hospitals and mosque. This is a worrying trend because young children and the unborn children become the grater losers. Unborn children get hooked up in alcohol direct from their mothers’ wombs and young growing children suffer neglect. If all these are blamed on alcohol abuse, then what is good in alcohol if it is used like a sweeping broom to clear a whole generation!

Now let me bring it more closer to you for better understanding. Supposing you were walking along the way and you meet a young lady drunk disorderly with her seated next to her not knowing what is going on what would that register in your mind? And let say after that unbelievable sight you proceeded with your journey and decided to branch at you usual joint for one or two before finally leaving for home. Then when you get to the joint you see a breast feeding mother drinking one after the other and at the same time trying to pay attention to her young baby what would ring in your mind? I don’t know what is in your mind but ordinarily the sight of a mother breastfeeding while drinking a glass of wine no doubt has garnered disapproving stares and maybe some choice words from passersby.

These are some of the reasons that guided doctor Dalal Akoury’s decision into to creating a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Because knowledge is power doctor Akoury is using this platform to spread the message of hope to all addicts male and female. It is through informing people that those in the dark may get to the light and opt for assistance. I know that denial is a very big threat in this journey and so even if you want to bring everybody on board it may not possible, but if just one person take the heed and accepts to be rehabilitated, and this individual goes through the treatment program successfully, that would be an achievement. Remember that when one is affected the whole household grief’s and in the same way when one has been successfully rehabilitated the benefits extends to the whole family and the community as well. Your health is our command and that is why Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms what an opportunity you have to start all over again. It is never too late nor is it too early to seek for help schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today and be the next beneficiary of comfortable and healthy life that is free from any traces of addiction.

Doctor Akoury further explains that it is not recommended to drink excessively while nursing because of the passage of the alcohol into the mummery breast milk. It is important to note that excessive alcohol while breastfeeding is not only harmful to a baby who is breastfeeding but also life threatening. However at the moment it is not very easy to conclusively tell the extent of how much harm, because many of the women who drink excessively after [delivery] are those who have already been drinking excessively while they were nursing pregnancy.

Effects of Alcoholism in breast feeding mothers: Drink in moderation

It is one thing that has not been achieved by many more so when making reference to substances which are this addictive. I am talking about the policy of moderate drinking. It is very easy to say moderate and it is all a different ball game to have it implemented. It is no wonder that when you listen to the media content these days you can only scratch your head. All that is in the news is that Madam X or Y was charged with child neglect because they were extremely intoxicated with alcoholic substances. Such news makes you wonder whether it’s OK for a nursing mother to be subjected to such penalties of jail terms. Are they candidates for jails or for a rehab centre? It would be appropriate for such mothers to be first molded into moderate drinking and progressively clear off their intoxication.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Breastfeeding mothers should avoid the use of alcoholic beverages, because alcohol is concentrated in breast milk and its use can inhibit milk production. An occasional celebratory single, small alcoholic drink is acceptable, but breastfeeding should be avoided for 2 hours after the drink.”

Large amounts of alcohol via mother’s milk can cause drowsiness, weakness, and decreases in growth and other health issues in babies.

In terms of long-term effects on infants, limited information is available, according to guidelines developed by the Sonoma County Breastfeeding Coalition and the Sonoma County Perinatal Alcohol and Other Drug Action Team in 2008. The guidelines highlight a 1989 study that showed chronic exposure to alcohol via a lactating mom (even if she has as little as one drink daily) can have detrimental effects on the infant’s motor development.

Effects of Alcoholism in breast feeding mothers: Keep breastfeeding

Alcohol levels in breast milk peak about 30 minutes to an hour after drinking alcohol (on an empty stomach). And as mom’s blood alcohol level drops, so does that of breast milk because the alcohol is diffusing back into the bloodstream that is according to research published in 1995 in the Journal of Human Lactation. Therefore “pumping and dumping,” in which nursing mothers use a breast pump to suck out some milk and proceed to ditch it before letting infants latch on, might not do the trick.

More than 75 percent of U.S. mothers today breastfeed either exclusively or in combination with infant formula for a period of up to six weeks. But after that the numbers drop off, and when infants reach six months, only 15 percent to 16 percent of mother’s breastfeed exclusively. The good news is that most people who breastfeed choose to breastfeed because they are concerned and interested in the health and well-being of their child, so the overwhelming majority of women who breastfeed, and if they do drink any alcohol they do so in moderation, so there’s no problem.

Effects of Alcoholism in breast feeding mothers: Does Mom’s Drinking Harm Breastfed Babies?

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse

May 29, 2015

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse: The Hard Hit Society

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse are going to kill the entire generation if corrective measures are not taken immediately

Even though alcohol is a legally acceptable drink in our societies, it use is causing a lot of pain to the same society especially when it is abused. This is one of the substances that are very easy to abuse owing to its addictive nature. It therefore beats the logic to advice that when taking alcohol, users must be careful to be as moderate as possible. I ask this question, the substance is a highly intoxicating and addictive, how then do you recommend a bottle or two for both genders knowing that you will not be able to help the keep to the limit? It is this in ability of many alcohol users to keep to the limit that has led to alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Because of this, we are left with the effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse to deal with. According to experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, alcoholism and alcohol abuse can affect all aspects of your life. Long-term alcohol use can cause serious health complications, affecting virtually every organ in your body, including your brain. Problem relating to drinking can also damage your emotional stability, finances, career, and your ability to build and sustain satisfying relationships. In essence the point is that alcoholism and alcohol abuse can have serious impact on your family, friends and the people you work with. That is why doctor Akoury founded this facility to give her contribution in containing this ever escalating problem in our societies.

The effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse on the people you love

When alcoholism sets into a family, comfort and piece flee in the opposite direction. I understand that it is common knowledge that the potential damage of alcohol abuse can be very lethal including complications like cancer, heart problems, and liver disease the other side of life can also be impacted on negatively. I am talking about the social side of life. The impact to this effect can be very devastating and alcoholics may end up without healthy relationships because of divorce and separation, problems relating to domestic violence, struggling with unemployment and endless life of poverty. These are real social issues that come with alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Nonetheless occasionally you may escape the in one area say from your work station the effects that alcoholism and alcohol abuse has on your personal relationships cannot be ignored.

This is because drinking problems put an enormous strain on the people closest to you. In many cases, your loved ones would be very protective to avoid embarrassment because they feel obligated to cover for the person with the drinking problem. In other words, they take on the burden of cleaning up your messes, telling lies for you, or working more to make ends meet. Pretending that nothing is wrong and hiding away all of their fears and resentments can take an enormous toll on them. This is one aspect that hit children the most. Children are usually very sensitive and can suffer lasting emotional trauma when a parent or caretaker is an alcoholic or heavy drinker.

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse: Getting help for alcoholism or alcohol abuse

Like in all other addiction, alcohol addiction treatment begins with the acceptance of the existence of drinking problem. This very first step may appear to be the easiest part but it is not and in fact many addicts are never willing to voluntarily acknowledge their individual drinking problems. It takes tremendous strength and courage to face alcohol abuse and alcoholism head on. Reaching out for support is the second step. It may not matter the choices you are going make be it going to the rehab or relying on self- help programs or even getting a therapy or a self-directed treatment approach, the bottom line is that getting support is very crucial. It is important to appreciate that recovering from alcohol addiction is much easier when you are surrounded with people you can rely on for good encouragement, comfort and guidance. In the absence of such support, it will be very easy to fall back into the old patterns of addiction when the going becomes very difficult.

Doctor Akoury says that your consistency on the recovery program will depend on continuing mental health treatment, learning healthier coping strategies, and making better decisions when dealing with life’s challenges. In order to stay alcohol-free for the long term, you’ll also have to face the underlying problems that led to your alcoholism or alcohol abuse in the first place. Those problems may include depression, an inability to manage stress, an unresolved trauma from your childhood, or any number of mental health issues. Such problems may become more prominent when you’re no longer using alcohol to cover them up. But you will be in a healthier position to finally address them and seek the help you need.

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse: Helping a loved one with alcoholism or alcohol abuse

Finally if someone you love has a drinking problem, you may be struggling with a number of painful emotions, including shame, fear, anger, and self-blame. The problem may be so overwhelming that it seems easier to ignore it and pretend that nothing is wrong. But in the long run denying it will be more damaging to you, other family members, and the person with the drinking problem.

Dealing with a loved one’s alcohol problem can be an emotional rollercoaster. It’s vital that you take care of yourself and get the support you need. It’s also important to have people you can talk honestly and openly with about what you’re going through. It may interest you to opt for institutions like the Al-Anon as the starting point. This is a free support group for families coping with alcoholism. Listening to others with the same challenges can be a tremendous source of comfort and support. You can also turn to trusted friends, a therapist, or people in your faith community but most importantly would be consulting with the experts for help. You can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for a much more professional guidance and treatment today.

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse: The Hard Hit Society

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