Sugar Addiction and Alcoholism

Sugar Addiction and Alcoholism

Sugar Addiction and Alcoholism: The Brain

Contemporary research has shown that a high number of alcohol-dependent and other drug-dependent people have a preference for sweets, especially for foods with a high sucrose concentration. Moreover, both human and animal studies have demonstrated that in some brains the consumption of foods or drinks high in sugar causes the release of euphoric endorphins and dopamine within the reward center of the brain just like drugs of abuse. The neurobiological pathways of drug and “sugar addiction” involve similar parts and processes of the brain.

Sugar Addiction and Alcoholism: The Science

Craving, tolerance, and withdrawal have been documented in both human and animal studies. Furthermore, there seems to be similarity between sugar addiction and narcotic dependence in some people. It has also been observed that the children of alcoholic parents, particularly alcoholic fathers, are at greater risk to have a strong sweet preference, and this may an eating disorder for some. In the last two decades research has noted that specific genes may underlie the sweet preference in alcohol- and drug-dependent individuals, as well as in children alcoholic fathers.

Sugar Addiction and Alcoholism: Eating Disorders

Often times, alcoholics who get sober then develop food addiction. Research has shown that when people binge on carbs and sugar, and then restrict their intake, their bodies create a natural opioid. It is released in the body much like the chemicals released when people are doing other narcotics. According to Tennie McCarty, the founder and CEO of the eating disorder treatment center Shades of Hope, “Often we will see addicts switch off from one drug to another, whether that other drug is nicotine or sugar or other foods. Not everyone will take it to the depths that they have taken their primary addiction.”

A Real Thing: Sugar Addiction and Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

The PET and CAT scans of food addicts look almost identical to that of alcoholics and drug addicts, showing that sugar creates a physical addiction. In addition, sugar addicts carry the same D2 dopamine receptor, the gene that identifies addiction, as alcoholics and addicts. In those ways, biochemically, food addiction is just like addiction to drugs and alcohol. When we talk to recovering alcoholics and addicts who are finding their way to Overeaters Anonymous, we find a very common refrain: I started using sugar or food just like I was using alcohol.” And in some cases, sugar addiction can be just as harmful as alcoholism. McCarty mentions a man she treated whose addiction to sugar made him sicker than his alcoholism. Her patient was a football player and a Gulf War veteran, and in general, was a healthy, athletic man, but then he started drinking and became an alcoholic.

Sugar Addiction and Alcoholism: One in the Same

Many people who experience sugar addiction report that sugar helps them cope just like alcohol once did. People are searching for something to medicate their feelings and they will continue to do that until they look at what they are using over. It comes down to quality of life. Not everyone needs to use something. When people learn healthy coping methods to deal with the issues they can recover from all of their addictions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

http://www.thefix.com/

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

What is Couch Syrup?

what is couch syrup

Couch Syrup, that’s right couch not cough, although it is in actuality cough syrup, refers to a specific kind of liquid cough medicine – that containing promethazine and codeine. This is a by-prescription-only medication that people have been using recreationally and abusing. This is not your typical over-the-counter cough syrup; couch syrup contains potent drugs that can lead to overdose and death.

Couch syrup has many other slang names such as purple drank, sizzurp, lean, syrup, drank, purple jelly, and Texas tea.

First called purple drank, couch syrup has been a popular recreational drug in the rap and hip hop community in the southern United States, originating in Houston, Texas. Couch syrup is made more palatable by being mixed with soft drinks such as Sprite or Mountain Dew. Purple drank gets its name from the purplish hue from the dye in the cough syrup.

Couch Syrup Can Be Fatal

Both the codeine and the more potent promethazine are depressants which mean that they slow down the functions of the Central Nervous System (CNS), namely respiration. When overdose occurs, breathing slows to a complete stop. The person goes into respiratory arrest and then cardiac arrest. This is when death occurs.

Just like with other CNS depressants, mixing couch syrup with alcohol greatly increases the risk of respiratory failure and death.

Notable Deaths

Couch syrup has been either a confirmed or suspected  cause of death among several well-known people. DJ Screw, who popularized the codeine-based drink, died of a codeine-promethazine-alcohol overdose on November 16, 2000, several months after the video to Three 6 Mafia’s single debuted.

Big Moe, one of DJ Screw’s successors died at age 33 in 2007, after suffering a heart attack and subsequently being in a coma. He was known to obsess over couch syrup and purple drank in his lyrics; this is apparent in his album titles: City of Syrup and Purple World. Needless to say, there was speculation that purple drank contributed to his death.

Couch Syrup and Alcoholism

According to the Urban Dictionary, couch syrup is “the liquor one hides in a couch (and throughout the house) while pretending to be sober.” This implies its relationship to an already well-known problem: alcoholism.

Signs of Alcoholism

If you are drinking couch syrup or alcohol and find that the following descriptions apply to you, then you should consider that your use is more than social or recreational.

If you:

  • can’t quit drinking or control how much alcohol you drink
  • need to drink more to get the same effect
  • have withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking (nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety)
  • spend a lot of time drinking and recovering from drinking
  • have given up other activities in order to drink
  • keep drinking even though it cause problems in your relationships
  • keep drinking even though it is causing health problems

 Other red flags include:

  • Drinking in the morning and/or drinking alone
  • Switching from beer to wine because you think this will keep you from drinking or from getting drunk
  • Feeling guilty because of your drinking
  • Making excuses for your drinking
  • Buying alcohol from different stores and locations
  • Worrying that you won’t have enough alcohol for an evening, weekend, or holiday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Couch%20syrup

http://en.wikipedia.org/

 

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Dangers of Drinking in the Morning

Dangers of Drinking in the Morning

There are two main dangers of drinking in the morning: first, although it prevents heavy drinkers from going into alcohol withdrawals, this is an indication of something more problematic than a hangover; second, drinking in the morning can affect your family and social life and your physical health. So, if you find yourself needing an eye-opener most if not every day, it’s time to reevaluate things.

Drinking in the Morning and Hair of the Dog

The term ‘hair of the dog’ is a shortened version of the phrase: “A hair of the dog that bit you is all that you need” to cure a hangover. This sentiment has been repeated many a time by those giving advice to their remorseful friends wishing to avoid the nasty consequences of heavy drinking the night before: the dreaded hangover. Drinking in the morning, or having an “eye-opener,” is thought to “cure” a hangover however, all it does it delay the inevitable symptoms: pounding headache, light and sound sensitivity, nausea, upset stomach, and so on.

In actuality, the true purpose drinking in the morning is to get you back to where you were five hours ago. Read: intoxicated. After getting about five hours’ sleep, hair of the dog is the virtual time machine that brings you back to last night’s state of drunkenness. And this is an indication of the many dangers of drinking in the morning that are to come.

The Dangers of Drinking in the Morning

One of the dangers of drinking in the morning is that it too easily can become a habit – an indication of a greater problem. If you are going to be driving, then even a small amount of alcohol in the morning can put you over the legal limit when you consider that your blood alcohol content from the night before is still a factor.

Social Dangers of Drinking in the Morning

There are many dangers of drinking in the morning including:

If you feel like you have to drink first thing in the morning in order to face the day, this is most likely an indication psychological dependence on alcohol.

Other dangers of drinking in the morning are that it can easily lead to drinking all day and can make you less productive, which can affect your job.

Drinking in the morning can make you more likely to be involved in accidents – car, work, etc.

Drinking in the morning will usually cause you to blow off your responsibilities.

Health Dangers of Drinking in the Morning

If you are drinking in the morning in order to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms, then you are already physically dependent and have possibly crossed over into alcoholism.

If you’re drinking in the morning, you are most likely drinking alone, meaning that you are not drinking alcohol to be sociable but to feel the effects of the alcohol – another indication of burgeoning alcoholism.

Other health dangers of drinking in the morning develop because of drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. This is extremely damaging to your health because it puts you at a greater likelihood of developing alcoholic liver disease and alcoholic dementia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

http://www.silkworth.net/

http://alcoholism.about.com/

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Alcohol and IBS

Alcohol and IBS

Drinking a lot of alcohol can cause a lot of problems including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Even if alcohol is only consumed occasionally it could end up doing damage to internal organs. It is a widely known fact that the ill effects of alcohol can be avoided by avoiding alcohol all together or by staying way below the recommended levels of alcohol intake. Although, someone who has irritable bowel syndrome may find that they are better off not drinking at all because even one drink could cause their symptoms to flare up.

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a functional disorder that is in the intestines. IBS doesn’t cause actual damage to the bowels but the symptoms can be really unpleasant and can also interfere with a person’s ability to enjoy life normally. Those people with IBS may have to deal with pain and/or discomfort in the abdominal area. They might also have to deal with frequent episodes of diarrhea or constipation. It is believed that about 20 percent of the US population will have to deal with the symptoms of IBS at some point in their life.

What is the cause of IBS?

The actual known cause of IBS is unknown but it could be due to many factors including:

  • Having a sensitive colon
  • High and long lasting stress
  • Bacterial infections
  • A more mild form of celiac disease (celiac disease causes damage to the small intestine and make it hard for the body to absorb certain foods)
  • High levels of serotonin in the gastrointestinal tract which can interfere with normal bowel movements and increase the sensitivity of pain receptors
  • An effect of taking antibiotics because the medication may kill harmless bacteria in the intestines that are used for normal bowel function
  • An alteration or change to normal bowel function which can leads to strong spasms or temporary suspension of bowel function
  • Over activity in the gut can also cause IBS

What are the symptoms IBS?

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Cramping with bowel movements
  • Constipation
  • The need to strain when passing stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Urgent need to open bowels
  • Loss of appetite
  • Belching
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea

 Alcohol and IBS

Alcohol and IBS do not mix well. Alcohol increases the severity of IBS symptoms. Even just one alcoholic drink can be enough to cause an attack of IBS. Because alcohol is a poison or toxic substance that irritates the bowel it is extremely common for IBS to have their symptoms flare up after drinking. Some alcoholic drinks are less likely to cause a flare up of IBS symptoms. It is known that beer can make symptoms of IBS much worse. Many people with IBS report their symptoms for IBS getting significantly better after they stopped drinking all together. It may be best for someone with IBS to stop drinking to see if it gets any better.

 

 

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Alcoholism in College

Alcoholism in College

College drinking is extremely widespread: about four out of five college students drink alcohol. About half of college students who drink, do so by binge drinking. The first 6 weeks of freshman year is an especially vulnerable time for heavy drinking and alcohol-related consequences because of student expectations and social pressures at the start of the academic year.

College Drinking: Trending Toward Alcoholism in College Students?

A new study shows that 6% of college students meet criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence or alcoholism and 31% meet the clinical criteria for alcohol abuse. The study also found that more than two of every five students report at least one symptom of these conditions, putting them at increased risk of developing a true alcohol disorder.

More than 14,000 students at 119 4-year colleges were surveyed by researchers who then based their findings on these responses. Researches included questions that are based on criteria for the diagnosis of alcohol disorders as set forth by the American Psychiatric Association. Alcohol disorders include alcohol dependence, the most severe, to alcohol abuse, a less advanced, although still serious disorder.

Binge Drinking and Alcoholism in College

Binge drinkers (heavy episodic drinkers) and especially those who frequently binge drink, are at an increased risk of developing one of these alcohol disorders. Heavy episodic drinkers are defined as men who had five or more—or women who had four or more—drinks in a row at least once in a two week period before completing the survey questionnaire. The definition of a frequent heavy episodic drinker is someone who has consumed these amounts at least three times in the previous two weeks.

Further Findings of Alcoholism in College

Students who attend colleges with heavy drinking environments are more likely to be diagnosed with abuse or dependence. Male students are at greater risk than females. Nearly one in 10 college men under age 24 met a 12-month diagnosis of alcohol dependence compared to one in 20 college women under age 24.

Community Impact of Alcoholism in College

Each year, drinking affects college students, as well as college communities, and families.  And it’s clear that there is a relationship between alcohol and crime. The consequences of drinking include:

Death: 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries.

Assault: More than 690,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking.

Sexual Abuse: More than 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.

Injury: 599,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 receive unintentional injuries while under the influence of alcohol.

Academic Problems: About 25% of college students report academic consequences of their drinking including missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall.

Health Problems: More than 150,000 students develop an alcohol-related health problem.

Suicide Attempts: Between 1.2 and 1.5 percent of students indicate that they tried to commit suicide within the past year due to drinking or drug use.

Drunk Driving: Each year an estimated 3,360,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 drive under the influence of alcohol.

Prevention: Alcoholism in College

Research strongly suggests that prevention strategies geared towards particular groups, specifically individual students, the student body as a whole, the college itself and its surrounding community, can help reduce the frequency and quantity of college drinking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

http://alcoholism.about.com/

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

 

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

What are Delirium Tremens?

What are Delirium Tremens?

Delirium tremens or DT’s for short are a severe and possibly fatal form of alcohol withdrawal. Delirium tremens involve sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes. Anyone who has ever seen someone experience delirium tremens knows how frightening and scary they can be.

Delirium tremens don’t only happen to someone who is withdrawing from alcohol but this is when they are most common. Delirium tremens can occur due to head injury, infection, and illness too. Delirium tremens due to alcohol withdrawal though are probably the most severe.

When someone becomes physically addicted to alcohol they change the physical make-up of their brain. Then when they try to stop drinking the brain is no longer getting what it needs to take care of the body and that is when alcohol withdrawal begins.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 72 hours of the last drink and can last up to 10 days after that. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms once they begin can quickly become more severe and worsen.

  • Body tremors
  • Changes in mental function
  • Agitation, irritability
  • Confusion, disorientation
  • Decreased attention span
  • Deep sleep that lasts for a day or longer
  • Delirium
  • Excitement
  • Fear
  • Hallucinations (seeing or feeling things that are not really there)
  • Increased activity
  • Quick mood changes
  • Restlessness, excitement
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, touch
  • Stupor, sleepiness, fatigue
  • Seizures

Most common in first 12 – 48 hours after last drink

  • Usually generalized tonic-clonic seizures
  • Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Difficulty thinking clearly
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling jumpy or nervous
  • Feeling shaky
  • Headache
  • Insomnia (difficulty falling and staying asleep)
  • Irritability or excitability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Pale skin
  • Palpitations (sensation of feeling the heart beat)
  • Rapid emotional changes
  • Sweating, especially on the palms of the hands or the face
  • Vomiting

Other symptoms that may occur:

  • •Chest pain
  • •Fever
  • •Stomach pain

And delirium tremens. Delirium tremens are a medical emergency and are one of the biggest reasons why someone who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal should seek outside help immediately if they begin experiencing any of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms mentioned above. Delirium tremens look a lot like seizures and the usual treatment for them includes the same medications that would be used to help seizures. For instance, valium, Ativan and diazepam are quite common for the treatment of delirium tremens and alcohol withdrawal in general.

Someone who is getting ready to experience delirium tremens will usually show some signs such as the following:

•Heavy sweating

•Increased startle reflex

•Irregular heartbeat

•Problems with eye muscle movement

•Rapid heart rate

•Rapid muscle tremors

The most important thing about delirium tremens is that they can be fatal. This is why it is so absolutely imperative that anyone experiencing any level of severity of alcohol withdrawal should check into an inpatient detox facility or go to the hospital. For someone who is going through the alcohol withdrawal themselves they won’t be able to help themselves should they begin to experience delirium tremens. Delirium tremens also for the person who is not medically equipped can be extremely scary. So if you begin to experience any type of alcohol withdrawal seek medical attention immediately.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Alcohol Is Worse Than Illegal Drugs

Alcohol worse than illegal drugs

Just because alcohol is a legal substance does not mean that it is a safe drug to consume. For socio-political reasons, alcohol remains to be legal to purchase and consume. However, whereas there are some medical implications and usages for what are known as illegal drugs, there is no therapeutic value to alcohol. Just like with illegal drugs, you can overdose on alcohol (alcohol poisoning) but alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because it is the only withdrawal, other than that from benzodiazepines, that is potentially fatal.

Alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because it is socially-acceptable to drink and therefore makes it a more insidious drug. The common perception of alcohol is that it is OK to overindulge for a “good time.”

Effects of alcohol on the brain

Looking at the effects on the brain from long-term drinking, it is clear that alcohol is worse than illegal drugs. Extended alcohol consumption can lead to something called Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, also known as “wet brain.” It is a chronic and debilitating syndrome characterized by persistent learning and memory problems. Patients are forgetful and easily frustrated. They experience difficulty with walking and coordination. Although these patients have problems recalling old information, it is their difficulty in forming new information that is the most striking. For example, a patient can discuss in detail an event but, an hour later might not remember ever having the conversation. People may not be aware that prolonged liver dysfunction can harm the brain, leading to a serious and potentially fatal brain disorder known as hepatic encephalopathy, which causes changes in sleep patterns, mood, and personality; anxiety and depression; severe cognitive effects such as shortened attention span; and problems with coordination. Alcohol–damaged liver cells allow excess amounts of these harmful byproducts to enter the brain, thus harming brain cells.

Effects of alcohol on the body

Heart

Alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because it can have serious effects on physical health. And it is not just from drinking a lot over a long time; drinking too much on a single occasion can damage the heart and cause problems such as cardiomyopathy (stretching and drooping of heart muscle); arrhythmias – (irregular heart beat); stroke; high blood pressure.

Liver

Alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, which leads to a variety of problems such as Steatosis, or fatty liver; Alcoholic Hepatitis; Fibrosis; Cirrhosis.

Pancreas

Alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because it causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, dangerous inflammation and swelling that prevents proper digestion. This can lead to malnutrition and therefore affecting brain function.

Cancer

Drinking too much alcohol makes alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because it increases your risk of developing certain cancers, including cancers of the mouth, esophagus, throat, liver, and breast.

Immune System

Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body more susceptible to disease.  Chronic drinkers are more likely to contract diseases than people who do not drink too much.  Drinking a lot on a single occasion reduces the body’s ability to fight off infections, even up to 24 hours after getting drunk.

It’s safe to say that alcohol is worse than illegal drugs.

The World Health Organization estimates that risks linked to alcohol cause 2.5 million deaths per year from heart and liver disease, car accidents, suicides and cancer, accounting for 3.8% of all deaths. Alcohol is the third leading risk factor for premature death and disabilities worldwide.

Scientists with the British Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) conducted research that took into account 7 different criteria and found that alcohol is most harmful. On a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being no harm and 100 being most harmful, they find alcohol is worse than illegal drugs, with a score of 72, followed by heroin with 55 and crack with 54.

Sources:

www.reuters.com

www.nih.gov

www.cbsnews.com

www.wikipedia.org

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

How to stage an alcohol intervention

How to stage an alcohol intervention

Staging an alcohol intervention is a life changing event for families and loved ones of addicts and for the addicts themselves. Alcohol interventions can be very emotionally charged and hard to deal with. Before anyone stages an alcohol intervention they should know what they are doing and what they are getting into. Anyone wanting to stage an alcohol intervention should know how to first.  Here is how to sage an alcohol intervention:

1.       For an alcohol intervention talk to an alcohol intervention counselor first

Alcohol counselors or alcohol interventionists are trained in successful alcohol interventions and know the various emotional pitfalls that are involved in an alcohol intervention. People can react in various amounts of ways when confronted with an alcohol intervention, for instance; denial, anger, evasion or even violence. For anyone wanting to stage an alcohol intervention they should contact an alcohol clinic in the area and speak with a counselor about alcohol intervention strategies. They should mention the history with the alcohol user and the facts about any past efforts to try and get through to them. Be honest when talking to an alcohol counselor so they can provide advice and will best able to be there to help you with the alcohol intervention when it happens.

2.       For an alcohol intervention involve friends, family and co-workers

The more people who are close to the alcoholic who are involved in the alcohol intervention, the stronger it will be. Making a list of important people who can participate in the alcohol intervention is a great way to begin to stage it. Let the people involved help plan the alcohol intervention and keep them aware of what the alcohol intervention will entail exactly. Each participant should practice what they will say to the drinker during the alcohol intervention. Practicing the alcohol intervention at least one with everyone is also a good idea.

3.       Find a time and place to stage the alcohol intervention

Finding a good time and place to stage the alcohol intervention is key. An alcohol intervention should be somewhere safe and secure, such as a friend’s house, a parent’s house or a hotel room. An alcohol intervention place should have enough space to hold every participant and no small children should be around. Pick a time also when the alcoholic is sober and reasonably calm. In addition, it is important to have a treatment center set up for the drinker to go once the alcohol intervention is over to. If the alcohol intervention is successful then the alcoholic can simply pack a bag and go there immediately.

4.       During the alcohol intervention be firm but loving

When it comes time for the alcohol intervention it is important that all members of the alcohol intervention stay firm but loving. Being and honest and supportive is key to an alcohol intervention. During the alcohol intervention the alcohol counselor will greet the drinker and explain the purpose of the alcohol intervention. Each person will have their chance to stand up and speak to the alcoholic either reading from their prepared speeches or talking directly to them. In each case during the alcohol intervention it is important that the alcoholic realizes the impact they are having on those around them. AT the end of this ask the alcoholic if they will go to an alcohol rehab.

5.       Adhere to disciplinary measures set out during the alcohol intervention

Being prepared for the possibility that the alcoholic will not confront their problem is paramount for an alcohol intervention. No matter how overwhelming the evidence the drinker has to decide for themselves that they want to get help. Making clear consequences during the alcohol intervention may persuade the drinker to get help. Sticking to these consequences made during the alcohol intervention is very important. Being prepared to severe contact with the drinker is part of the alcohol intervention. It sounds harsh but that is what may make or break the success of an alcohol intervention.

 

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Is alcohol ruining your relationship?

Is Alcohol Ruining Your Relationship?

Alcohol is portrayed by the media and other outlets as being part of a fun filled time either in the VIP section of a club or maybe even at an outdoor beach party with the hottest bikini clad women of all time. The truth is while alcohol may make some events a bit more, “boisterous” if you will; it can actually end up ruining a lot of things that would have been way better off without its intoxicating effects.

One of the biggest things alcohol is great at ruining is relationships. Many people find that when one or both partners are drinking things that they never expected or have experienced in their relationship begin to happen. Many times alcohol is the only thing standing in the way of a healthy relationship; its alcohol causing relationship problems.

So is alcohol ruining your relationship?

If you think there is chance its alcohol causing relationship problems for you then first off, let us say, stop drinking. You encounter conflict in your relationship without alcohol’s bitter haze. If you are in a good relationship you are able to work things out with your partner with open communication and open minded conversation no matter how big and serious the conflict is. However, conflict caused by alcohol has some serious negative outcomes. When alcohol is flowing freely, it begins causing relationship problems by doing a few things. Alcohol causes relationship problems by:

  • Changing our perception
  • Turning a meaningless look or statement into a catastrophic event
  • Causes jealousy and paranoia
  • Arguing when drunk
  • Breaking up several time when under the influence of alcohol
  • Physical or emotional abuse toward or from your partner
  • Infidelity

Alcohol causing relationship problems and just making things worse

Alcohol causing relationship problems is not a new thing. And most of the time people in relationships know the alcohol is causing the relationship problems by covering up many underlying issues either personal or having to do with the relationship. Both people may use the excuse of being drunk to act out or to open up about relationship problems. And quite obviously this is not the best way to approach these issues because alcohol impairs your judgment. Not being able to see the situation clearly will make any relationship problems impossible to solve and may in fact just make them much worse than they were to begin with.

Alcohol causing relationship problems: A solution

If you find alcohol causing relationship problems in your life then you should find a way to approach the problem; a solution. Here are some suggestions if you have realized alcohol causing relationship problems in your life.

•Eliminate alcohol, especially when there is tension between you and your significant other. Adding alcohol will just be adding fuel to the fire.

•If you have had unresolved issues recently, try to work them out sober. You may want to take some time away from the subject before revisiting it.

•If your partner has been drinking and is trying to get a rise out of you or start an argument, don’t fall for the trap. Let them talk all the nonsense out. In the end you can’t reason with an intoxicated person.

Is alcohol causing relationship problems? It may be time to get help.

If you notice alcohol causing relationship problems and try out those suggestions and things aren’t getting better it may be time to get out of the relationship. Also ask yourself if you can spend time with your partner without alcohol. If you can’t imagine what that is like that alcohol may not be causing relationship problems but is the problem which you need to get help for.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Alcohol Addiction Facts

                                     Alcohol Addiction FactsEven though alcoholism is the most common addiction in the United States, many people are unaware of the alcohol addiction facts. Everyone should have an understanding of the following alcohol addiction facts so that we can work together to move towards a cure for this deadly disease.

  • Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is a disease; it is not a moral failing or a matter of will power.
  • Even though it is illegal to consume alcohol before the age of 21, roughly 5,000 people under the age of 21 die from an alcohol-related incident including car crashes, homicides, suicides, alcohol poisoning, and other related injuries every year in the United States.
  • It is estimated that 20% of teens in the United States can be labeled as “problem drinkers”. In fact, it is estimated that 25 percent of the alcohol consumed in the United States, is done so by those too young to purchase it legally.
  • Another important alcohol addiction fact is that alcohol is one of, if not the most, dangerous drugs to quit. One out of three people suffering from severe alcohol addiction who try to quit without medical help will die due to complications from alcohol withdrawal. All those who are suffering from alcohol addiction should seek medical help to quit.
  • It is possible to have a problem with alcohol, even when it has not progressed to the point of alcoholism. Problem drinking means you drink too much at times, causing repeated problems, but you are not completely dependent on drinking. Both problem drinkers and alcoholics should seek professional help.
  • One of the most important alcohol addiction facts is that alcohol addiction has little to do with what kind of alcohol you drink, how long you have been drinking, or even exactly how much you drink.
  • Alcohol addiction affects people from every type of background, but here are several characteristics that can increase the risk that a person will develop alcoholism. These are known in the scientific community as “risk factors.
  • Children of those who suffer from alcohol addiction are 4 times more likely than others to suffer from alcohol addiction themselves.
  • “Binge Drinking” defined as five or more drinks in a sitting for men and four for women, can increase chances of developing alcohol addiction

These alcohol addiction facts can seem scary but the important point is that there is help available. Thousands of facilities in the United States offer alcohol and drug rehabilitation and treatment services, ranging from short-term residential or in-patient hospitalization to long-term, outpatient counseling and therapy. Treatment can be effective in helping people learn to live a life of sobriety. There is no cure for alcohol addiction, but the disease can be treated and people can live in remission. It is possible for those with an alcohol addiction to recover and live a normal life. If you or someone you know has an alcohol addiction, you should seek help from addiction professional as soon as possible. Untreated alcohol addiction can be deadly.

http://drugabuse.com/library/get-the-facts-on-alcohol-abuse/

 

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.