Answer Addiction

Tag: alcohol

  • How To Party Without Mixing Alcohol And Drugs

    How To Party Without Mixing Alcohol And Drugs

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Are you a young person in early recovery? Take note! You need to know when to avoid a party. But when you’re ready to hit the scene, practice these refusal lines. More here.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

     

    Night Life in Addiction Recovery

    Leaving old habits behind might be challenging and tricky. If you used to mix alcohol with drugs, it can be really uncomfortable to go out again. Can night life ever really be the same? If you’re in recovery, you actually might want to pass it up for a while.

    Why?

    Being near the scene can be dangerous. Just exposing yourself to triggers can lead you to relapse. If you are in treatment, it’s highly advisable you stay away from direct triggers. Sounds. Smells. Images. These are the things that can jeopardize the effort and progress on your road to reaching and maintaining sobriety.

    So how do you party when in recovery? Is it possible to have a good time without the influence of drugs and/or alcohol?

    Of course you can.  Keep reading further to find out how to protect yourself when the environment and people around you act as a temptation. Plus, read about alternative fun activities that do not include the use of alcohol and drugs. All your questions and/or personal experiences about partying without mixing alcohol and drugs are welcomed at the end.

    Can I Party In Drug And Alcohol Addiction Recovery?

    Absolutely!

    Recovery programs exist to teach addicts that sobriety is not boring! On the contrary, recovery opens up a lot of new opportunities. You just need to learn and practice some alternatives to bring you fun and joy without exposing yourself to danger.

    Q: Who should refrain from partying?
    A: If going out endangers your recovery, maybe you should stay home.

    At least for now.

    Why?

    Common Triggers

    When you make a decision to quit mind-altering drugs, some situations are just not healthy. Seeing a set of friends who look like they are having fun. Or, hearing the sound a lighter hit glass. Or, listening to that song that brings back nostalgia and a desire to get high.

    These are all triggers that might set off a desire for you to reach out for drugs and alcohol again.

    Theoretically, there are two types of triggers:

    1. Internal triggers, which usually manifest themselves as negative feelings.
    2. External triggers, that include people, places, things, and situations that provoke you to get back to your old substance abusive behaviors after a period of abstinence.

    When you are in early addiction recovery, you’ve just started developing a sober lifestyle. You aren’t quite used to feeling subtler emotions. We who are in recovery have all been through it.  You’re used to getting high…and dealing with the lows. But, we just don’t have healthy habits ingrained into our brain pattern yet.

    So, it’s best to avoid:

    1. Parties at clubs where you used to drink alcohol or use drugs.
    2. Acquaintances that still drink and take drugs.
    3. Visiting places while you are in an emotional period where drugs and alcohol are expected to be present.

    In fact, a night out can be super confusing. While it can be a learning experience, you need to be in a really stable place in early recovery. This is because hitting the night life can make you feel vulnerable. It might even lower your enthusiasm for change, or impact your self-esteem…both of which eventually may increase the possibility of relapse.

    The Cycle of Craving

    So, here’s a little deeper explanation into why you might want to wait. I’m not suggesting that you not have fun. I’m just saying that changing the way you have fun can be worth it.

    Addiction triggers involve high-risk situations. They are viewed as stressors that spark a thought, feeling, or action which makes you desire drugs/alcohol over and over again. When a trigger strikes in you get a sudden and unexpected urge to use again, it’s called a “craving”. In short, addiction triggers usually lead you to cravings and cravings stimulate your urges to use.

    This is why one of the main focuses of rehab is to teach you to become more aware of your specific triggers. Once you identify the trigger, you can learn how to control the sequence of events. Perhaps you can avoid the trigger totally. Or, you can learn how to change your related thought pattern. Or, maybe you intervene on the behavior-level.

    This is possible only through education. If you learn successful craving or coping management skills, you’ll necessarily learn techniques for fighting craving in recovery.

    Refusing an Offer

    Learning to say NO takes a little practice. Relapse prevention tips and refusal lines are taught during every addiction treatment program. But we’ve noticed that you need to actually practice these lines BEFORE you’re in a tight spot. Here are some suggestions about what you can say/do in different situations.

    1. First, go to events where there are no drugs and alcohol.

    2. Second, connect with friends who support your decision not to use drugs. Ask for support from these friends when others become pushy in their offerings.

    3. When in a problematic situation, make an excuse to leave. Just get out of there.

    When you are offered with drugs or alcohol, use definitive refusal lines such as:

    • I’m good.
    • No, thank you.
    • I can’t.
    • I have some medical issues right now.
    • I pass.

    I made the mistake in early recovery of trying to “explain it all”. No one who’s using wants to hear why you’re not using. They just want you to join them so that they can feel less alone.

    So, the bottom line is that you don’t feel like you need to explain yourself. No one needs to “get it.” They probably don’t want to.

    Alt Partying

    The sober community has many members. Most of us know what it’s like to wake up the next morning, blacked out. But just because we’re not using doesn’t mean that we’ve lost the will to have fun. Recovery is about building a new life, one that drugging and drinking parties are not a part of any more.

    If you want an alternative way to party, think about hosting your friends at your house. You can be the host of a sober party. You don’t need to socialize with just people in recovery. But make sure people know that substances are off limits.

    Some people like board games. Other people just party around food and music. Still others meet and then go to an event together. Whatever. Just get some people together and find something you all like to do. Talk to people at the party and connect. That’s more than a party; that’s creating a community.

    Or, find hobbies that don’t involve alcohol/drugs but are still entertaining such as: table sports, darts, card games, going to the zoo, or to the movies. Dancing is one of most recommended ways lifting your mood.

    Finally, be prepared. If you’re going to an event where psychoactive substance will be present…resolve to:

    • Choose mocktails instead of cocktails.
    • Use your refusal lines.
    • Plan an escape if temptations gets too great.

    Your Questions

    At some point, mixing alcohol and drugs gets old. It leads you down that same dead end.

    But maybe you have questions about what you’ve just read. Maybe you have an experience to share? Feel free to leave your comments below. Me and my team will make sure to get back to you with a personal and prompt response.

    Reference sources: Dr. Chad Coren: TRIGGERS OF ADDICTION
    Girl’s Health: Ways to say “no” to drugs
    NIH: Building your drink refusal skills

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • 6 Ways of Helping Your Alcoholic Child

    6 Ways of Helping Your Alcoholic Child

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Finding out that your child has become addicted to alcohol is a challenging situation for any parent to face.  But where do you start to look for help? What treatment approach is the best? We answer these questions here and invite your questions at the end of the page.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Warning signs of alcohol addiction

    It is natural for parents to think that alcoholism only occurs in other households; however, addiction does not discriminate. Alcohol abuse can affect people at almost any age, from the teenage years to adulthood. It can also become a problem for any individual, regardless of income level, race, region or gender.

    Even straight-A students can fall prey to the dangers of alcohol abuse. The important thing is to watch for signs of abuse in order to know when it’s time to help an addicted child quickly and effectively.

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    Common signs among teenagers include:

    • A decreased interest in physical appearance.
    • Asking for money without a good explanation or stealing items.
    • Increased obsession with privacy, such as locking the bedroom door at all times.
    • Sudden lack of interest in schoolwork and other responsibilities or activities.

    Some common signs of addiction in all ages include the following:

    • Confusion
    • Decreased appetite and unexplained weight loss
    • Drowsiness
    • Memory problems
    • Sudden change in personality or behaviors, such as increased irritability

    Part of knowing how to help an addicted child is becoming aware of these signs and knowing when to intervene.

    How can you help?

    1. Research addiction and understand what it is.

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    If you want to truly help a child struggling with alcoholism, it is important not to avoid the problem. Some parents ignore the issue due to embarrassment or denial. Rather than blaming themselves or hoping the substance abuse will go away on its own, parents need to understand that their child’s alcoholism does not reflect on them; addiction is a disease.

    That’s right, a disease.

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    In fact, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines problem drinking as more than one drink per day for women or more than 2 drinks per day for men. [1] Additionally, the organization goes on to describe alcoholism as severe problem drinking that requires diagnosis and intervention. [2] Browse this website to learn more about alcohol addiction, the most common and pervasive addiction on the planet. Or, ask us a question in the comments section below.

    2. Wait for a moment of sobriety.

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    It is important to talk to your child about the alcohol use. Approach your child when he or she is not currently using alcohol. An important part of knowing how to help an addicted child involves trusting your own instincts as a parent. Wait for a time when you are both calm and at ease, rather than letting emotions to spiral out of control. Instead of expressing accusation, talk calmly, yet seriously, about your concerns.

    3. Stop enabling behaviors.

    It is natural for parents to want to help their children, but alcoholic children need to learn to deal with the negative consequences of their behavior. Do not lie to teachers, bosses or other family members about your child’s alcohol abuse. Discuss the repercussions if your child does not stop abusing alcohol. For a teenager, this might mean having a car taken away. For a grown child, this could mean that you will no longer lend money or bail your child out of tricky situations. Knowing how to help an addicted child includes using your own knowledge of your family and the specific situation.

    4. Stage an intervention.

    Call us on the phone number listed here to learn more about this process. Usually, you meet with an addiction counselor or therapist before the intervention, but without your child. Together, you discuss how you’ll approach the child and what each of you will say. You can also discuss about possible reactions with the therapist.

    You may want to write down what kind of behaviors will not be tolerated and what will be the consequences if they appear, as well as writing down all the things that were lost after your child’s behavior has changed.

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    Keep in mind that an intervention is successful even if your child refuses to go to rehab, because at least the family has united to set a boundary. This means life will not be the same for your child, and a process has started that will one day result in him or her getting treatment.

    5. Seek treatment.

    If your child is unable to stop abusing alcohol on his/her own, it may be time to seek professional treatment.  Many rehab centers offer options for teenagers and younger patients. Inpatient treatment can help by removing your child from a harmful peer group and providing professional guidance and supervision during detoxification.

    6. Family therapy and support groups.

    In addition to learning how to help an addicted child, parents should also focus on the whole family. Dealing with an alcoholic child can be draining for any family, so it is also important to learn healthy coping mechanisms, avoid extra stress and seek support. Parents can benefit from support groups that specifically address the challenges faced by parents of alcohol abusers.

    What if your child doesn’t accept rehab?

    Offering help and providing your child with rehabilitation options may be all you can do. In most cases, people with drinking problems overcome addiction when they are too tired to fight anymore, when they are faced with too much pain, or when they realize that alcohol isn’t the answer. What do they all have in common?

    People who enter addiction recovery have made a decision to try something different. This decision is their own…you cannot force it.

    You should not put too much pressure on yourself if your child does not want to quit. If your treatment offers are contantly refused, you can work on doing research together to show him/her why they should get better. And, you can focus on yourself.

    Often, drinking problems exist as a red flag to dysfunction in a family or social system. Are there other things going on in the household that require your attention? What about your own mental health? Turn the magnifying glass inward, to yourself or to your family system. Start asking questions.

    Finally, even though your son or daughter might refuse treatment, you should continue visiting family support meetings and find help for yourself on how to deal with your inner struggles on this issue. The only other thing you can do is keep encouraging your child to go to treatment. But you also need to have a strong base of self-awareness and love. No one else can do this for you.

    Your questions

    Are you still afraid of addressing your child’s addiction?

    You are not alone.

    Please leave us your questions or comments in the section below. We’ll try to respond to you personally and promptly, or refer you to help.

    Reference Sources:[1] NIAAA: Drinking Definitions
    [2] NIAAA: Alcohol Use Disorder
    Ohio – Department of Youth Services: Project Know – Understanding your addiction: How to Help an Addict or Alcoholic Child
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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Aftercare Programs

    Aftercare Programs

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Aftercare programs are an essential part of every good rehab program. They will help you maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. This article offers details on aftercare programs for a drinking problem and their importance.

     

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Why Aftercare is Important after Alcohol Rehab

    You have successfully finished alcohol rehab! Congratulations. Now you have been discharged in the world. But, are you really cured and ready to face the everyday challenges? Can you do it without ongoing support?

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    Life after rehab can be difficult.

    According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) relapse rates for individuals who are in active treatment programs is actually relatively high, 40-60 % in most cases. [1] This is because addiction is a complex disease. Recovery doesn’t begin and end with rehab,but is a lifelong and continuous process.

    So,the longer you stay sober after completing a rehab program, the lower your chances of relapse are.

    How can aftercare help? Aftercare is the stage following intensiveand it is an integral part of every good alcohol treatment program.The primary goal of every aftercare program is maintaining abstinence and preventing relapse. In fact, aftercare programs are shown to considerably improve the long-term recovery and lead to higher rates of abstinence. [2]

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    Staying sober can be challenging, and that is whyyou need careful planning. Aftercare is the time when you implement the lessons and strategies you have learned in rehab in the real world.

    So, what are the benefits of an aftercare program?

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    • Building positive social relationships
    • Keeping your motivation high
    • Maintain sobriety
    • Preventing relapse

    Without individualized and carefully planned long term community based services that support sobriety, the relapse rates will be much higher, especially for socially vulnerable individuals.

    An Alcohol Aftercare Plan

    A reputable rehab center should be able to draft an aftercare plan tailored to your needs. The quality of your aftercare plan is closely connected with your overall success. In fact, its purpose is to connect you and your family to community support to help keep you sober and minimize the risk of relapse.

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    Your aftercare plan should include a collection of the following:

    • Education
    • Family therapies
    • Group therapy
    • Help with employment
    • Housing
    • Monitoring, done in eitherscheduled appointments, phone or email.
    • Outpatient appointments with a clinician / counselor
    • Participation in addiction support groups
    • Psychotherapy
    • Recommended or required alcohol testing
    • Relapse prevention strategy
    • Social services
    • A stay in a sober living home

    There are many different kinds of aftercare treatment options which can help you prevent relapse and live a sober life. However, knowing what works for you will help you achieve your goals. This is why aftercare needs to be 100% custom to your needs.

    Treatment Center Programs

    Aftercare is usually coordinated by your original treatment center. It is important that the treatment center you choose provides a continuum of care. Addiction affects many aspects of life: medical, mental, social, occupational, family, legal, and a treatment center should address the same aspect in order to be successful. [3]

    This why finding a treatment center that offersquality programs and services matched to your needs is a key step on your journey to recovery.

    Before choosing a treatment center program, do your research. Take into consideration the following factors:

    1. Can you get a private room?
    2. Does it offer medically assisted detox?
    3. Does it offer specialized programs for different groups (age or gender based, LGBT)
    4. Does the program address dual diagnosis issues?
    5. How close is the facility to your home, and will you need transportation?
    6. How qualified is the staff?
    7. Is the treatment center licensed?
    8. Is their approach evidence-based?
    9. Staff-patient ratio. The more staff per patient, the better the care.
    10. The length of the treatment programs.
    11. The quality of aftercare services.
    12. Inpatient vs. outpatient setting for treatment.
    13. Will you have access to email, phone or computers?
    14. Will your insurance cover payment and will it be enough?

    Many treatment center programs operate their own aftercare programs, and the services can vary greatly. Always check what does an aftercare program includes, and if it will fit your needs, or not.

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    Sober Living Homes

    These are typically apartments or houses that help people safely transition into the “real world”. A good sober home is a drug-free environment for people that dedicated themselves to a sober life.Although they don’t offer actual treatment and are not as strictly structured as inpatient rehab, they offer a lot more than a living environment. Many halfway or ¾ way houses provide recovery methods and 12-step programs. Every sober living home has its own house rules that need to be respected.

    If you want to live in a sober house, you are expected to be self- sufficient and pay rent. You can also work or search for employment during your stay. In general, it is a cheaper alternative to a residential treatment center where you can invest in your own recovery.There are no limits on the length of stay, although many people stay for at least 90 days.

    So, what are the benefits of living in a sober home?

    • Maintaining sobriety
    • Lower risk of relapse
    • Finding and keeping a job after recovery
    • Staying out of legal trouble
    • Safe environment free from triggers
    • Reconnecting with your friends and family

    Not everyone needs to stay in a sober living home. But for many people, staying in a halfway house can decrease the chances of relapse.A sense of comradery and sober living can start here…and last for a lifetime.

    Therapy and Counseling

    The purpose of aftercare counseling is to create a supportive and comfortable environment where you can speak freely and openly about your feelings, struggles, and strengths during the recovery process. It is particularly beneficial for people diagnosed with dual diagnosis who are also suffering from some mental issue.

    There are two types of talk therapy offered in alcohol aftercare programs:

    1. Group counseling.

    In a group therapy setting, you will share and listen to others’ experiences in a group of people recovering from alcohol addiction. This option is often less expensive, as you share the cost of therapy with those who attend.

    2. Individual counseling.

    In an individual therapy setting, you will meet one-on-one with a therapist to talk about yourself and your progress. Often, you set very personal goals during your sessions. Some people explore and resolve past trauma with a specialist.

    Counselling sessions are initially held weekly in most cases, and as you progress, you will gradually reduce your attendance to one session in two weeks or one in a month.

    Alternative Therapy

    There are many types of alternative therapies available in long-term treatment of alcohol problems. Know that scientific evidence is still being collected for some of these modalities. However, some people swear by these treatments and speak anecdotally of their effectiveness. [4] Some of the forms of alternative therapy in alcohol aftercare include:

    • Acupuncture
    • Art therapy
    • Biofeedback therapy
    • Chiropractic care
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy
    • Contingency Management
    • Dialectical behavior therapy
    • Equine therapy
    • Exercise programs
    • Experiential Therapy
    • Holistic Therapy
    • Massage therapy
    • Mindfulness meditation
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Neurofeedback
    • Nutrition therapy
    • Animal therapy

    NOTE HERE: These therapies should only be part of a complete alcohol rehab treatment plan, and are used with the aim of maintain sobriety and improving overall well-being to the recovering person.

    Support Groups

    Most people are strongly encouraged to attend support group meetings.Support groups help you rebuild self-esteem and improve self-perception.These groups offer structured program of recovery and help you stay focused and motivated.

    There is no admission process or specified length of participation.In general, meetings are hosted weekly, although you can decide to attend more than one group or meeting each week.

    In a support group, members share experiences or concerns related with their addiction and recovery, provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice. All members have one aim: staying sober.

    Most support groups are based on the 12-step program, which is spiritual in nature and created by the founders of AA, butthere are many alternatives for those who prefer a more secular foundation for treatment.Some of the most popular support groups include:

    • Alcoholics Anonymous, AA
    • Narcotics Anonymous, NA
    • Life Ring
    • SMART Recovery

    Aftercare for Alcohol Abuse

    For people in recovery, sobriety is a learned behavior. Abstinenceis maintained bymaking the rightdecisions and choices on daily basis. It is hard at the beginning, but as times passes and you learn new skills and strategies to cope with triggers it gets easier and new habits and routines are formed.

    In addition to the therapies offered in your overall treatment plan, you can develop your own aftercare strategy.

    So, what can you do, and when?

    1-30 Days After Rehab

    • Be aware of the negative impulses and learn how to cope with them.
    • Create a daily routine.
    • Create a support network you can turn to when tempted.
    • Make a recovery plan with goals you want to achieve.
    • Search for a psychotherapist and begin to attend sessions.
    • Search a support group and attend at least 2 meetings a week.
    • Start exercising.

    30 – 90 Days after Rehab

    • Create a recovery journal and record triggers and how you’ve handled them.
    • Go to career counseling.
    • Go to weekly therapy or counselling sessions.
    • Have weekly routines.
    • Keep on going to support meetings, minimum one weekly.

    90 – 180 Days after Rehab

    • Find new hobbies.
    • Set up long-term financial goals.
    • Set up short-term and long-term goals.
    • Work on fixing your broken relationships.

    180 – 365 Days after Rehab

    • Mark and celebrate 6 months and 1 year of sobriety.
    • Create personal, professional, and financialfive and ten-year plans.
    • Find motivational methods for success.
    • Help others in recovery.

    What Happens if I Relapse During Aftercare?

    Relapse: it can happen to anyone.

    Unfortunately, relapse is very common among recovering alcoholics. Addiction is a lifelong battle in a world full of triggers and stresses.

    So, what happens if you relapse? What can you do?

    First, get right back into an active routine that’s focused on recovery. It’s important that you don’t give up. Instead, continue on the path of recovery. Persistence is the key. Even if you started drinking again, that doesn’t mean you can’t get back on the right track.

    Then, know the difference between a slip and a relapse. A slip is an unplanned one-time event, while a relapse is a complete abandonment of the aftercare and recovery plan. If a slip turns into a relapse than you should immediately contact someone so they can help you get back to rehab.

    Don’t hesitate to call us if you have relapsed. Our treatment advisors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to give you information about the next steps you can take.

    Reference Sources:[1] National Institute on drug abuse: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
    [2] NCBI:Outcome of Alcohol Dependence: The Role of Continued Care
    [3] National Institute on drug abuse: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
    [4] American Addiction Centers: Addiction Therapies for Treating Alcoholism

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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • The Secret Of Getting Into An Alcoholic’s Mind

    The Secret Of Getting Into An Alcoholic’s Mind

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Is a friend or a loved one experiencing alcohol problems? Are you looking for a way to understand his/her behavior? This article gives you the basics on alcohol addiction.  If you want to get deeper inside the mind of an alcoholic, this is a good place to start.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    First, What’s The Big Deal?

    The Big Deal about alcohol is that it negatively affects about 8% of the adult population in the U.S. Over consumption is one of the leading causes of preventable death. And alcohol is associated with a growing list of really bad diseases of the body and mind.

    So, how did your loved one become addicted to it in the first place?

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    It might be consoling to know that a certain population of people have and will always be prone to alcoholism. Alcohol has played a significant part in religious, cultural and social practices in many societies. As it became rapidly produced and distributed, alcohol became one of the widely spread and most available substances across the world. This mass production of alcohol lead people to start using it more frequently, leading them from casual users, to abusers, and eventually people dependent on its psychoactive effects.

    About 17.6 million people, or one in every 12 adults, suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence, which means that these individuals have lost control over their alcohol consumption.

    And as we mentioned earlier, alcohol consumption impacts both the incidence and course of and the course of many health conditions. According to the World Health Organization, 5.9 percent of all global deaths in 2012 were caused by alcohol consumption. The Big Deal is that alcohol is legal…but it’s not going away. How can you help your loved one? What understanding do you need to have?

    The Secret Of Getting Into An Alcoholic’s Mind

    The secret of getting into an alcoholic’s mind is to understand how alcohol affects the brain. Both moderate and heavy drinking can lead to behaviors that would never occur in a sober state. Alcohol belongs in the category of drugs called depressants, which means that drinking alcohol results in depressing, or slowing down brain processes. As a result of this alteration, alcohol abusers can behave uncharacteristically and aggressively.

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    Still, not all alcoholics are alike. They experience different subsets of symptoms. We do know that heavy drinking may have extensive and far–reaching effects on the brain, ranging from simple “slips” in memory to permanent and debilitating conditions that require lifetime custodial care.

    And while researchers have not yet found conclusive evidence that any one variable can consistently and completely account for the brain deficits, they do know that alcohol impairs the way the brain normally works. So, a person who drinks heavily over a long period of time may have brain deficits that persist well after he or she achieves sobriety. Exactly how alcohol affects the brain and the likelihood of reversing the impact of heavy drinking on the brain remain hot topics in alcohol research today.

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    Is Alcoholism Treatable?

    Yes.

    Those who have drinking problems can solve their addiction issues with the help of health care professionals such as addiction counselor. According to studies  on Alcohol Use Disorders, alcoholics requires medical help and treatment to address physical and mental aspects of the problem. Treatment helps recovering alcoholics reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems.

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    There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to alcohol addiction problems. What might work someone, may not be a good fit for another person. This is why it is important to research all available options and chose what you think will work the best. There are various treatment options for alcohol abuse problems such as:

    1. Behavioral Therapy: Lead by healthcare professionals, behavioral therapy techniques are focused on helping those addicted to alcohol in changing their behavior through counseling.

    2. Medication Therapy: Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent relapse:

    • Disulfiram
    • Naltrexone
    • Acamprosate

    These medications can be prescribed only by a primary care physician or a doctor and can be used alone or in combination with counseling.

    3.Support Groups: Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Combined with treatment, mutual-support groups can be very beneficial for those who struggle with drinking issues.

    So who can you see for help?

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    If you know someone who’s experiencing alcohol addiction issues, you can refer them to:

    • Alcohol Counselor
    • Licensed Psychologist and/or Psychiatrist
    • Medical Doctor
    • Social Worker

    Here are some online resources which can help you find professional help:

    When in need of a treatment facility, use SAMHSA’s treatment service locator.

    Obstacles to Treatment

    The main thing which makes alcohol addiction so hard to address is the stigma attached to it. We think that drinking too much is a sign of weakness or a moral problem. Someone should just stop quitting if it’s hurting them, right? But a drinking problem is a medical problem.

    People who are addicted to alcohol have gone through profound – and most reversible – brain changes. But you cannot underestimate how the brain changes its function when someone is drinking.

    Additionally, there are huge obstacles to quitting the drinking cycle. They range from the cost of treatment to a person’s support network to the way that they feel about themselves. Here are some of the most common obstacles to successful alcohol addiction treatment:

    1. Being In Denial

    Denial is probably the greatest enemy to anyone’s recovery journey. False statements such as: “I can choose to stop whenever I want,” or “I can handle my drinking,” are the most commonly heard statements among alcoholics in denial. This is why a professional interventionist or addiction counselor might be the only way to break through to a loved one. Professionals are trained in messaging and planning for objection. Plus, they help pull you through during a tough time.

    Accepting loss of control over alcohol consumption is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is a sign of consciousness. Help can only be given to those who ask for it. So, for the alcoholic mind, realizing that they have an alcohol problem is the first step on the way to change.

    2. Lack Of Devotion And Commitment

    In order to really “change”, the desire to be different needs to come from inside. You cannot wish someone to be different than they are; they must want to change. So, one of the other things that can get in the way of getting better is a person’s own mindset.

    Indeed, psychologists and psychiatrists say that awareness of a problem does not always signify change. Commitment during treatment are vital to be able to get through withdrawal and maintain sobriety. Recovery does not work unless an alcoholic works it: for themselves, by themselves.

    3. Lack Of Good Aftercare Plan

    Alcohol recovery is an ongoing process. So, treatment does not end once a person leaves rehab. The real battle begins when s/he needs to make change last. so, the transition from rehab to home should be done only after a person is adequately prepared. Sometimes, this can be months or years later. You need to understand and accept this.

    The main idea here is that an aftercare plan is needed if you want to see someone change for good. This plan outlines a strategy designed to help individuals deal with all the challenges that await them. So, when they leave rehab, they are ready to return home.

     

    Top 5 Things To Avoid When Getting Into An Alcoholic’s Mind

    1. Avoid self sacrifice. You can only help an alcoholic loved one as much as they let you.
    2. Avoid giving criticism; it can only lead to conflict. Your alcoholic loved one needs to recognize the problem , perhaps with support from a profession.
    3. Avoid enabling your loved one alcohol addiction. Enabling a loved one’s addiction can hurt you both.
    4. Avoid discussing anything with your alcoholic loved one when s/he is under the influence; they can become violent.
    5. Avoid any kind of negative talk. Instead, focus on looking for treatment alternatives for yourself and your loved one.

    An Extra Tip To Getting Into An Alcoholic’s Mind

    The last thing you need to keep in mind regarding your loved one’s alcohol addiction problem is this: understanding more about the alcoholic brain is not going to make him/her stop. But getting to the bottom of how alcohol influences on the brain might give you more acceptance of the situation that you are currently in. Always remember that in order for an alcoholic to recover, medical help and treatment are required. The only thing you can do is be a part of your loved one’s recovery journey and give them all the support they need along the way.

    Questions?

    Have any more questions? We’d love to hear from you!

    If you still have questions regarding getting into an alcoholic’s mind after reading this article, we welcome you to post them in the comments section. We will try to provide personal answers as quickly as we can, or refer you to someone who can help.

    Reference Sources: Integrated Approaches to Drug and Alcohol Problems: Action on Addiction, 109.p
    NIAAA: Alcohol Facts and Statistics
    NIAAA: Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help
    AAFP: Medications for Treating Alcohol Dependence
    NIAAA: Alcoholism and the Brain, An Overview
    NIAAA: Alcohol Alert, Alcohol’s Damaging Effects on the Brain
    Alcohol Research Current Reviews: Alcohol’s Effect on Brain and Behavior
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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Can Hypnosis Help Me Stop Drinking? How Does it Work?

    Can Hypnosis Help Me Stop Drinking? How Does it Work?

    By Georgia Foster

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: The goal of hypnosis is to break the unhealthy emotional conditioning to alcohol and to replace it with more logical and helpful responses. Is it for you? This article takes a look at the practice of hypnosis and how it can help people who are drinking too much.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 6 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Do I Need To Drink Less Alcohol?

    Many drinkers secretly worry that they drink too much. They think they may need to quit drinking altogether because they’ve never been able to drink in moderation.

    Although quitting alcohol altogether can be the way forward for a lot of people, it is not the only way.

    There is a very large group of people who, even though they worry about their consumption levels, can keep alcohol in their life by drinking less.

    The truth is that a lot of people choose not to discuss their concerns with their doctor or even their family because they know that their response will be, “Just cut back a little.” I know many clients have to said to me, “If it was that easy, I would have done it by now!”

    Professional guidance can be helpful to some, but the problem lies in the fact that many drinkers feel isolated, alone, and shamed by the medical response which doesn’t give them any tools to help them drink less. They often walk away from a meeting asking themselves if they have a “real” drinking problem, or not.

    I firmly believe that most over-drinkers can reduce their drinking dramatically with the right resource. The good news is: no willpower required!

    Hypnosis has been used for decades to help people stop smoking, lose weight, overcome phobias as well as reduce alcohol consumption. Let’s take a look at how hypnosis can help people who may not be diagnosed as “alcoholic”…but who can benefit from cutting back on drinking.

    What is Hypnosis?

    Everybody is able to be hypnotized. It is a natural state that we all enter when we go to sleep at night and before we wake in the morning. The hypnotic space is when we are half asleep and half awake. How and why does it work?

    The unconscious mind is the part of the mind that stores all memories and emotional habits. The unconscious mind also manages all of the bodily functions. When the conscious mind decides that a person needs to reduce their drinking, unless the unconscious mind understands this request and can confirm it is an appropriate behaviour, it will reject all requests to change.

    In other words, if the unconscious mind believes that alcohol helps calm you down or helps you to sleep, this part of the mind will continue to habitually demand alcohol when you are feeling anxious or restless.

    Hypnosis is really good at communicating directly with the unconscious mind. During hypnosis, new messages accepted by the unconscious mind can help guide emotional responses so that you begin to function without alcohol in the bloodstream. The more someone is exposed to repeated suggestions of positive actions and responses, the more the mind accepts them.

    During hypnosis, we are open to emotional suggestions and change in behaviours more than when we are in the conscious state. During hypnosis, a heightened state of learning can take place without judgement. The unconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between imagination and reality, hence hypnosis is a powerful space to introduce new habits.

    A Case Study

    Here is Jack’s story.

    At the age of 18, he discovered his girlfriend was cheating on him. He was inconsolable. After a few weeks, his friend suggested they get drunk and party so he can get some closure on the situation. Jack tried vodka for the first time and within 10 minutes, he felt relaxed and more at ease. Suddenly, he didn’t care so much about his ex-girlfriend.

    Many years later, Jack was still reliant on that vodka whenever he felt like life was getting a little out of hand emotionally. He wasn’t a regular drinker but when he hit the bottle he would hit it hard and this worried his wife a lot. Jack was secretly worried too. However, he just couldn’t seem to “just have one or two vodkas!” –– It was always half a bottle or more.

    The trauma that Jack experienced when he was 18 triggered an emotional habit of feeling driven to drink too much whenever he felt unsafe. Even though many years have passed since the initial trauma, Jack felt he couldn’t get out of this binge drinking cycle. He and his wife both thought that he was going down the slippery slope of alcoholism.

    The truth was, Jack’s unconscious mind had developed a habit. Whenever he felt vulnerable, it scanned his history to find a quick fix to resolve his current emotional pain. In a nanosecond, it found vodka! Unbeknownst to Jack, his unconscious mind was demanding vodka in order to soothe him.

    It wasn’t that Jack wanted to drink in unhealthy quantities, it was that his mind had learned that alcohol was a good quick fix.

    Can Hypnosis Help You Drink Less Alcohol?

    Yes, the practice of hypnosis can help the mind choose options that are healthier than alcohol.

    Many worried drinkers, like Jack, have at some time in their life discovered that alcohol is an easy and fast solution to find some reprieve from the everyday fears of life. The mind doesn’t like feeling vulnerable. So, whenever someone feels like life is too challenging, it will find ways to give that person an emotional pick-me-up.

    For Jack, his mind thought vodka was the solution. For others, it could be chocolate or cigarettes. It just so happens that Jack’s mind learned early on in life that vodka was his answer. However, it is not the only answer, and hypnosis can help the mind choose a healthier option.

    Hypnosis is a life-changing therapy that can aid many worried drinkers who know they don’t belong in addiction recovery. The goal of hypnosis is to break the unhealthy emotional conditioning to alcohol and to replace it with more logical and helpful responses. It is also important to train the brain to be more emotionally resilient and to be open to challenges that can be dealt with without a glass of alcohol in hand.

    Once a drinker has developed healthier coping strategies through this method, they will not be drawn to alcohol as the instant answer. It does take practice but the hypnosis method is simple, effective, and life-affirming for many heavy drinkers. We all have the right to decide how we want to improve our lives and hypnosis is a brilliant way to achieve this.

    Once a drinker does not use alcohol to soothe negative emotions, their whole outlook will bebrighter, they will feel more in control of their life, and they can thendrink alcohol without it being an emotional crutch for them.

    Your Questions

    Still have questions for Georgia about hypnosis?

    Please leave your questions in the comments section below. We do our best to respond to all questions personally and promptly. And we love to hear from our readers!
    ——

    About the Author: GEORGIA FOSTER is a clinical hypnotherapist & voice dialogue trainer. She qualified with distinction at The London College of Clinical Hypnosis in 1996. She then went on to become one of the college’s senior lecturers before venturing out on her own to build her online products while running her busy London Clinic. Georgia now resides in Melbourne, Australia. She specializes in alcohol reduction, emotional overeating, self-esteem, anxiety, and fertility issues. Her unique and highly successful approach has helped tens of thousands of people learn how to feel better emotionally and physically. Her new book, “Drink Less in 7 Days,” is on shelves now. To learn more visit www.georgiafoster.com.

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Intervention for Alcoholism

    Intervention for Alcoholism

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: An alcohol intervention is when a group of family and friendsconfront a loved one about problem drinking. In this article, we cover the basic aspects of an alcohol intervention, plus we offer tips on how to plan the whole process. Your questions are welcomed at the end.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 15 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Interventions aim to change behavior.

    What is an Alcohol Intervention?

    Interventions are combination of strategies designed to produce behavior changes to improve an individual’s health. Interventions can take place in different settings such as worksites, schools, home, faith-based organizations, or health care facilities.Interventions that include multiple strategies are typically the most effective in producing the required change. [1]

    An alcohol intervention is the process of asking a loved one with a drinking problem to go to rehab. Interventions can be informal or formal. Informal interventions occur in the moment, and can be a simple discussion. A formal intervention is when a group of people confront the person in an effort to convince them to seek help for their alcoholism.

    An intervention for alcoholism has three main goals:

    1. To change the beliefs, attitudes, skills, and knowledge of the person.
    2. To increase social support and cooperation.
    3. To get the person into rehab.

    An intervention is most successful when led by a professional.

    Do Alcohol Interventions Work?

    Yes!

    Most people diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder don’t see that they have a problem. In fact, they are in denial, and don’t want to see reality as it is.

    But, you can help a loved one break through denial by staging an intervention. You may have only one chance to stage the intervention, and the best way to do it is with a help of intervention specialist.

    An interventionist is a professional who is trained in staging interventions. Their job is to help friends and family to create a plan. They are there to carry out the alcohol intervention. The best thing is that an interventionist will consider all potential issues that may arise. Their experience is truly valuable.

    Asking for help from a specialized interventionist is highly recommended if the person who is dealing with drinking problems has other serious condition including:

    • Mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
    • Polydrug use
    • Suicidal attempts
    • Violent behavior

    Interventions get people into treatment.

    The Intervention for Alcoholism Process

    Staging and planning an alcohol intervention is a long process. It can take a lot of time and energy for family and friends to prepare for the whole process. And if you want to do it right, plan to spend days to weeks with a professional getting ready for the big day. There are many types of intervention, but most of them follow these basic steps:

    STEP 1: Meet with an intervention specialist.

    Asking help from an interventionist can be the crucial step for the family. Licensed or certified professionals are experienced in choosing the right words and providing the right environment for change. They can help the family in understanding alcoholism as a disease, and offer the best approach to each specific case.

    STEP 2: Chose the right time and place for the intervention.

    An intervention can be set up in any place that provides privacy. This may be a neutral place like a rented space, an interventionist’s office, school, worksite, or even the alcoholic’s home. The important thing is that the loved one should not feel defensive or ambushed. You’ll need to invite the loved one to join the group meeting and be clear about what it’s about. This is called an “invitational intervention”.

    STEP 3: Plan ahead what will be said during the intervention.

    This is the most important step for a successful alcohol intervention. Each member should decide in advance what they will say. With the help of an interventionist, the group should gather information about the loved one’s drinking and their behavior when under the influence. Moreover, you’ll need to include situations when the alcoholic had outburst due to their drinking, as well as state how their drinking affectsyou. It is helpful to write down everything you wish to say, although sometimes, you can just speak from your heart.

    STEP 4: Carry out the intervention.

    This is when professional guidance is key. Once the individual is there, the interventionist will ask them to sit and listen to what is being said. Then, each member of the group will say or read the reasons why they believe that the individual have a drinking problem, and why they need treatment. Usually, the intervention ends with the group giving the individual option to choose either enroll into treatment and quit drinking or face consequences, such as cutting out financial or emotional support.

    The group also commits to their own health and well-being, as alcoholism is a family disease. A successful intervention has the potential to transform not just the person with a drinking problem, but an entire family. [2]Group members can seek help through talk therapy, self-care, and ongoing counseling.

    STEP 5: Follow up an intervention.

    After the intervention, the individual has a choice to make either quit drinking or face the consequences. The interventionist provides information about the treatment options and explains them to the alcoholic. In some cases, the specialist has already arranged an assessment in a suitable treatment center. No matter what is the outcome, the group must follow through their final decisions.

    Call us to learn how we do interventions.

    How to Stage an Alcoholism Intervention

    It can be hard to approach someone who deals with alcohol problems. Despite the fact that family and friends mean well, they may not know what to say or how to express themselves. In order to get through to a loved one, you need to make them see the problem. So, for a successful intervention, you need to plan every step ahead.

    Here are some useful suggestions to take into consideration when planning an alcohol intervention for your loved one. Remember that staging an intervention is the most important step. Careful planning and risk management can lead to success.

    • Find a licensed interventionist. An intervention professional will know what to do in difficult situations. S/He will keep a“neutral zone” between the parties. A licensed professional can help the alcoholic break the wall of denial, and help them the best rehab option for them.

    • Form a good, stable intervention group. Choose members wisely. Many people may want to help, but not everyone is helpful. Avoid inviting group members who are negative or overly dramatic. Not everyone has the ability to persuade someone that they have a drinking problem. Once you form the dream team, the group works with the interventionist to create a strategy.

    • Education. One critical part of an intervention is to educate the group about addiction and recovery. Being familiar with the topic provides insights of the problem that can play a huge role in convincing someone that they need help.

    • Mind your language. Talk from the heart. Keep in mind that their trust in you is important, and it needs be felt through the whole intervention. By talking personally without judgment will make the intervention process flow easily. Moreover, be open with your feelings, and see how they resonate with you.

    • Rehearse and prepare. The members of the group must rehearse for the intervention. Every speech should be prepared and rehearsed many times with the help of the specialist. Setting the right tone and describing situations of past hurt may trigger moment of clarity to the addicted person and see their problems.

    • Be prepared for the worst. Keep in mind that some interventions don’t go as planned. You cannot predict how your loved one will act. A professional interventionist is there to keep the peace between the parties, and make the most positive outcome of the intervention. However, the person who is dealing with drinking problems may react aggressively and endanger the group. In that case, call 911 immediately.

    A successful intervention can change an entire family.

    Planning for Objections

    When you plan an intervention you need also to plan for objections. Identify in advance the objections to treatment that your loved one may raise. These objections will be answered during the intervention by the person who will lead the intervention. Every objection need to have a reasonable and workable response. The group needs to have prepared answers and plans in advance.Here are some examples of objections and their counters:

    OBJECTION:I can’t go to rehab. Who’s going to take care of my pet?
    RESPONSE:[NAME] has agreed to take your pet and look after them while you are away.

    OBJECTION:I can’t enroll into a program. Who’s going to take care of my home?
    RESPONSE:Your best friend has a key from your apartment, and s/he will come every 3-4 days to care for the home while you are away.

    OBJECTION: I can’t go into treatment. I have a job. I don’t want to lose my job.
    RESPONSE:You won’t lose your job. We have a law that protects you. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects you to maintain your working status when you seek medical help. [3] The law is clear that you have legal right to ask for accommodations when entering rehab.

    OBJECTION:I will be bored there. Rehab is not an option for me.
    RESPONSE:Rehab treatment has many program to offer you in order not to be bored, but to focus on building yourself and work on your recovery. Some of them offer [SERVCICES].

    Are you ready for an intervention? Call us today.

    Planning for Consequences

    A professional interventionist will help you determine which person has the most influence on the loved one who has leverage. When you have leverage, you have the power to precipitate actual consequences. Here are some examples of leverage that can be used in the right way and that will have consequences on the alcoholic’s life.

    1. The employer: “We respect you and value as an employee, but your drinking has caused you to miss 10 days of work in the last few months. We will do everything to help you, including helping you to access treatment because we have Employee Assistance Program. But, we cannot keep you as an employee if you miss work so often.”

    2. A spouse: “I love you, and I care about you, but I cannot raise our children in an alcoholic household. Our children are afraid from you when you come home late and drunk. If you don’t go into treatment, I’m going to have put the well-being of our children first, and start looking at other options, including divorce.”

    3. A parent: “The car you are driving is on my name. I don’t want to put your life in danger as well as of the lives of others because you are drunk driving. If you don’t go to rehab, I am taking the car today.”

    Environment matters.

    Alcohol Intervention at Home

    The place where the intervention will occur is important. Privacy and safety are first. The loved one needs to feel safe, because if they are concerned or uncomfortable, the intervention may turn negative. The loved one may become agitated, and lose their temper. For example, never ambush a person in a public spot to intervene about drinking issues.

    For many people, the safest place an interventioncan occur is at home. A cozy atmosphere increases security and safeness for every member of the intervention. However, some cases require a more neutral place like a rented space or a clinician’s office. This is true when triggers are in the home or when guns are present. Call us to learn more about safety precautions and how we manage environment for successful outcome.

    Why wait longer? Call today for a free and confidential consultation.

    Unique Attributes of an Alcoholic Intervention

    1 in 3 families is affected by addiction problems in the U.S. Alcohol is #1 on the list. 56% of Americans aged 18 and older are currently alcohol consumers, while 1 in 18 people have a drinking problem. [4]

    Still, it may be hard to reach someone and convince them that they have a drinking problem. Alcohol abuse changes the way a person thinks and sees life. Alcohol affect the way we process information…and if a person has become alcohol-dependent, their logic changes, too.

    Some people may get angry because an intervention may seem to be an ambush. However, if the intervention is planned appropriately and done correctly, the anger will calm down quickly. Even if the anger continues, a professional interventionist will keep the tone calm and neutral.

    Keep in mind that the intervention is not about you. The intervention is about your loved one, and the main point is getting them help and supporting them through this hard time.

    Get your loved one into treatment!

    The Best Intervention for Alcoholism

    There are many different types of interventions, but the best intervention for dealing with individual with is a customized intervention that will fit that individual’s needs. Below is a list of the most common types of clinical interventions used for drinking problems.

    ARISE

    An ARISE intervention is a relatively new system of intervention that involves the whole family but it’s less confrontational than a surprise model for intervention. The loved one is invited to the intervention and a set of clear steps then follow.

    Brief Intervention

    This intervention process is conducted as a one-on-one meeting between a medical professional/counselor and a person dealing with alcohol abuse. Usually, brief interventions take place in hospitals after the person has been admitted for an injure or overdose due to their substance use, or in schools if a student is suspected of drinking, or in a doctor’s office after an examination reveals health issues. Moreover, friends and family may ask professional to perform a brief intervention for their loved one.

    Crisis Intervention

    This type of intervention involves police officers providing social and medical resources to people who are abusing substances, suffer from a mental health disorder, or have dual diagnosis. A crisis intervention can lead to a public record with your state’s department of children and families, health, or social services.

    Family Systemic Intervention

    This model is focused on both the individual with AUD and their family. Having on mind that addiction affects every member of the family, this type of intervention intents the whole family to reach out for help in any form of therapy.

    SMART

    The main goal of this type of intervention is to set clear, measurable, and achievable goals for the intervention. This intervention can be applied as a part of follow-up in a family based intervention.

    The Johnson Model

    The most well-known form of intervention, the Johnson Model is designed to convince people dealing with alcoholism to enroll into a rehab program. The problem with this model is that it is a “surprise”.

    What’s your backup plan?

    When Alcohol Intervention Fails

    Be prepared that interventionscan fail.You cannot help someone who doesn’t want help. You cannot make them change.

    In this hard case scenario, it is important to stick with your planned intervention. Then, be patient. Some interventions take time and do-overs. How long will it take? Until the alcoholic realizes the negative consequences of their drinking and seek treatment. In the meantime, you need to take care of yourself.

    Call us for guidance on interventions. We know addiction.

    Get Help from a Professional Interventionist

    If you want your intervention to succeed, plan it with professional help from a licensed
    interventionist. Call us to learn about how we’ve helped hundreds of families over many decades of experience.

    Moreover, every interventionist no matter the model they are using, they will guide the intervention with the 7 important principles that any intervention for alcohol use disorder should follow:

    1. Meet with a certified interventionist.
    2. Plan in advance.
    3. Choose the right people to take part.
    4. Choose the right time for the intervention.
    5. Speak with respect and love, but never with anger.
    6. Follow through.
    7. Take care of yourself.

    Finally, there are several ways you can find certified interventionists:

    • Call us on the helpline displayed on our website.
    • Contact a community, religious, or spiritual leader for recommendations.
    • Get a referral from a doctor or therapist.
    • Speak with a social worker.
    • Search online on:

    Independent Interventionists
    Association of Intervention Specialists

    Don’t lose hope!

    Alcoholism is a treatable disease, and you can help your loved one change their mind about treatment. You only need help from the professionals.

    If you have any questions, post them in the comments section at the end. We try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate queries.

    Call today. Treatment saves lives.

    Reference Sources:
    [1] Health.mo.gov: Intervention
    [2] The Definitive Guide To Addiction Interventions
    [3] U.S. Department of Labor: Americans with Disabilities Act
    [4] SAMHSA: The National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2015
    NCBI: Interventions with alcoholics and their families

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Alcohol and Depression

    Alcohol and Depression

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Depression and alcohol have a causal relationship, and one condition doubles that you’ll develop the other. In this article, we review the connection and treatment options.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 10 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Depression is a mood disorder.

    What Depression Is

    Depression is a disorder of the brain that affects your mood. This mental issue causes distressing symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and how can you handle daily activities.

    In the U.S. more than 20 million people can be diagnosed with depression.

    Accorind to the American Psychiatric Association, depression affects 1 in 15 adults in any given year, while 1 in 6 people will experience depression at some time in their life.[1] Depression is more than feeling ‘blue’ or ‘under the weather’. Instead, it is a constant sadnessthat just doesn’t go away.

    But, how can you get diagnosed?

    To be diagnosed with depression…. symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day at least 2 weeks.There are some common forms of depression. These include:

    1. Major depression: The symptoms of depression will last most of the day, almost every day for at least 2 weeks. These symptoms will affect your daily activities, and you will not able to enjoy life. This episode may occur once in a lifetime, but most of the people have several episodes.

    2. Persistent Depressive Disorder:The symptoms of depression can last at least 2 years. A person with this diagnose may experience episodes of major depression along with less severe symptoms.

    3. Other Forms of Depression: Still, there are other forms of depression that may develop under certain circumstances. These types of depression include:

    Perinatal Depression or Postpartum Depression:Women with this type of depression experience full-blown major depression during pregnancy and/or after giving birth. The reasons for this depression is the overwhelming of hormonal and psychical changes, and the responsibility of caring for a baby. About 10% to 15% of women experience postpartum depression after delivery.

    Psychotic Depression: The person with this diagnosis has severe depression and some form of psychosis such as delusions or hallucinations.

    Seasonal Affective Disorder: This type of depression comes and goes with seasons. The onset of SAD occurs during winter months, when there is less sunlight. Usually, it starts in the late fall or early winter, and it diminishes during spring and summer. SAD is typically accompanied by increased sleep, weight gain, and social withdrawal.

    Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: This type of depression is diagnosed in children and adolescents. Depression can also be one phase of bipolar disorder.

    The Alcohol-Depression Cycle

    There is a huge correlation between alcohol and depression. Drinking can cause depression, and depression can cause alcohol abuse. Moreover, you can get caught in a constant cycle of going back and forth. In these cases, professional help is a must to help you deal with this viscous circle of co-occurring disorders.

    What does the Alcohol-Depression Cycle look like?

    On one hand, people who suffer from depression may turn to drinking as a way of coping. About one-third of people with depression have drinking problems.They drink alcohol to ‘drown their sorrows’, and hope for better feelings. The effects of alcohol changes their sad mood into a happy one.

    On the other hand, people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may develop depression. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that depression is more likely to develop during alcoholism treatment. Some patients may even increase their drinking in order to deal with the mood swings. [2] NOTE HERE: If depression occurs as a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, it’s likely that it will vanish after you stop drinking.

    But, having undiagnosed depression in combination with alcohol consummationputs us at risk of developing a drinking problem. In fact, a study published in the medical journal BioMed Central estimated that more than 25% of people with major depression can develop a drinking problem. [3] Finally, a study called ‘Alcohol and Depression’ reports that the presence of a drinking problem doubles the risk of developing depression, and vice versa. One condition doubles the risk of the other condition. [4]

    Alcohol abuse and depression have a causal relationship. One can cause the other.

    Can Alcohol Make Depression Worse?

    YES!

    It is important to understand that drinking alcohol worsens any mental health disorder.

    Alcohol is a nervous system depressant. It blocks stress hormones, and if you are dealing with depression you may become increasingly irritable when drunk. Moreover, alcohol lowers serotonin and norepinephrine, mood-regulating chemicals in the brain. So, when you’re under the influence, the body struggles to achieve balance, which results in depressed mood.

    On top of it, if you are depressed, you may have sleep disorders. Drinking also interferes with sleep, so you may worsen your sleep disorders if you consume alcohol.Finally, drinking too much can increase your anxiety.

    In sum, drinking makes depression much worse.

    Symptoms of Depression

    Depression affects people differently. Not everyone will experience every symptom: some may experience few, while others may experience different and more symptoms. Plus, symptoms will vary depending from the stage of the illness.

    The most common signs of depression include:

    • Appetite changes
    • Anxiety
    • Decreased energy
    • Concentration problems
    • Fatigue
    • Feelings of hopelessness
    • Feelings of guilt
    • Feelings of worthlessness
    • Irritability
    • Loss of interest for hobbies and activities
    • Problems with making decisions
    • Restlessness
    • Sadness
    • Sleep disorders
    • Suicidal thoughts

    Moreover, depression is characterized with a set of physical symptoms that occur without a clear physical cause and/or they do not set up or ease even with treatment. These physical symptoms include:

    • Aches
    • Headaches
    • Cramps
    • Digestive problems

    To be diagnosed with depression, in addition to ‘blue’ mood, several persistent symptoms should be present for at least two weeks for nearly every day.

    Alcohol is NOT the answer for depression. Drinking makes things worse.

    Does Alcohol Depression Go Away?

    Many people wonder if depression will go away on its own.

    The answer is: NO.

    In this case, time won’t heal all wounds. In fact, waiting may worsen your depression. The longer you wait, the worse it may become. If you are drinking to ease your depression hoping that you will get better, you couldn’t be more wrong. Alcohol will only make your depression feel even more hopeless.

    Proper treatment for alcohol use disorder and depression is the key to getting better. Treatment is effective. So stop thinking that drinking and depression will go away. Take your destiny in your hands, and make the call: reach out for help.

    Call us to talk through depression and drinking. Our confidential hotline operators are waiting for your call.

    Alcohol Dependence, Detox, and Depression

    Alcohol dependence is a serious drinking condition that may cause serious harm to your health. The study Neurobiology of Alcohol Dependence published in the journal Alcohol Research: Current Reviews reported that,

    Alcohol dependence…is progressive and has serious detrimental health outcomes.[5]

    But, how can you know that you are alcohol dependent?

    Dependence occurs when the brain adapts to alcohol. When you are alcohol dependent and stop quitting, you go through withdrawal. But it doesn’t have to be that bad to be a problem. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) lists 11 criteria that an individual needs to have in order to be diagnosed with a drinking problem.

    If you are an alcohol dependent who has depression issues, the rehab process may be hard. But do not worry… every condition is treatable!Don’t risk it, just make the first step of treatment.

    Go to a medical detox clinic when you are alcohol dependent.

    Detox is a process of removing alcohol from the body under 24-hour medical supervision. Any good alcohol detox can help:

    • Ease withdrawal symptoms.
    • Manage any serious medical condition that may occur.
    • Prevent the development of more serious symptoms.
    • Provide the safest path for every patients to deal with their difficult period of discomfort.

    Since alcohol withdrawal can be very unpredictable and uncomfortable, and even worse for people who deal with depression, the safest way to start treatment is in inpatient setting with constant medical care. Moreover, seizures occur in about 25% of all alcohol withdrawal cases [6], and if these symptoms are not treated on time, not only they can put your general health in danger, but they also can worsen your depression.

    Don’t wait when you need to detox, reach out for help!

    Alcohol and Depression Medication

    Even though antidepressants are considered to be safe medications, it is never recommended that you drink alcohol while using them. The chances for worsening the symptoms of depression when mixing them with alcohol are enormous. Some of the negative effects when you mix these two substances include:

    • Dizziness
    • Drowsiness
    • Elevated blood pressure
    • Higher chance of overdose
    • Increased depression
    • Impaired motor functioning
    • Liver damage
    • Memory complications
    • Slowed breathing
    • Strange conduct

    Remember never to stop taking antidepressants just so you can have a drink. Sudden cessation of antidepressants may cause you to experience withdrawal symptoms. So, always consult with your doctor before stopping antidepressants.

    Depression Treatment Options

    Even the most severe depression can be treated. So, don’t lose hope! There is always a way to deal with it. The earlier you start with treatment, the better and more effective it is. Medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the two are the most effective therapies for depression.

    TREATMENT OPTION 1: Medications

    Medications that are used to treat depression are called antidepressants. Antidepressants help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood. It takes time about 2 to 4 weeks for the medication to start working. There are several types of antidepressants:

    • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
    • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)
    • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)
    • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)

    Moreover, there are other antidepressants such as Mirtazapine and Bupropion that don’t fall into these categories.

    TREATMENT OPTION 2: Psychotherapy

    Psychotherapy or ‘talk therapy’ helps a lot in treatment for depression. The most used psychotherapies include:

    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
    • Problem-Solving Therapy (PST)

    Moreover, there are many apps that can help you manage your situation once you completed treatment.However, if these treatments don’t help, you may consider brain stimulation therapies. Speak with a qualified medical professional to learn more. Or, call our hotline to speak with an operator about rehab.

    Get Help Now

    Drinking and depression can make you feel like you are stuck in a maze and you cannot find the way out. But, there is a way… the only thing you need to do is to reach out for help.

    Call our helpline to learn about your rehab options.

    Dual diagnosis treatment is effective! And a combination of medicine and talk therapy can get you on your way to a healthy, happy live. Learn more about how professionals treat alcohol addiction and depression together. You’ll need to address both at the same time.

    Still have questions about alcohol use and depression? Don’t hesitate to post them below. We are eager to hear from our readers. And we try to answer all real-life questions personally and promptly.

    Reference Sources:
    1. APA: What Is Depression?
    2. NIAAA: Alcoholism and Co-occurring Disorders
    3. NCBI: The prevalence and significance of substance use disorders in bipolar type I and II disorder
    4. Research Gate: Alcohol and Depression
    5. NCBI: Neurobiology of Alcohol Dependence
    6. NIAAA: Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal
    NIH: Depression: What You Need To Know

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Alcohol Poisoning

    Alcohol Poisoning

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW:Alcohol poisoning usually occurs with binge drinking. It is a very serious and potentially fatal condition. We review symptoms and what to do in an emergency here.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 7 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

    Alcohol poisoning, or “alcohol overdose”, is a serious and sometimes fatal consequence of drinking too much alcohol in a short period of time. When there is too much alcohol in the bloodstream, your system shuts down. Involuntary actions like

    • Breathing
    • Heart rate
    • Temperature control

    and the gag reflex that prevents choking are impaired.When someone is poisoned by alcohol, s/he will eventually stop breathing or choke on their own vomit…leading to coma or death. Even if you survive the poisoning, you can suffer long-lasting brain damage.

    What Causes Alcohol Poisoning?

    One of the mains causes of alcohol poisoning is binge drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of heavy drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dl or above. This happens when:

    Men consume 5 or more drinks in 2 hours or less.

    Women consume 4 or more drinks in 2 hour or less.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control, on average there are six alcohol poisoning deaths every day or approximately 2,200 a year. Drinking on empty stomach increases your risk for poisoning, as the rate of alcohol absorption is faster. Mixing drugs and alcohol also increases the risk of poisoning. Butcertain groups of people also have an increased risk of alcohol poisoning. These include:

    Young people: Teens and adolescents are more likely to binge drink and are not experienced enough to know when to stop. Drinking games also put this group at risk.

    Females: Women are usually smaller, have more body fat, and lower total body water content than men. Also, their ability to metabolize alcohol can be affected by menstrual cycle and higher levels of estrogen.

    People in poor health: People with poor health are more vulnerable to the damaging effects of alcohol.

    People with low height to weight: In this group of people, alcohol can enter the bloodstream faster.

    Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

    Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning might save someone’s life.The usual symptoms include:

    • Bluish skin color or paleness
    • Dulled senses
    • Impaired coordination
    • Low body temperature
    • Mental confusion
    • Seizures
    • Slow heart rate
    • Slow or irregular breathing
    • Sweaty skin
    • Unconsciousness or difficulty staying conscious
    • Vomiting

    Keep in mind that a person experiencing alcohol poisoning may not have all of the symptoms listed here, and don’t forget that alcohol poisoning can lead to long- lasting brain damage or death.

    Always seek medical help when someone passes out.

    Alcohol Poisoning BAC

    The risk of alcohol poisoning is measured by Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). BAC measures the percent of alcohol in your bloodstream, breath or urine. It expresses the weight of ethanol in grams, in 100 milliliters of blood, or 210 liters of breath. In most states, a BAC of .08 is considered legally intoxicated.

    As BAC increases, the risk of alcohol poisoning increases as well.

    Age, weight, gender, metabolism, and alcohol tolerance are factors that can determine how quickly the body processes alcohol and the amount it can tolerate. That is why two people who have consumed the same amount of alcohol may have different BAC levels.

    You can use tools like this to estimate your BAC.

    As BAC increases, the risk of alcohol poisoning increases as well.

    Alcohol Poisoning Levels

    There are predictable stages of alcohol poisoning, buthow fast an individual will reach each stage and what symptoms will it manifest, depends on metabolism and the factors listed above in the article.

    An unconscious person who has been drinking is at risk of dying.

    When to Call 911

    Deciding if someone has an alcohol poisoning can be tricky. Err on the side of caution instead of risking serious consequences.

    If you suspect that someone has alcoholpoisoning, call 911 or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate medical assistance. Also, be prepared to give relevant information about the kind of alcohol and the amount the person drank.

    So, what can you do while waiting for help to come?

    Check their breathing.

    If conscious, try keeping them awake.

    If possible, try keeping them hydrated.

    Keep them in a sitting position.The person’s gag reflex may be impaired so it is important to try keeping the victim in a sitting position in order to avoid choking on his/her vomit and breathing problems.If, however the person lies down turn his/her head on the side to prevent choking. Never lie them on the back.

    Never assume that the person will get better if it get some sleep. Be aware that even if someone has stopped drinking, there is risk of alcohol poisoning for some time afterward. That is because the heart keeps pumping and alcohol continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate in the body.
    Act immediately!

    Don’t hesitate to call 911 or the Poison Control Center.

    Poisoning or Hangover?

    There is a big difference between alcohol poisoning and a hangover. A hangover occurs when you drink too much and the body responds. It’s like a big, “OUCH!” or a group of unpleasant signs and symptoms to remind you not to do it again. Typically, hangovers after a single night’s drinking go away on their own…but alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical assistance.

    Alcohol poisoning is dangerously drinking too much. Binge drinking 4 or more drinks for women or 5 or more drinks for men in a short period of time typically leads to high blood alcohol concentration. Then, alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex. Large doses of alcohol will eventually stop these functions.

    As a general rule, the more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of a problem.

    Q: How can you tell the difference between a hangover and poisoning?

    A: Count your drinks. What tips the balance from drinking that produces impairment to drinking that puts one’s life in jeopardy varies among individuals. Age, sensitivity to alcohol, gender, speed of drinking, medications you are taking, and amount of food eaten can all be factors.

    How Long Does Alcohol Poisoning Last?

    Acute poisoning effects can last for as long as you continue drinking, and can be fatal if left untreated. Full recovery may take days, or even weeks, depending on the severity of the case. After being released from hospital, some people can take up to a month to start feeling normal again.

    In general, the effects of alcohol are usually felt within 10 minutes and then peak at maximum an hour after consumption. If you binge drink and start experiencing alcohol poisoning symptoms your BAC will continue increasing for 30 – 40 minutes after the last drink. That is because the liver is still processing the alcohol.

    But alcohol poisoning can last from hours to several days.The only thing that reverses the effects of alcohol is time…something you may not have if you are suffering from an alcohol overdose.

    How to Treat Alcohol Poisoning

    Call 911 when you suspect alcohol poisoning. The condition requires advanced treatment techniques. This person is in a life or death situation and needs immediate medical care.Possible interventions can include:

    • Give activated charcoal.
    • Give oxygen therapy or use a respirator.
    • Give vitamins and glucose to prevent further complications.
    • Monitor vital signs.
    • Prevent breathing or choking.
    • Prevent dehydration.
    • Pump the stomach to minimize the body’s alcohol absorption.

    Again, alcohol poisoning is typically treated in an emergency department. Prompt medical treatment is very important in cases of overdose, and doctors have to recognize and treat the dangerous condition. Do not attempt to wake a person up, give them a shower, or have them drink coffee.

    Call 911 in any case of suspected alcohol poisoning.

    As you’re waiting for medical help, you can:

    • Monitor airway and breathing.If you know CPR, use it as needed.
    • Stay with the person at all times.
    • Turn the person on the side to prevent inhaling of vomit.
    • Watch for seizures.

    Treatment and observation will last until the vital signs return to normal. Full recovery may take days, or even weeks, depending on the severity of the case. During this period, the person may feel depressed, loss of appetite, discomfort, and memory problems.

    Can Alcohol Poisoning Kill You?

    Yes, alcohol poisoning can be fatal.Very high levels of alcohol in the body can shutdown critical areas of the brain that control breathing, heart rate, and body temperature, resulting in death. The following may happen if alcohol poisoning is ignored and/or goes untreated:

    • Breathing slows, becomes irregular, or stops.
    • Dehydration can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.
    • Low body temperature or hypothermia.
    • Too little blood sugar can lead to seizures.
    • The heart beats irregularly or stops.
    • You can chokes on your own vomit.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of 6 people die of alcohol poisoning each day in the U.S. Alcohol poisoning deaths affect people of all ages but are most common among middle-aged adults and men. For example, 3 of 4 of those (76%) of alcohol poisoning deaths are among adults ages 35 to 64. Likewise, about 76% of those who die from alcohol poisoning are men.

    How to Prevent Alcohol Poisoning

    The best way to prevent alcohol poisoning is to drink moderately. Smart drinking can also help prevent problems. Take responsibility and educate yourself about the dangers it encompasses. Implement the following strategies to reduce the chances of overdose:

    • Don’t accept drinks from stranger or from suspicious sources.
    • Don’t indulge in rapid binge drinking.
    • Eat before you drink.
    • Never mix alcohol with drugs or medication.
    • Stay hydrated. Drink water in between alcohol.
    • Stop drinking altogether.

    If you crave alcohol and can’t stop drinking, you may need help. Give us a call to learn about rehab.

    Don’t Let Alcohol Poisoning Happen

    You can prevent alcohol poisoning 100%. Only you can keep your alcohol intake within the safe limits. Monitor what you drink how much you drink and how fast you drink.Know your tolerance and avoid extremes.

    If you or a loved one exhibits risky drinking habits, it can be a cry for help. There is always a way out. Recovery is possible. Seeking treatment is sometimes the best option because it helps people to learn to say, “No,” and get their life in control.

    Don’t wait, ask for help today.

    Our compassionate hotline operators are waiting for your call.

    If you need help, feel free to call us. OR, leave us a message in the comments section below. We love to hear from our readers. And we try to answer all real-life comments with a personal and prompt reply.

    Reference Sources: University of Oklahoma Department of Medicine: Stages of acute alcoholic influence/ intoxication
    Addiction Blog: How long does alcohol last in the body?
    Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: Alcohol Poisoning
    Mayo Clinic: Hangovers
    College Drinking: Facts About Alcohol Overdose (or Alcohol Poisoning)
    NIAAA Facts and Brochures: Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose
    Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Alcohol Poisoning or Overdose
    Princeton University: First Aider’s Guide to Alcohol

     

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Why Get Sober? Top 10 Benefits of Being Drug and Alcohol-Free

    Why Get Sober? Top 10 Benefits of Being Drug and Alcohol-Free

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: This article reviews common consequences of addiction. Then, we take a look at some motivating reasons to quit drinking or using. Need inspiration? Dive in!

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 7 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Consequences: Addiction Takes a Toll

    People who drink or use pay heavily. Those of us who suffer from substance use disorders often have one or more accompanying medical issues. For me, alcohol and marijuana ate away at my immune system. And I was starting to have trouble sleeping.

    You see, these issues can be psychological as well as physical. So not only do we inflict harm to our bodies….but addiction messes up our minds, too.

    Addiction takes its toll on many aspect of your life. So, what are the possible risks and damages of prolonged alcohol and drug consumption? And, more importantly, what will you gain when you become substance free?

    We take a look here. Then, we invite you to review your current priorities as you read. Give us a call if you want to make a change now. Hotline staff are waiting to talk with you confidentially. Finally, we invite your questions in the designated section at the end of the page. Please leave us a question in the comments section. I’ll try to get back with you personally and promptly!

    Physical Consequences of Addiction

    Usually, the first physical health issues caused by chronic alcohol or drug abuse include stress on the cardiovascular and respiratory system. However, substance abuse can lead to even more adverse physical effects, such as:
    • Cancer
    • Cardiovascular Disease
    • Hepatitis B And C
    • HIV and AIDS
    • Lung Disease
    • Stroke

    Psychological Consequences of Addiction

    Drug or alcohol abuse and mental illness often co-exist. In some cases, mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia may precede addiction; in other cases, drug abuse may trigger or exacerbate those mental disorders, particularly in people with specific vulnerabilities. Psychological side effects of addiction include:
    • Anxiety
    • Compulsion Issues
    • Confusion
    • Decreased pleasure in everyday life
    • Depression
    • Engagement in risky behaviors
    • Mood swings
    • Psychological turmoil

    Financial Consequences of Addiction

    Addiction drains your finances. The cost of obtaining substances can be in the range of thousands per week. In terms of lost wages, job opportunities, health costs, and relationship…the costs are even higher. On a broader level, society is also negatively affected by addiction, including the costs for:
    • Drug-related law enforcement efforts
    • Health care expenses
    • Lost productivity
    • Housing drug offenders in jails and prisons

    Emotional Consequences of Addiction

    As time passes, we begin to spend more time thinking, planning, obtaining, and using our drug-of-choice than anything else. Soon, anxiety may become a serious problem. Depression is another effect and can occur as a result of chemical depletion in the brain. Depression is usually made worse during the “crash” that follows a “high”.

    Addiction often leaves people feeling:

    • Dissapointed in themselves
    • Easily irritable
    • Helpless
    • Low self-worth and self-esteem
    • Pessimistic
    • Stressed
    • Unloved and unloving

    Relationship Consequences of Addiction

    Our drinking and drug use has a clear effect on our relationships with family members, friends, and loved ones. When substance abuse reaches more critical and damaging stages, it can create emotional distance between you and your partner or family. If fights become violent, you should seriously consider asking for help.

    When the substance use eventually becomes one of the main reasons for fighting or arguing, a vicious cycle begins in which substance use causes conflict, and the conflict leads to more substance use as a way of reducing tension. So, as conflicts about the substance use escalate – more drinking or drug use occurs, and so on.

    Legal Consequences of Addiction

    • Arrest and probation records (make it difficult to find a job)
    • Being sentenced to jail
    • Community service requirements
    • Driver’s license suspension
    • Large fines you have to pay

    10 Reasons to Be Sober! Drug and Alcohol FREE

    #1: You’ll Avoid Arrest and Imprisonment.

    Every time you buy or use drugs, you put yourself in danger. Possessing or distributing illegal drugs is a crime in all states of the U.S. Many government sources report that drug abuse violations have the highest number of arrests. But it’s not just illicit or Rx drugs.

    Driving under the influence (DUI) should also raise your eyebrows. If you are driving drunk or high, a state attorney general will go after you. In these cases, it is not only about your life, but the lives of many others around you. Some of us need tangible motivation. In this case, the first reason to quit using is to avoid punishment.

    #2: You Can Be Useful to Society.

    It is really important to understand that YOUR well-being is one of the most significant acts for improving the world. When you get into treatment, you are not only helping yourself; you are also helping your spouse, children, friends, family, colleagues, and other people in your life. We are all connected. So, if you’re sick…others feel it.

    Once you are substance free, you can contribute to other people’s well-being. You might consider helping a community center or volunteering as a motivational speaker in group sessions. So, the second reason to get sober is that you’ll become socially responsible. You’ll stop being a burden to society, and start contributing to it. Seek help and find a way to get sober today.

    #3: You’ll Become Emotionally Independent.

    There is no better way to feel satisfaction and happiness in life than through meeting responsibility head on. Finding pleasure in taking drugs, alcohol, overeating, or having too much sex…well, it’s for the emotionally stunted. Instead, emotional balance is built on the foundations of healthy patterns.

    In the long run, drug-enhanced release of dopamine in the brain will have a negative effect on your life. Just ask anyone in recovery. Your brain will increase its tolerance for your drug, and you’ll need more to get high. Plus, you cannot rely on getting high in order to feel happy for long. Eventually, there’s a crash.

    In recovery, you will need to learn how to face situations in life that bring you stress, anxiety, and depression. Ignoring these issues will not help you overcome or accept them. Instead, support groups and treatment providers will help you establish new healthy habits in your life and feel good without abusing drugs.

    #4: You Can Realize Big Dreams.

    Everyone wants to achieve something in life. We all have dreams that are based in an inner desire. Realizing those dreams is on the path of development. To illustrate, there is one golden rule that says: “Where your focus goes – energy flows”. Why continue to focus on your problems when you can start to manifest success?

    We can invest time and money in our personal growth or we can waste them in taking drugs or drinking alcohol. Once we overcome our addiction we can focus on the things we want to achieve. Then, we can fulfill our desires step by step. I’m not joking here. This year, I realized a lifelong dream of writing a book. It was published by an academic publishing house! Check it out here: The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions.

    Substance abuse can kill our dreams. But recovery can bring us back to life.

    #5: You’ll Save Money By Eliminating Unnecessary Costs.

    The use of drugs or alcohol is not only a tax on your health, but it is also a fine to your piggy bank. Think about the large portion of your monthly income that you spend on substances, and what else you’d rather do with that money in the long run.

    For me, I just kept increasing my credit card debt. Once I cut out the spending, I was able to consolidate and budget. Gaining financial freedom from these unhealthy habits is one of the important benefits of being drug and/or alcohol free. Increasing your wealth will allow you to accomplish your goals even faster.

    #6: You’ll Find True Friends.

    Very often, we attract people that share the same interests as us. In moments when we use drugs or alcohol, we tend to attract losers. Or people who take pity on us.

    By being sober, you can learn that responsibility and reliability are the foundations for real friendships. You can also meet new friends while in addiction recovery and they can have a real understanding of what you’re going through (which may only bring you closer). Not only that, but the ability to discriminate comes back; you’ll be better able to decide what “healthy” and “unhealthy” look like…and avoid painful relationships when you see them coming.

    #7: You’ll Can Enjoy Career Growth.

    Finding a better job or keeping up with tasks in your current work place is another advantage of being drug and alcohol free. When you’re under the influence, it can be more difficult for you to keep consistent and focused on what you do. For me, I would repeat tasks, or get lost in the middle of one. Especially when I came to work high.

    Keeping yourself away from psychoactive drugs, on the other hand, can help you become a better employee. The characteristics you present to others will lead you to improve your career path in many ways. Maybe you’ll be offered a better salary or a new position. Or perhaps the value you hold in the company will increase. Whatever the effect, it will be positive. And you can grow!

    #8: You’ll Be a Better Parent.

    We just started writing a series on child welfare. So, I’m absolutely certain that quitting drinking makes you a better parent. Drugs increase aggressivity and decrease inhibition. Now, add a child.

    Using around your kids is child abuse.

    For parents, the most important benefit of being drug and alcohol free is becoming a better parent. Addiction can seriously affect families, and all relations in the family may be exposed to danger. You may neglect your responsibilities as a parent because getting high became more important.

    In cases of legal battles over a childrens’ custody, people who use substances are prohibited to interact with their children until they become clean and sober. Once you’ve made a clean break, begin to talk with your children about how they feel, how your behavior influenced them, and affected their lives. Honest conversations can help you rebuild the relationship that has been broken. It will take time, but the only way forward is … forward.

    #9: You’ll Overcome Physical Dependence.

    None of us like to be a slave to anything in this world. But drug or alcohol dependence is a physiological state of adaptation to a substance that makes your drug-of-choice the master. When dependence is formed, the neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate our mood and behavior tweak out. So do the parts of our brains that supervise learning, memory, and cognition. But this can be reversed.

    When your body becomes dependent on a substance, you will experience symptoms of withdrawal when regular use is lowered or discontinued. Detox is only temporary. And let’s face it. If you were man/woman enough to get high…you should be man/woman enough to go through withdrawal. Chins up!

    Your physical health can be greatly improved when you get clean and get your brain function in balance again. As a result, you are free! You are no longer dependent – in any way – on something outside of your own creation. Sometimes, this is the one thought that can prevent a relapse!

    #10: You’ll Get Perspective on Your Real Struggles

    If you are reading this article, you may just be beginning to think about recovery. Know this: when you get clean and sober, you get insight. You realize that you’re the originator of your problems. When you own the maladaptive pattern as your own, it because MUCH, MUCH easier to change it.

    Got a Question?

    By cleaning your conscience, you can repair yourself. The past is nothing to regret. But the future is in your hands! If you want to change your mind and find motivation to get off drugs….give us a call. We’ll talk you through your treatment options and discuss what rehab requires.

    Or, leave us a question!

    Please share your opinions and questions regarding the benefits and the effects of being drug and alcohol free. We will try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate inquiries.

    Reference Sources: NIH: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
    AAMFT: Substance Abuse and Intimate Relationships

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Blackouts and Memory Gaps: How Alcohol and Trauma Affect the Brain

    Blackouts and Memory Gaps: How Alcohol and Trauma Affect the Brain

    Dissociation is most common in trauma that involves a betrayal of trust. This is a survival mechanism that protects our need for social support.

    Sober October has ended and now (hopefully sober) November begins. Fall brings the annual three-fold challenge: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. This year, the midterm elections have created a fourth stressor and some of us are barely muddling through. Recent events have been especially terrifying—mass shootings, pipe bombs, a new report of catastrophic climate change, and the ongoing nightmare that is the Justice Department’s current mandate.

    Recently, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) called for an investigation into allegations made by Julie Swetnick—one of the brave women who accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct. Unbelievably, Grassley ordered the FBI to open a criminal investigation—into Swetnick.

    Grassley said that Swetnick’s sworn affidavit was not true. Was this just his opinion? It wasn’t based on FBI reports because he and fellow Republicans would not allow the feds to thoroughly investigate her claims against Kavanaugh—nor anyone else’s.

    “During the years 1981–82,” Swetnick said in her sworn statement, “I became aware of efforts by Mark Judge, Brett Kavanaugh and others to spike the punch at house parties I attended.” She also stated, “In approximately 1982, I became the victim of one of these gang or train rapes where Mark Judge and Brett Kavanaugh were present.” Swetnick said she’d seen Kavanaugh drink excessively at these parties and described him as a mean drunk.

    CBS News video:

    The Brett Kavanaugh Hearing

    In late September, Kavanaugh accuser Dr. Christine Blasey Ford went before the U.S. Senate during Kavanaugh’s SCOTUS confirmation process. There were times during her testimony that I felt sick to my stomach. It was as if she were telling my story. Dr. Ford stated that some of her memories were seared into her mind. She also acknowledged that she wasn’t able to recall every detail from that day. But who remembers every detail of any event?

    It was reassuring when Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) acknowledged this:

    “Ford has at times been criticized for what she doesn’t remember from 36 years ago. But we have numerous experts, including a study by the U.S. Army Military Police School of Behavioral Sciences Education, that lapses of memory are wholly consistent with severe trauma and stressful assault.”

    But the Republicans were not interested in further investigation and, despite the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements and all of the highly publicized Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby survivors, much of the country remains obtuse when it comes to the shared traits of traumatized women: remembering some things but not others, and not telling anyone what happened to them for decades.

    Ford’s assault happened at a party when she was 15, in 1982. When I was 13 I was gang-raped by classmates at an outdoor gathering. Ford tried to forget what happened. So did I. She didn’t want to think about the worst night of her life. Neither did I. It took both of us decades to tell anyone. Ford said: “I convinced myself that because Brett did not rape me, I should just move on and just pretend that it didn’t happen.” Confused and freaked out, I, too, decided to pretend my rape didn’t happen and believed that would “erase” it.

    Ford told the committee: “I tried to yell for help. When I did, Brett [Kavanaugh] put his hand over my mouth to stop me from yelling. This is what terrified me the most, and has had the most lasting impact on my life. It was hard for me to breathe…. Both Brett and [his friend Mark Judge] were drunkenly laughing during the attack.”

    Through much of the hearing I was shaking and sobbing, wiping my eyes so I could see. The identification triggered the sensation that I was reliving my experiences. When she said her mouth was covered, it felt as if mine was, too. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. The laughter from the boys that hurt me is burned into my memory. When I went public with my story in January 2012, I wrote: “[My friend] grabbed me, clamped his hand over my mouth….I tried to scream but it came out muffled. They laughed. I gagged.”

    I became so upset watching the live video that I almost called a close friend. I stopped myself because I knew she’d say, “Stop watching it!” Inspired by Ford’s bravery, I felt a sisterhood during this historical moment. It felt like my duty to bear witness.

    During the hearing, Senator Feinstein addressed Ford: “You were very clear about the attack. Being pushed into the room, you say you don’t know quite by whom, but that it was Brett Kavanaugh that covered your mouth to prevent you from screaming, and then you escaped. How are you so sure that it was he?”

    Ford responded: “The same way that I’m sure that I’m talking to you right now. It’s just basic memory functions. And also just the level of norepinephrine and epinephrine in the brain that, sort of, as you know, encodes—that neurotransmitter encodes memories into the hippocampus. And so, the trauma-related experience, then, is kind of locked there, whereas other details kind of drift.”

    Alcohol Blackouts

    The second half of the Senate hearing was shocking. Who but an alcoholic would mention beer nearly 30 times in a job interview? This was to determine if Kavanaugh was right for a lifetime position on the highest court. He whimpered, cried and lashed out. Did baby need his bottle? When Sen. Klobuchar asked if Kav ever had a blackout, he responded, “Have you?” Twice.

    Video clip of that part of the Kavanaugh Hearing:

    A few days after the Kavanaugh hearing, still feeling wrecked, I reached out to neuroscientist Apryl Pooley, PhD, an expert on the brain and memory and the author of Fortitude: A PTSD Memoir, which documents her road to healing from rape, child abuse, PTSD, and addiction.

    Both Dr. Pooley and I were blackout drinkers. We discussed how unpredictable alcohol is. In my teen years, I blacked out if I drank too much too quickly or hadn’t eaten. But in the last few years of rum and cocaine, I could go into a blackout after one gulp, or I could guzzle 5-6 drinks and feel totally sober. Pooley said her experiences were similar.

    But both of us found it difficult to believe that Kavanaugh was telling the truth at the hearing. It’s possible he didn’t know that he blacked out, but that is highly unlikely. After many of my drunken binges, friends would refer to things I’d said or done that I had no memory of. When I asked them if everybody knew I was that drunk, they’d say no. “You seemed normal, maybe a little high.”

    Pooley said, “I’d be walking around and having conversations. People wouldn’t know if I was blacked out. When someone is blacked out, it means their blood alcohol level is so high that it’s impairing that part of their hippocampus, that part of your brain that encodes those memories.”

    She said that everything you’re doing and seeing may or may not be getting stored in your brain. I asked her about being in and out of consciousness. Sometimes I could remember a snippet of an evening. Chatting with a friend at a bar, but then I had no idea how I got home.

    “That’s called a fragmentary blackout,” she said, “or a brownout. That happens when you are blacked out for a while and then come out of it. That can mean that you’d metabolized some of the alcohol, enough of it to regain that function.”

    She also said that some people might think a blackout means passed out or unconscious, which can also look like you’d just fallen asleep.

    Blackouts from Trauma

    According to Pooley, Ford was correct when she spoke about how the brain and memories work. Ford stated that a “neurotransmitter encodes memories into the hippocampus” which explains that trauma-related experience can be “locked in” whereas other details can “drift.”

    Pooley expanded on that: “When recalling memories of trauma, they can pop into your head if you’re triggered, or when asked about a detail.”

    That reminded me of every episode of Law & Order: SVU. Olivia Benson always asks a traumatized victim specific questions: What did they look like? What were they wearing? Can you remember anything unusual? A logo on a hat, shirt or vehicle? The sound of their voice? What they said?

    “Right!” said Pooley. “Those questions can trigger a flashback. The survivor may remember details about the event but not be able to verbalize them. To an outsider, this may look like they don’t remember or are lying. If the survivor was dissociated at the time of the assault, when they remember it later they may seem surprised or confused at their own memory.

    “If survivors feel unsafe when questioned, they may not be able to use their pre-frontal cortex to understand the questions and retrieve certain memories. That’s because their brain was focused on survival. If triggered, they may experience emotional and sensory memories that are as intense as the trauma itself.”

    Aha! That’s why I was shaking and crying while watching the Kavanaugh hearing. And for days afterward. The PTSD had caused my body to react by reliving what happened to me.

    Research backs up Ford and Pooley’s explanations. Memories may be fragmented and certain details missing.

    “But,” Pooley said, “what the survivor does recall is incredibly accurate. Sometimes you hear the term ‘repressed memories,’ which is probably more accurately referring to memories that were stored during dissociation. Dissociation is a survival reflex that can occur when escape is—or seems to be— impossible. A threat may be perceived by the brain as inescapable because of a physical barrier.”

    Ford was afraid she was going to die when she described Kavanaugh’s hand over her mouth. In my case, dissociation happened when I was pinned by five guys. I’d tried to break free. I floated up to the trees and watched. I could see what the boys were doing to me but it took on a surreal quality. It served as a buffer. I was literally scared out of my mind and my body.

    “A threat can also be perceived by a psychological barrier,” said Pooley. “Dissociation is most common in trauma that involves a betrayal of trust. This is a survival mechanism that protects our need for social support. When the trusted individual betrays you, this is a social threat and social threats are real threats.”

    Ford and I both experienced that. She’d gone to what she expected to be a friendly party with people she knew. I thought the guy who tricked me was my friend. He said he wanted my advice about his girlfriend. Flattered, I practically skipped over. That’s when he clamped his hand over my mouth and threw me to the ground and the other boys surrounded me and held me down.

    Pooley explained: “Many people believe that life-threatening trauma only refers to threats to physical safety—like the presence of a weapon—but humans need social support for survival. So, social threats like bullying, ostracization, or anything that threatens social standing can be interpreted by the brain as life-threatening. If abuse or assault is perpetrated by a trusted individual, not only is the event traumatic, but the social threat of losing the sense of safety from that person [or people] is traumatic as well.”

    If trauma leads to dissociation, Pooley said, that can lead to amnesia. Traumatic amnesia is so common that it’s even included in the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

    “When all or part of the traumatic experience cannot be remembered,” said Pooley, “the risk for developing PTSD greatly increases.

    Throughout the hearing, and frankly, throughout these past few years, I’ve often felt an overwhelming temptation to get high. My mind and body are so wound up that I crave some kind of relief. Rum and cocaine still hover in my mind, pretending to offer salvation. Thankfully my years in recovery have taught me not to listen to my head when it’s trying to get me high, not to keep secrets, and to make time to meditate, keep a journal, draw, hug my dog, and most importantly, remember to breathe.

    If you are shaken by the Kavanaugh Hearing, and especially if it has kicked up flashbacks, there is help. The same is true for anyone who is scared about the midterm election or having panic attacks and high anxiety.

    You can reach out to RAINN, the nation’s largest sexual violence organization. Their website is RAINN.org or you can call their hotline 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE. For any kind of mental health help including addiction, PTSD, or thoughts of harming yourself please visit the National Alliance on Mental Health’s list of hotline resources.

    View the original article at thefix.com