Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the US. Our team has written helpful articles to help you understand alcoholism and how it affects many people.
Alcoholism or alcohol addiction is characterized by a constant preoccupation with alcohol, and frequent, uncontrolled drinking. Also known as alcohol use disorder, alcoholism indicates a state in which the brain and body have become chemically reliant upon alcohol. People who suffer from alcoholism cannot willfully stop drinking on their own. Even after just six to eight hours of abstinence, many alcoholics develop severe and potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms.
Given its widespread consumption and high levels of social acceptance, alcohol is incredibly easy to obtain, and equally difficult to abstain from. Among some of the more common signs of alcoholism is the need to continue drinking even after doing has created extreme personal, professional, or financial problems. Alcoholics often continue to drink after having suffered devastating health changes, job loss, housing loss, and the loss of their marriages or other close relationships. The urge to drink is both compulsive and overwhelming. Without alcohol, heavy drinkers often grow nauseous, dizzy, agitated, nervous, and confused. These and other withdrawal symptoms can continue to progress for days and even weeks unless the right medical interventions are applied.
Much like substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder is a chronic, lifelong illness. Attending addiction treatment for alcoholism is the first step towards freedom. In addiction treatment, alcoholics can find out why they drink to excess, and they can learn safe and successful strategies for managing the underlying causes of their alcoholism. Recovering alcoholics tend to have the highest success rates when maintaining ongoing plans for avoiding relapse, and after aligning themselves with long-term support services.
Struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction can throw your entire life for a loop. You might come to realize that your problem is so strong that you cannot function unless you take the substance. However, once you have made that realization, you are one step closer to taking back your life. It means you …
Battling alcohol use disorder (AUD) is no easy feat, especially if you choose to do it alone. From detox to long-term management of this chronic mental health issue, it’s always safest to have the right support. If you’re currently looking for the best rehab center for alcoholism in Mississippi, it’s important to find the program …
Outpatient rehab ultimately aims to enable the individual to lead a sober and productive life. The programs are a good option for those who are employed, have a supportive family life, and have a mild addiction. Those completing inpatient treatment and needing additional support to maintain their sobriety may benefit from outpatient rehab. According to …
People typically drink alcohol for its relaxing effects, and many adults are capable of only having one or two drinks before they stop for the day. Unfortunately, people with an alcohol addiction may not be able to stop drinking, even when they’ve had a dangerous amount. Other people may feel the urge to binge drink …
Alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction is currently recognized as a chronic mental health issue. People cannot overcome alcohol addiction by simply abstaining for a sufficient period of time. Although getting sober is certainly one step in the recovery process, those who live with alcohol use disorder must maintain an ongoing commitment to managing this …
Deciding that you’re ready for drug or alcohol rehab is but one step in a lifelong journey. For many people, this step proves incredibly daunting. Immediately after you’ve committed to treatment, you may be plagued by a number of surprising and persistent fears. Even the very idea of success can be intimidating. However, recognizing and …
Most people will have a drink or two at some point in their lives. In fact, alcoholic beverages are served at countless functions and establishments, and legal consumption is hardly frowned upon. In some instances, it’s actually encouraged. However, when drinking leads to consequences like job loss, DUI charges, damaged relationships, and money issues, continuing …
Stepping away from alcohol for just 30 days could provide some surprising benefits. Although alcohol incites feelings of euphoria and relaxation, it’s actually a powerful toxin that undermines the health and functioning of your liver, your kidneys, your heart, and your immune system. Just a short respite from alcohol use can have a significant impact …
Although gender-based differences in substance use disorder are steadily declining, men still have a significantly higher likelihood of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Whereas women often use drugs or alcohol for emotional relief, men frequently use substances to establish or strengthen social bonds. In general, men have more tolerant attitudes and beliefs about substance …
Relapse is the recurrence of any disease that’s gone into remission. Given that both substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder are classified as complex, chronic illnesses, the return to using drugs or alcohol after any prolonged period of abstinence is known as a relapse. In addiction recovery, relapse is always a major risk. This …
Alcohol and insomnia often go hand in hand. In fact, between 30 and 75 percent of people who regularly consume alcohol struggle with insomnia. Although alcohol is a depressant that can put you in a relaxed, drowsy state, this doesn’t mean that it’s good for your sleep quality. Struggling to fall asleep and regularly contending …
Alcohol detox and withdrawal typically occur in two distinct phases. The early stage of alcohol detox is largely characterized by intense and potentially dangerous physical withdrawal symptoms. This is known as acute withdrawal. For most people, the acute withdrawal period lasts between one and two weeks. With medical management and the right interventions, the body …
For a person living with alcohol use disorder, quitting suddenly can be incredibly dangerous. In fact, within just six to eight hours of a person’s last drink, early withdrawal symptoms can set in. These commonly include shaking, sweating, nausea, and other signs of physical distress. Unfortunately, if these early changes aren’t identified and medically managed …
Detoxing from alcohol isn’t easy. This is especially true for people who attempt to tackle this herculean task without support. Once the brain and body have become chemically dependent upon alcohol, taking it away suddenly can be downright dangerous. The good news is that the rewards of detoxing are always well-worth the efforts. Becoming sober …
Heavy alcohol use often takes a visible toll. Not only do heavy, regular drinkers look worse for the wear, but they frequently suffer from serious legal and financial issues. From DUI charges and difficulty making it to work on time, the typical alcoholic can be easy to spot. Moreover, when alcoholism is obvious, people tend …
Although the terms alcohol addiction and alcohol dependence are often used interchangeably, the two are actually quite different. With dependence, people are still capable of making conscious decisions about their drinking. With addiction, drinking is an uncontrollable habit and one that affects every corner of the individual’s life. Despite this distinction, both can have serious …
If you remember your very first sip of alcohol, you probably recall its pungent smell, and its sharp, acrid-seeming taste. On its own, alcohol is rarely appealing to the palate, especially for those who are just experimenting with it. Because of this, consumers and bartenders have devised countless ways for softening, refining, and even concealing …
Alcohol addiction can feel like an intensely private issue. In fact, many people living with alcohol use disorder go to great extremes to hide their problems from those around them. They might do the majority of drinking in private or away from the home, and they may make every effort to maintain their jobs, their …
Alcohol withdrawal is undeniably the most challenging and intimidating part of the recovery process. People who’ve been using alcohol to mute their physical and emotional pain are generally reticent to face this extended period of discomfort. Fear of the unknown can make this first and absolutely essential stage of recovery all the less appealing. At …
Most adults have an alcoholic beverage at some point in their lives. In many areas and cultures, reaching the legal drinking age and celebrating by imbibing with friends is a right-of-passage. Countless households regularly serve wine with dinner, and going out for a drink after work with colleagues, family members, or significant others is incredibly …
Drinking alcohol is a socially accepted practice. In fact, alcohol is rarely difficult to find. In addition to being offered at restaurants, bars, and comedy clubs, it’s even sold at grocery stores. Alcohol is freely served at weddings, and at many other social events. Thus, it’s not uncommon for people to have a drink or …
Most people will consume alcohol at some point in their lives. Alcohol is incredibly accessible, socially accepted, and in many settings, nearly impossible to avoid. However, while some people find it easy to moderate their alcohol consumption, others face a near-constant, overwhelming urge to drink. For many of these individuals, drinking is all about getting …
The smell of their breath or the lateness of the hour give away the secret. Sometimes speech is loud and boisterous. Other times the words arrive like marbles rolling jumbled through slurred speech and discoordination. A family member, someone you truly love and care for, has been drinking again. It’s a helpless mixture of frustration …
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