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.
Admitting that you have a problem with alcohol isn’t easy. However, committing to alcohol addiction treatment can be even harder. Many people are afraid to step away from their lives for one to three months to enter a rehab facility. Although it is possible to get sober without going to alcohol rehab, it’s incredibly challenging …
If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to have the willpower to stop the substance abuse without the right tools and resources. You may not be sure where to seek help or what types of programs are the most effective for recovering from alcohol addiction. Inpatient alcohol rehab is an excellent resource …
Statistics and anecdotal evidence make it clear that alcohol is very addictive. Alcohol addiction is more common than addiction to other drugs. This is due in part to the ready availability of alcohol. Some studies have shown that 5% of people 12 years of age and older are battling alcohol use disorder. Similar statistics show …
When a person suffers from alcohol use disorder, they are battling a relapsing brain disease. One of the characteristics of alcohol use disorder is the inability to control alcohol use even though its use leads to health, social, and occupational hazards. Alcoholism causes people to hurt themselves and the most important people in their lives. …
Many people struggle with substance use disorder involving alcohol. Although alcohol is legal, it’s also one of the most addictive substances in the world. It’s why alcoholism is so rampant, especially in the United States. Individuals who abuse alcohol instead of consuming it in moderation in a responsible way can quickly find themselves dependent on …
Alcohol treatment is available in many different forms, but you can only get as much from a program as you decide to put towards your recovery. Just the fact that you are asking about what should your mindset be before entering a Christian alcohol rehab says volumes about your commitment to sobriety. Accepting that your …
Alcohol abuse remains an important topic people need to think about. Whether they themselves suffer from alcohol abuse or know someone who faces it, overcoming it can pose some challenges. However, if you want to overcome your alcohol abuse or help someone else, you need to understand the dangers of it along with the signs. …
A substance use disorder involving alcohol can adversely affect your life in many ways. You might not even initially realize that you have a problem until things get worse. However, a slew of symptoms that comprise alcohol withdrawal syndrome or AWS might suddenly make you realize you’re not just a social or occasional drinker. Alcohol …
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 …
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