Tag Archives: Alcoholic beverage

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Alcohol dependence

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism with a view of finding the true root cause of alcohol addiction and its effects

While discussing the in depth understanding of alcoholism complications, we elaborately introduced ourselves to the knowledge of alcoholism and how it develops from a social friendly consumption to a very intoxicating health problem. We also found out that due to the addictiveness of the substance, users often find themselves to have drunk beyond what is considered to be moderate drinking into problematic drinking. With those findings well understood, we now want to focus our discussion on this article to exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism. We are aware that the alcoholic drink is not illegal and therefore when it brings some complications in the lives of its users, it concerns all of us. Therefore what exactly is the path way from alcohol abuse to alcoholism? We spoke to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This facility was established by doctor Dalal Akoury a renowned veteran in addiction treatment solution for over two decades now. Professionally doctor Akoury registers that ordinarily not all alcohol users or abusers will become full-blown alcoholics. Even though this is an indication of a big risk factor, it may not always be true. Majority will progress into alcoholism but in many instances some alcoholism develops suddenly in response to a stressful change in life like for instance if one is declared breakup, retirement or any another losses. Other times, it gradually creeps up on you as your tolerance to alcohol increases. If you’re a binge drinker or you drink every day, the risks of developing alcoholism are greater.

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Signs and symptoms of alcoholism

Alcoholism is the most severe form of problem drinking. Alcoholism involves all the symptoms of alcohol abuse, but it also involves another element: physical dependence on alcohol. If you rely on alcohol to function or feel physically compelled to drink, you’re an alcoholic.

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Tolerance

Tolerance is the first major warning sign of alcoholism and when this is noticed both the users and their loved ones must take the initiative of remedying the situation before it gets out of hand. Therefore in handling such situations, you must be ready to respond to some of these questions like for instance ask yourself if you are compelled to drink a lot more than you are a costumed to in order to get  buzzed or to feel relaxed? Or alternatively are you that person who will drink the largest number of bottles without getting drunk? If your answers to these questions are yes, then you have a greater risk of being a candidate of alcoholism. Doctor Akoury is confirming that these are the known signs of tolerance and a serious pointer to early warning signs of alcoholism. Remember that tolerance means that, with over time the user of alcohol will consistently need more and more alcohol to feel the same effects and this is therefore forms the first significant journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism and must be dealt with the seriousness it deserve professionally.

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Withdrawal

The 2nd major warning sign of alcoholism is the withdrawal effects. The questions you need to ask yourself in this would be, “do you need a drink to steady the shakes in the morning?” Doctor Akoury confirms that drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms is a sign of alcoholism and a huge red flag into the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism. When you drink heavily, your body gets used to the alcohol and experiences withdrawal symptoms if it’s taken away. The following are therefore some of the consequences that may result from the sudden withdrawal of alcohol: anxiety, trembling, sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, irritability, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache among many more not mentioned. Nonetheless in very severe cases, withdrawal from alcohol can also involve hallucinations, confusion, seizures, fever, and agitation. It must be noted that these symptoms can be dangerous, and doctor Akoury suggests that timely action must be taken to remedy the situation. Therefore if you are consuming alcohol and you noticed some of these signs, then it is very crucial that you talk to your doctor immediately irrespective of your degree of drinking.

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Other signs and symptoms of alcoholism

You’ve lost control over your drinking – This happens when you often drink more alcohol than you wanted to, for longer than you intended, or despite telling yourself you wouldn’t.

You want to quit drinking, but you can’t – Despite your persistent desire to cut down or stop and quit your alcohol use, all your efforts to quit have been unsuccessful.

You have given up other activities because of alcohol  – You’re spending less time on activities that used to be important to you (hanging out with family and friends, going to the gym, pursuing your hobbies) because of your alcohol use.

Alcohol takes up a great deal of your energy and focus – You spend a lot of time drinking, thinking about it, or recovering from its effects. You have few if any interests or social involvements that don’t revolve around drinking.

You drink even though you know it’s causing problems – This is often the common practice with many users like for example, you recognize that your alcohol use is damaging your marriage, making your depression worse, or causing health problems, but you continue to drink anyway.

In conclusion in exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism, there will be times when you will be completely lost not knowing what to do. During such times it is very important that you step out and face the reality of what is happening in your life. We do appreciate that with the addictiveness of alcohol, you may not know where to start from and that is why doctor Akoury 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. I strongly recommend that if this describes your situation, then this is the right professional to reach out to for help. Remember that Dr. Akoury’s practices focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. You can therefore call her on telephone number 843 213 1480 to schedule an appointment with her for the commencement of your recovery program today.

Exploring the journey from alcohol abuse to alcoholism: Alcohol dependence

 

 

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ADDICTION and INTIMACY!

 Addiction and Intimacy the Relationships

Isn’t it common knowledge excessive consumption of alcohol has more often than not been a major reason behind many family; scandals, fights, separations, divorce or worse deaths? Well finding the golden balance between drug abuse, addiction and intimacy is tricky. Even though supposed to avoid the prejudice to say it is one of the most difficult things to balance between addiction and intimacy, it is tempting to assert this is the truth. These require commitment that is terms of time and finances. It is more difficult to manage an intimate relationship while deep into addiction. The following is an account of addiction triggers and how they influence intimacy.

Elements of Addiction and Intimacy

Addiction is an intricate condition of the brain, usually categorized as a disease that involves reward and motivation cerebral systems structurally and chemically altered. The condition involves a number of behavioral and substance related things an individual finds difficult to control. It is a chronic brain disorder that despite several attempts to leave, one constantly finds him/herself falling back to. Usually, addiction manifests itself in various forms. This is dependent on a wide range of behavioral and substance related triggers among them: gambling, sex, food, work, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, bhang, and the latest one, computer and the internet.

Intimacy on the other hand is an interpersonal relationship between two individuals. It involves both emotional and physical engagements. Whereas emotional intimacy refers to how a person’s being feels closer to the other, physical intimacy essentially is about sexual involvement. An intimate relationship requires a good balance of various dear elements among them: trust, care, affection, expectations, beliefs, cognitive perceptions, opinions, experience, and commitment. Intimacy comes along with a number of human benefits that all together show its significance in our lives. These incudes: a deeper understanding of self, spiritual growth, feelings of completion, and sexual reward.

Addiction and Intimacy

Substance Addiction and Intimacy  

Excessive use of drugs often leaves one obsessed. Excessive substance abuse often takes control of one’s body. The result of such addiction literally is little or no space for other commitments. Further drug abuse often drives one into a state of illusion and selfishness. Drug abuse is also said to reduce feelings of true affection and love. With time drug addicts are said to think not beyond their own needs, to satisfy their addiction. Sometimes they spend most if not all their money drinking alcohol and or taking drugs, forgetting the simple things that once mattered in their relationships and the needs of their partners.

Addiction and Intimacy explains that sometimes, drug addicts wake besides strange sexual partners. Often it starts as a simple one time occurrence which the victim feels remorseful but soon it becomes a habit. Of course you can imagine effects of the same including unplanned pregnancies and possible infection with sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) or HIV-AIDS. In extreme situations, substance abuse may generally lead to loss of sexual interest and ability to perform well at it.

 Behavioral Addiction and Intimacy

Relationships bring people of different backgrounds together. It may be difficult to know from the start everything about one’s partner. However at times it is easier. One may not accept some behavior exhibited by the other. But still they agree to get into relationships with expectations to influence one another to change. At times they achieve desired behavioral attributes in the said partners, but at times they seem to do the same things repeatedly it becomes difficult to control. One great hindrance to behavior change is addiction. When a person is addicted to gambling for instance, they will always want to do that. They will do whatever it takes, including keeping it a secret from their partners. In the end the partner who expected change may become wary hence confrontation, separation or divorce. Once a relationship reaches such levels, intimacy is lost.

Intimacy and Addiction Recovery

In order to maintain intimacy, an addict may have to take the bold step of recovery. Once the victim gives up addiction, they begin to restore their life. Intimacy therefore becomes one area they work on seriously. It is actually one of the toughest to fix. However with a good recovery plan coupled with the right forums such as the upcoming August integrative addiction medicine conferences, they may as well be able to meet various professionals who will help them fix their intimacy, their partner’s, or that of their friends or neighbors. One expert sure to attend the conference is Dr Dalal Akoury of Integrative Addiction Institute and International Organization of Integrative Cancer Physicians.

Addiction and Intimacy

Intimacy and Addiction Recovery Tips

Other than recovery, following are tips on addiction and intimacy that would be very useful in learning how to overcome.

  1. Avoid getting into a relationship within the first year of recovery. Simple, you have enough to deal with yet another sexual relationship may do the honors to destroy it all.
  2. It is important to have realistic expectations. During recovery or even immediately after, it is important to know the relation will not be back on its knees in a fortnight.
  3. Effective communication between the partners is essentially also an important part of recovery.
  4. As earlier stated, counseling is a good way to recover. Only this time it is recommended both partners attend the sessions as directed by the doctor.
  5. Loss of sexual libido might as well be caused by another thing all together. It is therefore important talk to a specialist.
  6. In some cases the situation may be so bad, it would be best to end the relationship all together, however caution has to be taken especially if children are involved.

For more information on the above, click http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com. The link will be your guide to sign up for the conference as well give you a backgrounder about speakers lined up for the mega integrative addiction conference.

Addiction and Intimacy, the Relationship?

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Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism

Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism: The evidence of being an alcoholic

Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism

Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism gives us the strength of working together in fighting all manner of drug and alcohol addiction.

Alcohol consumption is one of the most cherished practices during marry making across the globe, whether it is on occasions like wedding, birth parties, anniversaries or any other event where people are celebrating something. Besides that this substance is also commonly used for relaxation after a day’s long labour yet again others use it to hide their feelings. When they feel bad and are stressed for whatever reason they resort to alcohol for solace. In all these one is likely to be persuaded that alcohol is delivering good result to their respective users but is that really the case? Are you a user of alcohol? And how well do you understand the drink you take? In fact knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism will be very helpful for you to know whether you are on the right truck or not. This is what doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center wants to share with us in this article. We therefore request for your indulgence to stay on the link to get the necessary tools you need to make very important decision about alcohol intake.

Now back to the discussion, studies have established that alcoholism is actually the most severe form of drinking problem. Doctor Akoury explains that alcoholism is wide and it involves all the symptoms of alcohol abuse alongside with other elements like physical dependence on alcohol. It is therefore very important to note that if you rely on alcohol to function or feel physically compelled to drink then there is likelihood that you’re an alcoholic and action needs to be taken in good time. You can begin by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury for a one on one discussion about all your concerns. Now the following are some of the indicators of alcoholism.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism: Tolerance

Tolerance is the first major warning sign of alcoholism in any users’ life. Therefore if you are compelled into drinking a lot more than you used to in order to get cope or to feel relaxed or when you drink more than other people without getting drunk, then these are signs of tolerance, which can be early indicators or warning sign of alcoholism. Remember that tolerance comes in situations where, over a period of time, the user finds him or herself in need of more and more alcohol to feel the same effects they felt previously.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism: Withdrawal

Withdrawal is the second major warning sign of alcoholism. Therefore if you realized that you need a drink to fix your problem of the shakes in the morning, or you’re drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms, then these are also indicators of alcoholism and a huge red flag for that matter. Remember that when you drink heavily, your body gets used to the alcohol and experiences withdrawal symptoms if it’s taken away. The following are some of the withdrawal symptoms:

Doctor Akoury says that in severe cases, withdrawal from alcohol can also involve more complicated problems like hallucinations, confusion, seizures, fever, and agitation. It is very important to note that these symptoms can be dangerous and addressing them with your physician in good time is advisable. Therefore if this description suits your situation, then talk to your doctor to help you through the recovery process.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism: Other signs and symptoms of alcoholism

You’ve lost control over your drinking – You often drink more alcohol than you wanted to, for longer than you intended, or despite telling yourself you wouldn’t.

You want to quit drinking, but you can’t – You have a persistent desire to cut down or stop your alcohol use, but your efforts to quit have been unsuccessful.

You have given up other activities because of alcohol – You’re spending less time on activities that used to be important to you (hanging out with family and friends, going to the gym, pursuing your hobbies) because of your alcohol use.

Alcohol takes up a great deal of your energy and focus – You spend a lot of time drinking, thinking about it, or recovering from its effects. You have few if any interests or social involvements that don’t revolve around drinking.

You drink even though you know it’s causing problems – For example, you recognize that your alcohol use is damaging your marriage, making your depression worse, or causing health problems, but you continue to drink anyway.

Finally the problem of addiction is one that has been with us from time immemorial. The fact that this problem is that old doesn’t mean that it cannot be addressed to its logical conclusion. We appreciate that there are a lot of teething problems in dealing with substance abuse and more so to alcohol. But when you take the right direction and you engage the right professionals, you will succeed in eliminating this problem out of your life and that of your community. Speaking to doctor Dalal Akoury would be the starting point for you when it comes to matters addiction. Why do I say this, it will interest you to note that doctor Dalal Akoury seeing how drugs was ruining the societies across the globe, made a decision to create 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. 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. Up on scheduling for that appointment with her, she will evaluate your individual condition and put you on the right treatment that will help you reclaim your life back in the most professional way. Take that initial step of calling her today and you will live to tell the story of your complete revival.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism: The evidence of being an alcoholic

 

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Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking

Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking: What is alcohol?

Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking

Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking is a perfect opportunity for people not to make dangerous mistakes that can affect them and their generations to come

The better way of understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking can be found in the clear definition of the substance. In simple terms alcohol is a drug by all standards. It is derived from the fermentation of sugar by yeast. It is important to appreciate that the main psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic drinks is the ethanol, or ethyl alcohol. Therefore on consumption of alcohol, the ethanol element dissolves quickly in water and is absorbed into the blood streams. Up on the dissolution in just a short term and in smaller doses, it acts on the receptors of the brain to make users feel uninhibited and provides and provides a general sense of well-being. From the experts point of view when an individual drinking becomes more often, with time alcohol will starts to affect the general balance and the speech center of the brain. This therefore means that if you drink regularly, the brain’s receptors adapt to the alcohol and prompting the need for higher doses to cause the same effect. This is what then causes one to be addicted to the substance according to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD and the founder of the establishment. Doctor Akoury says that it is important to appreciate that alcohol is a depressant and instead of acting as a stimulant, it is likely to have the opposite effects on the individual abusers of the substance.

Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking: What happens when you drink alcohol?

Alcohol is quickly soaked up through the lining of the stomach and the upper part of the gut (intestine) and into your blood stream. The higher the concentration of alcohol, the faster it will be absorbed like for instance elements like whisky will be faster than beer. From there the journey continues to the liver and then to other organs of the body tissues. However the brain will be affected specifically by the flow of alcohol which acts on the central nervous system to alter your physical coordination and mental judgments.

Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking: What happens to the liver if you drink too much?

It is important to note that the function of the liver is not to store alcohol. Its role is to metabolize (processes) about 90% of the alcohol you drink to eliminate it from your body. It then breaks down the alcohol into water, gas (carbon dioxide) and fat. However with the central nervous system the liver becomes the biggest casualty from alcohol consumption. This is because the liver can only handle up to a certain amount of alcohol in any given time (one unit an hour). Meaning that if you are drinking quickly, your liver cells will have to work overtime to process the alcohol. When this is more than the liver can handle, the excess is transported to the rest of your organs. And for this to be done, the liver will need water to be effective in its delivery. Nonetheless, since alcohol acts as a diuretic, it dehydrates the body thereby forcing the liver to divert water from other sources.

Remember that when the liver is processing alcohol, it produces a substance called acetaldehyde. This has a toxic effect on the liver itself, as well as the brain and stomach lining. This is what causes your hangover. Acetaldehyde is subsequently broken down into chemical called acetate, which is broken down further into carbon dioxide and water outside the liver. Therefore the heavy drinkers can strain or disrupt this process which is likely to cause some live infections.

Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking: What are the recommended safe limits of alcohol drinking?

Even though alcohol is not good for your health, people will always consume this substance. Therefore to put some ceilings scientific research has established that consumption of alcohol is very much different in terms of gender as follows:

Men should drink no more than 21 units of alcohol per week (and no more than four units in any one day).

Women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (and no more than three units in any one day).

Pregnant women – There is no known safety consumption of alcohol when it comes to pregnant women. Therefore doctor Akoury’s advice is that pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant should not drink at all. If you do choose to drink when you are pregnant then limit it to one or two units, once or twice a week however it would be healthy for you and your baby if you abstain from drinking completely.

In general, the more you drink above the safe limits, the more harmful alcohol is likely to be. And remember, binge drinking can be harmful even though the weekly total may not seem too high. For example, if you only drink once or twice a week, but when you do you drink 4-5 pints of beer each time, or a bottle of wine each time, then this is a risk to your health. Also, even one or two units can be dangerous if you drive, operate machinery, or take some types of medication.

Finally we know that the effects of alcohol can be very devastating, and we also know that once you have started drinking, stopping can be very difficult. These are known facts and if they are your point of concern, then you are justified. The good news about all these concerns is that, they are doable. If you or any one you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, then this is the right place to be for the commencement of your recovery treatment. All that stands between you and your total recovery is that one phone call to doctor Dalal Akoury. Call her today to schedule for an appointment and you will never regret it all the days of your life.

Understanding the nature of alcohol and drinking: What is alcohol?

 

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Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse: Understanding the magnitude of the problem

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse begins very simple but leaves greater repercussions.

It is true that everyone is in one way or another has his own share of social and economic problems. These problems come to us from different quarters across the globe. Poverty is once such source and probably the greatest, however for the purpose of this article we want to focus on the social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse in the current society we live in. for sure alcohol consumption can have adverse social and economic effects on the individual users of this substance. The biggest problem we have with this substance just like in other substances, when an individual is directly affected, a whole lot more group of people are equally suffering with him or her indirectly. That is to say that the drinker’s immediate environment and society as a whole bears the consequence of that individual user. If you are wondering how this happens, then listen to the experts’ opinion at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and also the founder of the facility. She says that other than the individual user the whole society suffers in the sense that when an alcoholic under the influence of alcohol is on the steering wheel, everybody around him at that time is in great danger of suffering from eminent traffic accident. That is one perfect illustration of how indirectly the majority will be involved with just one single abuser of alcohol. The impact it will have on the society is enormous in terms of resources required for criminal justice, health care and other social needs that will come with it.

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse: Effects of alcoholism on work performance

Alcohol consumption can affect work performance in several ways including the following:

Absences – The abundance of evidence available indicate that majority of people with alcohol dependence and drinking problems are on consistent sick leave in relation to than other sober employees. Anytime a given personnel is off duty, there are cost elements attached not just to the employer, but even to the employee. Being absent from work is costly and it also succeeds in reducing the work morale of other staff who have to bridge the gap of their colleague with drinking problem.

Work accidents – The available statistics globally about work accidents is worrying. Like for instance in Great Britain, it is estimated that up to 25% of workplace accidents and around 60% of fatal accidents at work may be linked to alcohol. Alongside that in India about 40% of work accidents have been attributed to alcohol use. Those are just two examples says doctor Akoury.

Productivity – Heavy drinking at work may reduce productivity with statistics indicating that up to 10% of productivity losses are attributed to alcohol in most economies. Besides that performance at work may be affected both by the volume and pattern of drinking. Fellow employees are of the opinion that heavy drinkers have lower performance, problems in personal relationships and lack of self-direction, though drinkers themselves do not necessarily perceive effects on their work performance

Unemployment – Heavy drinking or alcohol abuse may lead to unemployment and unemployment may lead to increased drinking bringing the effect of poverty as a serious factor as had been alluded to in the introduction explains doctor Akoury.

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse: The burden the family will bear if one of their own is misusing alcohol

Drinking can impair how a person performs as a parent, a partner as well as how (s) he contributes to the functioning of the household. It can have lasting effects on their partner and children, for instance through home accidents and violence.

Children can suffer Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), when mothers drink during pregnancy. After birth, parental drinking can lead to child abuse and numerous other impacts on the child’s social, psychological and economic environment.

The impact of drinking on family life can include substantial mental health problems for other family members, such as anxiety, fear and depression.

Drinking outside the home can mean less time spent at home. The financial costs of alcohol purchase and medical treatment, as well as lost wages can leave other family members destitute. When men drink it often primarily affects their mothers or partners who may need to contribute more to the income of the household and who run an increased risk of violence or HIV infection.

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse: The relationship between alcohol and poverty

The economic consequences of alcohol consumption can be severe, particularly for the poor. Doctor Akoury says that besides the money spent on the alcohol itself; heavy drinkers may suffer other economic problems such as lower wages and lost employment opportunities, increased medical and legal expenses, and decreased eligibility for loans. We may not exhaustively deal with this now, but we will tackle it in our subsequent article as we progress. We therefore urge you to stay on the link for more productive health information’s that will help you make very healthy informed choices in life. In the meantime as an individual if any of these briefings describes your situation, you can make an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for further professional direction. Remember that doctor Akoury is an addiction veteran has found patients make the best results by receiving a combination of medications, natural therapeutic approaches and psychosocial therapies to synergistically align the body, mind and spirit, to ultimately provide a long-term life change.

Besides that AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, one of the leading pioneers in natural and holistic addiction treatment, will be conducting the first Educational, Functional and Integrative Addiction conference for doctors, counselors, nurses and addiction therapists. The conference is schedule for 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”. This is one conference that you don’t want to miss since it will combine both the theories of doctor Dalal Akoury, together with research and case studies by many of the world’s leading addiction specialists to provide an all-encompassing interactive and educational conference that will enable doctors and therapists to go back to their clinics and practice a more comprehensive, new and integrative approach to treating addiction.

Social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse: Understanding the magnitude of the problem

 

 

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