Effects of Alcohol addition, abuse and dependency

June 4, 2014

Effects of Alcohol addition, abuse and dependency-Part Two

What alcohol addiction can do to your life and that of others can be very painful if not treated

Having discussed what alcohol is and some of its uses in the previous article, we want to continue with the series of alcohol addiction concentrating on the effects of alcohol and evidences or signs of alcohol addiction. Being the major cause of addiction affecting all people in indiscriminately it is important that we are well informed of the effects and signs of alcohol addiction so that we can take timely precaution and live a healthy life.

Effects of Alcohol addition, abuse and dependency-Effects of alcohol

We actually don’t have a uniform way alcohol affects people, the effects of alcohol vary immensely according to gender, age, weight, height and other similar factors. For instance a state of drunkenness would include one being too talkative and sometimes reckless in speech, staggering or difficulty walking upright, double vision and poor muscle control. However when it becomes extreme, drunkenness will cause vomiting, inability to stand, a state of coma and incapability to communicate well. It is in this case that some people appear to be less affected than others although excessive use can affect anyone. Alcohol will affect you in different ways and these will depend on the following:

Ones sensitivity to alcohol
Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach
The kind of food eaten and to what quantity
The quantity of alcohol you drink
The intensity and consistency of your drinking
How long you have been drinking
Your environment at that time
Have you been on drugs like cannabis while drinking?

The effects of alcohol may cause you just after taking a few drinks may release your inhibitions making you feel confident and self-assured while on the other hand the same quantity of alcohol may make you feel depressed, angry and possibly suicidal. These effects are very common in than in men though as both sexes grow older they are affected in the same way. Signs of alcohol intoxication include a flushed, reddened face, slower reactions and reduced inhibitions. If a person experiences extreme drunkenness then there is a great risk that they may vomit in their sleep and choke on this vomit. Overindulgence in alcohol creates an unpleasant reminder known as hangover which is the body’s reaction to intoxication and is partly caused by dehydration and the production of a toxic chemical as alcohol is broken down by your liver. Symptoms of a hangover include headaches, nausea and possibly vomiting; shakiness, tiredness and thirst. The effects will have disappeared by either the end of the day or the next. But it is when this crosses the line from an occasional event to a regular event that signals a drinking problem.

Effects of Alcohol addition, abuse and dependency-Alcohol addiction

This comes as a result of the excessive alcohol consumption to point where the drinker becomes unable to control their consumption and they are now driven by the alcohol thirst which leads to alcoholism. Therefore alcoholism is the consumption of or preoccupation with alcoholic beverages to the extent that this behavior interferes with the alcoholic’s normal personal, family, social, or work life. The chronic alcohol consumption caused by alcoholism can result in psychological and physiological disorders.

The primary effect of alcoholism is to encourage the alcoholic to drink at times and in amounts that are damaging.
The secondary damage caused by an inability to control one’s drinking manifests in many ways.
It is common for a person suffering from alcoholism to drink well after physical health effects start to manifest.
The physical health effects associated with alcohol consumption include cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatic, polyneuropathy, alcoholic dementia, and heart disease, increased chance of cancer, nutritional deficiencies, sexual dysfunction, and death from many sources.

Effects of Alcohol addition, abuse and dependency-Why do people become alcoholics

Human beings are social beings capable of making decisions and choices on their own because we are different it may not be easy to get a straight answer to this question. However when these choices are made some will be good and productive while others will be bad.

The choices are influenced by a variety of factors like our background, family upbringing, lifestyle, genetics, environment etc. if for example a family has history of alcoholism either of your parents or grandparents was an alcoholic then this is a risk factor.
If you suffer from a mental illness such as anxiety, depression or manic depression then you may use alcohol as a way of coping with your illness.
It can also be a form of escapism.
If you work in an environment which has a ‘drinking culture’ then this is another risk factor.
Also, stressful life events such as divorce, bereavement or moving house can all trigger alcohol abuse.

It is difficult to say when social drinking becomes a problem which eventually leads to an addiction (alcoholism). However the first step for these people is recognizing that their drinking is out of control.

Effects of Alcohol addition, abuse and dependency-How to know if you have an alcohol addiction

Each person needs to have general knowledge of how alcoholism gets into one’s life. The signs of a drinking problem or ‘alcohol abuse’ may include:

Being unable to stick to one drink
Guilt or feeling ashamed about your drinking
Sudden change of attitude like lying to family or friends about your drinking
Having a desire to drink in order to relax or feel confident
Finding that you drink more than is good for you
Experiencing ‘blackouts’ or forgetting what you did when drunk
Your family and friends are getting worried about your drinking
Need a drink to get through the day or to cope with your illness

The journey from problem drinking to full blown alcoholism happens over a period of time. However if detected at an early stage then it can be prevented. Having a problem with alcohol doesn’t mean that you will automatically become an alcoholic but it does increase the risk of that happening. What happens is that you develop a tolerance to alcohol over a period of time, which is a sign that your body is becoming used to alcohol and demands it in order for you to function normally. It can start off by a few drinks several times a week, then drinking every day or ‘binge drinking’ which can result in alcoholism.

Alcoholism doesn’t happen overnight: it is a gradual process in which the drinker passes through three stages to get to this point. The three stages of alcoholism are:

Stage one: no obvious signs of damage yet. The drinker is still in control but is gradually developing a tolerance to alcohol.
Stage two: problems have started to occur. The drinker is experiencing physical and mental effects of their habit and has developed alcohol abuse.
Stage three: this is the final stage in the journey. The drinker has become a full blown alcoholic and is unable to stop drinking.

There are warning signs of alcoholism which include an increased tolerance; finding that you can drink more than your friends or colleagues; drinking to ease withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness or anxiety and denying or attempting to justify that you’re drinking to family, friends and colleagues. When this happens to you then you need help which must begin with you acknowledging that you have a problem. Step two would be to seek professional help from experts and this is where doctor Dalal Akoury and her time of experts get involved. Doctor Akoury is the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. She is offering exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. Your addiction problem is well under her vast experience in addiction treatment. With her you will get real time natural treatment that will ensure your life back and be well again to enjoy life to the fullest. Having looked at the effects and bit of signs of alcoholism in this article, I want to invite you to continue staying on the link and get to know the treatment segment in our next article.

Effects of Alcohol addition, abuse and dependency-Part Two

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery

May 22, 2014

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Effects of Nutritional Imbalances

Proper diet and nutrition is very good in solving the problem of drug addiction recovery put together with physical activities good health is almost guaranteed.

The human body needs to be kept healthy for it to function optimally as required. Several things put together helps in ensuring the proper functionality of the body. Among them is the good nutrition, we all need to feed well for our bodies to have enough energy to propel daily life activities. When we feed well and a void harmful substance like drugs into our system the body will function normally, however the deficiency of these vital nutrients in the body may have serious consequences especially in the life of those using drugs.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-How substance abuse harms the body

Substance abuse harms the body in two major ways which needs to be properly identified and addresses adequately, the two ways include:

The substance itself affects the body
It causes negative lifestyle changes, such as irregular eating and poor diet

For example, infants who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb often have physical and mental problems. The alcohol affects the growing baby by crossing the placenta. After birth, the baby may have withdrawal symptoms. The mother’s poor nutrition while she is drinking can harm the baby’s growth and development while still in the womb.

Recovery from substance abuse also affects the body in other ways, including metabolism processing energy, organ function, and mental well-being. Proper nutrition may help the healing process. Nutrients supply the body with energy. They provide substances to build and maintain healthy organs and fight off infection.

The impact of different drugs on nutrition is described below.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Opiates

Opiates including codeine, oxycontin, heroin, and morphine affect the gastrointestinal system. Constipation is a very common symptom of abuse. Symptoms that are common during withdrawal include:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting

These symptoms may lead to a lack of enough nutrients and an imbalance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride.

Eating balanced meals may make these symptoms less severe however eating can be difficult due to nausea. A high-fiber diet with plenty of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, peas, and beans is recommended.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Alcohol

Alcoholism is one of the major causes of nutritional deficiency in the United States. The most common deficiencies are of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), thiamine, and folic acid. A lack of these nutrients causes anemia and nervous system neurologic problems. Korsakoff’s syndrome “wet brain” occurs when heavy alcohol use causes a lack of enough thiamine.

Alcohol intoxication also damages two major organs involved in metabolism and nutrition: the liver and the pancreas. The liver removes toxins from harmful substances. The pancreas regulates blood sugar and the absorption of fat. Damage to these two organs results in an imbalance of fluids, calories, protein, and electrolytes.

Other complications include:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Permanent liver damage (or cirrhosis)
Seizures
Severe malnutrition
Shortened life expectancy

Laboratory tests for protein, iron, and electrolytes may be needed to determine if there is liver disease in addition to the alcohol problem. Women who drink heavily are at high risk of osteoporosis and need to take calcium supplements.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Stimulants

Stimulant use (such as crack, cocaine, and methamphetamine) reduces appetite, and leads to weight loss and poor nutrition. Abusers of these drugs may stay up for days at a time. They may be dehydrated and have electrolyte imbalances during these episodes. Returning to a normal diet can be hard if a person has lost a lot of weight.

Memory problems, which may be permanent, are a complication of long-term stimulant use.

Marijuana

Marijuana can increase appetite. Some long-term users may be overweight and need to cut back on fat, sugar, and total calories.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Nutrition and psychological aspects of substance abuse

When people feel better, they are less likely to start using alcohol and drugs again. Because balanced nutrition helps improve mood and health, it is important to encourage a healthy diet in people recovering from alcohol and other drug problems.

However, people who have just given up an important source of pleasure may not be ready to make other drastic lifestyle changes. It is more important that people avoid returning to substance abuse than that they stick to a strict diet.

Guidelines

Stick to regular mealtimes
Eat a low-fat diet
Get more protein, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber
Vitamin and mineral supplements may be helpful during recovery (this may include B-complex, zinc, and vitamins A and C)

People with substance abuse are more likely to relapse when they have poor eating habits. This is why regular meals are so important. People who are addicted to drugs and alcohol often forget what it’s like to be hungry and instead think of this feeling as a drug craving. They should be encouraged to consider that they may be hungry when cravings become strong.

During recovery from substance abuse, dehydration is common. It is important to get enough fluids during and in between meals. Appetite usually returns during recovery. People in recovery are often more likely to overeat, particularly if they were taking stimulants. Eat healthy meals and snacks and avoid high-calorie foods with low nutrition (such as sweets), if possible.

The following tips can help improve the odds of a lasting and healthy recovery:

Eat nutritious meals and snacks.
Get physical activity and enough rest.
Reduce caffeine and stop smoking, if possible.
Seek help from counselors or support groups on a regular basis.
Take vitamin and mineral supplements.

We have adequately seen that nutrition imbalances are a major factor in drug addiction recovery and we must make necessary efforts to ensure that we feed well at all times. However if you are already suffering directly from addiction, then you will need to see a specialist. If you are looking for one then you need not to look any further because at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care you will be professionally handled with a team of experts who will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This is the place to be for quick recovery.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Effects of Nutritional Imbalances

Drug use and Drug Addiction in Prisons

May 17, 2014

Drug use and Drug Addiction in Prisons-Possible Remedies

Drug use and addiction in prisons is a threat to the well being of the society. Efforts must be done to ensure drugs are not smuggled in prison.

Is it true that the correctional facilities world over is saturated with individuals convicted of drug related crimes? And are the authorities doing enough to ensure that those serving their terms come out completely changed and reformed citizens when their term is over? I have been wondering what life is like in the prison especially in relation to drug use and drug addiction. I believe you are also having the same feelings. Since we are sharing this common feeling I want to request you to stay on this site for a while and keep reading so that together we can unlock the truth about this. It is important to note that the problem of drug use is not affecting those convicts and their families only it is a problem for all of us irrespective of your position in the society. Have you ever thought of how you could be affected? If you haven’t then this article will be an eye opener for you as we continue in the discussion of the problem at hand.

Drug use and Drug Addiction in Prisons-We are all Victims of Drug Related Crime

Even though you may not be the person using alcohol or drugs, or violating the law and for sure you are not, you are surrounded by law breakers and drug abusers increasing your risks of being a victim of an alcohol or drug-related crime. As a matter of fact millions of people each year are victims of alcohol or drug related crime, including millions of young people. To illustrate this candidly it will be important that we have a look at some of the available statistics from the past studies done which include the following:

Each year, more than 600,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking.
95% of all violent crime on college campuses involves the use of alcohol by the assailant, victim or both.
90% of acquaintance rape and sexual assault on college campuses involves the use of alcohol by the assailant, victim or both.
Every day, 36 people die, and approximately 700 are injured, in motor vehicle crashes that involve in an alcohol-impaired driver. Drinking and drugged driving is the number one cause of death, injury and disability of young people under the age of 21.

Scrutinizing the connection between alcohol, drugs and crime is very clear and, so is the connection between alcohol and drug addiction and crime. We will therefore need to break the chain that links drug addiction and crime in our society by all means. Like-minded people must work closely with the authorities to ensure that drug addiction does not cause us this enormous pain. We must stand out and do something to impact positively on our children because having them locked up in prison is not rely the solution. The experience we have is that jail alone has had little effect on reduction of drug addiction or in promoting recovery. Holding someone in jail, without access to alcohol and drug addiction treatment, with no specific plans for treatment and recovery support upon release, is not only expensive but it is also very ineffective. The ineffectiveness of our recreational facilities has only succeeded in faulting the criminal justice system.

Drug use and Drug Addiction in Prisons-Drug supply in the prisons

Much as law breakers needs to be put behind bars there has been rising concern about the smuggling of drugs to inmates. This may not be to all the inmates but it doesn’t matter the number small or big the bottom line is that unwanted substances find their way in the prison. Bringing the question how and why? The authority must investigate and weed out the corrupt officers from the system to contain smuggling of illicit substances into the prisons. You can imagine an inmate in the correctional facility abusing drug. This inmate will soon complete his or her term and be welcomed back to the society who may want to believe that the time spent in the prison has been of help to him/her only to realize that the individual is worse than before. This is not only painful to the society which is expected to welcome former convicts back but also to the authorities and by extension to the tax pay who ultimately foot all the bills of keeping the wrong doers in the prisons.

Back to the supply of drugs in prison, apart from the corrupt officers colluding with the inmates to smuggle drugs in jails, it also believed that inmates have their criminal colleagues in the society who pay them visits during the official visiting hours in the prisons and smuggle drugs to their friends. It is because of these challenges that the prison authorities are seeking for the law to be amended to give them more powers to strip the inmate where necessary when making periodic impromptu search within their jurisdiction.

Drug use and Drug Addiction in Prisons-Solutions for drug use and drug addiction

Nonetheless having known that we are all victims of drug use and addiction it is very important that we focus on the solution oriented mechanism because for many in the criminal justice system, preventing future crime and re-arresting former convicts after release is impossible without treatment for and recovery from addiction to alcohol and drugs. Balancing accountability, treatment and recovery, emphasis should be made to the authorities and especial our judicial system to form special drug court programs across the country and states. These Drug Courts are judicially-supervised court dockets mandated to evaluate and strike the proper balance between the need to protect community safety and the need to improve public health and well-being; between the need for treatment and the need to hold people accountable for their actions between hope and redemption on the one hand and good citizenship on the other. Striking this balance will ensure only deserving cases end up in prisons while the bigger population are handled locally and immediate treatment is administered to them and when they are fully recovered they can be ushered back to the society.

Drug use and Drug Addiction in Prisons-Long Term Recovery

While appreciating the serious impact of alcohol and drug use on crime across the nation it is also important to note that many people who have been in the criminals justice system have broken the chain through long term recovery from alcohol and drug addiction which is why we must incorporate professionals with vast experience in handling matters of drug addiction. Dr. Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center will be an ideal candidate for this challenge. With over two decades of experience she is offering her exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars globally, her services will come in handy for the long awaited break through id this set up.

Drug use and Drug Addiction in Prisons-Possible Remedies

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse

April 24, 2014

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-The HPA Axis

researches have been done and conclusions made. One of the Research fund that the “home” of alcoholism (alcohol) resides in the HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal) axis of the neuroendocrine system …

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-The Home of Alcoholism in the Body and Mind

Consumption of alcohol is a problem which has kept the global society thinking. There are two different schools of thoughts depending on the interest represented. The interest of health and that of generating revenue, for the purpose of this article we will focus on the interest of health and the possible solutions. Several researches have been done and conclusions made. One of the finds was that that the “home” of alcoholism resides in the HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal) axis of the neuroendocrine system, to this effect scientists have developed extremely sophisticated tests which monitor the performance of this axis under various conditions by measuring:

Dopamine
Serotonin, GABA
Glutamate
Epinephrine (adrenaline)
Norepinephrine (noradrenalin)
Cortisol
DHEA

These are the six big neurotransmitters and two key hormones which define either the health of the neuroendocrine system or its state and depth of illness. To better understand the root of this phenomenon we will go into it a little more detail regarding genetic addictive biochemistry and active addiction and how they affect the HPA axis.

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-The hypothalamus

The endocrine system is the network of glands in the body comprised of the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, adrenals, thyroid, parathyroid and the sex glands; ovaries and testes. These glands secrete hormones throughout the body to each and every organ via the blood which are received by their complimentary receptors. Hormones are “messengers” which carry messages coded by our DNA with the intention of keeping an organ regulated and healthy, essentially functioning as it should. A hormone’s message will stimulate, suppress or maintain functional cell or tissue activity of the organ it is received by.

The hypothalamus is the center piece of the endocrine system and is located in the middle of the base of the brain. The purpose of hypothalamus’ is to establish and maintain homeostasis; balance within the body. It regulates all the functions of the autonomic system of breathing, heart rate, etc… but also hunger, thirst, sexual drive, sleep urination and metabolism which includes blood sugar control.

Although technically hypothalamus is part of the endocrine system it is really central to both the endocrine and nervous system; in fact, it is in the hypothalamus that these two extremely complex systems of the body intersect. As the Master Accountant, the hypothalamus performs checks and balances and responds to chemical messages of deficient or excess by sending various hormones and neurotransmitters to “adjust” to the requirements of your internal and/or external environments to maintain status quo. The hypothalamus is able to do this because it houses receptor sites for both hormones from the endocrine system and neurotransmitters from the nervous system and it utilizes the information it receives from those sites to do its job of not only controlling the entire endocrine system, including having a profound influence on the liver, heart and kidneys, but establishing healthy brain chemistry and nervous system performance by correcting neurotransmitter imbalances by either slowing production of what is in excess, ingesting or degrading them faster, or in cases of deficiency, producing and releasing them as required.

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-Addictive biochemistry

The door to addictive biochemistry opens when either the hypothalamus or one of the organs which serve the hypothalamus in accomplishing this job is injured, or if the nutrients required are not available. In any one of these conditions the entire system will fall off the “point zero” (homeostasis) that the HPA system tries to maintain, and the door for addictive biochemistry is opened. It is a well-known fact that addictive biochemistry and full out alcoholism are associated with over expression of the sympathetic nervous system; low serotonin, GABA, dopamine, endorphins and enkephalins and it is in the hypothalamus where the delicate job of balancing this network of hormones and neurotransmitters to achieve physical and mental health is supposed to be done whether it be directly from the hypothalamus or via the pituitary and adrenals under the control of the hypothalamus.

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-The difference between addictive biochemistry and alcoholism

The only difference between addictive biochemistry and full out alcoholism is that addictive biochemistry becomes aggravated, meaning that the deficient condition within the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenals is made more profound by the damaging effects of alcohol toxicity and the medicating effects which, while drinking, overexpress serotonin, endorphins and dopamine which magnifies the negative impact of an already up-regulated brain chemistry. The symptoms the problem drinker experiences intensify in direct relationship to the diminishing health of the neuroendocrine system which further encourages the person to drink more thus causing even more damage. This cycle progressively intensifies until intervention which discontinues and heals the damage is required to stop it.

The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus and is directly connected to it via nerve and circulatory pathways. The hypothalamus regulates the function of the pituitary gland which in turn controls hormonal secretions of all other glands; however, specific to alcoholism we are concerned with the function of the adrenals and the secretion of cortisol which is under control of ACTH (adrenocorticotrophin) secreted by the pituitary, and epinephrine and norepinephrine which is also released by the adrenals due to a rise in CRH and/or signals from the sympathetic nervous system. In the case of cortisol release, when the hypothalamus registers low blood sugar it will send CRH (corticotrophin releasing hormone) to the pituitary which then releases ACTH which will cause cortisol to be secreted from the adrenals. This chain of events will also cause the release of epinephrine and to a lesser degree norepinephrine. Prolonged increased levels of epinephrine will block insulin receptors which lead to insulin resistance and lowered serotonin, endorphin, enkephalin and GABA levels which impairs HPA functions and increases compulsive/addictive behavior.

The adrenals sit on top of the kidneys and are directly controlled by the pituitary gland. The adrenals are comprised of two sections; one is the medulla which is the inner core and the second is the adrenal cortex which is the outer layer. The medulla relates to the sympathetic nervous system and produces the catecholamine’s epinephrine and norepinephrine. The adrenal cortex produces sex hormones, aldosterone, and what we’re most concerned with cortisol.

The adrenals receive chemical messengers (hormones) from the pituitary and signal from the sympathetic nervous system which determines how much of its hormones it will release. However, if they are injured, diseased or fatigued they will not be able to keep up with the demands from the hypothalamus to maintain homeostasis and mild to severe mental disorders will surface as symptoms of compromised adrenal health.

Although it is hard to imagine because they are docked on our kidneys, adrenal health is fundamental to our mental health. Proper levels of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine are crucial to our mental well-being so concentrated focus needs to be applied to their health when healing addictive biochemistry and alcoholism. As you consider breaking way from addictive biochemistry and alcoholism, you need the help of an expert to take you through the healing process. Doctor Dalal Akoury is an expert who has the experience of over two decades and has been helping many get their life back globally by emphasizing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-The HPA Axis

Obstacles of Alcoholism treatment

April 22, 2014

Obstacles of Alcoholism treatment-Drinking problems and denial

With alcohol abuse you can never be safe. Run from it and escape its result which is being alcoholic and suffer from alcoholism

Denial is one of the biggest obstacles to getting help for alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The desire to drink is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drinking, even when the consequences are obvious. By keeping you from looking honestly at your behavior and its negative effects, denial also exacerbates alcohol-related problems with work, finances, and relationships.

If you have a drinking problem, you may deny it by:

Drastically underestimating how much you drink
Downplaying the negative consequences of your drinking
Complaining that family and friends are exaggerating the problem
Blaming your drinking or drinking-related problems on others

For example, you may blame an ‘unfair boss’ for trouble at work or a ‘nagging wife’ for your marital issues, rather than look at how your drinking is contributing to the problem. While work, relationship, and financial stresses happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of trouble.

If you find yourself rationalizing your drinking habits, lying about them, or refusing to discuss the subject, take a moment to consider why you’re so defensive. If you truly believe you don’t have a problem, there should be no reason for you to cover up your drinking or make excuses.

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse

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 drinking can also damage your emotional stability, finances, career, and your ability to build and sustain satisfying relationships. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can also have an impact on your family, friends and the people you work with.

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

Despite the potentially lethal damage that heavy drinking does to the body including cancer, heart problems, and liver disease the social consequences can be just as devastating. Alcoholics and alcohol abusers are much more likely to get divorced, have problems with domestic violence, struggle with unemployment, and live in poverty.

But even if you’re able to succeed at work or hold your marriage together, you can’t escape the effects that alcoholism and alcohol abuse has on your personal relationships. Drinking problems put an enormous strain on the people closest to you.

Often, family members and close friends feel obligated to cover for the person with the drinking problem. So they take on the burden of cleaning up your messes, lying 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. Children are especially sensitive and can suffer long-lasting emotional trauma when a parent or caretaker is an alcoholic or heavy drinker.

Getting help for alcoholism or alcohol abuse

If you’re ready to admit you have a drinking problem, you’ve already taken the first step. It takes tremendous strength and courage to face alcohol abuse and alcoholism head on. Reaching out for support is the second step.

Whether you choose to go to rehab, rely on self-help programs, get therapy, or take a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential. Recovering from alcohol addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance. Without support, it’s easy to fall back into old patterns when things get tough.

Your continued recovery depends 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 could be 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.

Helping a loved one with alcoholism or alcohol abuse

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. So then what shouldn’t you do?

Don’t attempt to punish, threaten, bribe, or preach.
Don’t try to be a martyr. Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs.
Don’t cover up or make excuses for the alcoholic or problem drinker or shield them from the realistic consequences of their behavior.
Don’t take over their responsibilities, leaving them with no sense of importance or dignity.
Don’t hide or dump bottles, throw out drugs, or shelter them from situations where alcohol is present.
Don’t argue with the person when they are impaired.
Don’t try to drink along with the problem drinker.
Above all, don’t feel guilty or responsible for another’s behavior.

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.

A good place to start is by joining a group such as Al-Anon, a free peer 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.

You cannot force someone you love to stop abusing alcohol. As much as you may want to, and as hard as it is to watch, you cannot make someone stop drinking. The choice is up to them.
Don’t expect the person to stop drinking and stay sober without help. Your loved one will need treatment, support, and new coping skills to overcome a serious drinking problem.
Recovery is an ongoing process. Recovery is a bumpy road, requiring time and patience. An alcoholic will not magically become a different person once sober. And the problems that led to the alcohol abuse in the first place will have to be faced.

Admitting that there’s a serious problem can be painful for the whole family, not just the alcohol abuser. But don’t be ashamed. You’re not alone. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse affects millions of families, from every social class, race, and culture. But there is help and support available for both you and your loved one.

When your teen has a drinking problem

Discovering your child is drinking can generate fear, confusion, and anger in parents. It’s important to remain calm when confronting your teen, and only do so when everyone is sober. Explain your concerns and make it clear that your concern comes from a place of love. It’s important that your teen feels you are supportive.
Five steps parents can take:

Lay down rules and consequences: Your teen should understand that drinking alcohol comes with specific consequences. But don’t make hollow threats or set rules that you cannot enforce. Make sure your spouse agrees with the rules and is prepared to enforce them.
Monitor your teen’s activity: Know where your teen goes and who he or she hangs out with. Remove or lock away alcohol from your home and routinely check potential hiding places for alcohol in backpacks, under the bed, between clothes in a drawer, for example. Explain to your teen that this lack of privacy is a consequence of him or her having been caught using alcohol.
Encourage other interests and social activities: Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports, Scouts, and afterschool clubs.
Talk to your child about underlying issues: Drinking can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce, which is causing stress?
Get outside help: You don’t have to go it alone. Teenagers often rebel against their parents but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more inclined to listen. Try seeking help from a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or counselor.

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Obstacles of Alcoholism treatment-Drinking problems and denial

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