abuse alcohol

How to cure alcoholism? - Natural or traditional treatment for alcohol abuse or alcohol

2010-01-08T04:44:00.000-08:00

Symptoms

* Red eyes, rapid heart rate
* Alcoholic can be seen from the puffy face, red eyes, a hoarse voice and a very fast heart rate. They easily have accidents, too suspicious and excessive emotion. The alcoholic can experience nausea, delirium, sleep disturbances and weak assessment. Alcoholic will eventually cirrhosis of the liver disease in which the heart becomes damaged by too much to drink. Movement of stomach contents to be disturbed and other complications such as stomach disorders, weakened heart and damaged brain cells.

Causes

Try to drink is the starting point of addiction to alcohol. Over time, people will be drinking regularly and consider it a normal thing. Quite a few people obeyed as a result of social pressure and the group. They misunderstood and consider drinking as a form of stress release.

Natural medicine

* Do the grapes diet for a month for treatment. Fresh grapes contain very pure alcohol where alcohol can be a substitute for a more healthier. Eat 3 servings of grapes every 5 hours.
* Apples if eaten on a regular basis and at any time, could eliminate drunk and lose the desire to drink.
* Dates are also useful to cure alcoholism. Destroy 3-4 dates to within 1 / 2 cup water and drink as much as 2 times a day for a month.
* Extract leaves bitter gourd (bitter gourd) is a perfect treatment for alcoholics. This is useful for a broken heart. Mix 3 st extract into a glass of buttermilk and drink every morning for a month.
* Extracts of celery leaves can eliminate the effects of an alcoholic drunk. Mix 1 / 2 cup celery extract with 1 / 2 cup water and drink once a day for a month.

Diet

* To prevent the patient suffered from alcohol stimuli, it is very important to give a lot of nutrients to the body. To begin, the patient should make him want to consume a fast way to extract the juice for at least 10 days. During the process, patients will experience a bit of an addiction. This will break the drinking patterns and the patient should start the meal with some small portions of each day than three large servings.
* Alcoholics should exercise and outdoor physical activities regularly.
* Even after successfully completing the program to consume the juice fast way, the patient should continue to consume the juice of fresh fruits and drink plenty of water. Eat nutritious foods such as cereal grains, seeds and sprouts, fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables. A glass of fresh fruit juice and eat healthy snacks such as candy or soybeans can eliminate the craving that suddenly appeared after the treatment.
* Avoid foods refinasi like white flour, white sugar, white rice, and macaroni products. You can change sengan brown rice, vegetables and grain products others.

Prevention

* Have a strong desire to stop drinking alcohol
The alcoholics should have the motivation or a strong resolution to stop the habit and be consistent to change eating habits. Experiment was then recovered almost impossible, so an alcoholic should make a strong decision to stop drinking.
* Enema of warm water and exercise
Drink a glass of warm water every day to clean the innards for 10 days. Adequate rest, physical activity recommended outdoors.
* Avoid smoking because it can increase the sense to drink

Alcohol Addiction, How to Know If You Have a Problem With Alcohol, The influence of Alcohol, Alcoholism? Why should stop?

2010-01-08T04:37:00.000-08:00

Alcoholism? Why should stop?

How can you tell if alakohol is a problem for you?. Alcohol is a problem if alcohol caused problems in parts of your life. These problems among others in your health, your work and your life at home as well as other problems in parts of your life. You may have a problem with alcohol if you think about: drinking almost every time, if you keep trying to quit from within your own but can not stop or if you often drink in excess of what you planned.

Ask yourself the following questions:
If the answer is yes of 1 or more of the following questions, you may have a problem with alcohol. Have you ever felt:

* Need to reduce drinking?
* Distracted by the criticisms because of drinking?
* Sorry for drinking.
* It is as necessary as drinking in the morning?

The problem with alcohol?

Most people just think 'bum / lazy bum ghetto "when they think of someone who denganalkohol problematic. This is the name of the final stage of alcohol problems, when a drinker of alcohol lost family members, employment and health because of alcohol abuse. You can not reach this stage overnight.

You may show little real change throughout the day, starting with more booze than you want or plan, or more than keamaan dose when you do activities such as driving a car or motorbike.

Most people find it difficult to recognize if alcohol is a problem for him. Often people around you may see that it is a problem before you know it. Think about the things mentioned here. Think about what your friends and your family tell you about your drinking habits. Then consult with your doctor about your particular problem.

Here are other signs that alcohol is a problem.

* Accident
* Anxiety or worry
* Be suspicious of unusual.
* Not aware / Reduced or memory loss.
* Depression
* Driving while under the influence of alcohol.
* Insomnia
* The loss of self-esteem.
* Not doing self care
* Low labor Achievement
* Going through the days with pain at the time woke up the morning after drinking too much
* Hand shaking / tremors
* In men an interruption in the erection (erectile dysfunction)

How does alcohol affect your health?

Alcohol is the most well known as a cause sirrosis liver, liver disease / liver. In addition, alcohol not give much influence on your health. Alcohol is a major penyabab death and injury due to accidents. Akohol also be a bad influence on the infant during kehamilan.Alkohol can cause stomach ulcers / gastric ulceration or injury due to gastric bleeding or irritation of the stomach lining.

What are the causes of alcoholism?

The cause of alcoholism is not fully known. History of alcoholism in a family (a family member who is also pleased minumalkohol / alcoholism) increased the chance of alcoholism on a person. gender factor also played a role, and men seemed more high risk than women. Some people minumalkohol to remove or break free from anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, self doubt or unhappiness.

Why should you stop drinking?

Stop drinking alcohol is the only way to mengehentikan alcohol causes problems in your life. Probably not easy to stop from alcoholism. But your efforts to quit will be paid to the conditions better health, relationships with friends and family members as well as a harmonious and masaryarakat could also mean an achievement. Saatanda thought to stop, you may want and need to make a list of reasons to stop drinking alcohol.

How do I stop?

An initial step is to realize that you're controlling your own behavior. That is the only real control you have in your life. So use your consciousness as control your behavior. The next steps are:

1. Commit to quit. Once you decide to quit, you can create a plan to ensure success rencan you.
2. Find and get help from a competent physician. Doctors can be your best supporter. Alcoholism is a disease, and alcoholism can be treated. Discuss and consult with your doctor or consultant to masalahanda helped and resolved.
3. Get support. Contact or make contact with organizations / groups or institutions of national consultation alcohol and drug dependence. They can give you the tools and support you need to stop from alcoholism. Ask for support and help from friends and your family members as well.

When you drink alcohol, your body tries to catch the influence or pressure effects / depresant of alcohol. This will build a tolerance to alcohol that leads to withdrawal symptoms when the great people who used to drink too much alcohol quit the habit.

Great alcohol withdrawal symptoms include seeing the shadow of no-no, great attack and delirium (confusion, seeing the picture of life, great tremors (shaking), became very suspicious), and even death can occur. This is why andaperlu treatment from a doctor if you are a heavy drinker before and tried to stop the habit.

http://dimasmis.blogspot.com

Alcohol abuse and dependence

2010-01-08T04:35:00.000-08:00

Drugs

Drugs can be used to help treat alcohol dependence and abuse. Some medicines reduce withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. Other medicines help you stay sober during the long recovery process.
Drugs Choices

The drugs most often used to treat withdrawal symptoms during detoxification include:

* Antianxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines such as diazepam), which treat the symptoms such as delirium TREMENS (DTS).
* Confiscation of drugs to reduce or stop severe withdrawal symptoms during detoxification.

The drugs used to help you stay wise include:

* Disulfiram (Antabuse), which would reduce the enjoyment of producing alcohol and make your stomach when you drink.
* Naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol), which interferes with pleasure you get from drinking. Vivitrol is a once-a-month injection used to treat alcohol dependence.
* Acamprosate (Campral), which can reduce the craving for alcohol.
* Topiramate (topamax), medicines used to treat attacks. One recent study shows that it also can help treat alcohol problems.6 expert is learning how these drugs, and medicines like it, perhaps with help recovery from alcohol abuse and addiction.

About what to think

Misuse of alcohol can cause your body to be low in some vitamins and minerals, especially thiamine (vitamin B1). You may need to consider thiamine supplements to improve nutrition during recovery. Thiamine helps prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which causes brain damage.7

You also might need supplements to help replace fluids and electrolytes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advice about the injectable form of naltrexone. You may have skin reactions at the injection site, a place where the picture provided. Call your doctor if you notice any skin changes at the injection site, such as swelling, pain, redness, or pain, which does not improve or greater within 2 weeks.

Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Clinic helps Woman with Substance Addiction

2010-01-07T22:54:00.001-08:00

Drug Addiction Treatment Centers, Alcohol Rehab Programs, Dual Diagnosis and Addiction Treatment Resources

2010-01-07T22:46:00.000-08:00

Drug addiction treatment centers provide rehabilitation services for drug addiction, alcoholism, and co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders (dual diagnosis). Finding the most appropriate drug treatment center or alcohol rehab program for an individual's specific needs can be a daunting task. A great deal of information about drug addiction treatment and addiction recovery already exists on the internet, but is often difficult to navigate to find useful information. Until now, there has never been a central place where drug addicts, alcoholics, eating disorder and dual diagnosis sufferers, and their family members, could meet online and share their experience, strength, and hope, and let other families know about their experiences with addiction treatment centers specifically. Treatment-Centers.net aims to do exactly this; It is an online addiction treatment and recovery community website with community blogs, forums, videos, and the most comprehensive directory of drug treatment centers, alcohol rehab programs, dual diagnosis treatment facilities and rehabilitation services anywhere. It is a directory of treatment centers in which members of the recovery community can rate and review the rehabilitation programs, and write about their experiences with addiction treatment and recovery at the treatment centers represented. Our site offers comprehensive drug rehabilitation, alcohol treatment and dual diagnosis rehab resources, in-depth information about addiction treatment centers and recovery programs, and no-cost assessment and referral services for drug treatment centers and other addiction treatment programs. We also provide professional consulting services and a database of over 11,000 drug rehab centers, alcohol rehabilitation programs and dual diagnosis treatment programs. Our purpose is to help addicts recover from substance abuse and mental health disorders, educate families and the general public about dual diagnosis, alcoholism and drug addiction, and help those who suffer from substance abuse, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorders find the best addiction treatment centers and recovery resources for their needs. We know how confusing the search for addiction treatment can be, and how important locating the right drug rehabilitation center is. For help finding an addiction treatment center, complete our confidential online assessment or call 1-877-335-4673 to speak with a specialist now.

Drug treatment centers and alcohol rehab programs exist to help individuals who suffer from addiction and alcoholism learn the tools they need to live happy, healthy lives free from chemical dependency and dual diagnosis. Addiction treatment centers are facilities designed to help alcoholics and addicts heal physically, mentally and spiritually, and rediscover themselves in a drug and alcohol-free environment. The first step in recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism is willingness to attend treatment, and to find an addiction treatment center, alcohol rehab program or drug rehabilitation center that is best suited to the individual's specific needs. Most drug addiction treatment centers deal with mental health and co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis treatment) in addition to their drug rehabilitation and alcohol rehabilitation services. Addiction and mental health related disorders existing together, also called dual diagnosis, is an increasingly popular focus among drug treatment centers. Today, dual diagnosis treatment is a service offered in most drug rehabilitation centers and alcohol rehab programs, however there are addiction treatment centers that specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, and provide drug rehab and alcohol rehab services as an integrated part of their dual diagnosis rehabilitation programs.

If you need drug treatment, or someone you know suffers from drug addiction, alcoholism, sex addiction, eating disorders or dual diagnosis, and is in need of drug rehab and/or alcohol rehab services, you have come to the right place. We provide the most comprehensive collection of drug treatment centers, addiction recovery resources, and dual diagnosis information available. We offer free online assessments, rehab center referral services, and a database of over 8,000 drug treatment centers, dual diagnosis rehabilitation and alcohol rehab programs throughout the United States and worldwide. We will help you find the right treatment center for you or your loved one. Call 1-877-335-4673 for help now!

http://www.treatment-centers.net/

Drug and alcohol treatment-Then and Now

2010-01-06T04:42:00.000-08:00

There has been a considerable improvement in the level of drug and alcohol treatment these days. In fact, if you consider the standard of treatment two decades ago and what is happening now, there is a huge chasm of a difference.

During the 80s, there were meetings held where people would gather as a group and they would read out of a book about how alcohol or drugs were bad for health; there were sessions conducted in this manner, which had limited help. However, the approach in today’s times for drug and alcohol treatment is a good mix of a spiritual as well as clinical approach.

Before we go into the kind of treatment that goes on now, let us go back into history and see how drug and alcohol treatment would go about in the dark ages. In those days, addictions were thought to be caused by the possession of the ‘devil’ and the superstitious forms of cure in those days ranged from drawing out blood to burning a part of the body.

The 19^th and 20^th centuries were equally gory. During these times, people started to believe that addictions were caused due to insanity. The treatments used in those times were in the form of electric shocks and padded rooms.

The second half of the 20^th century woke up to the 12 point program designed by Alcoholics Anonymous. The treatments were psychological in nature and the treatment was good enough though not very effective. But the flip side to that also was the fact that the fees for drug and alcohol therapy were expensive and one had to travel far to attend those meetings and read from the ‘big book’

However, with the advent of the Internet, things have become much easier. The programs that go toward the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction are varied and effective. There are personal therapies, group therapies, spiritual based programs, community based programs. In other words, the treatment today is more of an ‘active nature’ rather than just sitting and listening to lectures about the ills of drug and alcohol addiction. Here the person is actually ‘self realizing’ and doing things that can turn him to be an addict-free individual.

The Internet has also made it easy for people to find a place for drug and alcohol treatment close to their home. With a lot of rehabilitation centers coming up, there is competition between them to get more people in a bid to increase their reputation. The prices are also either very low or affordable which is good news for the family who wants their family member to seek rehabilitation. So the addict stands to be a clear winner because he is now able to get rid of his addiction with the best support system given to him. The treatment is very humane and very result-oriented. The amount of cases that go into relapse mode has come down drastically. So, if you know an alcoholic or a drug addict, please do not think twice, just go ahead and enroll him or her into a good rehab, so that they experience happiness and wellness soon.

http://www.successfuldrugrehabprogram.com/?p=19

Addiction to painkillers has outraced other drugs and alcohol

2010-01-06T04:37:00.000-08:00

Addiction is the most common word in today’s world. It can be defined as that condition when a person is unable to stop using something. That something can be movies, music, shopping, cigarettes, alcohol or drugs. The last two are the most common and deadly form of addiction. Thousands of people die every year due to the intake of these two things. Drug addiction is the most common form and it is deadlier than alcohol. Lethal drugs like Cocaine,Heroine, LSD, Marijuana, Hashish etc are found all over the world and they are cause of millions of deaths. Government of every country is trying to uproot these addiction and the drugs. Some of them have already succeeded.

Although drugs have been banned in several countries, the addiction did not leave the youth. Unable to obtain their required drugs, people have changed their mode of addiction. They have now started taking painkillers for getting high. Painkiller addiction is now the most common form of addiction of the world. It is cheap and easily available. Govt. cannot even put a ban on painkillers as it is mainly used as medicine. Although, addiction to painkillers is intentional for some people, some even get addicted after they are being prescribed with painkillers by the doctors or physicists.
Some patients get physically and mentally dependant on painkillers when they are prescribed with painkillers. Even after they get completely cured from the injury or any other pain, they keep on taking painkillers because they feel chronic pains if they do not take these pills. Painkiller addictions have reached a high extent nowadays; millions of people all over the world rely on painkillers. People get too much physically dependant on painkillers, as a result cannot get rid of it. Whenever they try to give up this addiction, certain withdrawal symptoms show up. These withdrawal symptoms are so painful that the addicts get back to the addiction again.

The only way to get rid of painkiller addiction is proper medicinal treatment and care. Proper medicinal treatment cannot be obtained if the person wants to get cured by himself. If a person really wants to get out of this malpractice, then he or she must visit a painkiller rehab. A painkiller rehab is the only place where an addicted person can get proper painkiller addiction treatment. Since the withdrawal symptoms are unbearable, the patients always need special attention, care and mental support. Otherwise, there is no chance of proper rehabilitation.

But, prevention is always better than cure. When you know that you can be a victim of pharmaceutical addiction, you should ask your doctor to adopt some other methods for your cure. Or, you can also have enough control on yourself so that you can stop taking painkillers when you are completely cured. But, very few people can do this. No one knows when the medicine used to cure one self can turn to a lethal poison. Painkiller addiction must be avoided at any cost; it will not only harm yourself but also each and every people around you.

Cliffside Malibu is a luxury alcohol and painkiller addiction located in Malibu, California. For further details about Cliffside’s treatment methods, amenities, or other general information about our buprenorphine treatment and opiate addiction treatment.

http://articleart.com/addiction-to-painkillers-has-outraced-other-drugs-and-alcohol/

Consuming an Alcoholic Beverage Any Time After 2am as a 32 Year Old Man

2010-01-06T04:35:00.000-08:00

I was raised Catholic, which means aside from being a red faced townie who buys scratch tickets and fist fights his cousins I was instilled with all sorts of fairy tales about guilt as a child. The one about Jesus watching you every time you touch yourself comes to mind. I always knew that one was bullshit though, because if you think about it that's like saying Jesus is into dudes, and if that's true, then why did he say all that stuff against gay marriage in the bible? But there is some truly devious shit you can do to bring shame upon yourself and all of your ancestors. For example: drinking all night and into the next morning, then calling in sick to work the next day because you are still drunk. Not saying I did this on New Year's Eve (of all nights), but a friend of mine did. So on behalf of him, I'd like to apologize to my grandparents and Abraham Lincoln and Darth Vader and everyone else up in heaven looking down on me. There's really no excuse for that sort of thing. From now on I promise to live up to the example my family set for me and start drinking early enough in the day that I pass out by midnight.

http://putthatshitonthelist.blogspot.com/2010/01/consuming-alcoholic-beverage-any-time.html

METABOLISM AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

2010-01-06T04:34:00.000-08:00

Do we admit folks who carefully name low-fat, low-calorie dish options, have been really tranquil when it pertains to not grouping a chef’s special apple cake for desert, all a same sequence a potion or 2 of booze with their dinner? Regrettably, these folks have been essentially counteracting their attempts to supercharge their metabolism. Fields of investigate etch which celebration alcoholic libation with dishes in being promotes over eating; which entails countless calories which need being burnt off (or altered in to fat!). Moreover, a little folks have been merely forgetting which a lot of alcoholic beverages have been installed with calories; scarcely similarly as sugary-rich sodas. A singular might of drink can describe a couple of hundred calories, as well as roughly all cocktails have been in a identical range. Wine is ordinarily believed to describe a lowest series of calories; though still this is a bit of a sleazy slope. 3 eyeglasses of booze could contain value 3 hundred calories which a physique seemingly has to say with in a single various or another.

The indicate here Is not to give up celebration alcoholic libation upon a whole. If we suffer alcoholic libation afterwards there is no specific drift because we have to give up celebration cold turkey, though you’ll save a bit of income as well as not feast as many calories. But, a residence benefaction is which we turn associating which it regulates your metabolic process. If we take in overabundance alcoholic libation (still but removing drunk), we force your complement to allot one more calories. And unless we have been counterbalancing for these additional calories by earthy practice or flesh building, brand new cells will be constructed by those calories (for a many partial fat cells).

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/metabolism-and-alcoholic-beverage-1671431.html

How to Replace Drug and Alcohol Addiction Healthfully

2009-09-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

When many people stop using drugs and alcohol, they find that they have a whole lot of extra time on their hands. All the time that they previously spent getting loaded, making money to get more drugs and alcohol, masterminding and perpetrating fraud, burglary and other crimes to get more of their drug of choice, and recovering after drinking too much or using too many drugs is suddenly open. With a clear mind for the first time, this can be a scary prospect.

Because the first year of recovery after completing a drug or alcohol rehab program -the first few months, especially-are so crucial to healing after drug and alcohol addiction, it is especially important that new vices stay far, far away from your list of acceptable ways to spend your time. Here’s why:

Unhealthy Time Fillers During Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Unfortunately, not everyone makes the most healthy choices in terms of how to fill up their new found free time after drug and alcohol rehab. Some just flounder without ideas. Others take up new vices like gambling that turn into new addictions. Even seemingly innocuous activities like watching TV endlessly or going to movies may not be the best choice because it’s very isolating. The idea is not to choose activities that remove you from interacting with others who are healthy, clean and sober.

Gambling, especially, is a gateway back to alcohol and drug addiction. With the free flow of drinks at the casino and the stress of losing, it’s hard to avoid the temptation to relapse.

Healthy Time Fillers During Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery

There are so many things to choose from when it comes to picking activities to fill your time in early drug and alcohol addiction recovery that the sheer number of options alone can be overwhelming. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help narrow those choices down:

Does it trigger your desire to use in any way? If the activity involves drinking or drugs or people who use or makes you feel insecure or unhappy (which may make you prone to relapse)
Is it isolating? Certainly it’s okay to spend some time on your own reflectively but if you spend all of your time by yourself and don’t try to build a new community of friends and support, then it’s only a matter of time before you relapse.
Are you having fun? If you’re not interested in what you’re doing, it’s not going to hold your interest for long. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t try new things but if you do try something and decide it’s not for you, don’t feel bad for dropping it. Just take the next day to find something new that doesn’t trigger you, allows you to make positive friendships, and that you enjoy.

What Do You Recommend?

Ultimately, when you don’t make positive, pro-active choices, the empty holes in your schedule can eventually be filled with relapse, which will lead-if not to overdose or other deadly results-back to drug rehab. There’s certainly a lot of fear in those who are new to recovery when they ask: What am I supposed to do with myself now that I’m not using?

What are your suggestions for those new to drug and alcohol addiction recovery? How do you recommend they spend their time?

http://www.michaelshouse.com/blog/how-to-replace-drug-and-alcohol-addiction-healthfully/

The Dark Side of Alcohol Abuse

2009-09-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

You might think that there is nothing better than a warm cup of wine or scotch to get warmed up on a cold night or to have a celebration for a special event or to wash away all the troubles and woes you have but wait before you are thinking so. It might get you addicted to it.

The average age up to which people start alcohol consumption in US is about 15 years which is quite young, younger than anybody can imagine. There is a gradual rise in this ratio from the start of the decade as the society has revolutionized rapidly and yet modernizing all the aspects of life.

When do you get to know that alcohol abuse is happening for real? When would you possibly figure out addiction is beginning? Three to four units everyday can explain the answer of your possible question. While you are having this amount of intake per day you are exposed to alcohol addiction. You can confront many of the physical and mental issues once you realize you are too far away from giving up so it is better off if you prevent it then you feel sorry later on in your life.

The problem starts when you are having excessive alcohol consumption with the drugs or any other type of addiction. Young kids and teenagers are more prone to get addicted than the ones who start to drink later on with their lives when they are in their mid twenty’s. This issue can be carefully monitored by making the children and teenagers aware of the causes and affects of alcohol abuse. Parents should provide them with suitable care and attention so their children don’t get diverted to such aspects of life. Peers and friends circle should be encouraging and loyal enough.

There are long termed affects of alcohol abuse which every abuser needs to know for their own good. Alcohol abuse can lead to cancer, high blood pressure, miscarriage, heart attacks and related health problems. Depressed and tensed individuals might suicide due to the frustration and confusion they have in their minds. You can also encounter liver problems with excessive alcohol abuse. Skin irritation, loss of memory, loss of co-ordination, change in behavior, communication gap and other lethal things might occur. Apart from these you can also suffer some consequences which will directly impact the society such as road accidents and etc.

http://soberresources.com/?p=55

Alcohol rehab programs

2009-09-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

There are many types of alcohol treatment programs. When considering a program, remember that everyone’s needs are different. In general, the longer and more intense the alcohol use, the longer and more intense the treatment you may need. Regardless of a program’s length in weeks or months, follow-through and long-term follow-up are crucial to recovery. A quality treatment program should start to address that alcohol abuse often is masking emotional pain, and it needs to be addressed as treatment progresses.

Treating mental illness and alcohol abuse: Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis is when you or a loved one has an alcohol abuse problem and is coping with a mental illness at the same time. Treatment can be a special challenge, especially since alcohol abuse is often an attempt to self-medicate for mental illness symptoms. The most effective treatment addresses both of these problems at once.

See Dual Diagnosis for more information.

An overview of alcohol addiction treatment programs
Residential treatment	Residential treatment involves living at a treatment facility while undergoing intensive treatment during the day. Residential treatment normally varies from 30-90 days.
Partial hospitalization	This relapse prevention treatment program usually meets 3-5 days a week, 4-6 hours/day and is often for people who require medical monitoring on an outpatient basis and have a stable living situation
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)	Usually meets at least 3 days a week, 2-4 hours/day or more. These relapse prevention treatment programs are often scheduled around work or school
Counseling (Individual, Group, Couple or Family Therapy)	Works best in conjunction with other types of treatment or as follow up support. Looking at your issues from a different perspective can help to identify the root causes of your alcohol use and can be beneficial in helping you learn how to make more constructive choices in your life.
Sober living	Normally done after an intensive treatment like residential treatment. Sober living facilities are useful if returning home too soon is a strong trigger for relapse or the recovering alcoholic has no home. Sober living homes are comprised of recovering alcoholics and addicts who support each other, and provide an alcohol and drug free environment.
Brief intervention	Only appropriate for those at risk for alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Consists of several visits to a healthcare professional discussing the harmful effects of alcohol abuse and strategies and community resources for cutting down.

Causes of alcohol abuse

2009-09-26T23:14:00.001-07:00

Why can one person drink responsibly, while another drinks to the point of losing their health, their family and their job? There is no one simple reason. Alcohol abuse and addiction is due to many factors. What’s more, since drinking is so common in our society, problem drinking can be hard to identify. Do you drink to share enjoyment or share a connection with others? If drinking is the only way you feel comfortable connecting to others, or you drink to mask depression, grief, anxiety or loneliness, you are at risk for alcohol abuse. Some other risk factors include:

Family history of alcoholism. While the interplay between genetics and environment is not entirely clear, if you have a family history of addiction, you are at higher risk for abusing alcohol.
History of mental illness.Alcohol abuse can worsen mental illness or even create new symptoms. See dual diagnosis for more information on mental illness and alcohol abuse.
Peer pressure. If people around you drink heavily, it’s hard to resist. If you are a teenager, you might feel you won’t be accepted. If drinking is common practice for work celebrations or entertaining clients, you might feel pressure to conform.
Stressful situations or a big life change. If you have a major change or a stressful situation in your life, without other coping skills, you might turn to alcohol to help you get through.

When a loved one has a problem with alcohol

2009-09-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

You may not immediately realize that someone you love has an alcohol problem. It may have started slowly, and your loved one might also have tried to hide the extent of the drinking from you. You might have gotten so used to the drinking that coping with it seems almost normal. It might actually feel normal if there was an alcoholic in the family growing up. The realization that there is something seriously wrong might be too painful to admit. Don’t be ashamed, and you are not alone. Alcoholism affects millions of families, from every socioeconomic status, race and culture. There is help and support available.

What the person abusing alcohol might say if you confront them about their usage

“I can get sober any time I want to. I’ve done it lots of times”. The key to recovery is staying sober, not constantly cycling through the process. Even if the alcoholic is able to resist for a little while, usually the cravings are too strong to resist during times of stress.

“Why do you exaggerate so much? I hardly drink at all!” Remember denial is a key part of alcoholism. The person abusing alcohol might actually believe they are not using as much as they are.

“It’s your fault. If you wouldn’t stress me out so much, maybe I wouldn’t need to drink as often” It is never your fault that someone drinks too much. Even if they are feeling stressed, there are other coping skills they can choose to use.

Understanding what is involved in recovery

You cannot force someone you love to stop abusing alcohol. As much as you may want to, and as hard as it is seeing the effects, you cannot make someone stop drinking. The final choice is up to them. The right support can help you make positive choices for yourself, and balance encouraging your loved one to get help without losing yourself in the process.
Don’t expect your loved one to be able to quit and stay sober without outside help. Your loved one will need help, support and new coping skills so that he or she will be able to resist cravings in a society where drinking is often glamorized. What’s more, if your loved one has crossed the line from alcohol abuse to alcoholism, she or he has built up a tolerance to alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant, painful, and even deadly.
Recovery will be an ongoing process. Someone who abused alcohol will not magically be a different person once sober. Alcohol use may have been masking painful feelings that will bubble up to the surface. It also takes time for the body and brain to recover from the effects of alcohol. Learning new coping skills and how to apply them in stressful situations is an ongoing process.

See Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for more information on recovery and different treatment options.

Finding support for yourself

A good place to start looking for support is through local support groups. Al-Anon is a free peer support group for families coping with alcoholism. Listening to others with the same challenges can be a tremendous source of comfort and support. Other sources of help and support include trusted friends, a therapist, or a pastor or rabbi.

Keeping your family safe

Dealing with a loved one’s alcohol abuse can be emotionally draining and exhausting. But when the family is threatened with immediate violence, it’s time for immediate action.

Alcohol abuse can lower inhibitions and increase the possibility of violence. Drinking may also become so important that activities like caring for a child fall by the wayside, increasing the chance of child neglect. Visit Domestic Violence and Abuse and Child Abuse and Neglect for more information on hotlines and how to get help if you or children are being abused.

Starting Down the Road to Recovery

If you are abusing alcohol, even admitting that you may have a problem is a huge step. It takes tremendous strength and courage to admit that you are having trouble. Much as you may want to, don’t try to quit alone. Without the right support, it is very easy to rationalize just one more drink, especially since alcohol is everywhere in our society. The road to sobriety is rewarding but challenging. If you take the time to build a support network and learn your triggers for drinking, you will greatly reduce the risk of relapse.

http://helpguide.org/mental/alcohol_abuse_alcoholism_signs_effects_treatment.htm#someone

Signs & symptoms of alcoholism

2009-09-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

How can I tell if I or a loved one has problems with drinking?

Although different people may use alcohol at different levels, the basic pattern is the same. Drinking becomes more and more important than anything else, including job, friends and family. Alcohol starts to increasingly affect you physically and emotionally, often impairing judgment to a dangerous level.

How serious is the drinking problem?

Alcohol abusers, or problem drinkers, are people who drink too much on a regular basis. The alcohol use is self-destructive or can present a danger to others, but they still demonstrate some ability to set limits and establish some measure of control over their drinking. While some people are able to maintain this pattern for a long amount of time, alcohol abusers are at risk for progressing to alcoholism. This might happen in response to a large stressful event, such as retirement or losing a job. Or it might gradually progress as tolerance to alcohol increases.

When alcohol abuse progresses to alcoholism, also called alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence, alcohol becomes essential to function. Alcoholic symptoms include a physical dependence on alcohol, and inability to stop despite severe physical and psychological consequences. Some alcoholics can hold down a job or appear to be functioning on the surface, but the drinking inevitably leads to impaired job performance and troubled relationships.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides a screening questionnaire for assessing the differences between alcohol abuse and alcoholic dependence. Remember, though, the bottom line is how alcohol affects you. If it is affecting your relationships, job, or health, yet you can’t seem to stop yourself, than the problem is serious.

Physical signs of alcohol abuse and alcoholism

While intoxicated: slurred speech, dizziness, clumsiness or unsteadiness
Blackouts, when you drink so much you pass out
Weight loss
Unexplained sore or upset stomach
Redness in the face or cheeks
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms

The more alcohol you drink, the more your body depends on it. You need more and more alcohol to have the same effect, called tolerance. If you drink heavily, you will have withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking. Do you need a drink to steady the shakes in the morning? You’ve built up a tolerance for alcohol. Other withdrawal symptoms include sweating, shaking, nausea and vomiting, confusion, and in severe cases seizures and hallucinations. These symptoms can be medically dangerous. Talk to a medical professional if you are a heavy drinker and want to quit.

Mental signs of alcohol abuse and alcoholism

Unable to control drinking: “just one drink” rapidly leads to more
Drinking leads to dangerous situations like driving drunk, walking in an unsafe area
Increased irritability, agitation and anger, lowered threshold for violence
Avoiding activities that do not involve the opportunity to drink
Excessive weeping and emotional displays
Unexplained absences and sick days from work, or difficulty making commitments
Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping

Alcohol abuse in special populations

Teenagers. Teenagers notoriously like their privacy, are often irritable and cranky, and like to sleep in. How can you tell if your teen has an alcohol problem? Look for marked changes in behavior, appearance and health. Is your teen suddenly having trouble in school? Does he or she seem more and more isolated, or have a new group of friends? Your teen might have an unusually hard time getting up or appear sick regularly in the morning. If you have alcohol in the home, do the levels decrease faster than they should? Is the alcohol watered down?
Older adults. Alcohol abuse is challenging to detect in older adults. Increased alcohol use might happen as an older adult retires, loses a loved one, or has to move. Older adults are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol as their metabolism changes. Since older adults often do much of their drinking at home, problems functioning often go undetected. Clumsiness, unsteadiness or confusion might be attributed to the natural aging process

http://helpguide.org/mental/alcohol_abuse_alcoholism_signs_effects_treatment.htm#signs

Alcoholic Rehabilitation Centers

2009-09-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

_______________________________________________________________________

Most of the traditional alcoholic rehabilitation centers base their treatment methodology on the 12-step approach modeled after the twelve-step program that began with Alcoholics Anonymous.

Other less conventional alcohol rehabilitation centers, on the other hand, customarily undertake treatment in an alcohol recovery center or in a rehab hospital and provide rehab treatment that is not related to the 12-step rehabilitation methods.

Alcoholic Rehabilitation Centers: Medications and Counseling

Most of the non-12 step alcohol rehab takes place in hospitals or in alcoholic rehabilitation centers that provide treatment via the administration of doctor-prescribed drugs along with comprehensive counseling and therapy.Furthermore, several of these non-traditional treatment facilities deal with alcoholism from both a psychological as well as from a physiological standpoint.

Not only this, but some of the more effective alcoholic rehabilitation centers are more inclusive than others and therefore focus on how the alcoholic will deal with employment difficulties, relationship issues, and financial problems after he or she completes rehab, attains sobriety, and returns home.

Moreover, some of the more successful alcoholic rehabilitation centers adhere to a holistic view that helps individuals who are alcohol abusers and alcoholics identify, address, and sort out some of the fundamental predicaments that helped lead to the drinking problems in the first place.

Some of these essential, alcohol-related factors are the following: poor financial management skills, spirituality issues, unemployment, grief, poor anger management skills, career indecision, poor coping skills, loss, pain, poor interpersonal relationship skills, and unemployment.

With all the treatment options that are available, there is no excuse for not being able to find an inpatient or outpatient alchhol rehab program.

The Necessity For Outpatient Follow-Up Treatment

When a person undergoes alcohol rehab, it is necessary to address what he or she will be doing after he or she has completed the rehabilitation process.

Stated more precisely, getting through detoxification and overcoming one's withdrawal symptoms is critically important in the treatment process, but so is the “follow-up” training, education, and counseling that successful treatment facilities often begin as soon as the residential part of the rehabilitation process comes to an end.

Some of the better known and more effective alcoholic rehabilitation centers, for instance, provide outpatient therapy, education, and training follow-up for one year after the inpatient part of the process has been completed.

More precisely, the higher quality and broad-based alcoholic rehabilitation centers concentrate on rehab approaches that are initiated and put into operation for “long-lasting” success, rather than on short-term, "quick fix” therapeutic methods.

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse statistics reveal that while more than 18 million individuals in the U.S. require alcohol treatment, only about 25% of these 'problem drinkers' will get the treatment they need.

The Significance of The Rehabilitation Atmosphere

The treatment environment in which an alcohol abuser or alcoholic finds himself or herself is a basic rehabilitation deliberation. Some of the more proficient alcoholic rehabilitation centers, for instance, provide an experiential, interesting, positive, and safe environment that fosters productive, positive, and effective long-term treatment success.

Despite the fact that treatment at most of the alcohol rehabilitation centers can be quite expensive, especially those that provide in-patient, residential treatment options, the more skillful and effectiveness-oriented rehab facilities place financial considerations low on their priority list as they limit the number of alcohol abusers and alcoholics they accept for treatment. This is more a "treatment” determination and less of a "profit" decision so that staff can provide the resources, time, effort, and compassion that top-shelf alcohol rehabilitation requires.

Alcohol abuse can destroy families in many ways. For instance, more than 40% of separated or divorced women were married to or lived with a problem drinker. More than three fourths of female victims of nonfatal, domestic violence reported that their assailant had been drinking or using drugs.

Facets of Effective Alcohol Rehab Therapy

The following illustrates some of the more significant characteristics of successful alcoholic rehabilitation centers:

Hotel or rehab facility suites for out-of-town people
Competitive pricing
Private detox services
Comprehensive day and night counseling and educational programs
A professional, compassionate, and success-oriented staff
Hospital and non-hospital rehabilitation options
Medications to help control and manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Outpatient treatment options that are individualized to “fit” the financial circumstances and the needs of each client
Doctor prescribed medications to assistance patients refrain from alcohol relapse
Treatment options with distinctive time periods and length of counseling choices that are targeted to the needs of each alcohol abuser or alcoholic
Success rates well beyond the national averages

Continual use of alcohol can lead to erosive gastritis, which can limit the absorption of nutrients and vitamins associated with several serious neurological and mental disorders, including brain damage, memory loss, loss of sexual responsiveness, sleep disturbances and psychosis such as Wernike's Encephalopathy and Korsakoff's syndrome.

Alcoholic Rehabilitation Centers: Conclusion

More than a few of the "mainstream" alcohol rehab methodologies are built on the 12-step recovery approach established by Alcoholics Anonymous. Other, less tried and true alcohol treatment approaches, however, have emerged.

These non-traditional methodologies routinely focus less on factors such as group support, the number of meetings attended, and a "higher power" and more on scientifically validated data and empirical treatment findings. Such approaches have demonstrated that doctor-prescribed medications in combination with comprehensive counseling, training, and education lead to doable, practical, and reproducible therapeutic results.

Some of the more productive and effective alcohol treatment takes place in alcoholic rehabilitation centers or in rehab hospitals. These treatment facilities are routinely staffed with empathetic, supportive, and professional healthcare professionals who do everything they can to help problem drinkers acquire more effective decision-making, relationship, coping, and "life" skills so that they can restore their lives and start the recovery process.

Private alcohol aetox can only work if it's overseen by clinical detox experts. There is, it bears mentioning, nothing easy about the detox process. Alcoholism is an overwhelming disease. It never dies easy. Getting sober means breaking the physical and psychological dependencies realted to chronic drinking and such a metabolic shock is invariably traumatic for alcohol rehabilitation patients.

http://www.about-alcoholism-info.com/Alcoholic_Rehabilitation_Centers.html.

Treatment of Alcoholism

2009-09-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

Similar to other diseases, alcoholism can be overcome with proper treatment, prevention, and increased research efforts. Stated differently, as serious as alcoholism is, fortunately it can be treated.

The treatment of alcoholism usually entails a combination of doctor-prescribed medications, counseling, education, training, and support to help the alcoholic abstain from drinking alcohol.

An Essential Question: What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction and alcohol dependence, is a progressive debilitating disease.

This means that alcoholism gets increasingly worse as the alcoholic continues to drink. Alcoholism is a disease that has received extensive research and includes the following four identifiable symptoms:

Physical dependence: withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, headaches, nausea, perspiration, and “the shakes” when abstaining from alcohol.
Craving: having a strong urge or need to drink.
Tolerance: the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to feel a “buzz” or to get “high.”
Loss of control: an inability to stop drinking after the first drink.

The Treatment of Alcoholism: An Overview

Not unlike other diseases and illnesses, alcoholism can be overcome with prevention, quality alcoholism treatment, and increased research efforts.

By providing more individuals with access to effective alcoholic treatment, the costly drain on society and the financial, physical, and emotional liability alcoholism places on families can be significantly minimized.

Indeed, recent research strongly shows that successful prevention and professional quality alcohol treatment programs result in significant reductions in heart disease, crime, HIV, cancer, strokes, traffic fatalities, unwanted pregnancy, and child abuse.

Furthermore, quality alcohol and drug treatment improves health, quality of life, and job performance while at the same time reducing drug use, family dysfunction, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

As debilitating as alcoholism is, fortunately it can be treated. The treatment of alcoholism usually involves a combination of counseling and doctor-prescribed medications to help an alcoholic stop drinking. Even though most alcoholics need professional assistance to recover from their addiction, research has demonstrated that with support and quality alcoholism treatment, many alcoholics are able to refrain from drinking and restore their lives.

A clear relationship exists between alcohol use and grade point average (GPA) among college students. Students with GPAs of D or F drink three times as much as those who earn As.

The Treatment of Alcoholism: Withdrawal Symptoms

A wide variety of different techniques exist for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms. While some of these treatments use drugs, many, however, do not. Indeed, according to current research findings, the safest way to treat mild withdrawal symptoms is without drugs. Such types of non-drug detoxification efforts use screening and comprehensive social support throughout the entire withdrawal process. Other non-drug detoxification programs, additionally, use vitamin therapy (especially thiamin) and proper nutrition and when treating mild withdrawal symptoms.

Sixty-seven percent of eighth graders and 83 percent of tenth graders believe that alcohol is readily available to them for consumption.

Mild to Moderate Withdrawal Symptoms

The following represents mild to moderate physical withdrawal symptoms that typically occur within 6 to 48 hours after the last alcoholic drink:

Sleeping difficulties
Abnormal movements
Nausea
Enlarged or dilated pupils
Clammy skin
Tremor of the hands
Looking pale
Rapid heart rate
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Pulsating headaches
Sweating (especially on the palms of the hands or on the face)
Involuntary movements of the eyelids

Severe Withdrawal Symptoms

The following is a list of severe symptoms that typically occur within 48 to 96 hours after the last alcoholic drink:

Fever
Visual hallucinations
Severe autonomic nervous system overactivity
Black outs
Muscle tremors
Delirium tremens
Convulsions
Seizures

In spite of the debate in the medical, neurobiological, and psychological research communities about the existence as well as the character of the addictive personality, it is, however, observable and verifiable that brain functions contribute to different addictions. Building on this perspective, many researchers currently believe that the predisposition to addiction is more accurately a combination of psychological, biological, and environmental factors.

The Treatment of Alcoholism: Traditional Programs

There are a number of traditional alcohol treatment options that are relatively well established. The following alcoholism approaches and programs will be discussed: Detoxification, Behavioral Treatment, Therapeutic Medications, Outpatient Alcoholism Treatment and Counseling, Residential Alcoholism Treatment Programs and Inpatient Alcohol Rehab, and Family and Marital Counseling.

Nearly one-fourth of all persons admitted to general hospitals have alcohol problems or are undiagnosed alcoholics being treated for the consequences of their drinking.

Detoxification. Alcohol detoxification is the process of letting the body rid itself of alcohol while managing the withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment. Alcohol detox treatment is typically done under the supervision of a medical doctor and is frequently employed as the first step in an alcoholism treatment program. Due primarily to the relatively long time-frame for the Detox process, these approaches are typically part of an inpatient alcohol rehabilitation program.

According to one study, 68% of those people who come to a trauma center have an alcohol or drug problem.

Behavioral Treatments. These rehab methodologies focus on initiating change in an alcoholics' behaviors and actions. Examples include Alcoholics Anonymous, Motivation Enhancement Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It can be noted that a study that was recently undertaken by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism discovered that each of these behavioral treatment approaches greatly reduced drinking in patients the year after treatment. Although all of these programs were determined to be "successful," none of them was classified as "the best" alcoholism treatment program.

The overriding plan of action when experiencing a possible alcohol overdose situation is this: Do not take chances when someone's life is at stake. If you suspect that a person has alcohol poisoning or is overdosing on alcohol, get immediate medical assistance, even if the person is underage.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alcoholics Anonymous is a mutual support program for recovering alcoholics that is based on the 12-step recovery process that is required in order to remain sober. Assistance and support are provided by the meetings that convene on a regular basis. Is Alcoholics Anonymous the best choice for the treatment of alcoholism? While Alcoholics Anonymous has established itself as an effective therapeutic recovery approach, most practitioners outside of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as many members within AA, think that Alcoholics Anonymous works best when combined with other forms of treatment such as psychotherapy and medical care.

Motivation Enhancement Therapy(MET) is a systematic therapeutic approach that is almost exactly the opposite of Alcoholics Anonymous, philosophically speaking, in that it uses motivational techniques to elicit the client's change processes. Some of the main characteristics of MET are the following:

Providing feedback regarding the personal risks or damage associated with the abuse
Receiving clear advice to make healthy changes
Therapist empathy
Providing the client with a number of alternative change options
Helping the client achieve self-efficacy or a sense of optimism
Emphasis on taking personal responsibility for positive change

In the United States during 2004, 16,694 deaths occurred as a result of alcohol-related motor-vehicle accidents. This amount was roughly 39% of all traffic fatalities. This amounts to one alcohol-related death every 31 minutes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). There are several forms of cognitive behavior therapy. Most of them, however, share the following characteristics:

CBT is based on an educational model that views most emotions and behavioral reactions as learned responses. Thus, the therapeutic goal in to help the client unlearn undesirable reactions and emotions and replace them with new and more positive ways of feeling and reacting.
CBT uses the Socratic Method that is based on the asking of questions for insight.
Homework is a central feature of CBT.
CBT is a mutually shared effort between the therapist and the client.
In CBT, a solid therapeutic relationship is necessary but not the primary focal point for effective therapy.
CBT is structured and directive.
CBT usually has therapeutic sessions that are briefer and fewer in number than most other forms of therapy.
CBT approaches are based on the cognitive model of emotional response. That is, if we change the way we think, we can act and feel better, even if the situation doesn't change.
CBT is based on stoic philosophy. CBT does not tell clients how they should feel. Rather, this form of therapy focuses on helping clients learn how to think more logically and effectively.
CBT theory and techniques rely on the Inductive Method. This method has clients look at their thoughts as hypotheses (or suggested explanations) that can be tested and questioned. If clients discover that their hypotheses are incorrect, they can then change their thoughts and feelings to be more in line with reality.

Individuals with drinking problems or alcoholism at any time in their lives suffer income reductions ranging from 1.5 percent to 18.7 percent depending on age and sex compared with those with no such diagnosis.

Therapeutic Medications. Numerous alcoholism researchers claim that alcohol dependent individuals who cannot continue their sobriety need to receive therapeutic medications to manage and treat their alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Not only this, but individuals who are addicted to alcohol are less likely to experience possible brain damage and/or seizures when they receive various alcoholism medications.

Current alcoholism research shows that the drugs most likely to produce effective results when treating alcoholism withdrawal symptoms are the benzodiazepines. Examples include the longer-acting benzodiazepines such as Librium and Valium and the shorter-acting benzodiazepines such as Ativan and Serax . Traditionally, medical doctors have used a progressive decrease in doses over the time-frame of the withdrawal process when using benzodiazepines. Additionally, since the shorter-acting benzodiazepines do not remain in the person's system for an excessive amount of time and due to the fact that they allow for measurable and observable dose reductions, more than a few alcoholism researchers have asserted that intermediate to short half-life benzodiazepines need to be used when treating withdrawal symptoms.

The following represents some of the negative consequences of drinking alcohol and the fertility of the father: killing off the sperm-generating cells in the testicles and abnormal liver function and a rise in estrogen levels that, in turn, affect sperm development and hormone levels.

Another aspect of alcoholism treatment with therapeutic medications focuses on various prescribed drugs such as naltrexone (ReViaT) or disulfiram (Antabuse) that are administered by a doctor in an effort to help prevent the individual from returning to drinking after he or she has experienced a relapse and ingested alcohol. Simply put, in this intervention approach, doctors prescribe drugs to treat a person's dependency. For example, antabuse is a drug given to alcoholics that triggers negative effects such as vomiting, dizziness, nausea, and flushing if alcohol is consumed. Not surprisingly, antabuse is effective precisely because it is a such a strong deterrent. Naltrexone (ReViaT), from a different perspective is effective because it targets the brain's reward circuits and reduces the craving the client has for alcohol.

Outpatient Alcoholism Treatment and Counseling. These approaches usually employ counseling that teaches alcoholics how to become aware of the psychological and situational "hot buttons" that trigger their drinking behavior. Equipped with this information, alcoholics can then learn about different ways in which they can cope with circumstances that do not include the drinking of alcohol. These treatment approaches to alcoholism, unlike the detox programs, are usually offered on an outpatient basis.

In many instances characterized by dysfunctional living conditions, the result is that the codependent person or persons develop habitual self-defeating ways of coping in order to survive. If this vicious cycle is not broken, the codependents eventually become out-of-touch with their own emotions.

Residential Alcohol Treatment Programs and Inpatient Alcohol Rehab. If there's a need for alcohol AND drug abuse treatment, if outpatient and support-oriented programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous are ineffective, if an individual needs alcohol poisoning treatment, or if the individual's withdrawal symptoms are extreme, the person typically needs to enroll into a hospital or a residential alcohol treatment facility in order to receive inpatient alcohol rehabilitation. Such programs are earmarked for alcoholism inpatients and usually include doctor-prescribed medications to help the alcoholic through detox and through the alcohol withdrawal process in a safe manner.

Family and Marital Counseling. Due to the fact that the recovery process is so intimately related to the support the alcoholic receives from his or her family, a number of alcohol dependency programs include marital counseling and family therapy as essential aspects in the treatment protocol. Such therapeutic approaches, furthermore, may also provide clients with much needed community resources such as financial management courses, parenting classes, legal assistance, childcare courses, and job training classes.

The Treatment of Alcoholism: Alternative Approaches

Although the research findings are inconclusive, there are many alternative treatment programs for alcohol abuse and alcoholism that are becoming more available and widely used. Examples of such "natural" forms of alcoholism treatment include the holistic and naturalistic approaches employed by Traditional Chinese Medicine, "Drumming out Drugs" (a form of therapy that employs the use of drumming by clients), and various vitamin and supplement therapies. As encouraging as these alternative programs have been, additional research, however, is needed to evaluate their effectiveness and to find out if they offer long term alcoholism treatment success.

Since no level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been proven safe, the March of Dimes strongly urges pregnant women to refrain from all alcohol, including beer, wine, wine coolers, and hard liquor during their entire pregnancy AND also while nursing.

The Treatment of Alcoholism: Conclusion

Even though a cure for alcoholism has not been discovered, various alcoholism programs have been employed in the treatment of alcoholism that have helped people recover from alcohol dependency. In a word, there is a lot of information that is available both online and offline concerning the treatment of alcoholism. Some people ask the following question regarding alcoholism: "Concerning the treatment of alcoholism, which approach is the best"? Like any chronic disease, there are different degrees of success regarding alcoholism treatment.

For instance, some alcoholics experience relatively long periods of sobriety after receiving treatment, and then have a drinking relapse. On the other hand, some alcoholics, after treatment, abstain from drinking and remain sober. And still other alcoholics cannot refrain from drinking for any sustainable period of time, regardless of the type of treatment to which they have been exposed.

It is interesting to point out, however, that all of these treatment outcomes occur on a regular basis with every known type of alcoholism therapy. Regarding the treatment of alcoholism, however, one thing is certain: the longer a person abstains from drinking alcohol, the more likely he or she will be able to remain sober.

http://www.about-alcoholism-info.com/Treatment_of_Alcoholism.html

Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and a Community of Parents

2009-09-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

By Robert J. Ackermaning

Like many people I am saddened by the death of Mr. Fred Rogers. For those of us from Western
Pennsylvania it touches home even more. He was a part of our neighborhood and, if you watched his television show closely, you know that we were part of his. Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood was a children’s show. He talked directly to children and he talked to them about their world. He was not afraid to be an adult who tried to understand children and to meet their needs. He had people on his staff who were educated in understanding
human development, and he relied on them heavily for making his approach to children developmentally appropriate.
If you watched his show you learned how to better interact with children, but I always felt that he was teaching
parents as well. Perhaps his secret message was always intended to reach parents to make a better world for their children. Maybe that is why I always liked his message. I always appreciated Fred because I knew that he was talking to all children, including
those who were being raised in addicted families. I often thought, “I wonder how many children of alcoholics
he talked to today?” His voice, soft and reassuring, told all children that they were special just for being themselves. That he liked them just for who they are.
During the past year we have seen messages on television about reducAckermaning alcohol and drug abuse among our children. The message is directed towards parents and we are told “Parents,
the Antidrug.” I can imagine that Fred would agree and endorse this statement with enthusiasm. Research
indicates that there are many factors that influence a young person’s decision to use or not to use alcohol and other drugs. However, parental influence is at the top. Too often I hear from parents that their children used drugs because someone gave it to them, the school is not tough enough, we need better police, or that there is nothing for young people to do in the community. Whether we like it or not, we as parents are involved and can influence our children’s choices.
However, parents cannot do this alone. Fred Rogers created a community
for children. If we as parents are going to be effective as the “Antidrug”
then we need to create a “Community
of Parents.” This may sound simple, but in today’s world of hectic schedules and little time for face-to-face interactions among parents we may need to work on developing our community.
Kids who use drugs, just like all kids, create their own communities of friends. Parents need to do the same thing. We need to support each other in order to better support our children.
In a study that I am conducting on parents’ attitudes about raising children, when I asked, “What is the most difficult thing about raising children today?” the reply was “other parents.” In other words, many parents feel that they cannot count on other parents to monitor their own children, make good choices, or respect the wishes of their children’s friends’ parents. Obviously, we need to be more involved with each other about issues confronting our children and less challenging of each other.
A “Community of Parents” can develop when we are willing to act together. The following are some desired outcomes for creating our community.
1. Parents realize that they are in this together.
2. Parents expect and receive support from other parents.
3. Parents are willing to set a good example for all children in the community.
4. Parents support schools and other institutions that help raise their children.
5. Parents respect the values of other parents.
6. Parents stand up for what is right in and out of their homes.
7. Parents communicate with other parents.
8. Parents become involved in community
activities.
9. Parents believe that they make a difference.
Thank you Mr. Rogers for everything,
and let’s make it a better day in the neighborhood.

Robert J. Ackerman, Ph.D., is a professor of sociology at Indiana University of Pennsylvannia, Director of the Mid-Atlantic Addiction Training Institute, and a NACoA Advisory Board Member

Quality Alcohol Treatment is Good Medicine

2009-09-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

by Eric Gopelrud

A recent study from the RAND Corporation, reported in the June 26th issue of the New England
Journal of Medicine, found that alcoholism B an illness that is the third leading cause of
preventable death in this country B goes largely untreated. The study indicates that the quality of
care for alcoholism is abysmal, that screening is not routinely done, and that, when identified,
patients aren=t being referred to treatment specialists. And this isn=t surprising.
What=s keeping people from getting the treatment they need? Like many things, it has mostly to
do with money. Alcohol treatment is singled out for particularly harsh coverage limits by health
plans and insurers, making proper medical management of these illnesses financially
impossible. This deters hospitals and physicians from aggressively screening for the condition
and referring patients for care. Why bother when there is no way to pay for the treatment?
While many states pass laws requiring that private health insurance companies cover various
illnesses and injuries, we found, in our own study, that the largest health plans in one third of
states did not even meet the minimum statutory requirements for coverage of alcohol treatment.
Worse, state laws actually discourage the health system from doing its job. Insurance laws in 38
states exempt insurers from having to pay for treatment costs if a person is injured while under
the influence of alcohol.
Public health insurance programs often miss the mark. Medicare requires patients to pay 50
percent of the costs for outpatient alcohol treatment, but only 20 percent for other illnesses. The
State Children=s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides health insurance for
millions of poor children, does not require coverage of alcohol treatment, despite high rates of
alcohol problems among youth.
We can afford to do a lot better. For example, the nine million government workers and their
families covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program have equitable coverage.
The cost to the program has been insignificant, an increase of far less than one percent of the
premium. Covering treatment for alcohol problems the same as for other illnesses would
increase costs by only $5.11 per person per year B about the same as two lattes at Starbucks.
What the business and insurance communities do not seem to realize is that the longer alcohol
problems go untreated, the more costly it is to the patient, to the family, to the workplace, and
ultimately, to the taxpayer. The annual bill for treating alcohol-related illnesses and injuries is
close to $20 billion.
But that=s just a fraction of the $185 billion drained from America=s coffers each year to cover
the costs generated from alcohol-related problems B costs resulting from traffic accidents,
subsequent illness and hospital fees, and unproductive missed work days. It becomes a vicious
cycle, when in fact, an investment in treatment would actually bring down both costs and the
number of alcohol-related problems.
Companies and government should encourage treatment by investing in coverage. Pinched by
rapidly escalating health care costs, the RAND researchers have pointed them toward a real
opportunity. Investing in increased access to quality alcohol treatment is good medicine and
good economics.
Eric Gopelrud, PhD, is the Executive Director of Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems at the George
Washington University Medical Center, a project to increase access to alcohol treatment supported by a
grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts.

When Your Child is Addicted

2009-09-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

by Nan Reynolds

Sometimes the hardest things we have
to do as parents of adolescents who
are using chemicals are the things we
need to stop doing.
When you are in a relationship with
someone who is operating from an
addiction, there are many opportunities
to be "helpful". These opportunities
are all of the behaviors, attitudes,
and feelings that we have been taught
by our families and by religious ethics
to bestow upon someone we love
who is having a problem. When we
try to alleviate the pain and discomfort
of our children it is deemed to be
kind and loving. This is normal, natural,
automatic – and not at all effective
if the problem is chemical
dependency.
When up against
the power of
addiction, a logic
that is the
reverse of what
we have been
taught must be
used. It holds
that doing less is really doing more.
This logic states that the most loving,
kind, and helpful response to addiction
is to allow pain to happen and to
allow the addicted persons to feel the
discomfort of the consequences of
their behavior. Most of us only wake
up and take a different course of
action when the discomfort increases.
Think of a toothache and how we
postpone the trip to the dentist.
Think of a bad relationship or an
uncomfortable workplace situation;
we take action when it is more painful
to stay than to change.
The conflict that evolves when we
step aside and allow others to have
their pain is that it puts us outside of
our own value system. It seems so
unloving, so unhelpful, so uncaring.
And, so “unparental”. Parents are supposed
to teach, protect, rescue, shield,
and sooth against all adversity.
Anything else can feel like failure. We
do not know, or we lose sight of the
fact, that really effective parenting
promotes independence.
We need to fully recognize that addiction
is powerful. Many of our wellintentioned,
benevolent and responsible
efforts are really like putting out
an oil well fire with a squirt gun. Pain
can be our most powerful ally. Pain
can be a friend. Allowing the pain by
allowing the consequences is truly the
most loving and helpful response to
addiction.
When you are pitted against someone's
addiction (and it is important to
remember that it
is not the person
you are pitted
against, but the
addiction), you
are really in battle
with the person’s
denial, delusion,
and compulsion.
If lecturing and
yelling and rescuing were effective, we
would not have one addict in the
country!
Pain is their alarm clock, their call to
action. Pain is what we have the most
trouble allowing, yet it carries the
greatest hope for change. Pain is not
the worst thing that can happen; it
can be a motivator.
The hardest behavior change for a
parent is to stop taking the situation
personally and to see clearly that the
most effective and loving behavior is
to let the child take full responsibility
for bad behavior. This logic switch is
truly loving, helpful, and respectful. "I
do not detach from you, but I do
detach from the agony of involvement
in your problem."
Our children need us to stop reacting.
They need us to stop taking it personally
when they are acting out of
chemical use. They need us to be
clear, constant, and consistent. They
need us to be on the job, vigilant, and
educated about what's going on. They
need us to stop worrying about being
popular, and they need us to present a
unified front, as parents, with the
"Rules of the Inn." They need us.
Period.
Nan Reynolds, ACSW, MSW, RN, CACII, is
Supervisor - Adolescent Substance Abuse
Program at Oakland Family Services, in
Michigan.
4 NACoA Network • Summer 2003
"Pain is their
alarm clock,
their call to
action."
Comment
Ten Great Things
About Taking
Action
By Stephanie Abbott
1. The sun manages to come up
without your help.
2. Therapy finally kicks in.
3. You can stop apologizing for what
someone else did.
4. Other people can solve their own
problems or not.
5. You really know you didn't cause it.
6. The statute of limitations has
expired on your old mistakes.
7. You let other people be wrong—
even though you could improve
things given the chance.
8. It's okay when other people can see
that you and your life aren't perfect.
9. Worry is no longer a virtue.
10. You find Al-Anon, and it feels good.

How exactly is alcoholism (and drug abuse for that matter) considered a disease?

2009-08-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

My dad is a piece of crap alcoholic. The alcoholics anonymous "Big Book" compares alcoholism to an allergy and an illness. Am I the only one who is saying "huh?!" You have to DRINK in order to become an alcoholic, whereas contracting most forms of illness, (with the exception of STD’s, lung cancer induced from smoking, etc.) are contracted through no fault of the person stricken with the illness. My dad didn’t have to start drinking, he chose to.

Alcoholism is the only "disease" that required the AMA to vote on it to become a disease.

Marty Mann, often (incorrectly) called "the first woman in AA", started the National Council on Alcoholism (now the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence or NCADD). She petitioned the AMA to declare it a disease to fit in with the AA mythology. The doctors approved it, mainly so that they could bill insurance companies for their work with drunks. That’s the real reason, economics.

BTW- Bill Wilson called it a malady or illness in the Big Book, never a disease. He went on record, saying it was NOT a disease when asked in 1960, "We have
never called alcoholism a disease because, technically speaking, it
is not a disease entity. For example, there is no such thing as heart
disease. Instead, there are many separate heart ailments, or
combinations of them. It is something like that with alcoholism.
Therefore, we did not wish to get in wrong with the medical
profession by pronouncing alcoholism a disease entity. Therefore, we always called it an illness, or a malady - a far safer term for us to use."

http://www.alcoholmoderation.com

Drinking Dreams Can Be a Nightmare or a Good Reminder

2009-08-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

The four of us pulled up to the dock in front of Woody’s Wharf in Newport Beach one Saturday evening. We tied off the boat, then walked up the gangway and into the bar portion of the waterfront restaurant. My wife and her friends excused themselves and headed for the restroom.I strolled over to the bar and told the bartender I wanted a double vodka, no ice. He handed me a large tumbler filled to the brim with the cool, clear liquid. I held the drink in one hand, put my other hand on my hip, and drained the glass.

As I was bringing the tumbler down from my lips, I found myself eyeball-to-eyeball with my sponsor.

Then I woke up.

Drinking dreams, or using dreams, are very common and sometimes very frequent among those in early sobriety. Some say they are the most realistic dreams they’ve every experienced.

Many times, I’ve wakened from such dreams with an incredible sense of guilt, foreboding and grief. My mind would tell me that I’m a newcomer again, that I’d have to stand up at my home group and take a white chip. I’d think how much I’d disappointed my wife and the rest of my family.

And then it would hit me. It was just a dream.

That realization would fill me with relief and gratitude. But what do these dreams mean? Should we be concerned about such dreams? Does it mean our program is weak? Using dreams are part of recovery – something many of us have experienced in early recovery and for some, decades after their last (real) drink.

“Consider it a free high,” is how some old-timers shrug it off. No big deal. Teaches you gratitude.
Some claim that, psychologically, our brains are sick from extended drug and alcohol abuse. Sleepless night after sleepless night, passing out on the couch, our times that resembled sleep were never healthy. More often then not, we didn’t hit that healing and refreshing level of REM our bodies so desperately needed.

Sometimes these dreams crop up when the dreamer is under stress. On the other hand, they might come when life is going great. It is curious that these dreams seem to be experienced only by sober folks.
Your first thought after such a dream is to keep it to yourself, because you can just bet some old-timer is going to question your program. But what we’ve learned is this: Keeping secrets is old behavior, and it can lead back to drinking or using.

One suggestion, if you have such a dream in early recovery, is to share the dream with your sober friends or at a meeting.

That not only takes the power out of the dream, but it opens the door for others to share about their using dreams.

Another plus is that these dreams, as frightening as they are, remind us of the insanity of using and encourage us to maintain our sobriety.

As an added bonus, they usually provide the group with a good laugh when described in vivid detail.

http://www.everythingaddiction.com/addiction/alcoholism-addiction/drinking-dreams-can-be-a-nightmare-or-a-good-reminder/

Low Resistance to Alcohol Leads to Greater Risk of Alcoholism

2009-08-24T21:41:00.001-07:00

Most of us know someone who often boasted that he or she could drink everyone under the table—and usually did. But being able to drink copious amounts of alcohol without becoming blindingly drunk will do much more harm than good in the long run, as a new study shows that young men who have a high tolerance for alcohol face a greater risk for alcoholism later in life than those who readily feel alcohol’s effects.

“If a person needs more alcohol to get a certain effect, that person tends to drink more each time they imbibe,” said Marc A. Schuckit, professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego and co-author of the study. “Other studies we have published have shown that these individuals also choose heavy drinking peers, which helps them believe that what they drink and what they expect to happen in a drinking evening are ‘normal,’” Schuckit continued. “This low LR (level of response), which is perhaps a low sensitivity to alcohol, is genetically influenced.”

Since the 1970s, scientists have been investigating the apparent link between an individual’s resistance to alcohol’s effects and a higher risk of alcohol use disorders later in life. But many people didn’t believe it existed, Shuckit said. From 19877 to 1988, Schuckit and his colleagues analyzed data collected on 297 men between the ages of 18 and 25. Each participant underwent tests to measure his response to alcohol, but despite similar blood-alcohol levels, the degree of impairment varied substantially. The men also provided background information such as their body mass index, how much they typically drank, the age at which they first drank, and whether alcoholism ran in their families.

The participants were interviewed again after 10, 15, 20, and 25 years, and these follow-up interviews showed that the men who were least affected by alcohol at age 20 were two to three times as likely to be dependent on alcohol at 30 or 40. These differences in risk remained even when researchers compared only men for whom the other risk factors—how much they drank, age of drinking onset, and family history—were equal.

“A low LR at age 20 was not just a reflection of being a heavier drinker at age 20 when we tested these men, and it wasn’t an artifact of an earlier onset of drinking,” said Schuckit. “We showed that a low LR at 20 predicts later heavy drinking and alcoholism even if you control for all these other predictors of alcohol problems at age 20.” He added that the method of examination strongly shows “that LR is consistent and powerful in predicting alcoholism.”

Schuckit speculates that 60 percent of alcoholism risk is genetic and 40 percent stems from lifestyle and environmental factors; resistance to alcohol’s effects seems to be a genetic trait. Schuckit advises that “…if you’re an alcoholic, you need to tell your kids that they are at a four-fold increased risk of developing alcoholism. If your kid does drink, find out if they can ‘drink others under the table,’ and warn them that that is a major indication they have the risk themselves. Keep in mind, however, that the absence of a low LR doesn’t guarantee they won’t develop alcoholism, as there are other risk factors as well.”

Schuckit and his team are currently investigating genes that they suspect play a role in alcoholism risk. “We are looking for ways to identify this risk early in life, and to find ways to decrease the risk even if you carry a low LR … so there is hope for the future.”

http://www.everythingaddiction.com/addiction/low-resistance-alcoholism/

Does Alcohol Make You Sick? You May Be Allergic

2009-08-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

Do you suffer breathing difficulties, hives, a tingling in the mouth or a swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat after consuming alcohol? Could you be allergic? You might be, but probably not. Although these are symptoms of true food allergies, they can also be triggered by some of the ingredients in alcohol. In other words, you may not be allergic to the alcohol itself, but to ingredients in the alcohol. The result is the same: your body reacts to the alcohol in a way that makes you feel sick.

True Food Allergies

When you have a true food allergy – say, you eat shellfish, and you’re violently allergic to it – your body’s immune system gets immediately involved. In highly allergic people, even a trace of the iodine in shellfish can produce a severe reaction, even anaphylaxis (severe rashes, breathing difficulty, stomach cramps or collapse). The human body’s immune system regards the ingredient as a harmful substance. The response is to trigger certain cells to make antibodies (called immunoglobulin E) to fight the enemy food.

Ingredients that May Cause Allergic Reactions

If you have an allergy to certain grains, such as wheat, barley, corn, rye and hops, or to the preservative sulfur dioxide, even to the yeast used in fermentation, you may experience an allergic reaction to drinking alcohol that contains these substances or ingredients.

Alcohol Intolerance

Allergic reaction to alcohol itself is rare, described in a few dozen published medical reports. Experts say that what’s more likely is that you have intolerance to alcohol. This makes you more sensitive to alcohol’s effects.

Alcohol is broken down in the liver by enzymes within minutes. If you can’t break down alcohol easily, problems may occur with any alcohol consumption.

Some of the immediate adverse effects of alcohol intolerance include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain in the abdomen
• Nasal congestion
• Heartburn
• Headache
• Warm, red, and itchy skin

Alcohol Flush

Certain people of Asian descent have a genetic disorder in which the body is unable to break down alcohol completely. They have an unusual flushing reaction after consuming even a small amount of alcohol. According to the Mayo Clinic, research suggests alcohol flush reaction may increase the risk of alcohol-related conditions, including esophageal cancer and liver disease.

Alcohol Worsens Asthma

Up to one-third of patients with asthma say wine makes their asthma worse. This occurs less frequently with beer or spirits. Wheezing after drinking alcohol could be because of sodium metabisulphite, a preservative in beer, champagne and wine. There is more of this preservative in white wine than red (because red wines use natural tannins to help preserve it), and more in wine from casks than from bottles. The amount of preservative also varies from brand to brand.

There are some low-sulfite wines available, but in individuals with extreme sensitivity, even these may not be tolerated. Sulfites and preservatives may cause anaphylaxis in some highly-allergic people.

Histamines

Histamine is produced by bacteria and yeast during fermentation. It is also released by mast cells in allergic reactions. Large amounts of histamine in alcohol can cause an allergic reaction. Some wines have a high concentration of histamines.

What to do if You Have an Allergic Reaction

The simple answer is to avoid drinking alcohol, period. Pinpointing exactly what you are allergic to (an ingredient, a preservative, etc.) may not be worth the trouble. However, if you have the reaction to certain alcohol but not others, simply avoid that type of alcohol or brand.

Of course, it you experience severe pain after drinking alcohol, this may be a sign (although rare) of Hodgkin’s disease (also called Hodgkin’s lymphoma). Bottom line: if you have any unusual symptom that appears after drinking alcohol, you should consult your doctor.

http://www.everythingaddiction.com/

Effects of Alcohol Abuse on the Family

2009-08-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Alcohol abuse is a serious enough problem for the individual who has it. But the effects of alcohol abuse extend beyond the individual to the entire family, often with extremely damaging consequences.

Definition of Family

Family, in the context here, refers to a complex structure that includes the traditional nuclear family to single-parent families, stepfamilies, foster families and multigenerational families. In essence, however, anyone who provides support and financial resources, maintains the household, and with whom there is a strong and lasting emotional bond can be considered family.

Substance Abuse Is a Family Disease

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment protocol for family substance abuse considers substance abuse as a family disease – because all members of the family are affected by the abuse of one or more members.

Substance abuse creates negative changes in an individual’s moods, how they behave, their relationships with other members of the family, and their physical or emotional health.

Numerous studies show that if one person in the family abuses alcohol or drugs, the remaining family members are at an increased risk of developing substance abuse problems. The most potent risk involves the parent who is a substance abuser.

How Substance Abuse Affects Different Family Members

In the family, the individual with the alcohol abuse problem becomes increasingly isolated from the rest of the family.

Alcohol abuse by one or more parents often has a detrimental effect on children in the family. The spouse of the alcoholic typically protects the children, as well as assumes the parental duties not being fulfilled by the other parent. When both parents are alcoholics, the children are more likely to suffer.

Special issues exist with blended families or stepfamilies since alcohol abuse intensifies problems and makes integration and stability difficult or impossible.

When an adolescent is the alcohol abuser in the family, other siblings may not have their needs and concerns met. Parents are so busy dealing with the alcohol- and/or drug-abusing adolescent that they ignore or minimize the needs of their other children. Many families where an adolescent abuses alcohol also have at least one parent who is also either an alcoholic or abuses alcohol and other substances. This can lead to a very dangerous combination of physical and emotional problems.

Even among older adults who abuse alcohol and have grown children, the entire family is affected.

Extended family members who know about and witness the substance abuse can experience feelings of concern, anger, anxiety, abandonment, embarrassment and guilt. They may also choose to cut off or ignore the person abusing alcohol – to the further detriment of the family.

Problems That Occur in Family Substance Abuse

Not every family with a member who abuses alcohol or other substances has the following problems, but the likelihood and potential exist for any or all of them. Such problems include:

• Potential for domestic violence increases – The alcohol abuser cannot control his or her emotions, and behavior may easily escalate into violence, often involving children.
• Child abuse or neglect – When one or both parents abuse alcohol, the potential for child abuse or neglect dramatically increases. Even if there is no physical abuse, the children may suffer malnutrition or not have their needs met due to the incapacity of the alcoholic parents to function normally.
• Loss of job due to extended absenses, decreased productivity, poor performance. With no income coming in from the major financial provider, the family suffers. Even if the substance abuser is a non-working spouse or child, there are often serious repercussions within the family.
• Alcohol use among children – Seeing one or more parents abusing alcohol, or another member of the family, may result in other children beginning to experiment with and subsequently abuse alcohol.
• Criminal activity – Arrests for misdemeanors or felonies can further jeopardize the safety and stability of the family of alcohol abusers. DUIs, manslaughter, felonious assault, burglary and other crimes are frequently a consequence of alcohol abuse.
• Strained relationships – Increasingly isolated, the alcohol abuser distances himself from others in the family, including spouse and children. Often, the substance abuser will not permit other family members to have friends, or limits contact by any means.
• Arguments increase – An escalation in the number and intensity of arguments occurs between the substance abuser and spouse and other family members. This often leads to domestic violence.
• Interaction with medication – Taking any medication can cause negative effects, as alcohol negatively interacts with more than 150 medications. These include common instances of a person taking antihistamines for a cold or allergy, or the pain reliever acetaminophen, who also drinks alcohol.
• Pregnant women – Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should not drink alcohol, since alcohol can cause a numbr of birth defects. The most serious potential birth defect is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Children born with alcohol-related birth defects may have behavior and learning problems that last their entire lives. FAS children have physical abnormalities, behavior problems and mental impairment.

Long-Term Health Problems in Alcoholics

Abuse of alcohol can seriously jeopardize the health of the individual – with resulting catastrophic financial and emotional costs to the rest of the family.

• Alcohol-related liver disorders – More than 2 million Americans suffer from liver diseases caused by alcoholism. These include cirrhosis of the liver, which cannot be cured, but can be arrested if the alcoholic stops drinking.
• Heart disease – The greatest risk is among men over the age of 45 and women who are post-menopause. Alcohol abuse also increases the risks for high blood pressure, heart disease and some types of stroke.
• Cancer – Certain forms of cancer are associated with alcoholism, especially cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box and esophagus. Women have an increased risk of breat cancer. All alcoholics have an increased risk of cancer of the colon and rectum.
• Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas is a condition associated with severe abdominal pain and weight loss, and can prove fatal.

What Can Be Done?

Families with substance abuse need treatment by professionals trained to deal with family substance ause. The issues are complex, and must involve the entire family. Not only does the individual with the substance abuse problem required treatment, but other family members also need help so that the ultimate goal of achieving and maintaining abstinence is realized. Such family treatment also provides a neutral forum where families can meet and solve their problems.

Issues that surface during treatment – and which must be dealt with – include those of blame, responsibility and statements such as “Who caused this to happen?” Alcohol abuse or dependence doesn’t begin in a vacuum. But families often tend to blame an individual for causing it, even if it isn’t the person with the alcohol abuse problem. Blame doesn’t solve anything and must be dealt with before family treatment can progress.

How To Find Treatment

For help finding treatment or to obtain information, contact Al-Anon Family Group Services at (888) 4AL-ANON or visit http://www.al-anon.alateen.org. This organization provides referrals to local Al-Anon groups, support groups for spouses and significant adults in an alcoholic’s life. They also make referrals to Alateen groups, which offer support to children of alcoholics. To request information that can be mailed to you, contact (800) 714-7498.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), (2312) 870-3400 or http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org provides referrals to local AA groups and information materials on the AA program. You can also check for local AA offices in your phone book or on the Internet.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), (800) NCA-CALL, can provide phone numbers of local NCADD affiliates where you will be able to obtain information on local treatment resources and educational materials on alcoholism. Their website is http://www.ncadd.org.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, (301) 443-3860, http://www.niaaa.nih.gov, offers free publications on all aspects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

http://www.everythingaddiction.com/

Some facts from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

2009-08-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

In the midst of some research, I came across some great information from the NCADD that I wanted to share. The numbers are striking and just reinforce the need for comprehensive treatment options. For more information and the sources to this article click http://www.ncadd.org/facts/numberoneprob.html

-Blessings, Ginger

Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Are America’s Number One Health Problem

The cost and consequences of alcoholism and drug dependence place an enormous burden on American society. As the nation’s number one health problem, addiction strains the health care system, the economy, harms family life and threatens public safety.

Substance abuse crosses all societal boundaries, affects both genders, every ethnic group, and people in every tax bracket. Scientific documentation defines alcoholism and drug dependence as a disease that has roots in both genetic susceptibility and personal behavior.

THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM

• There are more deaths and disabilities each year in the U.S. from substance abuse than from any other cause.

• About 18 million Americans have alcohol problems; about 5 to 6 million Americans have drug problems.

• More than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking.

• More than nine million children live with a parent dependent on alcohol and/or illicit drugs.

THE CONSEQUENCES

• One-quarter of all emergency room admissions, one-third of all suicides, and more than half of all homicides and incidents of domestic violence are alcohol-related.

• Heavy drinking contributes to illness in each of the top three causes of death: heart disease, cancer and stroke.

• Almost half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related.

• Between 48% and 64% of people who die in fires have blood alcohol levels indicating intoxication.

• Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading known cause of mental retardation.

THE COST

• Alcohol and drug abuse costs the American economy an estimated $276 billion per year in lost productivity, health care expenditures, crime, motor vehicle crashes and other conditions.

• Untreated addiction is more expensive than heart disease, diabetes and cancer combined.

• Every American adult pays nearly $1,000 per year for the damages of addiction.

SO, WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Like other diseases, addiction can be overcome with proper treatment, prevention and more research. By increasing access to care, the costly toll on society and the burden it places on families can be reduced. Research shows conclusively that successful prevention and treatment leads to reductions in traffic fatalities, crime, unwanted pregnancy, child abuse, HIV, cancer and heart disease. Treatment reduces drug use, improves health, improves job performance, reduces involvement with the criminal justice system, reduces family dysfunction and improves quality of life.

The Comprehensive Assessment Treatment Outcomes Registry Data in Ohio have documented dramatic results in decreasing occupational problems, including the following reductions after treatment:

• Absenteeism decreased by 89%

• Tardiness decreased by 92%

• Problems with supervisors decreased by 56%

• Mistakes in work decreased by 70%

• Incomplete work decreased by 81% 13

Additionally, a California Study found significant decreased health care costs from before to after treatment in:

• Hospitalizations for physical health problems (-36%)

• Drug overdose hospitalizations (-58%)

• Mental health hospitalizations (-44%)

• The number of emergency room visits (-36%)

• The total number of hospital days (-25%)

Americans increasingly recognize that alcoholism and drug dependence is a disease with consequences that affect both physical and behavioral health. Diagnostic and treatment services have changed in recent years and modern treatment, when adequately provided, enables a great many people to recover and rebuild productive lives.

It is important that the public be aware of evidence generated by scientific inquiry, clinical evaluation and clinical experience. The evidence demonstrates that treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse works. Treatment not only saves lives, it also saves dollars that would otherwise be spent in other areas of medical care and social services. For every dollar spent on addiction treatment, seven dollars is saved in reduced health care costs.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence is dedicated to fighting the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions by providing education, information, help and hope to the public. NCADD advocates prevention, intervention, and treatment through a network of 97 affiliates across the United States. For more information, visit: www.ncadd.org.

Alcoholism and drug dependence are treatable and millions of people achieve recovery.

http://spiritlakerecovery.com/

Alcohol keeps ‘cagey’ grip on moms

2009-08-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

Before her hidden addiction came to light, Joan Bonsignore always seemed to hold it together. As a mother and wife, she headed school events and ran her husband’s medical practice.

But at the height of her alcohol and pill addiction, the Eastchester mother of four wrote goodbye letters to her children, and at one point, thought about killing herself by driving her car into a pole.

“You have a twisted mind. It is a disease of attitudes. It is 90 percent thinking, and 10 percent drinking or drugging,” says Bonsignore, now sober 20 years and the executive director of the Westchester chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

A suburban mom driving a minivan full of children on a Sunday morning isn’t the image that comes to mind when we think of drunken drivers. But experts say women are drinking more - and many of them in secret - overcome by what Bonsignore calls “a cunning, baffling and cagey disease.”

Diane Schuler’s fatal crash on the Taconic State Parkway has brought attention to women and substance abuse once again. Schuler had about 10 drinks in her system and had smoked marijuana as recently as 15 minutes before the July 26 accident that killed herself, four children and three men in an oncoming sport utility vehicle.

Schuler’s husband, Daniel, and other family members said the 36-year-old Long Island mother and cable executive was never known to drink. His lawyer insists that a medical problem - an abscessed tooth, diabetes, stroke or a pulmonary embolism - might have led the mom to self-medicate herself.

Alcoholism, however, is a medical problem. It is a disease in which genetic, mental health and lifestyle factors converge.

It is a public health problem that is growing among women and often going undiagnosed by health professionals, said Susan Foster lead researcher of “Women Under the Influence,” a 292-page book that analyzes substance abuse among girls and women.

“What’s wrong with us that we can’t pick this up?” said Foster. “Is the stigma of this disease so profound that we don’t intervene in an effective way?”

It takes less alcohol in a short period of time for females to become addicted compared to males, said Foster, who is vice president of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

Women also drink for different reasons than men do. Women are more likely to say that heavy drinking followed a crisis, such as a miscarriage, divorce or unemployment.

When it comes to alcohol-related fatal car crashes, there was a 13 percent rise in the number of female drivers, compared to a 29 percent drop for male drivers from 1977 to 2000, according to Foster’s studies.

In Westchester County, the number of women arrested for drunken driving is up 2 percent this year.

Another federal study showed that women ages 30 to 44 who reported having at least four drinks per day more than doubled in a 10-year period that ended in 2002.

Too often, women drink in secret, which prevents them from getting professional help before it is too late.

“The classic case is the housewife sitting home and drinking alone,” said Dr. L. Mark Russakoff, director of psychiatry at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, which runs an inpatient and two outpatient substance abuse treatment programs in Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown and Ossining.

Dealing with children, aging parents, loneliness and financial stress are among the top triggers he hears from the women in his programs.

“These are very stressful times for everyone, but women have that extra burden of family and making ends meet,” Russakoff said.

Many women who get married and have children adjust to their new roles and adopt healthier habits.

Others do not.

“In the beginning, they are not driving with children in the car, but as alcoholism takes its toll, they start drinking in a wide variety of circumstances,” said William Knack, a Chappaqua psychologist who specializes in families and alcoholism. “By the time someone is driving intoxicated with children in the car, their disease has progressed.”

Bonsignore sought help at the substance abuse council she now directs. The ability to make her own choices has been the most liberating part of sobriety, she said.

“Physical illnesses are horrible, and I’ve had them, but there is nothing worse than alcoholism, because who you are is taken through the drugs you are using,” she said. “You lose yourself to the addiction. You lost who you were created to be.”

source: Journal News

http://treatmentcenters.com

Family Strengthening Program Helps in Teen Drug and Alcohol Prevention

2009-08-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

Drugs and alcohol can be a big problem for teens who get involved and don’t know how to get out. For parents and teachers seeking ways to keep kids away from this lifestyle, one organization offers a simple answer: family.

A recent news piece out of the My Central Jersey news portal highlights the philosophy of the Middlesex County chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence which says children with strong family ties are less likely to get involved in drugs and alcohol.

To build on its philosophy, the organization offers a free seven-week program, “Strengthening Families.” The program offers a free dinner and builds on the strength of the family.

“We teach kids to better communicate with their parents,” said Steve Liga, chief executive officer of the Middlesex County chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, a nonprofit organization that promotes strong family ties as a deterrent to drugs and alcohol.

The program partners with the YMCA to help continue the bonds created among the family members. Residents who complete the program complete a six month family membership to the South Brunswick Family YMCA.

According to Liga, families are taxed with little time to spend together. Everyone tends to be overscheduled, leaving little time to interact as a family and build the skills that are taught in the program.

Kids involved in the program are between the ages of 10 and 14 and are offered a new perspective on their parents. They are asked to check in with their parents to find out how they day went instead of having a one-way conversation about their young lives. Kids are also encouraged to ask their parents about their dreams and goals when they were kids to uncover common ground.

http://www.teendrugabuse.org/

FOCUS: Tailor Drunk Dream Team of All Time Version GOAL.com Indonesia

2009-08-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

Goal.com Indonesia tried to summarize the combination of players that have a dark side of alcoholism in perspective outside of their game in the field.

In general, alcoholism tends to damage the potential for addiction as a player if still active as a player, and his life may also be damaged if this occurs after retirement from the gridiron.

Good examples of team members with this 4-3-3 formation, including examples of how they rose from the darkness, could make many aware of the dangers of alcohol trap affected too much.

Goalkeepers:
Peter Shilton
Glories of winning goalie for the 125 looks the most of this England team on the field tainted with guilt in 1980. Shilton was caught driving drunk and was with a woman named Tina. When Tina's husband, Colin, came to pick up, the husband declared both irregular clothing. Shilton was a direct step on the gas, but unfortunately, he hit a street lamp and then fined £ 350 and banned driving for 15 months.

Defenders:
Paul McGrath
"Paul had a similar problem with George Best, (but) he no doubt is the most natural athlete of football you could imagine," was the phrase of Sir Alex Ferguson and his foster child to his assistant Brian Kidd at the time. McGrath picked up two FA Cups, two League Cup, even a version of the PFA Player of the Year 1993. However, his addiction to alcohol to make a mess of his career, had even attempted suicide four times. The first, when Sir Alex decided to sell it to Aston Villa in 1989.

Tony Adams (Captain)
Adams on alcohol addiction began in mid 1980, where he often got into a fight in a nightclub, even detained in jail for two months. However, the arrival of Arsène Wenger as Arsenal manager in October 2006 to save his career. Wenger set a strict diet and discipline in the players lifestyle, and ultimately successful Adams became the only player in English football history who won the title as captain in three different decades, and Adams was worthy of being captain of the team 'drunk' as role models for successful exit from alcohol dependence.

John Terry
Although now repented, John Terry had joined the Chelsea Four, along with Jody Morris, Frank Lampard and Eidur Gudjohnsen. This group is mocking American tourists at Heathrow Airport, shortly after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 to New York and the Pentagon. His appointment as Chelsea captain and England team to be motivated to repent, and even now a role model for other players.

Ashley Cole
Real incidence of Cole's fondness for alcohol recently occurred, precisely in March 2009. Cole was arrested at dawn by police denied the request for quiet during a fight with a photographer for Chelsea defender was under the influence of alcohol. Finally, the police fined Cole £ 80, but instead of punishing Chelsea harder with two weeks salary, or £ 160,000.

Middle:
Paul Gascoigne
'Gazza' could be considered as one of the most talented player in his career, but he was too much involved in incidents off the pitch and also a number of injuries that made him fail to maximize its real potential. This is more clearly seen after his career was over, even Gazza claimed nearly died while undergoing rehabilitation in 2008, because his heart had stopped beating three times. Now, Gazza seemed to recover from addiction and become one of the commentators on the BBC. Gazza regret failing to join the Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was sorry one off contract entertainer in the world of football.

Diego Maradona
While Maradona is better known by the dependence on cocaine, Maradona also had problems with alcohol. After retirement, Maradona weight increased dramatically and she was hospitalized in Buenos Aires because of hepatitis and the effects of alcohol abuse. But now, the owner of goals 'Hand of God' was able to overcome their dependence and become Argentina coach.

Rully Nere
In addition to international footballer, Indonesia also has his own players. Rully Nere has a reputation as an alcoholic, though his performance in the field of green, especially when Caps in Indonesia 1977 - 1989 made him known as "Jean Tigana 'from Indonesia.

Home:
George Best
Many parties menyandingkannya with Diego Maradona and Pele. However, speed, balance, skill use both feet, and sharpness scored tampered with his lifestyle off the pitch. The owner of the sacred number 7 at Manchester United is suffering from addiction to alcohol, even his life floated in 2005 at age 59 because of damage to the kidneys, such as the negative impact of alcoholism is. Interestingly, Manchester United manager Wilf McGuinness in 1970 was amazed at Best chance to bring victory for United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, but instead fell Best in front of goal.

Gerd Müller
One of terulung goalscorer in the history of football has also proved the other side. Only Ali Daei and Pele who scored more goals in the international arena, and until surpassed by Ronaldo in World Cup 2006, Germany striker became top scorer with 14 World Cup goals. However, after his career ended in 1982, Muller fell into the abyss of alcoholism and finally realized and entered rehab. After that, Bayern Munich gave the team a second job as an assistant coach Bayern.

Garrincha
One of the best ball penggiring this world has life after his career in football was in contrast to the still active as a player. In fact, many consider the owner's real name Manuel Francisco dos Santos has the ability equivalent to Pele. His personal life after retirement is very bad, master of alcohol and had married a few times before it finally died on January 19, 1983 at the age of 49 years because of problems with his heart. Tens of thousands of fans, colleagues, and former players attended the funeral which is also called Alegria do Povo, or (source) of joy for many people.

In addition to the above names, there are several other players who actually make the list, including Jermain Pennant. Former Arsenal starlet is often caught driving drunk, until finally could go to prison on March 1. However, because of his profession as a player, Pennant parole after 30 days and had to wear special electronic equipment at all times, including when to appear in the field.

If observed carefully, a lot of players who are in this list comes from the plain English. Habits they drank beer for socializing seems to be a difficult tradition to be abolished, and if not controlled, could prove very bad influence in anyone's life. Say No To Drugs and Alcohol!

http://www.goal.com

New Drug Addiction Overcome Alcohol

2009-08-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO - Research to find drugs to overcome alcohol addiction continues. The experts in the United States recently claimed that a new type of drug known to inhibit the brain's stress response is also useful to help addicts overcome their dependence by simply pressing a desire generated stress (Craving) is a big swig of alcohol.

In the market today is available drug called Revia is used to treat alcohol dependence by reducing the body's ability to enjoy the intoxicating effects.

But the new drug, called LY686017 is working with different mechanisms, namely reducing the effects of addiction to relieve stress situations that may encourage more addicts drank liquor.

According to Markus Heilig, clinical director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), who led the study, stress behaviors are important factors that cause the phenomenon of the vicious circle of alcoholism.

"This is because the loss due to alcohol can cause depression and increase the sensitivity of the situation as sres an argument with a spouse or stress at work. Alcohol is a bad drug because it can make you feel better, but encourage you to feel the worst when he does not drink," Heilig said quoted by AFP seperit, Sunday (17 / 2).

The drugs tested Heilig and his team studied the impact of this type of receptor in the brain called the Neurokinin 1 Receptor (NK1R) that affect responses to stress are connected with the behavior. This drug actually has shown its ability to reduce anxiety, but not marketed because of inconsistent results.

Heilig and his research team first examined the effectiveness of this drug in mice, before mengujicobanya in 50 alcoholic patients who suffer from anxiety problems and have undergone detoxification. During his research, dozens of these patients treated at the clinic for four weeks.

Among the patients, half given a placebo while others provided the original drug. The desire was so strong (Craving) was decreased in all clinic patients and appeared minimal in most patients until the end of the study period.

But once in the patients given the drug, the improvement was more obvious when measured through the questionnaire, physician examination, the tests imposed when faced with situations of social stress, and when asked to touch the bottle and smell their favorite alcohol.

"Interestingly, there was no effect on anxiety or depression psikoptologi indicating that this progress may seem specific to the process in the brain associated with alcoholism," said researcher who published his findings in Science Express.
For the next step, researchers plan a larger study conducted to determine whether this drug can help alcoholics who do not suffer from anxiety problems.

Lindsay Face Alcohol Dependence Problems

2009-08-24T21:09:00.001-07:00

indosiar.com, Los Angeles - Lindsay Lohan had reportedly gone to rehab to overcome alcohol addiction problems she suffered. The actress, known for the partying, has recently seen joining in a meeting of alcoholics in Los Angeles at 7:30 o'clock local time, Wednesday (29/11)

One of Lindsay's friend said that they had visited the meeting in secret and only for a moment in the hope that the meeting he was able to overcome his habit. He also told the New York Post, "She (Lindsay) had followed a number of meetings and wished he could change his life (this time for his own good).

As we all know, Lindsay (20) is often partying since last week, with a friend 'went off' Paris Hilton and her new friend Britney Spears and the last time they were seen on Monday (27/11). (4nd/rev/femalefirst)

http://www.indosiar.com

How to Alcohol Detox After Binge Drinking

2009-08-23T06:20:00.001-07:00

When talking about binge drinking, I'm not talking about drinking four or five beers over an evening, which would typically put the average man over the safe level of alcohol consumption for one sitting.

The type of binge drinker I am talking about is the person who will either go out and drink every night for a few nights, or go out and drink as much alcohol as they can possibly consume in one sitting.

We all know it's dangerous, and most of us have done it at one time or another. Unfortunately, we are all raised with drinking as an acceptable form of behavior in our society.

End of the lecture. You've done the drinking, and now you suffering the consequences. What do you do?

This is where Alcohol Detox for binge drinking will help you.

The first thing to do is get as much water into your body as possible. Alcohol is a diuretic, it makes you want to urinate, it inhibits the production of the ante diuretic hormone. Your body becomes less capable of absorbing water. The fluids are passed straight to your kidneys and flushed out of your body.

Another thing is to keep away from animal fats. It used to be the done thing, when you are suffering from a hangover eat a big fried meal, plenty of fat. Don't do it! Fruit and vegetables are going to be your saviors, and low-fat poultry and fish. Wholemeal cereals, and plenty of water, water, and more water.

And the obvious advice is not to drink, or take any other stimulants, including caffeine.

The whole point of Alcohol Detox after binge drinking is to try and take all the crap out of your body that you have put into it by binge drinking. When you are drunk you will all sorts of ludicrous, nasty food down your throat, junk that you would never even look at if you were sober. So you have to detox from that crap as well.

More information about binge drinking and Alcohol Detox Advice. Also some good stuff about this easy way to detox with Detox Foot Pads from the pen of Jack A. Burton.

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10 Essential Advice Tips to Help Detox From Alcohol

2009-08-23T06:19:00.001-07:00

By James Handforth

Many alcoholics have often been found saying that alcohol detoxification couldn't prove effective for them despite their utmost efforts to get rid of alcoholism and start a normal life without alcohol dependency. Actually, these drinkers often make mistake somewhere either in choosing the right sort of detoxification centre or in using the prescribed medicines in a right way. The following ten tips can prove very effective to help detox from alcohol.

• First, you must keep this important fact in mind that in an alcohol rehab centre if you can't get intensive detoxification care, it's not right to say this place an alcohol rehab centre. Therefore, it's quite important to find a right alcohol detox centre to get the right treatment.

• Nowadays caregivers and doctors at alcohol detox centre use different advanced physical and medical therapy regimens that prove quite effective to manage the alcohol withdrawal side effects and symptoms. It is better to get maximum information about these regimens and medical procedures.

• Many different medicines are available in the market for alcohol detoxification, but before opting for any of them, you must consult your doctor and tell them about the medicine that you are going to use for this purpose. Only your doctor can tell you better what kind of medicine can prove effective, as s/he knows better about your overall health.

• If you are going to have an alcohol detox from home, there are certain things, which you need to consider. It is better to do it in the presence of a friend or a family member, as withdrawal symptoms are often quite intense and a friend or family member can better handle you in this kind of situation.

• It's not only the treatment, which can help you recover, as a lot depends on your will and determination. You can only get rid of this curse if you are sincere in your effort.

• Use of right detox techniques at the right time plays a pivotal role in recovery, and that is why it is better to seek professional help in this regard.

• You also need to take proper care of your diet during and after the process of detoxification. You need to take sufficient amount of vitamin B1, as the lack of this vitamin can become the cause of some complications in the brain.

• Apart from detoxification, you can also be given some other drugs that can help you a lot to recover soon.

• Keep thinking about the benefits and other good things, which can come in your life if you succeed to get rid of alcoholism. Such thoughts will help you a lot to recover soon.

• A psychologist can also help you to make a good comeback in your normal life. You can also seek guidance from a psychologist to keep yourself on right track.

These are some tips, which can help you a lot to make the most of an alcohol detoxification program and return to your normal life immediately without depending on alcohol any longer.

James Handforth is a travel guide. Take help to detox from alcohol and complete cure from Alcoholics

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What Are Short Term and Long Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse

2009-08-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

Are you an alcoholic? When do you know you have become addicted?

Drinking alcohol excessively for a long period of time has a lot of risks to your health. The amount of alcohol you drink at a sitting and the extent of overall times you do this will determine the amount of damage done to your body.

If you are not a heavy drinker and only drink 1-2 drinks a sitting a couple of times a week, you would not be considered an alcoholic If your drinking becomes more and more each time and more often, and you continue this habit over a long period of time, you will eventually become addicted to alcohol. You increase your body tolerance each time you have a drink.

1. Your family life begins to crumble.
2. You become depressed.
3. Your anxiety will increasingly become worse.
4. You will be unable to sleep as well as you did before.
5. You start to lose your self esteem.
6. Your friends avoid you.
7. You have problems at work.

That's just the beginning. You start to shut out the family and your friends. You shut out everything except the alcohol. The long term effects of alcohol become more serious as time goes by.

You could lose your job. You could lose your family. You have already lost your self respect and your self esteem.

More serious than anything else though, is your health status. Alcohol addiction causes many health problems. The most extreme and most serious problem is Cirrhosis of the liver. When this problem occurs, it is incurable.

Other organs affected include the pancreas, stomach, throat, esophagus, and the brain. Excessive alcohol intake has been linked to cancers of these organs. Women who consume alcohol excessively are at a higher risk of breast cancer. If these are not enough reasons for anyone to think twice about continuing to drink excessively, then you are probably too far gone. You should immediately contact a health official and get into a program as quickly as you can. At this point, you cannot do it on your own.

Written By Helen Corley
June 25, 2009
http://www.livewithandlovealcoholic.com

Inpatient Alcohol Detox

2009-08-23T06:17:00.001-07:00

By Jack A. Burton

Inpatient alcohol rehab is for severe alcoholics who for a multitude of reasons cannot abstain from drinking. It is usually only severe alcoholics who will sign themselves in for inpatient alcohol rehab. In some cases the alcoholic will have no choice because they may have been ordered to take inpatient alcohol rehab by a court of law or they may have been taken into an alcohol rehabilitation program because they have become ill from the effects of alcohol abuse.

The first part of any alcohol rehabilitation treatment is alcohol detoxification. Alcohol detoxification is the process of removing all of the toxins that have been built up in the body by alcohol abuse. These toxins are responsible for the cravings that alcoholic will get when he has not had a drink. Alcohol detoxification is a controlled way of enabling the patient to deal with the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

The next part of the alcohol rehabilitation is trying to discover why the patient is addicted to alcohol. There will be daily therapy sessions in which the alcoholic will try to understand the fundamental causes behind their addiction and the patient will also be helped to develop a plan of action which they will carry forward once they leave the inpatient alcohol rehab program. It is important that the patient stays in the program for as long as possible. This is because the patient will have far better chance of successful alcohol rehab if they have spent a long enough time in therapy. Of course inpatient alcohol rehab is only the beginning. Once the patient leaves the program they should begin to get help on the outside to deal with any problems that might arise.

Inpatient alcohol rehab is the first step on your road to recovery. The road to recovery could take the rest of your life. You may never be able to take an alcoholic drink again but life does not stop because of this. Once you have finished with your inpatient alcohol rehab you will follow a course of outpatient alcohol rehab which will last for a relatively longer period time. For more information about either of these processes please click on the highlighted text above.

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Allostasis and Addiction

2009-08-23T06:15:00.002-07:00

The term addiction, in medical terminology means a psychiatric disorder manifested by unusual craving and compulsive indulgence of certain activities like drug addiction, alcohol addiction, gambling, video game, crime, money work addiction, overeating, nicotine or pornographic addiction. In fact there is no end of the list but since these substances or activities always brings negative impact on individual and social life; so they are specially earmarked. Addiction can also be described as a compulsive obsession and create excessive psychological dependence in addicts on their individual preference.

However, the term addiction is used commonly to mean psychological dependence and usually attached to drug or substance abuse problems. But it is also used for problems like compulsive overeating or alike; though medical communities do not recognize them as problems of addiction. There are addictions that are not substance related; like gambling and computer addiction. In these sorts of cases addiction means a recurring compulsion felt by individual to engage in some particular activity without considering its harmful consequences.

Different forms of addiction
In United States, the term "addiction" is not used in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorders (DSM -IV TR) instead it uses "substance dependence" for physical dependence, abuse of or withdrawal from any substances or drugs. The section Substance dependence states ".... When an individual persists in use of alcohol or other drugs despite problems related to use of the substance, substance dependence may be diagnosed. Compulsive and repetitive use may result in tolerance to the effect of the drug and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped. These, along with substance abuse are considered substance use disorders........" Terminology is divided between psychiatrists and physicians; as former call this problem or disease as psychological dependence or addiction and the later as physical or substance dependence.

Now there is trend to distinguish between physical dependence characterized by withdrawal symptoms and psychological dependence manifested by "compulsive, uncontrolled use" with no harm being suffered by user or any one. Clinically it is termed as "compulsive" but not necessarily addiction.

There is a lesser known factor called pseudo-addiction. This occurs when a patient seeks drugs after being treated with that for longer period. This reflects psychological dependence or addiction but sometime it may happen so that the patient might have been under treated as well. Such cases are numerous when patients are treated with opiates drugs to relieve them from pains. Treating them adequately tends to remove such dependence. More studies are required for the effectiveness or substitutes of addictive drugs like opiates.

Allostasis : What is it?
When a person is inclined to drug or substance addiction, he or she then appears to enter a new state called allostatic state departing from normal levels of change in ordinary condition. Allostasis is a process of maintaining stability while changing behavior and physiological features. Drug addiction causes harm to the addict's brain and body due to pathological state caused by damage known as allostatic load. The result of allostatic load is a state of constant depression stemming from allostatic changes. This forces the drug abusers to seek drugs before their brain and body returns to normal allostatic levels; thus producing a constant state of stress. It is observed that the presence of circumstantial stressors induce acute drug seeking tendencies.

Allostasis is a new concept proposed by Sterling and Eyer in 1988. This is a process that establishes the stability in an emergency and occurs endogenously in our physiological system to maintain balance. The word allostasis and homeostasis derived from original Greek words; "homeo" means "same" and stasis means "stable"; so homeostasis means "remaining stable by staying the same". So with the word allostasis; in Greek "allo" means "variable" and statis means "stable"; so allostasis means " remaining stable by being variable". Allostasis is a process to achieve stability through physiological or behavioral change and this can be done by altering HPA axis ( hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) hormones, cytokines, autonomic nervous system or many other systems and they are generally short term.

The process of allostasis is fundamental and this helps organisms to adjust or adapt actively to predictable or unpredictable events of life. Allostatic loads refer to the cumulative cost; the allostasis body pays to regain stability. Allostatic overload may result in serious pathophysiology. There are two types of allostatic overloads proposed which result in response of followings:

Type - I: This is when allostatic overload is caused due to increased demand of energy exceeds the supply and that result in emergency life history stage. When perturbation passes normalcy restored decreasing allostatic load.

Type - II: Allostatic overloads occur when demand of energy increases with social conflict or any type of social dysfunction. In these cases the normalcy restored by secretion of glucocorticosteroids and activities of other allostasis mediators like CNS neurotransmitters, autonomic nervous system, inflammatory cytokines wax. However if allostatic loads remain chronically high then pathologies develop. It is something like this, if a dehydrated individual continue to be stressed despite being helped then he fails to reinstate the body function. This will result in wearing out of individual's body. Though human body is adaptable but fails to bear allostatic overload for a very longer period without hazards.

The adaptogens may come in help to curb allostatic load. Adaptogens are herbal or pharmaceutical substance; they are non-toxic in regular doses and produce defensive response of nonspecific nature to stress. They restore normalcy in HPA axis. Adaptogens are new class of metabolic regulators for homeostatic and allostatic changes, toning down the hyperfunctioning systems activity or increasing hypofunctioning systems.

Allostasis and Drug Addictions
Drug addiction or substance dependence is a chronic disorder manifested by a compulsive tendency to take and seek drugs or substances to manage the levels of compulsion and desires brought on by allostatic overload. Continuous increase of intake raises the hedonic level and overtakes the individual by a negative emotional state when without them. Allostatic changes helps to identify the effects and causes of drug addiction in the neurobiological and neuroadaptive systems. The reward system of the brain in the event of drug addiction implicates some key elements of amygdale basal forebrain macrostructure. The change in stress and reward system of the brain appears to maintain stability in allostatic state in contradiction to homeostatic state; so this shows the development of susceptibility and recurrence of addiction. The allostatic state of longer abstinence is the most useful target for treating drug addiction through pharmacological and behavioral therapies. When dealing with recovery from addiction it's important for the patient to be cognizant of the brain functions occurring and by being fully aware of how the component of allostasis relates to ones addiction.

The Process of Detox For Alcohol

2009-08-23T06:15:00.001-07:00

By Jack A. Burton

The whole problem with alcohol consumption is that it causes a lot of problems internally for your body. The problems are caused not only by the constant dehydration that your body is feeling, the natural knocks and bruises that you are going to receive while you are drunk, but because of the overall effects that the residual chemicals are doing to your body. Detox for alcohol is all about removing these residual chemicals.

It is the chemicals that are inside your body that keep you hooked on the alcohol. They are thoroughly embedded into your system, a lot of the time they are stored in the fat cells around your body, especially in the beer belly fat a lot of alcoholics seem to have.

The first thing that you must do in order to detox from alcohol is to stop the alcohol consumption. This means that you have to quit drinking altogether. The process will take roughly an average of around a week. Some long-term alcoholics may suffer from the withdrawal symptoms for a lot longer than this, and the person who is trying to detox from alcohol because of the short-term alcohol problem will often only take a couple of days to get back to normal. Medical intervention is normally only required for people who have a serious alcohol problem, although if you are suffering from alcohol problems you should always consult your physician before you try any detoxing process. The reason for this is that detoxing from alcohol can be very dangerous depending on the conditions.

Many people are suffering from alcohol abuse of one form or another. Alcohol detox is only the first step in a long road of recovery for long-term alcoholics. Detox for alcohol is often necessary only because of a short-term drinking problem, and most people who drink alcohol can benefit from detox for alcohol at one stage or another. Click on either of the above links to benefit immediately.

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How to Stop Drug Abuse

2009-08-23T06:14:00.001-07:00

By Jack A. Burton

Life can be quite crazy sometimes and many people seek to hide themselves away from the lunacy of society by taking drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately there is only one conclusion to the downward spiral of drug and alcohol abuse... more alcohol and drug abuse. Eventually the substance abuser must get real with themselves and try to figure out how to stop drug abuse in themselves. The longer the person has been taking drugs or abusing alcohol, a hard it will be to quit and get control of themselves once again.

First thing that you must do is make a commitment to quit. You can only stop drug abuse if you have first made the first move towards quitting, admitting that you have a problem and that you need to stop taking drugs or abusing alcohol. The next step is when you finally quit using. You will go through a period of drug or alcohol detoxification, during which time you will suffer from the withdrawal effects that are caused by the elimination of the poisons that you have allowed into your body during your time of substance abuse. Once the drug detox has finished, you will now have to start facing the reasons why you have abused drugs.

Just because you are reading this article means that you are thinking in the right direction. There is nowhere else you can go from drug abuse, only upwards towards sobriety. This is a great world we live in a fantastic opportunities but all those opportunities will pass you by when you are drunk or high on drugs. It's so easy to blame the substance instead of the abuser. The opportunity to live your life to its fullest is through figuring out ways of how to stop drug abuse within yourself.

There are many methods of drug detox that are available. If you feel that you cannot quit taking drugs on your own then you can seek help on how to stop drug abuse from qualified people who will be only too willing to offer you support and advice. For more information about these topics please click the highlighted sections above.

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Effects of Drinking Alcohol

2009-08-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

By Ras Reed

It is incredibly important for everyone to recognize the effects of drinking alcohol. Whether you're not drinking, a beginner or an addicted drinker, all and sundry should know the result of taking booze. I assume the difficulty with alcohol addicts is that they are uninformed of the final result of their conduct. They were mistakenly made to suppose that alcohol will do them good. They were told that it will make them put aside their setback. In brief, all they were told were lies which they also accepted. They were never told of the incapacitating outcome of taking alcohol. The image given to them was that of having rapture on the universe. This piece of writing is written for every person to be acquainted with the deplorable ending of alcohol addiction, not only to the alcoholics but also to the family unit and employment of the person drinking.

One of the several depressing end result of drinking alcohol is that it affects your brain or that of an addict. It is better not to take alcohol than to take it and try to control the ending. When taken, your point of view and selection is affected negatively. In other language, you can't meditate usefully. You see things from the incorrect standpoint. It only becomes clearer to you or the addict after everything has died down. Your brain that is needed for maximum lifestyle in your job and family unit and in association with your friends and family members is adversely affected and you begin to think unreasonably. To you or an addict, every person is immoral and you are the right human being.

Not lots of folks are in the know of the weakening upshots of drinking alcohol on their everyday life. Alcohol is answerable for mental and moral changes in the person indulging in it. Unknown to countless persons drinking it, it opens the door for all forms of bananas and unintelligent spirits. Thence, it makes individuals, who are morally right and upright when they are not inebriated, to behave badly and behave unusually when they take either a little or much of it. These knotted behaviors repeatedly astound and shame the people that did it. They feel that they are not the one that did it but when shown the confirmation, they felt remorseful for their action and agree never to indulge in it again. But that obligation only last for a small number of minutes or hours.

The two effects of drinking alcohol spoke in this commentary are not exhaustive. We are yet to lay a hand on on how it has an effect on the relatives and how it is answerable for the various examples of estrangement we have in our community today. I will comment upon this in another expose for that purpose. Yet it suffice to you my dear reader to know that alcohol does more destruction to you and individuals around you than good. Therefore, the best thing you can do for yourself, your heath, your relatives and profession is keep away from all appearances of alcoholic drinks.

For more useful Alcohol Treatments information like information about Stop Drinking Alcohol, or even Help For Alcoholics, visit Ras Reed's site to be entertained with very revealing information.

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Alcoholism Among the Elderly - Anonymous Alcoholics

2009-08-23T06:12:00.001-07:00

By Idaline Hall

Medical studies in the area of alcoholism have found alcoholism among the elderly to be a bigger problem than you might think. What's really surprising about this trend is that in retrospect, medical investigation suggests that this phenomenon is nothing new. In fact, alcoholism among maturing baby boomers has been a silent threat to the health of these individuals for quite some time now.

Since awareness of this problem was first announced, action to solve the problem has been slow moving. It is estimated that today almost half the elderly individuals suffering from alcoholism remain undetected. When these individuals use their health insurance for check ups and treatment, health care professionals sometimes misdiagnose these patients by focusing on secondary ailments such as dementia, depression, insomnia or gastrointestinal problems. What these physicians fail to realize is that some of these ailments might be attributed to alcoholism.

The type of alcoholism that assails the elderly is called "late onset alcoholism". This is a distinction from early onset alcoholism that usually begins earlier in life for most individuals. Late onset alcoholism, on the other hand, is developed by the elderly usually in response to situations unique to this age bracket.

For instance, death of a spouse, worrying about money, moving to a retirement home, or being away from family are some of the triggers that can initiate alcoholism and drug dependence among the elderly. Another trigger that may be unique to this demographic group is despair and depression from lifestyle challenges brought about by physical problems that come with old age.

Children should note that moving their parents to a retirement home may create the exact environment that fosters alcoholism. The depression that may set in from being placed in a home may lead the elderly to alcoholism, and the ironic truth is that a home provides many opportunities to drink and feed the alcoholic depressive mindset.

Women seem more prone toward late onset alcoholism than men. Also, men are more likely to admit they have a problem and seek help for this condition, while women tend to suffer silently in guilt and shame. Additionally, the inability of family members to recognize and come to grips with the fact that mom or dad is now an alcoholic impedes the individual suffering from alcoholism from seeking help and getting out of the condition.

Some of the elderly diagnosed with alcoholism may look to the government for treatment. Government issued medical insurance may pay for some treatment, but it will probably be insufficient to cover the entire costs. The correct treatment needed by the elderly suffering from alcoholism is pretty much a holistic approach that is used for other alcoholics of a younger demographic.

Alcoholism among the elderly is a dangerous problem for several reasons. As we age, the body's physiology changes and our usual tolerance for alcohol is greatly decreased. This means that a standard drink may have double the effect on an elderly individual than on a younger one. This means that the harsh damaging effects of alcohol can be much stronger and therefore more lethal among the elderly. In fact, studies indicate that alcoholism causes more deaths among the elderly than cardiovascular disease.

Elderly people are, also, usually on heavy medications for many physiological conditions caused by aging. Alcohol creates an adverse effect when combined with most medications. Mixing alcohol with some medications can even lead to death. Also, you have the problem where some elderly may suffer from physical trauma from falls and accidents caused by excessive alcoholic consumption and alcoholism.

Detecting alcoholism among the elderly is not easy, but care givers can help identify some of the problem signs that may be indicative of the condition. For instance, frequent falls may be due to alcoholism more than any other reason. Signs of alcoholism must be looked for especially if the elderly being cared for has recently experienced a loss and is prone to bouts of depression and despair.

More attention must be given to identifying and helping the elderly suffering from alcoholism, as it's been estimated that one out of six baby boomers will suffer from late onset alcoholism. As the population continues to age, the problem of alcoholism among the elderly will become a big social problem, and an even bigger economic problem as well.

Respectfully submitted by Idaline Hall. For more useful insider secrets you might find interesting in the areas of home, relationships, and aging, visit: http://QuickHelpTips.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Idaline_Hall

Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centers - Caring For the Addicted Patients

2009-08-23T06:07:00.001-07:00

By Ana Francis

Alcoholism is severe disease and this needs to be taken care of in a very appropriate manner. Many nations in the world today face the challenge of alcoholism and drug abuse and many people lose so much of their lives to these addictions. Alcohol is a part of food culture of many of the cold countries, and does some good to body, but if not taken in limit and a regular intake of alcohol is addictive and has devastating effects on body. Alcoholic people suffer from body ailments like hypertension, nausea, palpitation, tremors, tachycardia etc. Similar is the case for drug abuse where a person gets addicted to drugs like marijuana, cocaine etc. however, to sure the addiction of these kind of people only alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers have sprung into life at massive level.

However, if a person is forced to leave the constant intake of alcohol he faces several abruptions and may react in a very unexpected and sick way. This at times may even be life threatening. This is known as the alcohol withdrawal delirium. Same is the case with drug addicts. Hence utmost care is required in the treatment of the alcohol and drug addicts. The first and foremost thing to be done is to get the history of the addiction. Like the quantity of regular intakes, time span etc. alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers take care of all these things. All one has to do is to bring the addicted person to one of these alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers. After a detailed repost is prepared about the patient, the patient is then treated with medicines and also a thorough psychological help is provided to the patient. It is important because most of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal delirium are psychological.

So, if one of your loved ones has engaged himself in some serious alcohol or drug abuse, you must reach out to some good alcohol and drug rehabilitation agency.

Visit Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Blog for helpful tips and more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ana_Francis

Alcohol Danger Morning Day

2009-08-19T01:06:00.000-07:00

ACCORDING World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 600 thousand European citizens died each year due to problems related to alcohol. The high death rate due to alcohol, intend to create European restructure policies to the label of the product alcohol.

Meanwhile in Indonesia, alcohol is quite easy to stall in the stall-specific. But should this intoxicating beverages can only be found in places that mengantongi special permission. While for the body, the danger of alcohol in certain time periods, among others, affect the working body and mind, the body's growth, adding the condition of stress, slow activity, can change the emotions, the brain function, damage the pancreas and nervous system without the pain, baby's birth autis or abnormal for pregnant women, poison the fetus, damage the heart, trigger breast cancer, reduce fertility and high blood pressure.

Feed alcohol at breakfast may increase the risk of a hipoglikemia the next day on one type of diabetes patients. "In fact there is no evidence to explain that someone with type one diabetes, have differences about the use of alcohol compared to healthy people. However, patients with insulin diterapi, which also mengonsumsi alcohol, the visit to the hospital with the condition increased hipoglikemia," said Dr Tristan Richardson and his team from the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, UK.

Feed the effects of alcohol the morning appeared to result in the occurrence of hipoglikemia on the type of diabetes patients after a period of 24 hours. Experts study 16 patients (average age 36 years) who already suffered from diabetes for 15 years and to mengonsumsi alcoholic beverages. All the subject has a tendency hipoglikemia. Hipoglikemia is a situation that is when blood sugar is too low from the normal. In that research, people who mengonsumsi alcoholic beverages in the morning to receive the same dose of insulin at breakfast and before bed. On the second day, the patient is not given the record of alcohol and team meals, insulin doses, exercise, sleep, and when going hipoglikemia.

Patients who are experiencing an average of 1.3 episodes hipoglikemia per day for 24 hours after mengonsumsi drink alcohol, compared with 0.6 patients who did not get alcohol. "Overall average glucose level lower alcohol users 1.2 mmol / L compared with those who do not mengonsumsi alcohol in the morning. This means that it was increasing the risk hipoglikemia for 24 hours," he added.
(Sindo / / tty)

http://lifestyle.okezone.com

Danger of consuming Alcohol

2009-08-19T00:57:00.000-07:00

Is it alcohol?
Alcohol is a substance press central nervous system even in small amount of stimulation may have a mild effect. Psikoaktif material contained in the alcohol is ethyl alcohol obtained from the fermentation process honey, sugar, juice, or tubers.

Popular name: drink (miras), kamput, Tomi (italics cap), cap mice, balo, dll.Minuman beralkohol memoloko degree different, such as beer and soda alcohol (1-7% alcohol), wine (10 -15% alcohol), and drink regular or called spirit (35-55% alcohol). Alcohol concentration in blood achieved in 30-90 minutes after the drink. From some research alcohol can cause:

* Traffic accident
* Luka fuel
* The child molestation case
* Suicide
* Workplace accidents

In Indonesia, alcohol sales are limited and may be purchased are those who have aged 21 years. Some ethnic Indoneisa use in alcoholic beverages at certain events in a little amount. They also produce alcoholic beverages with a variety of names such as stamp multiformity mice, ciu, etc..

Influence of Body (Physical and Mental)
The influence of alcohol on the body varies, depending on several factors, namely:

* Type and amount of alcohol consumed
* Age, body weight, and gender
* Food that is in the stomach
* The experience a person to drink alcoholic beverages
* The situation in which people drink alcoholic beveragesShort-term influence
Although the influence of individuals vary, there is a relationship between the concentration of alcohol in the blood (Blood-Alcohol Concentration BAC) and the effect. Euphoria and mild stimulation of the more active behavior in line with the increasing concentration of alcohol in the blood. Unfortunately, many people thought that they become better and they ignore the bad effects.

If so how to measure the dose of alcohol? In general, the dose of alcohol is determined from the BAC, Blood Alcohol Level, (gr darah/100ml alcohol in the blood). Once someone starts to drink alcohol, they start rising BAC. BAC will take approximately 30-60 minutes after they stopped drinking to achieve the concentration tertingginya. This means that even if someone is not drinking more than half an hour since the last consumption, BAC they can still ride

Risk Intoksikasi ( "drunk")
Symptoms intoksikasi alcohol the most common is "drunk", "intoxicated" that it can cause injury and death. The decline in awareness of alcohol as a weight so as stoppage of breath and death. Besides death, the short-term effects of alcohol causes loss of work productivity (such as "intoxicated", the accident caused demon). In addition, alcohol often causes criminal behavior. Some 70% of prisoners before using alcohol, violence and more than 40% of domestic violence affected by alcohol.

Long term effect
Consuming excessive alcohol in the long term can cause:

* High blood pressure
* The heart
* Stroke
* Liver damage
* Alimentary tract cancer
* Disturbance digestion other (c / o: tukak stomach)
* Impotensi and reduced fertility
* Increased risk of breast cancer affected
* Difficulty sleeping
* Damage to the brain changes in personality and atmosphere feelings
* Difficult in concentrating and remembering

In addition to health problems, alcohol also affect the relationship to one another, financial, employment, and also raises issues of law

Tolerance and dependence
Use of alcohol can continue to experience tolerance and dependence. Tolerance is the increased use of small amount of alcohol, are more likely to get the same effect. Dependency is a situation where alcohol becomes an important part in their lives, many times because terbuan thinking (how to get it, consume, and how to stop. They will have difficulties to stop or control the amount of alcohol consumed)

Disconnect Alcohol Symptoms
A physical dependence on alcohol. Akan experiencing symptoms of alcohol when the dropout stop or reduce the amount of use. Symptoms usually occur 6-24 days after the start of the last drink. Symptoms can last for 5 days, which are: trembling, nausea, fear, depression, sweating a lot, head aches, difficulty sleeping.
Symptoms of alcohol is very dangerous to drop out! people who drink more than 8 standard drink per day is recommended to consult a doctor to get a medical therapy to prevent complications.

Users of alcohol during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (the normal physical, growth and development of the fetus is slow). The amount of alcohol is safe in pregnancy is not known. During pregnancy should not drink alcohol.
Alcohol, substance and other Drugs
Alcohol became more dangerous when used with other substances as well as several classes of medications. Alcohol will increase the influence of drugs benzodiazepin and analgetik strong.

Alcohol and skipper Kendaraan
To avoid the risk of bad effects of drinker and others, do not drink alcohol before or during the ride vehicles (other activities that pose a risk or need skills)

http://menuju-sehat.blogspot.com.

SO, is still obsessed with alcohol

2009-08-19T00:56:00.001-07:00

Restrictions for human or drink wine because alcohol is very bad consequences, have been common since the first. In fact, every religion in the world participated in this case is prohibited among its adherents.

Some countries are aware of the negative impact of alcohol, prohibited use of alcohol as a drink. However, many new products and technologies that are developed, continue to be created. The businessman did not object to liquor taxes to pay for most of the liquor charged to the customer.

Not only are drugs that make people go astray in the vicious circle. One step before the drug someone, usually their first terbius in jeratan alcohol. The word alcohol is often used to name the organic compound that consists of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. From all types of alcohol, the most known is metil alcohol or liquor that comes from the seeds, and ethyl alcohol drink that is derived from the grape.

However, there is little benefit, such as alcohol usage as an agent or germ killer disinfektan, antidot for virulence metanol or relieve fever heat. However, it can not be denied that the deterioration of the effect of the alcohol away the good. Many research that says if pengonsumsi safe amount of alcohol in one, will decrease the efficiency of work. Dr. Irwin H. Neff, head of the hospital in Norfolk alcohol dependence, Massachussets states that those who mengonsumsi in the amount of alcohol tend to be more secure easy organ disease than people who are often drunk. In addition, the general sensitivity and muscle nerves of every individual will experience a decrease, resources and coordination of approach musculature motor arm and eyes will also be decreased.

Alcohol is the main ingredient is ethanol. Ethanol is a kind of chemicals that attempt to hit the brain activity, thus authority to change minds. The use of alcohol for a long period can cause the effect of the billing terms of spiritual and physical.

Once drunk, alcohol may be absorbed into the blood through the stomach. However, the main road alcohol into the blood through the small intestine, and then taken to heart the blood beralkohol then spread to the entire body of yesteryear. As stated, the effects of alcohol is the main brain. Here, alcohol causes a person experiencing the crisis themselves and can also have impact in terms of learning. Apart from the consequences of the brain, alcohol affects the body systems and organs. For example, the impact on the circulatory system causes more blood flowed to the skin, causing skin drunkard become reddish. tap the heart also increased fast and strong like doing sports. Alcohol also menyebabkab gastritis. Alcohol drinker often dispose of the water is usually small because the ethanol mix barrier menggagu hormone urine.

Dangers of alcohol is also very visible to the chronicles of alcohol drinker (alcoholic). The use of alcohol can lead to complications in the physical, psychiatric, and social. Than ulser stomach, alcohol can also cause liver cirrhosis. Drinker of alcohol may also experience anemia, hipoglisemia (lack of sugar in the blood, and vitamin deficiency). Musculature, order, and also the heart of degeneration in the long term.

Nerve damage can cause a variety of diseases such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and damage to brain cells, which then go to the complications psychiatry. Drunkard often halusinasi hearing, amnesia, paranoid, depression, and a tendency to kill themselves.

See a variety of criminal news on television. Many of the crimes was that someone was under the influence of alcohol. Not only that, alcohol is often associated with traffic accidents. Some 60 percent of deaths during mengendara use of alcohol. Around 30,000 people killed each year due to various types of accidents associated with vehicle bermotor.Minuman hard that the self-control is the main cause of the emergence of social turmoil, such as an alcohol mengonsumsi easily tempted to do bad actions that he is usually able to avoid. A doctor reported that out of thousand cases which he signed, 80 percent related to venereal disease patients through a sexual relationship when alcohol influenced. Alcohol aggravate diseases caused by the association of sexual freedom.

SO, is still obsessed with alcohol ???????????????

Campaign: Danger arrack

2009-08-19T00:53:00.000-07:00

ISLAM forbid drink wine since 14 centuries ago. Jahiliyah the Arabs before the coming of Islam is a wine drinker who is quite formidable.

They drink wine as a kind of life that gives keseronokan placed next to the wine as a regular nutritious meals to keep kesihatan.

There are a handful of Arab jahiliyah a new strain of Islam affect the Prophet cuba with said they drink wine and give it to other people only as a bidder and ubat.

He s.a.w. immediately contradict that contention with said: "He is not ubat, even wine is actually the beginning to the disease." (Historical Muslim)

Islamic belief in the first killing that has been muddled in the tuberous roots of a society jahiliyah Arabic words as She, the wife of the Prophet quoted by Imam Bukhari: "If al-Quran at first tells the Arabs that do not drink wine (wine) and not gamble intimacy and perform, they will say: "No, we will not obey."

"The story of life after death, about heaven and its beautiful park for any of abiding and seksaan Fire for a broken heart to be soft, it was after the stop of the wine, making a game and intimacy, they compliance."

However, wine does not continue to be banned immediately. He took three years for the pengharaman wine as a whole.

Person Islam began on the subject bertanyakan wine as stated in al-Quran Surah Al-Baqarah verse 219 which means: "They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say there is sin on both of them and some great benefits for mankind. But both the sin is greater than the benefits. "

This paragraph gives kesedaran and awareness to the people a strong faith and do continue to leave Salih wine and gambling. However, restrictions to the top of the wine is not stated clearly.

Command that is revealed in the event of a tightness in bersolat and make big mistake when reading the holy verses of al-Quran. This event is told through the al-Quran Surah an-Nisa 'verse 43 which means: "O believers, do not you solat you are in a state of drunkenness ..."

This prohibition is very important because mold diperkatakan drunk the first time with a prayer that difardukan at a certain time of day, which began solat dawn until Isyak.

This conflict between the new command with the customary resam Arab jahiliyah who drink wine in the early morning and early evening.

Struggle against carnal desire to rein in the behavior wine bill by patience and fortitude peminumnya.

At the beginning to eliminate addiction, wine drinker who may be exposed to active 'convulsions' or a character in the meracau.

Commands end the arrack ban was revealed in a Majlis Muhajirin reception involves the Ansar and the wine into one of the dishes.

When the drunken crowd, they began to glorify and then fight each other with a hit-throw hit the bones found in the food dish.

When drunk lost, they began to regret, feel guilty and head up the action.

At that time, al-Quran states that the liquor and gambling is prohibited to all Muslims, as Allah says in Surah al-Maarij verses 90-91 which means: "... that the devil would cause enmity and hatred between you drink wine, and because dice and hinder you from remembrance of Allah and solat, then stop you (from doing the act). "

Anas bin Malik called states: "When the liquor (arrack) is prohibited, like the Arabs, and there are still very difficult for compliance. But ultimately they comply with the commands of God was with each of the wine drinker will bring wine from home to each road and membuangkannya. Street and alley in the Medina wine filled with the smell for a few days. "

Since the events up to this time, people around the world Islam is the most problem with less berdepan addicted wine.

It is clear that jenayah Some people in this day, among other berpunca of wine.

Scientific studies have the same in terms of science, psychology and social dangers of wine shows.

Al-Quran earlier gave warning that the wine hurt more than useful as the word of God in Surah al-Baqarah verse 219 which means: "They ask thee (O Muhammad) about wine and gambling. Say: In them is great sin, and there are also some benefits for mankind, but sin is greater than the benefits. "

Deterioration is greater than the good of them:
# When drunk with much wine can merosakkan stomach mucous and poison into the sink in the quick entry into the human body, especially once the heart and the fruit belt.
# With the number of drinks can make someone that got blown a respirator to the subject.
# It also can cause death due to strong pressure suddenly alcohol in wine is to the liver and heart.
# Meminumnya when empty stomach before breakfast, or may cause the introduction of the boil in the belly.

Professor AJ Arberry also says: "wine drinker at risk of disease and blood clot hempedu freezing water, even as they merepek akan madman and easy to get ahmar disease or paralysis.

"In addition, a drunk wine will be lost due consideration understand. Are not aware he was to open the mysteries malignancy itself to other people. "

Professor Muhammad Farid Wejdi, Encyclopaedia of Islam describes it: "No man ever received a jolt as the most powerful wallop wine. People also crowded terkorban caused by wine.

"If dibanci sick people in hospital in the world, the most crowded nescaya is penghidap madness and nerve diseases caused by wine. People suffering from nerve pain, pain, skin food, stomach pain is caused by rope wine. "

drinking alkhohol this result

2009-08-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

was alkhohol danger of drinking ...
See this illustration sobh deh ..
if still incredulous ...
okey ...

Other evidence Danger Alcohol

2009-08-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

A study called The Million reported that only once a week mengonsumsi alcohol, can increase the risk of breast cancer, cancer and cancer faring lever.
Kontan only survey conducted for the World Cancer Research Fund in the UK this makes a lot of vicious people. Experts can not really explain exactly why alcohol can cause drunkenness and trigger cancer, despite knowing that the body alcohol dimetabolisme and changed to a toxic component (toksik).

Genetic factors, gender, age stated alcohol affect the interaction, so that a safe dosage for someone not necessarily safe for another.
Like cigarettes, although many research and evidence about the negative dampat alcohol for health, it still can not afford to change their behavior habitue of alcohol.

About the healthy benefits of red wine (red winw) is also expressed as a myth by Prof.. Valerie Beral of Oxford University and author of major reports The Million Women study. The statement is then corrected by Prof.. Roger Corder, author The Red Wine Diet.
"The research we successfully identify groups of chemical substances called 'Prosianadin' which is a polifenol, the components are anti oksidan that can prevent heart panyakit.", Said Prof.. Corfer. Polifrnol indeed found in the skin of red grape.
"In high doses, it can appear to improve the quality of life in the rat, but you need very high doses," he said, as quoted the BBC site. That means that the required human dose equivalent of thousands of liters of wine.
And unfortunately, the wine is sold in most supermarkets and high alcohol prosianadin low. (rin)

Source: Healthy Lifestyle Magazine

We lurk dangers of alcohol

2009-08-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

Dear friends ....,

I am sure readers of this blog most of the not so "aware" of the danger of alcohol ... Not because I do not or have never read, but more because I rarely touch more meminumnya (hopefully so). I am also including, if I invited some Tati (Hartati Nurwijaya) write a book about this, so I only get sekedarnya course ... .. because it does not feel concerned, because I never drink, and Allah will not drink.

But friends, ....

if we learn more and see the world around us ... .. how much actual alcohol and friends (drugs, drugs) is lurk in every corner of the city. Alcohol is one of the entrance to the drugs and become one of the main causes of teenage and adult criminality. Phenomenon addicted or alcohol danger as "iceberg phenomenon", the only visible peak, but it was under a lot of kejadiannya. News that appears in the newspaper about her death in vain due to some people is just menenggak miras zero comma zero percent of the actual number of cases. This is based on the fact that the actual history of alcohol together with a long history of human civilization itself.

This is known through the results of archaeological research by experts that appear to drink alcohol the first time from the time of the ancient Egyptian civilization. From where liquor developed up to now, and still be a part of human civilization. Then proceed with the history of alcohol at the time of ancient Greece and ancient Roman. Bermunculanlah earlier history of the various types of alcoholic beverages in various hemisphere, each with specific pembuatannya, which is not separated from the local culture. France famous for its wine, vodka with Russia, Japan, with shochu and sake, and many more areas of the typical alcoholic drinks, not the exception of various regions in Indonesia. Palm wine, wine, brem, ciu, lapen is only a few types of traditional alcoholic beverages in Indonesia.

Now the era of globalization, the more easily the spread of culture, including cultural drinking alcohol. Still "hit" the vast majority of our population is Muslim, notabene that forbid alcohol, so that the culture seems not to drink alcohol become our culture. But is not a secret that many Muslims claim that they are, but do not drink any alcohol dipantang.

After that more and more aware mudharatnya rather than the benefits, it is in countries that have "culture" to drink alcohol also have started movements appear to think back to drinking alcohol - rethinking for drinking. A website sponsored by the Government of the United States and jajarannya (http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/) was to invite people to think back to drinking alcohol. Because a lot of it starts from a certain few. They published a booklet with the title Rethinking drinking: Alcohol and Your Health that can be obtained free of charge.

Nah, concerns the danger of alcohol for the next generation of the nation reason to be encouraged that we (me and some Tati) to mewujudkannya in the books now in the process of publishing. In the book presented a variety of alcoholic beverages from many of the world culture and drinking alcohol. Some stories alcohol drinker and consequently also presented, as well as the effects, both physical and psychological health in perspective. Of course, several ways to prevent or treat alcohol addicted also described with the explicit. Thanks for all the colleagues from different hemisphere who have contributed to this book.

Just for your info ... just ...

Did you, friend, that the type of alcohol that is only the result of fermentation, and there is also a didestilasi after fermentation? That's called a type of beer and spirits, where the spirits is higher alcohol content obtained from the process destilasi. Any posts in a journal publication Alcohol May 2009 (Vol 43, p. 185-195) reported that the type of alcoholic drink that can affect the illness of alcohol dependence and treatment kepatuhannya addicted to alcohol. Baltieri, et al found that the illness of alcohol dependence found in the more spirits rather than beer drinker, so as to compliance habitue spirits addicted to alcohol treatment rather than on the smaller habitue beer, so dicarikan need a better method to overcome addicted spirits.

In Indonesia, the form of spirits is not found in many alcoholic beverages native Indonesia. But that is many more memprihatinkankan drinkables oplosan commonly consumed among the weak economy, as a form of "escape" from the crush of life. Sad to see it. Should have the effort of various parties to be able to press the use of this miras with more systematic, as well as the wider information about the dangers of alcohol. Danger Alcohol Campaign to various corners of the ground water that has high miras victim is one of the efforts that we will do (Allah) together with the launch of this book. Who do you want to support? We are very open to all party support, both moral and material. Perhaps there is a good free ngasih lodging, or accommodation and transport, or apalah hehe ... ... .. Please contact me only through this blog ...

Thus, this ad for our book, "Danger and How to Prevent Alcohol Kecanduannya" which hopefully will soon be published by PT Elex Media Computindo ... hehe .. Buy yaa ... ..

Many suspected drink Miras, Deny killed

2009-05-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

Surabaya - supposedly too many menenggak drink (miras), Deny Murif (24), a university student Wijaya Putra (UWP) died. Deny died in the hospital Muji Rahayu, Manukan, after experiencing a strain-strain.

"Nighttime, miras victim was partying with friends kontrakannya," said Kanit Reskrim Polsek Benowo, Iptu Budi Waluyo of to journalist mapolsek, Sememi Road, Friday (22/5/2009).

Nabire original victim, the Papua, said Budi, contracted a house in Jalan Wisma Tengger XXXI block 59 E/36 with two friends, and Timinius Wakar Anis Nokdya.

While in the hospital Muji Rahayu, Timinius confess that during the previous afternoon Deny menenggak miras. However Timinius not claim to know how many bottles of drink miras Deny. At 21.00 pm, Deny farewell out of the house without the purpose.

However, towards the dawn, go Timinius, Deny home. But at 05.00, Deny is in bed suddenly taut. Briefly and then normal again, but a strain that appears again and the longer the more often. At 08.00 WIB, Deny taken to hospital Muji Rahayu. However, in treatment, the last breath against Deny 10:00 WIB.

Timinius own Deny allege that while drunk out of the house again that night. But whether Deny has a disease so that when too many menenggak miras disease recurrence, Timinius does not claim to know menahu.

Certainty about the causes of death Deny, the police themselves have not been away. While the corpse in the mortuary RSU dr Soetomo Surabaya. Police will await the results otopsi the medical team will be made to ensure the cause of death Deny. (Iwd / fat)

Stay updated with the information in any browser http://m.detik.com from your phone!

Miras Back swallow Victims

2009-05-29T06:05:00.001-07:00

RESOURCES, (PRLM) .- The victim died as a result menenggak drink (miras) in Kab. Cirebon happen again. This time experienced Ichwan Fahroji (20), a labor of origin Gebang Ilir village, Kec. Gebang. Stretch the life of the victim after drinking Vodka miras type. Victim's death hit his family than to make people around the jar.

Available information gathered Sunday (24 / 5), before found dead, the victim is known miras a party with some friends on Saturday (23 / 5) ago. After the party, they returned to their respective homes. When up in the home, victims of drunk heavily and complained of nausea, dizziness and nausea. Due to the condition of the victims continue to deteriorate, his family took him to the hospital public areas (hospitals) Waled. There, the victim had obtained treatment, however, the life of the victim can not be saved, he died on Sunday early morning at around 01.00 WIB.

The victim's family, especially the parents of the victim is beaten meras because, previously, they have repeatedly not to mengingatkannya drinking miras. "I often remind him to stop so that the intoxicating drink, but he remains obdurate, be difficult to know" said Warmin, father of the victim when dimintai information by the police in Mapolsek Gebang.

Officers have requested information to a number of other witnesses, including Rudi (24) who participated in the party miras with victims. Witnesses are still a village with the victim's claim to drink vodka with the victim. However, Rudi confess only feel dizzy-dizzy after menenggak miras briefly with the victim.

Results of inspections conducted outside the medical officer witnessed Waled RSUD Polsek Gebang victims and family members, not found former persecution and violence. Currently a member Sat Drugs Cirebon police station is still investigating the case miras a victim take back this life. "We are still awaiting results of an autopsy the doctor to make sure whether the cause of victims of catastrophe because miras or have other causes," said Kasat Drugs Cirebon police station, Commissioner Hartono purpose. (A-146A/26).

http://www.pikiran-rakyat.com

Three killed drinking Miras Oplosan

2009-05-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

INDRAMAYU (Pos Kota) - Three young people died after nenggak miras a dioplos powder energy drink on the sidelines of the festival crowd in the village hajatan Kartanegara District Haurgeulis, Indramayu, Saturday, 9 / 5).

The three young people died before it had time to remove the foam mouth. Due to suspected poisoned drink. The victim's family initially tried to help soul RS Bhayangkara Indramayu. But some time after treatment, the Almighty will others. Wandi, 25, Herman, 23 and Nosanari, 30 of the Village Kertanegara Kec. Haurgeulis Kab. Indramayu eventually died in the room turns treatment.

And Wandi Herman died Saturday (9 / 5) night. Nosanari blow away the last breath the next day on Sunday (10 / 5) at around 08:10 WIB. Doctors at the hospital Bhayangkara Indramayu, Monday (11 / 5) plan mengotopsi remains one of the victims.
Miras a third party do the youth in a house near neighbors who are hajatan. According to the victim, type of miras a dioplos that consists of brand Vodca, rounded bottles Bigboss alias bottles Blending powder mixed drinks Cap KB.

Drink racikan was stirred in the pot to the average. Then by the lush ditenggak smth while enjoying the wave Dangdut music. Lapse of some time later, the drunkard that his head felt very heavy. Wandi decide first home means you want to calm headaches at home.

Soon followed by Herman and choose the pull Nosanari alias before returning home to spend all miras oplosan in a teapot. After the party miras, home owners memberesi glass, teapot, and several bottles miras used to the kitchen to be cleaned.

Dim the house of the drunkard is weak lie in bed just relieve the pain. But that happens, the pain is growing acute. The victims complained about the blurred vision, stomach nausea and vomiting. Seeing the condition worsened, the victim's family seeks help to RS Bhayangkara Indramayu.

Kapolres Indramayu AKBP Mashudi be contacted at Post City Rupbasan (Rumah Storage Objects confiscated Country) Indramayu, Monday (11 / 5) confirming the Village Kartanegara 3 youth, killed due nenggak miras a dioplos some type of beverage. "Mirasnya purchased from the border of Subang Regency," said Kapolres.

According kapolres, in Indramayu razia miras be continued in the police station with Polsek. "Today we submitted 18,800 bottles of various brands miras results razia to Rupbasan," he said. Pending adjudication in the Court Indramayu, miras evidence destroyed before it is stored.

Mentioned, many exhibit miras results razia Polsek-Polsek which until now was in the Polsek. "Miras-in Polsek Polsek that we collect and later submitted to Rupbasan," he said.

Simultaneously delivering 18,800 bottles evidence miras a variety of brands, the police prosecute the owner miras mul, 43 Jatibarang citizens, along with the truck KA 8788 E miras a vehicle driver and the U.S., 32 Kelurahan Harjamukti residents, the City of Cirebon. (taryani) .-

http://www.poskota.co.id

Miras Oplosan killed a dozen people

2009-05-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

DENPASAR | SURYA Online - Up to Wednesday (27 / 5) this afternoon, the victim died as a result the party drink oplosan in Denpasar, Bali, 12 people have become. Beyond that, two more are still treated in the hospitals intensive Sanglah.

"So far 12 people have died since the 'party' was held last week," said Director of the Drug Commissioner of Polda Bali Indarto staple.

According to the hook, the party miras oplosan is conducted in a house in Jalan Sutoyo, Denpasar, on Saturday (23 / 5). As they tenggak drink two liters of wine is a traditional Balinese who dioplos with a bottle of Pepsi Blue and similar liquid bottles of juice.

"Mixed like that, and there are parts that have been successful amankan us," said the gnarly details of the goods without the liquid, which then can cause the death.

Still the staple, the party miras oplosan that participants make heavy drunk. Some even fainted at the scene of an accident. Seeing that, the local people immediately give the young people flock to the RSUP Sanglah, Denpasar. However, one by one died. Till Wednesday evening, 12 people have died.

Suppliers of goods on the fluid, said that the hook still need to do further investigation can be explained not so now. "I have ordered the kasat to track down the supplier and then mixed into a drink oplosan is," he said.

So far, the Polda Bali has not been a person who is considered responsible for the incident, as everything is still in the investigation in the field. ant

http://www.surya.co.id

Because of Germany suffered Baby Drink alcohol

2009-05-29T05:54:00.001-07:00

More than 50% of German women drink alcohol during their pregnancy. Consequently, each year more than 10,000 babies suffering from birth defects due to the mother consume liquor

Hidayatullah.com-So-Bätzing said Sabine, a high government officials who deal with German drug. From that amount, about 4,000 babies suffer aberration full Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Alcohol syndrome fetus). Congenital disease is severe impact on the mental, physical and psychiatric penderitanya.

Based on research Charité Clinic in Berlin, Germany 58% of women asked said that they enjoy a drink during their pregnancy. This is dangerous, considering it of any value that drink alcohol can be harmful to pregnant women in the baby's abortion.

"There is no safe limit for the lowest pengkonsumsian alcohol during pregnancy," said Bätzing in warning "alkoholgeschädigten Tag des Kindes" (day disabled children due to alcohol).

Bätzing emphasize the need for total stop drinking during pregnancy because the fetus's body has the ability not adequate in disjoint alcohol. According to him, syndrome due to alcohol consumed mother is the type of disability that most often affects the new born baby. This figure is twice more than Down syndrome.

Approximately 80% of children Alcohol syndrome fetus must have treatment for life and can not undergo independent living.

Thus, the old men who think and reveals the secret knowledge reinforces the wisdom of the good laws of the Creator of the ban. Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed by humans, including pregnant women. For drinks or hard liquor really the best madlarat have a very big future for the generations that are still in the womb:

They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: In both, there is great sin and some benefits for mankind, but sin is greater than the benefits. And they ask thee what they spend. Say: Who needs more of. Thus Allah maketh plain His revelations unto you that ye may reflect. (QS. Al-Baqarah, 2:219). [wwn / ddp / dda / www.hidayatullah.com]

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month Time for Education and Action about Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Read more: "April is National Alcohol Awar

2009-05-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

Every day 350 Americans die because of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, and thousands more are admitted into hospitals, psychiatric facilities, or jails and prison. Alcohol places thousands more at risk for divorce, unemployment, bankruptcy, and physical and emotional problems such as depression. Because it affects so many people, alcoholism is considered the number one public health problem in America - even surpassing cancer and heart disease, and is the third leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.

Alcohol Awareness Month

Alcohol Awareness Month is a national grassroots effort that was started by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in 1987, and it quickly spread throughout the country. AAM highlights the need to support education, prevention and treatment for alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. It is an opportunity for families and communities, together, to educate themselves about the critical issues of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, and reach out and educate their children on the reasons to stay alcohol free.

Alcoholism is a disease that affects children, families and communities across the nation. In fact, most people know someone who has been affected by this disease as over half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or alcohol problems (Position Paper on Drug Policy, Physician Leadership on National Drug Policy -PLNDP, Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, 2000.) In this regard alcoholism does not just affect the alcoholic but others around him or her, and therefore it is also called a family disease.

Alcohol is a toxic and addictive drug. Each year there are well over 100,000 deaths because of alcohol, and according to the fact sheet “Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Are America’s Number One Health Problem” (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence), there may be as many as 18 million individuals with an alcohol problem or alcoholism in the United States. Alcoholism was, is, and remains one of the most pervasive and tragic diseases affecting society.

Alcohol Free Weekend

Alcohol Free Weekend is a special opportunity for parents to teach about alcohol in their homes. For at least one weekend each year people are saying that America does not need to rely on alcohol for pleasure or pastime. This also gives parents opportunity to further reflect upon the dangers and consequences of drinking with their children.

Prevention is the Best Policy

Although it is among the nation's most deadly diseases, alcoholism is preventable. Each year AAM offers an opportunity to work in a unified effort to raise awareness about the negative consequences of drinking and to do something about it. It also asks families to look at the level of emotional pain that alcohol has caused in their lives and encourages adults to talk about alcoholism with a spouse, children, and friends. The best prevention is to help send the message to youth that one does not need not drink to enjoy leisure activities and have a fulfilling and healthy life. In fact, at least 34 percent of Americans do not drink at all.

Referral Information

AAM also encourages individuals with an alcohol problem to seek treatment. Help is only a telephone call away. If a person believes that he or she or a family member may have an alcohol problem or if one is hurting or in emotional pain because of alcohol, it is best to contact a local treatment agency or call the national referral helpline operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP.

Resources

The Consumption of Alcohol is Not Recommended

SAMHSA Helpline

The copyright of the article April is National Alcohol Awareness Month in Alcohol Abuse is owned by Nelson Acquilano. Permission to republish April is National Alcohol Awareness Month in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Read more: "April is National Alcohol Awareness Month: Time for Education and Action about Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism | Suite101.com" - http://alcohol-abuse.suite101.com/article.cfm/april_is_national_alcohol_awareness_month#ixzz0Gs6FDHQQ&A

Pathological Basis of Alcoholism Explaining the Habit in Detail Read more: "Pathological Basis of Alcoholism: Explaining the Habit in Detail | Suite1

2009-05-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

by Naheed Ali

Alcoholism bears the following signs and symptoms: Craving—an emotional need, or urge, to drink, loss of control—not being capable of stopping the consumption of alcohol once drinking has begun, and physical dependence—withdrawal problems such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and panicking after ceasing the consumption of alcohol.

Alcoholism symptoms also include tolerance—the need to consume higher amounts of alcohol to make one feel "drunk."

In medical and scientific research venues, official diagnostic criteria for alcoholism also have been established. Such criteria are normally included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, in addition to the International Classification Diseases, published by the World Health Organization.

Alcoholism and Pathological Basis of Disease

Alcoholism is a disease. The craving that an alcoholic feels for alcohol can be as powerful as the craving for food or fluids. An alcoholic will keep consume alcohol despite serious family, health, or legal issues.

Like many other illnesses, alcoholism is long-term. In other words, it lasts a person's lifetime and it generally follows a predictable course. It also has specific signs and symptoms. The risk for acquiring alcoholism is therefore influenced both by an individual's family history and by his or her lifestyle.

Inheritance Basis of Alcoholism

Research findings suggest that the risk for acquiring alcoholism does indeed run in families. The genes an individual inherits partially explain this pattern, but lifestyle is also a factor.

Currently, researchers are working hard to find the actual genetic constituents that place people at risk for developing alcoholism. Your social circle, the amount of mental stress in your life, and how readily available alcohol is, are also things that may boost your risk for alcoholism.

Bear in mind: risk is not necessarily destiny. Just because alcoholism tends to run in families does not mean that children of alcoholics will automatically turn into alcoholics themselves. A few patients develop alcoholism even while no one in the family suffers from a drinking problem.

By the similar token, not all children of alcoholics run into problems with alcohol. Becoming aware of your risk is crucial though, because then you could take steps to defend yourself from trouble with alcohol.

Treating the Pathology of Alcoholism

Alcoholism can't be cured at the moment. Even if an alcoholic has not been consuming alcohol for an extensive period, he or she can still suffer a relapse. Not consuming alcohol is the safest thing to do for the majority of people with alcoholism.

Alcoholism can be treated. Alcoholism therapy programs utilize both counseling and drugs to make an individual cease consuming alcohol. Therapy has helped many patients stop consuming alcohol and rejuvenating their lives in a healthier way

Reference:

S B Rosalki. “Pathology of Alcoholism.” Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 1991. August. 84 (8): 506–508.

The copyright of the article Pathological Basis of Alcoholism in Alcohol Abuse is owned by Naheed Ali. Permission to republish Pathological Basis of Alcoholism in print or online must be granted by the author in writing
.

Read more: "Pathological Basis of Alcoholism: Explaining the Habit in Detail | Suite101.com" - http://menshealth.suite101.com/article.cfm/pathological_basis_of_alcoholism#ixzz0Gs4JHwcj&A

Alcohol Disorders Among College Students

2009-05-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

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

Previous studies on college drinking have concentrated on the type, frequency and amount of alcohol consumed. This is the first study to assess the actual extent of alcohol diagnoses among college students.

"Heavy drinking is most often regarded as a behavior problem only," said John R. Knight, Principal Investigator of the study and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Harvard Medical School.

"Our study indicates that many students who drink heavily are at high risk of true mental disorders – alcohol abuse and dependence. Alcohol dependence especially may become a lifelong illness, and more should be done to recognize and help students at risk."

The findings were released by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study (CAS). The article appears in the May 2002 issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol.

Researchers based their findings on survey responses from more than 14,000 students at 119 4-year colleges. The survey included questions that correspond to criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose alcohol disorders, the most severe of which is alcohol dependence (alcohol abuse is a less advanced, although still serious disorder). The diagnostic guidelines can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition.

Binge Drinkers

Heavy episodic drinkers (often called binge drinkers), and especially frequent heavy episodic drinkers, are at increased risk of alcohol disorders. Heavy episodic drinkers are defined as men who had five or more—or women who had four or more—drinks in a row at least once in the two weeks before the students completed the survey questionnaire. Frequent heavy episodic drinkers have consumed these amounts at least three times in the previous two weeks.

Alcohol industry organizations and some alcohol educators have questioned the five/four measure as too low to be considered heavy episodic drinking. However, the study shows that drinking at this level is associated with a much higher risk of alcoholism. For instance, one in every five frequent heavy episodic drinkers was classified with alcohol dependence (alcoholism), compared to one of every 20 students in the overall student population.

"The findings that so many students are diagnosable as alcohol dependent or alcohol abusers indicate that the drinking levels of too many students are dangerously high. Any attempt to downplay college drinking flies in the face of the facts," said Henry Wechsler, Ph.D., Principal Investigator of the CAS.

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

Few Seek Treatment

Despite the prevalence of true alcohol disorders on college campuses, few students report seeking treatment. Only six percent of students with alcohol dependence reported that they had sought treatment.

"For years colleges have offered alcohol education programs. However, our findings show that colleges must not only strengthen prevention programs, but also set up programs to identify high risk drinkers early on and ensure the availability of treatment," Knight said.

The researchers recommend that student judicial and health service organizations implement early identification programs, and that colleges take additional steps to increase the skills and awareness of students, resident hall and advising personnel about alcohol disorders.

"Furthermore, unless colleges and their surrounding communities reduce the easy access to cheap alcohol, we can expect colleges to produce a continuing stream of alcohol-addicted young people," Wechsler said.

http://alcoholism.about.com

A Widespread Problem

2009-05-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

For most people, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol use -- up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits) -- is not harmful for most adults.

Nonetheless, a substantial number of people have serious trouble with their drinking. Currently, nearly 14 million Americans -- 1 in every 13 adults -- abuse alcohol or are alcoholic.

Several million more adults engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. In addition, approximately 53 percent of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.

The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious--in many cases, life-threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). It can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy.

In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes, recreational accidents, and on-the-job accidents and also increases the likelihood of homicide and suicide. In purely economic terms, alcohol-use problems cost society approximately $100 billion per year. In human terms, the costs are incalculable.

http://alcoholism.about.com

Are You in an Alcoholism Marriage?

2009-05-23T19:22:00.001-07:00

Are you currently in an alcoholism marriage? This is a very serious social concern that destroys many families around the world. It can lead to physical, mental and sexual abuse. In addition, financial problems are likely to occur. It is a leading cause of divorce, especially in the United States. In most cases, one partner suffers from alcoholism. In rare cases, both partners are alcoholics. If children are in the family then they always suffer whether it is one or both parents afflicted.

A person that is addicted to alcohol is mentally and physically dependant on it. In addition, it is the symptoms of withdrawal are often as serious as the alcohol addiction symptoms. Anyone in an alcoholism marriage can attest to the stress and irrationality associated with it.

If only one person is an alcoholic in an alcoholism marriage, then the other partner will obviously be under a tremendous amount of stress and unhappiness. Only if you have been in this situation can you truly understand the severity of the situation.

If you are in an alcoholism marriage then in order to save the marriage, counseling is one method to attempt to save it. Nothing will change in the marriage until the alcoholism has been reversed. This can take a long time, however it does require a serious commitment.

Counseling is necessary because you cannot rationalize with an alcoholic. Usually, the alcoholic blames someone else for the problem or does not even admit that there is a problem in the first place.

An alcoholism marriage also will experience physical symptoms that will affect the couple's sex life. Reduced sexual drive and erectile dysfunction are quite common among male alcoholics. Other health issues affecting the problem drinker are heart disease, hypertension, cirrhosis and pancreatic issues. These conditions can also lead to an increase in medical bills and thus causing more financial strain on the family.

If you are in an alcoholism marriage then the first step to take is to go to an Al-Anon meeting. This is an excellent place to start as they deal with this problem on a daily basis. You will get the help and advice that you desperately need in order to either save your marriage or re-gain your sanity.

Most people have heard of Al-Anon. There are chapters all over the world and they have the experience and understanding to deal with an alcoholism marriage.

Alcoholism is a disease that has been around as long as there has been alcohol. We hope to provide information on alcoholism and tips for the treatment of an alcoholism marriage. Visit our site today for more information! http://www.alcoholismandyou.com
By M. Applebaum

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Applebaum

Alcohol Addiction and Its Effects on Adolescents

2009-05-23T19:21:00.001-07:00

Adolescence is a period of physical and mental transition childhood to adulthood. This stage is also known as the period of discovery and coming of age. Even until now, some cultures still give much importance to this event in the life of a person. Japanese have Seijin shiki, male Hindus have Upanayanam, and Christians have their Sacrament of Confirmation. These events are examples of the several rites of passage a person undergoes.

Adolescents have their own trendy rites of passage - that of trying out vices like drinking alcoholics and sniffing on substances. Although this does not happen to majority of youth throughout the world, there is an alarming statistics of youth getting hooked into these activities. In 2002, 1.4 million youth ages 12-17 were said to have alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and only 16 percent of this received alcoholism treatment.

Alcoholic beverages alter your mind, body and emotions. While a few drinks of alcohol can actually calm and relax a person, it also reduces your ability to concentrate while at the same time lowering your reflexes. A few more drinks and the person experiences reduced coordination, slurred speech, or intense mood swings. Excessive alcohol intake results to confusion, blurred vision and poor muscle control. It is also likely to result to nausea, vomiting, and falling asleep. In worst cases, some alcoholic individuals fall into coma or eventually die.

Alcohol treatment centers warn that alcoholism is a leading cause of death among the youth. It increases the incidence of vehicular accidents, suicide, rape and other family and school problems.

Concerned individuals such as the family, school and community can do something to combat alcoholism among the youth and minimize the adverse effects of this vice. Parents and families can set up strict rules on alcohol use; schools can enforce alcohol bans and information drives on the threats of alcohol abuse. Addiction rehabilitation centers provide valuable information on the harmful effects of alcohol abuse. These and many others are just among the several things that can be done to reduce alcoholism among youth and its effects on them.

Alcoholism treatment is the process through which alcohol abusers and alcoholics are able to recover and restore their lives to what they were before drinking.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jasper_Emarketed

Understanding Addiction to Alcohol

2009-05-23T19:19:00.001-07:00

There is habitually a lot of perplexity over what actually defines alcoholism.

People tend to think in terms of the total of beers or glasses of wine they consume in a night out or think it is a matter of how consistently they drink. Alcoholism is defined neither by the bulk a person drinks nor by the regularity of alcohol . Alcoholism is an alcohol dependancy. If the person is dependant on alcohol, they are by definition alcoholic, despite how much or how often they drink.

'Alcoholism' is a disease, and a disease that affects countless people around the globe. Moreover, it is a awful disease that is chronic, progressive and regularly fatal. The disease initially attacks the physical health of the victim and then disturbs emotional and mental equilibrium by hurtful the alcoholic person's family and social life.

It is a disease that is most prominent amongst men, and sadly, most especially amongst young men. Consistent with the distinction we made above, medical practitioners distinguish between two types of alcohol-related problems - namely, 'alcohol abuse' and full-blown 'alcoholism'.

'Alchol abuse' refers to specific times where individuals over-indulge in alcohol consumption and so damage their health, but do not necessarily become addicted to the substance such that these incidents become a regular and unavoidable.

'Alcoholism' refers to that state of being where the consumer of alcohol has become dependant. They have ceased all control over their intake, such that they continue to consume compulsively, despite the noticeable inflictions the drug is doing to their physical and mental well-being.

There is a straightforward medical explanation as to how alcoholism . Regular heavy-intake of alcohol causes chemical imbalances in the brain or leads to depletion of certain chemicals, which makes the body desire alcohol. Having said that, many factors generally combine to advance someone into alcoholism - both social factors as well genetic and psychological ones.

In terms of genetics, it has clearly been shown that persons with a history of alcoholism in their families are far more likely to become alcoholics themselves that those without such a family history. As well, general high stress levels or a particular great emotional trauma can off start a person to drink excessively, as the alcohol has a direct effect on the stress hormones.

In terms of wider psychological rationalization, a low self-esteem and depression regularly contribute to increased alcohol consumption, which can eventuate in alcoholism. In terms of friends and peer group, if a person mixes usually with alcoholic persons, this will clearly make them more exposed to the disease.

Ironically, this can be a problem at both ends of the social spectrum. It is generally the culture of high-powered business people to drink numerous cocktails and highly-alcoholic drinks at social gatherings, and certainly persistent alcohol consumptions can become the norm for young working class males who make it each day to the pub after work.

There is no quick and easy cure for alcoholism. Different from other diseases, neither drugs nor surgery can do anything to remove the problem. One curious discovery though that researches have made about alcohol addiction is that the person indulging in the habit feels better, not while indulging, but at that instant the decision is made to indulge! This suggests that the most effective way to deal with alcoholism may require zooming in on that moment when thought of indulging enters the brain. If an alcoholic can displine himself such that he can divert his attention when the first thought arises, this may be the simplest path to a cure!

Of course, given the numerous of contributing factors and differing levels of self-discipline, every case of alcoholism is going to be unique, which is why treatment is generally best managed by specialized health-care professionals.

For more information on Alcoholism and Alcohol Addictions Treatment, visit http://www.alcoholismaddictiontreatment.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_B._Smith

Mothers Who Abuse Drugs

2009-05-23T19:18:00.001-07:00

Motherhood is one of the greatest and most rewarding challenges that a woman can take on in her life. No one will deny that it's extremely stressful - but some women cope with this stress through means that can become addictive and destructive.

Years ago, the Rolling Stones had a hit with "Mother's Little Helper," satirizing housewives who used pills to get through the day. However, addiction among mothers is no laughing matter, as seen on Oprah Winfrey's talk show. In Utah, the number of women admitted to treatment centers increased 144 percent between 2001 and 2002. And the "mother's little helpers" have gone from prescription pills to more serious drugs - recent reports show an increasing number of suburban moms are addicted to crystal meth.

The consequences of these addictions are, to say the least, severe. According to a study by the University of Buffalo Social Work Facility, mothers tend to punish children more heavily when they have drug and alcohol problems. The study looked outside the range of behavior that could be construed as child abuse, demonstrating that mothers who drank or tried drugs reacted more extremely to situations involving their children's behavior, often relying on harsh language or spankings as a way of dealing with their children while impaired.

Many of these mothers came from families where their own parents dealt with addiction. "There is evidence that these victimization histories may contribute to their alcohol- and drug-abuse problems, which, in turn, contribute to the style of punishment they use with their children," the study said. "And since substance abuse is linked to victimization and violence, it is critical that the interacting chain of events be interrupted."

Mothers who abuse drugs while pregnant can interfere with their children's cognitive development, and often prove to have difficulties as caregivers even after reducing their drug use, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Is it possible for an addicted mother to get clean? In 2005, Dr. Robert J. Ackerman, Director of the Mid-Atlantic Addiction Training Institute, told a mother who'd been addicted to crystal meth for 12 years that "with the right treatment and support, the answer is yes." Ackerman went on to explain that addicts need to find a new way to live. "Often, addicts think the world is 'normal' when they are high and have difficulty handling every day life with out their drugs," Ackerman said. "Thus, becoming 'normal' will take on an entirely different meaning in recovery for addicts."

For addicted mothers, it is possible to get clean - but also to make sure that they're prepared to face the world that's waiting for them once they get clean. It's a situation that requires both intense treatment and a period of recovery to make sure that the treatment sticks. Staying off drugs is a lifelong choice, one that affects not only a mother, but her children as well. A woman who's accepted the challenge of motherhood needs to be ready to face another, equally-difficult challenge - protecting her mind and body for the sake of herself and her children.

The author would like you to visit The Challenge of Recovery and Getting Help With Drug Abuse

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Williams

The Stages of Alcoholism

2009-05-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

There are three stages of alcoholism. As many people know, alcoholism can take years to develop. Alcoholism begins when drinking starts affecting the physical and mental health of the drinker - they have crossed that invisible line into alcoholism.

In the early stages of alcoholism the drinker has started to drink for new reasons. They drink to change their mood or maybe to help daily stress or a problem. At this point friends and family don't know he or she has become an alcoholic. Chances are neither does the drinker.

In the intermediate stage the drinker no longer needs a reason to drink. They may even fabricate reasons to drink. He or she is now drinking way over socially acceptable limits, until they reach a loss of control point or blackout. The drinker may have a DUI. Family and friends are now aware that there is a problem and the drinker gets angry when alcohol abuse is mentioned. The drinker thinks he or she can stop drinking anytime they want to. This is no longer the case. They will say "I will never drink again!" and sincerely mean it. They are shocked to find that when they stop, the cravings for alcohol are all but unbearable.

The advanced stages of alcoholism include friends and family of the alcoholic being appalled at the self destruction the drinker is engaging in. There is damage to internal organs, and the body and mind is slipping away. Anyone who tries to talk the drinker into quitting is wasting his time. These efforts are falling on deaf ears.

At this point it is going to take a catastrophic event to get the alcoholic to decide he or she really wants to stop drinking. At this advanced stage when the drinker makes a sincere attempt to stop drinking, he or she will find out that the addiction has completely taken hold, and there will be extreme withdrawal symptoms.

It is very difficult to overcome an addiction to alcohol. Many alcoholics are able to get well, and some no matter how hard they try just can't stop drinking. Alcohol is extremely powerful and too formidable for some, making this a battle they won't be able to win. Regardless, it is all-important to never quit quitting.

If you have a drinking problem and you want the most effective and easiest method to stop now, here's your answer:
http://HowIStoppedDrinking.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_King

Substance Abuse - Effects on Society

2009-05-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

General Substance Abuse and Its Effects on Society

Substance abuse is one of the most prevalent issues that the current generation is forced to face. It has been around for centuries and has afflicted millions of people around the world. It is mainly a health concern but over the past decades, it has escalated into one of the worst social ills.

Drug and alcohol addiction does not only affect the individual himself but everyone around him. Ultimately, the society is largely affected by his predisposition for substance use even when he's just one person. It is a social ill because practically every country in the world is compelled to come up with legislation, policies and other ideas geared at addressing the problem.

Most experts agree that addiction has a ripple effect. It brings discord not only into the home but to the society as well.

Effects on the family

Parents who abuse drugs or alcohol tend to neglect their children leaving them to their own devices. Because they are preoccupied with their addictions, they fail to provide the proper guidance that children need especially during their growing years. Teenagers who grow up in homes where a respected adult or parent uses alcohol or drugs have a higher tendency for developing the addiction later on mainly because the household is more lenient in terms of substance use.

The community

According to statistics, drunk driving results to an injury every minute and one death every 32 minutes. In the United States, about 40% of traffic-related casualties are linked to alcohol use. Crime rates go up because of addiction related incidents. In 1992, over 25% of violent crimes and property crimes were attributed to drug and alcohol abuse. Three to four percent of social welfare cases in the country were caused by substance abuse. Income maintenance, cash assistance, foster care and other social welfare programs had to spend a lot on households affected by substance abuse.

Substance abuse impairs the individual's productivity. It can affect his ability to maintain a full-time job. In cases where addicts are even able to maintain employment, the people around them are placed at risk.

Economics

Substance abuse causes the government to spend a lot of money that could otherwise be spent on education or other channels. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in the US, the total economic cost of substance abuse has reached to a whopping $245 billion. This was spent on treatment and prevention costs, healthcare, losses on job productivity and crime and social welfare.

Health issues

Substance abuse can lead to the prevalence of more health issues. Crimes are just one thing but the spread of certain types of illnesses is another one of the many impacts of addiction. People who are addicted are apt to behave irresponsibly. This essentially translates to undertaking dangerous sexual activities and making wrong decisions that are otherwise prevented by sobriety. Irresponsible sexual activities can lead to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and AIDS.

Substance abuse, therefore, is a problem that has to be fully addressed. Its impact on the society is so massive that legislation is constantly being updated to ensure that this social ill finds sustainable resolution.

Chy King, M.Ed. is the owner of The Sober Sources Network and has extended her network on alcoholism and addiction recovery for both adults and teens to incorporate over 20 different websites targeting alcoholism and addiction in hopes of helping those seeking their own solutions. You may view one of the live forums at The Sober Village to see recovery in action!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chy_King

Anger Management and Alcohol Abuse - It's Never Too Late to Re-Take Control

2009-05-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

There is a definite link between anger and alcohol. That is not to say that everyone who has an anger management problem is an alcoholic however many people who find themselves up before a court of law for some kind of violent act normally state that they were under the influence of alcohol when the crime took place. Would these same people have committed that act of violence if they had been sober? I doubt it. It is never too late to re-take control of your life, start learning today about the ways in which you can control your anger and stop drinking alcohol; this could be your last chance.

Anger management programs often have to deal with the issues relating to alcohol. For example let us take a fictional character called John, he is attending this anger management program for the first time and has stated that he is desperate to learn ways of controlling his anger. John has a history of alcohol abuse and has been convicted of two violent acts both of which happened when he was drunk.

"You want to be able to control your anger management issues; do you also want to stop drinking alcohol?"

One would hope that the answer to this question would be a "Yes". In reality a person like John can learn all of the anger management techniques in the world however he is unlikely to remember these when he is intoxicated, it is therefore essential that he deals with his alcohol mis-use as well.

A lot of people in John's position can often feel that it is too late however that is just being negative and defeatist. The only way to think in this situation is in a positive manner, it is time you did yourself a favour and fought back.

There are now numerous types of anger management treatments out there as well as many specialists in alcohol related problems. Give it a go; it just might change your life.

Steve Hill is a webmaster from Birmingham, he has interests in a number of websites including:
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Hill

Alcohol Intoxication Definition and Causes

2009-05-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

Definition: A person is said to suffer from alcohol intoxication when the quantity of alcohol the person consumes exceeds the individual's tolerance for alcohol and produces behavioral or physical abnormalities. In other words, the person's mental and physical abilities are impaired. The person can't function and certainly should not be operating a motor vehicle.

Causes: Alcohol is a generic term for ethanol, which is a particular type of alcohol produced by the fermentation of many foodstuffs—most commonly barley, hops, and grapes. Other types of alcohol commonly available such as methanol (common in glass cleaners), isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), and ethylene glycol (automobile antifreeze solution) are highly poisonous when swallowed, even in small quantities. Ethanol produces intoxication because of its depressive effects on various areas of the brain causing these impairments in a progressive order as the person gets more and more drunk:

What happens in the brain: Alcohol increases the effect of the body's naturally occurring neurotransmitter GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). Neurotransmitters are substances that chemically connect the signals from one nerve to the next allowing a signal to flow along a neural pathway. An inhibitory neurotransmitter (alcohol) reduces this signal flow in the brain. This explains how alcohol depresses both a person's mental and physical activities. By way of comparison, cocaine does the opposite by producing a general excitatory effect on the nervous system.
Available forms and measurement: A standard "drink" of ethanol consists of 10 grams. This amount is equal to 10 ounces (300 cc) of regular beer (5% alcohol content); 3-4 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content); or 1 ounce of hard liquor (40% alcohol content, 80 "proof").
Absorption: Approximately 20% of ethanol is absorbed into the bloodstream directly from the stomach, and 80% from the small intestine. Consequently, the longer the ethanol/alcohol remains in the stomach, the slower it will be absorbed and the lower will be the peak in the blood alcohol concentration (known as BAC).
- This explains the apparent sobering effect of food, which slows the process of emptying the stomach contents, slows the absorption of alcohol, and reduces the peak BAC reached.
- When alcohol is taken with food, absorption generally is complete in 1-3 hours during which time the BAC will peak. If no further alcohol is consumed, sobering up will follow this peak level of BAC.
Distribution: Ethanol is highly soluble in water and is absorbed much less in fat. So alcohol tends to distribute itself mostly in tissues rich in water (muscle) instead of those rich in fat.
- Two people may weigh the same, yet their bodies may have different proportions of tissue containing water and fat. Think of a tall, thin person and a short, fat person who both weigh 150 pounds. The short, fat person will have more fat and less water making up his body than the tall, thin person. If both people, in this example, consume the same amount of alcohol, the short, fat person will end up with a higher BAC. This is because the alcohol he drank was spread into a smaller water "space."
- Women's bodies, on average, have more fat and less water than men's bodies. Using the same logic, this means that a woman will reach a higher BAC than a man of the same weight when both drink the same amount of alcohol.
Metabolism (elimination): Metabolism is the method by which the body processes alcohol (and everything else you eat). Some of the alcohol is converted to other substances (such as fat, as in "beer belly"). Some is burned as energy (and converted to water and carbon dioxide). A small amount is excreted unchanged (in your breath and urine). The liver metabolizes about 90% of the ethanol. The lungs excrete about 5% during exhalation (breathing out). Alcohol excretion by the lungs forms the basis for Breathalyzer testing. Another 5% is excreted into the urine.
- The average person metabolizes about 1 standard drink (10 grams) per hour.
- Heavy drinkers have more active livers and may be able to metabolize up to 3 drinks per hour.
- People with liver diseases will metabolize less than 1 drink per hour. In many chronic alcoholics, the liver gets burned out and can no longer metabolize alcohol, or anything else, efficiently. This is known as alcoholic cirrhosis.
- In alcoholic cirrhosis, the liver cells become badly scarred. This scarring has the effect of blocking blood flow through the liver, impeding exchange of metabolic chemicals into and out of the liver cells and damaging the cells' ability to function.

Alcohol Intoxication, Physician Treatment and Follow-up

2009-05-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

Treatment: No specific treatment can reverse the effects of alcohol intoxication.

Intoxicated people often receive IV fluids and B complex vitamins for dehydration (alcohol is a diuretic and increases urine output) as a precaution or treatment for vitamin deficiency.
In severe cases—those of severe stupor and coma—the person should be intubated (breathing tube placed in airway) to support respirations (which may stop spontaneously) and to protect the lungs from filling with vomit.
- Intubation involves placing a short, flexible plastic tube into the windpipe to just below the vocal cords and connecting the tube to a respirator machine. The tip of the tube has a small donut-shaped balloon around it, which is inflated to seal the end of the tube to the inside of the windpipe. This accomplishes two things:
  - It prevents the air from the respirator from leaking out into the mouth instead of going into the lungs.
  - It provides a protective seal so that a large amount of vomit in the mouth would be prevented from entering the lungs where it would cause a great deal of damage and possibly suffocation.

Follow-up: Barring any major complications, most intoxicated people may go home from the hospital's Emergency Department. For some medical and many legal reasons, most hospitals prefer to keep people suspected of alcohol intoxication under observation until their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) falls to below 100 mg/dL.

In most people, the liver metabolizes about 10 grams of ethanol per hour. This corresponds to a BAC fall of about 20 mg/dL per hour. Thus, the length of time a person (and family) will need to wait until discharge may be expressed by the formula (BAC-100)/20 = the wait in hours. Example: The BAC from a blood sample drawn at midnight is 280. (280-100)/20 = 9. The BAC should fall to 100 mg/dL by 9 am (midnight plus 9 hours).
A social worker may talk with the intoxicated person prior to discharge from the hospital. The social worker may advise the person to go to an alcohol treatment center. This is an extremely difficult situation because many people either don't recognize their problem, if they are chronic drinkers, or don't have any desire to correct the situation.

Alcoholism: Treatment & Medication

2009-05-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

Author: Warren Thompson, MD, FACP, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Medical School
Coauthor(s): R Gregory Lande, DO, FACN, Clinical Consultant, Army Substance Abuse Program, Department of Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Raj K Kalapatapu, MD, Fellow in Geriatric Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Treatment

A number of serious problems are closely linked to alcohol intoxication. In fact, according to the NIAAA, intoxication is present in 30% of homicides, 22% of suicides, and 33% of car crashes. Any patient who presents an imminent safety risk to themselves or another person should be considered a candidate for hospitalization. This may require the assistance of family members or medical consultation with a psychiatrist.

Medical Care

Many physicians believe no effective treatment is available for alcoholism; therefore, these physicians do not refer their patients for treatment. However, more than 13 studies representing more than 4000 patients demonstrate that brief interventions make a difference. Most of the patients in these studies drank heavily but did not yet have a problem with alcohol.

One study performed in Norway demonstrated that brief advice given early can affect gamma glutamyl transferase levels and reported alcohol consumption. Early warning makes a difference to persons who drink heavily. In a study of 200 workers with alcoholism, recalling a physician's warning about drinking at the beginning of the study was associated with a better prognosis 2 years later. Unfortunately, less than 25% had received warnings from their physicians, again illustrating the problem of missed diagnosis.

The first step in treatment is brief intervention. The physician states unequivocally that the patient has a problem with alcohol and emphasizes that this determination stems from the consequences of alcohol in that patient's life, not from the quantity of alcohol consumed. Emphasizing the effects on family, friends, and occupation, as well as any physical manifestations, is important. Pointing out that loss of control and compulsive use indicate alcohol dependence also is important.
- Present the diagnosis.
  - Use explicit evidence; emphasize the consequences endured by the patient as a result of alcohol abuse.
  - Be empathic and nonjudgmental.
  - Avoid arguments about the diagnosis.
  - Avoid use of the word alcoholic.
- Indicate the responsibility for change is with the patient. Listen to the patient's goals and point out discrepancies between his or her goals and actions.
- Determine the patient's readiness for change. Motivating a reluctant patient is one of the great challenges in treatment. To enhance the prospects of successful treatment, the clinician needs to have a basic concept of the stages of change. The 5 stages of change (Prochaska,) provide fundamental guidance for enhancing motivation. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment presents this concept in detail through a Treatment Improvement Protocol titled "Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment." The 5 stages of change are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Specific strategies aligned with each of the 5 stages help a clinician motivate and prepare the patient for change. The 5 stages of change represent a cycle, permitting and explaining behavior that moves in both progressive and regressive directions.
  - In the precontemplation phase, the individual does not express any interest in the need for change. Many individuals with substance use problems are firmly entrenched in this stage. The options in dealing with patients in this stage are limited and include pointing out the discrepancy between patient action and patient goals, suggesting that the patient bring a family member to the next appointment, and suggesting a 2-week abstinence trial.
  - Contemplation represents the first evidence of dynamic behavior. The individual expresses a tentative belief in the possibility that alcohol use might be harmful. The hallmark of this stage is ambivalence and skepticism. Skepticism is not the same as denial but instead allows some degree of personal reflection. The patient is receptive to new information, or just as likely reassured that current behavior is acceptable, in the absence of information. Thus, the clinician should influence the ambivalence characteristic of contemplation in a direction favoring change. This can include pointing out that the patient's actions are not congruent with their goals, giving pamphlets concerning alcohol abuse, and suggesting an abstinence trial.
  - When the clinician successfully alters the balance in favor of a healthy choice, the patient enters the preparation stage. The preparation stage is a thoughtful phase focused on making plans.
  - The action stage of change represents full recognition of a problem along with observable evidence of steps taken to reduce alcohol use. The clinician should reinforce and praise the decision to change. Emphasizing that the biggest error at this stage is to underestimate the amount of help needed to quit drinking is critical. The patient should be given a list of options for treatment including AA and pharmacotherapy.
  - Maintenance is the final and most mature stage of change. During the maintenance stage, motivational efforts are directed toward promoting hard won gains and preventing slips. Relapse prevention efforts are sustained by the patient's appreciation of specific environmental and biobehavioral triggers, which contribute to recurrence. See Follow-up.
- As mentioned previously, the stages of change represent a cycle permitting both forward and backward movement.
The physician must state firmly, but empathically, that alcohol is a problem for the patient and that the patient determines the solution. Patients come for treatment through several means, often from a mixture of both coercion and concern. The clinician needs to understand the extent of resistance to effectively work with the patient. A good strategy is to learn about patients' goals and indicate discrepancies between their goals and their choices. Pointing out discrepancies is more effective initially than statements such as, "You have to quit," or, "You have to go to AA."
The patient's response determines the physician's next step. If the patient denies the problem, recommending joining AA will not work. Involving the family and/or suggesting a trial of abstinence is useful, and, importantly, the physician should follow up with the patient in a few weeks. The patient might be angry initially and storm out of the office, but then the patient might recall the physician's warning months or years later and stop drinking. For patients who recognize a problem and will consider referral, the cheapest (free) and most accessible option is AA.
- The AA 12-step approach involves psychosocial techniques used in changing behavior (eg, rewards, social support networks, role models). Each new person is assigned an AA sponsor (a person recovering from alcoholism who supervises and supports the recovery of the new member). The sponsor should be older and should be of the same sex as the patient (opposite sex if the patient is homosexual).
- Patients do not need a strong religious background to be successful in AA; they only need the belief in a power higher than themselves. Urge patients to use aspects of the program that can help them stay sober and ignore aspects that are not helpful.
- Patients who have tried AA may have had a bad past experience. Patients should try at least 5-10 different meetings before giving up on the AA approach because each meeting is different. For example, women often do better at meetings for women only because the issues for female patients with alcoholism are different from the issues for male patients with alcoholism. A meeting in the suburbs might not be appropriate for someone from the inner city and vice versa.
- The physician should have AA literature in the office (dates and places of meetings), have the AA phone number available, and know about other treatment services in the community, including referrals for medical consultants or specialists in chemical dependency. No randomized trials of AA have been performed, but a US Veterans Administration study suggested that patients who attended meetings did much better than those who refused to go.
- AA can be reached via their Web site (Alcoholics Anonymous) or by mail (AA General Service; PO Box 459; Grand Central Station; New York, NY 10163). Physicians can order pamphlets and other patient education material from these sources.
Additional sources of help include the Substance Abuse Treatment FACILITY LOCATOR, Self-Help Group Sourcebook Online, and SMART Recovery. The acronym SMART is for Self-Management and Recovery Training.
Treatment of alcoholism involves the following:
- Brief physician advice makes a difference.
- While a trial period of controlled drinking with careful follow-up might be appropriate for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse, this approach increases a physician's professional liability. Complete abstinence is the only treatment for alcohol dependence. Emphasize that the most common error is underestimating the amount of help that will be needed to stop drinking. The differential diagnosis between alcohol abuse and dependence can be a difficult judgment call.
- Hospitalize patients if they have a history of delirium tremens or if they have significant comorbidity. Consider inpatient treatment if the patient has poor social support, significant psychiatric problems, or a history of relapse after treatment.
- Strongly recommend AA.
- Encourage hospitalized patients to call AA from the hospital. AA will send someone to talk to them if the patient makes the contact. Patients need to attend meetings regularly (daily at first) and for a sufficient length of time (usually 2 y or more) because recovery is a difficult and lengthy process.
- In the beginning of treatment, and perhaps ongoing, patients should remove alcohol from their homes and avoid bars and other establishments where strong pressures to drink may influence successful abstinence.
- If the patient has an antisocial personality (ie, severe problems with family, peers, school, and police before age 15 y and before the onset of alcohol problems), recovery is less likely. If the patient has primary depression, anxiety disorder, or another potentially contributory disorder (the other disorder must antedate the problems with alcohol or it must be a significant problem during long periods of sobriety), treat this primary problem aggressively.
Strongly encourage family members of patients with alcoholism to contact Al-Anon and Alateen via its Web site (Al-Anon/Alateen) or mailing address (Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters; PO Box 182; Madison Square Garden Station; New York, NY 10159-0182).

Consultations

Consultation with a psychiatrist might be indicated in cases in which questions of suicide, violence, or comorbid psychiatric disorders might be present.

Diet

Persons with alcoholism often have a poor diet. Folate deficiency is common. Advise patients to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and consider a multivitamin supplement. Supplemental enteral nutrition improves survival in persons with advanced liver disease.

Medication

Treatment of alcohol withdrawal is best accomplished with benzodiazepines. Avoid fixed-dose therapy, and treat patients for symptoms. This results in use of lower doses of benzodiazepines, less patient sedation, and earlier patient discharge. Lorazepam and oxazepam are preferred for patients with significant liver disease because the half-lives of other benzodiazepines can be significantly prolonged. These shorter-acting benzodiazepines require more frequent patient monitoring. Use longer-acting drugs (eg, chlordiazepoxide) when monitoring is not reliable.

Other agents that have been used with some success in the treatment of withdrawal include beta-blockers, clonidine, phenothiazines, and anticonvulsants. All can be used with benzodiazepines, but none has been proven to be adequate as monotherapy. A number of medications have been tried in the treatment of alcoholism. Disulfiram (Antabuse) has been used as an adjunct to counseling and AA with motivated patients to reduce the risk of relapse. Patients are reminded of the risks of adverse effects when tempted to drink. Disulfiram causes nausea, vomiting, and dysphoria with coincident alcohol use. In a large trial, disulfiram did not increase abstinence. If a patient asks for disulfiram and thinks it will help, it might be worth considering.

Naltrexone blocks opiate receptors and works by decreasing the craving for alcohol, resulting in fewer relapses. A recent positron emission tomography study demonstrated that persons with alcoholism have increased opiate receptors in the nucleus accumbens of the brain and that the number of receptors correlates with craving.

Most, but not all, studies found that naltrexone decreases relapses but the effect is modest (12-20%). Combining naltrexone therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy enhanced benefit. One study showed benefit with an intensive primary care intervention. Studies suggest that virtually all placebo patients who sampled alcohol relapsed, while only half the naltrexone patients who sampled alcohol relapsed.

Most studies are of short duration, and more long-term trials are needed. In short-term studies when naltrexone was stopped, patients relapsed. Naltrexone has a greater effect on reducing relapse to heavy drinking than it does on maintaining abstinence. Extended-release intramuscular naltrexone resulted in reduced relapse to heavy drinking in a large, randomized trial. Its effects on complete abstinence were more modest. The main adverse effects are nausea and/or vomiting, abdominal pain, sleepiness, and nasal congestion.

In 2001, Sinclair reviewed 8 studies and suggested that naltrexone is safe to administer in patients who are still drinking and that it will gradually result in the patient consuming less alcohol (this is the case in laboratory animals).³³ Patients should take the naltrexone daily initially and then only when they have a strong urge to drink. Patients should carry naltrexone with them indefinitely. Patients should agree to always take the naltrexone prior to drinking alcohol. Daily naltrexone may be counterproductive in patients who remain abstinent. It is most helpful in those who sample alcohol after stopping (lower chance of a relapse). More data are needed before this approach can be adapted because it challenges the conventional wisdom that complete abstinence is always the goal of treatment.

Nalmefene is another opioid antagonist, and it blocks delta, kappa, and mu receptors; naltrexone acts primarily on mu receptors. One randomized trial with 100 patients using 10 mg PO bid has been completed, and nalmefene appears to have efficacy similar to naltrexone (reduces relapse to heavy drinking in patients who sample alcohol). At present, the drug is approved only for intravenous use for opiate addiction.

A number of studies have focused on antidepressants. Early studies with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been disappointing. Two fairly good studies used tricyclic antidepressants (ie, desipramine, imipramine), which showed some short-term benefit. More data are needed. SSRIs probably do not benefit patients who are not depressed but might benefit those who are depressed. Topiramate facilitates GABA function and antagonizes glutamate, which should decrease mesocorticolimbic dopamine after alcohol and reduce cravings. One double-blinded trial with 150 subjects for 12 weeks suggests this is the case (decreased drinking, decreased craving, and greater abstinence). Topiramate is not approved for this use by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The largest and longest studies on the treatment of alcohol abuse have been performed in Europe with acamprosate (Campral). At 1 year, the continuous abstinence rates were 18% in the acamprosate group and 7% in the placebo group. At 2 years, the continuous abstinence rates were 12% in the acamprosate group and 5% in the placebo group. Most patients returned to drinking while still using the drug. The drug was recently approved in the United States. It stimulates GABA transmission, inhibits glutamate, and decreases alcohol consumption in alcohol-dependent rats. The main adverse effect is diarrhea.

Two short-term trials have compared acamprosate and naltrexone. Both found naltrexone to be superior. One of these studies compared the combination with either drug alone and with placebo. The combination was statistically superior to placebo and acamprosate alone and superior (but not statistically) to naltrexone alone. Larger and longer trials of the combination therapy are needed.

Glutamate receptor blockers

Mechanism of action is unknown, but it enhances GABA transmission and inhibits glutamate transmission. Compared with placebo, reduces drinking frequency and effectively increases abstinence in patients with alcoholism.

Is inhalable alcohol a good idea?

2009-05-14T01:25:00.000-07:00

After years of working in the "leisure oxygen field" marketing oxygen for salons and spas in the U.K., businessman Dominic Simler came up with a novel idea: Why not create a device that would allow users to inhale vaporized alcohol along with oxygen? The machine Simler invented, called Alcohol Without Liquid, or AWOL, which takes hard liquor and disperses it as vapor in an oxygen mist, has been available at a small number of bars in the U.K. for several months; recently, a Greensboro, N.C.-based company called Spirit Partners purchased an exclusive license to sell the machines in the United States. Simler touts his invention, which looks like a slightly futuristic asthma inhaler hooked to an oxygen generator, as a low-cal, low-carb way to enjoy liquor, with no hangover. The AWOL Web site, where machines are available for purchase, also suggests it for "private parties, weddings, and Bar or Bat Mitzvahs." Needless to say, the device has already raised a few eyebrows in public health and law enforcement circles, with several local politicians expressing downright alarm at the possibilities for abuse.

Is AWOL a potentially dangerous form of alcohol delivery or merely an intriguing novelty item? And given the political outcry, are we likely to see it in bars or lounges anytime soon?

First, it's important to understand the way inhalation affects the body. Normally, when you drink a glass of wine, say, or a shot of vodka, alcohol is absorbed over time, through the lining of your stomach and small intestine (roughly 10 percent to 15 percent in the stomach, 85 percent to 90 percent in the small intestine). The presence of food, especially starchy food, can slow this process further. When a shot of vodka or whiskey is poured into an AWOL machine and inhaled, however, alcohol enters the lungs and diffuses directly into the bloodstream, causing a much more rapid and potentially more intense buzz.

Part of what makes AWOL titillating is that it promises to deliver all the pleasures of alcohol with an irresistible twist—that is, none of the familiar downsides of drinking, such as calories and hangovers. Glowing commentary on the Web site promises, "Absolutely no side effects," and, "If you hate hangovers, you'll love this."

Unfortunately these marketing claims are dubious at best. Most of the calories in liquor come from ethanol, an alcohol that is present in all alcoholic beverages, liquid or vaporized. Ethanol enters the bloodstream following ingestion or inhalation and is broken down by the body, releasing roughly seven calories per gram (compared to nine calories/gram for fats and about four calories/gram for carbohydrates and proteins) in either case. Nor is a shot inhaled through the machine more "low-carb" than a regular one since hard liquor (in contrast to beer and wine) does not contain carbohydrates in the first place.

The issue of hangovers is trickier since there are several reasons they occur, including the presence of other substances called congeners (usually other alcohols, such as methanol, found especially in brandy and whisky); the effects of ethanol itself on the body; and the action of a fairly toxic substance called acetaldehyde, formed when ethanol is broken down in the liver. It is possible that some congeners would be left behind during AWOL's vaporization process and thus not ultimately inhaled. However, the many other factors that contribute to hangovers—dehydration, the disruption of electrolyte balances, and changes in sleep rhythms—are all caused by ethanol itself and would occur whether it was ingested or inhaled. Acetaldehyde, too, would be produced in either case since most ethanol in the blood is broken down by the liver. (Small amounts are also eliminated in urine and sweat and by exhalation.) All of which is to say that AWOL is unlikely to represent a milder, healthier alternative to old-fashioned drinking by ingestion.

In fact, depending on how much one inhales, the very opposite could be true. In particular, intensive inhalation may be more likely to cause alcohol toxicity than binge drinking. This is because vaporized alcohol, as it enters the bloodstream directly from the lungs, is not subject to the protective effects of the digestive system—notably, the impulse to vomit. The machine is apparently calibrated with this danger in mind—using AWOL, it takes 20 minutes to inhale the equivalent of one shot—and the company's promotional materials recommend no more than two sessions, or two shots, in a 24-hour period. Nonetheless, an enthusiast who exceeded this limit or tinkered with the amount delivered by the device itself could no doubt raise her blood alcohol level very dramatically.

Another serious risk is that the rapid rush of alcohol to the brain would make inhalation more addictive than regular drinking. Indeed, as Robert Swift, a professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown Medical School, told me, when researchers want to model alcohol addiction in rats—in order to study withdrawal and other phenomena—they often expose them to air mixed with vaporized alcohol. This method is useful because it's hard to get rats to drink liquid alcohol and also because the desired dependence is achieved extremely efficiently, sometimes in a matter of days: "It's a good way to addict animals," Swift said. And it would probably work for humans, too.

Whether for these reasons or for other, more reflexive ones, local New York politicians have been vocal in their opposition to AWOL. When Spirit Partners prepared to introduce the machine on Aug. 20—with a launch party at Trust, a trendy Manhattan lounge—several, including Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano, sounded the alarm. The matter came, inevitably, to the attention of Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who referred it to the NYS Liquor Authority, whose attorney warned Trust that it ought to think twice about the AWOL launch party. (As a result, the machine was demonstrated using fruit-infused water and Gatorade instead of alcohol.)

The legality of AWOL—at least for venues licensed to serve alcohol in New York state—seems to turn on two relatively obscure provisions of the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control law—a law enacted in 1934, shortly after the repeal of Prohibition (in 1933). According to Thomas McKeon, counsel to the State Liquor Authority, this law prohibits 1) separating alcohol from the rest of a mixture and 2) dispensing it from a container other than the one it came in. These are both provisions that AWOL appears to violate. (For hyperspecific formulations, check out Sections 153 and 106, respectively, of the ABC law.) While McKeon said that disciplinary action would be considered against any bars that offered AWOL to customers, his office could not stop individuals from buying the machine and using it at home. (At roughly $3,000 a unit, AWOL may not sell very well, but at the moment individuals are still free to purchase it.)

At this time, it is unclear what other states will have to say, if anything, about the device since liquor laws vary from state to state. (Spirit Partners plans to sell franchises in all 50 states.) It is also unclear whether the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau would eventually become involved in regulation efforts, should sales from the Web site be significant. A new bill, however, introduced by state Sen. Patricia McGee and others, would ban the "sale, purchase or use of alcohol vaporizing devices" entirely in New York state; McGee argues that AWOL and similar devices "could potentially give rise to increases in alcohol abuse, underage drinking and drunk driving." It is not difficult to imagine lawmakers in other states proposing similar measures.

In other words, AWOL will probably not turn up at trendy lounges any time soon. Ultimately, though, the biggest issue may not be the device itself but the concept of inhaling alcohol in general—an idea that has been publicized by Spirit Partners' media campaign and, unwittingly, by the various agitated responses to it. As Swift told me, if people realize that this is "a good way to get high," they won't need an expensive, commercially made machine. They can make something at home for $5 or $10. The crowd we should probably worry about most, then, is the one that isn't legally allowed to drink alcohol in the first place.

By Amanda Schaffer

Alcohol On Campus

2009-05-14T01:23:00.000-07:00

The marriage between alcohol consumption and college life has long been accepted as the norm within the confines of campus existence. However, the past decade has marked a period in time when violent outbreaks and campus riots are being attributed more and more to teen alcohol abuse, rendering it illegal on several major school grounds. Even though such alcohol restrictions represent a potential answer to the problem, they are also causing even more riotous behavior inasmuch as students contend their rights are being violated by the limitation.

The issue at hand is not casual social drinking but a phenomenon known as binge drinking. Teens who choose to imbibe do so without considering the detrimental effects of such heavy consumption, rendering them volatile and defiant when authorities are summoned to calm down a situation that has become out of hand. That binge drinking "is dangerous; it's a problem to protest, not a right to defend" (Anonymous, 1998, p. 26A) brings to light yet another detrimental impact of teen drug abuse.

The 1990's heralded in a new kind of teenage college student who does not take kindly to authority figures, frequently utilizing alcohol as the means by which to call forth the courage necessary to defy it. Teen alcohol abuse has become far too common in colleges across the country. A combination of "youthful self-indulgence and fearlessness" (Anonymous, 1998, p. 26A) has been to blame for the recent rash of alcohol-related campus riots. Teenage college students have become "more aggressive and less respectful" (Stockwell, 2001). Attributing many problems to teen drug use, police and on-site campus authorities have said that they are having a significantly more difficult time controlling alcohol-related behavior before it escalates to riotous activity. In one semester alone, five separate campuses fell victim to seven immense parties that ultimately ended up transforming into violent riots as a result of teen alcohol abuse.

Campus protests are nothing new; indeed, the 1960's reflected the birthplace of radical appeals, civil rights marches and a number of other demonstrations. However, in spite of how violent these historical protests might have become, they always had a cause behind the fervor, a concept that has been lost on today's alcohol-related riots. The 1990's spawned a new type of retaliation -- one that occurs for no other reason than because students feel antagonistic toward authority figures. It has come to pass that this is the decade where alcohol "fuels the most newsworthy student uprisings" (Anonymous, 1998, p. 26A). Teen alcohal abuse has led to Such unproductive uprisings on some of the most prestigious university campuses, namely Michigan State University, Washington State University and Penn State.
The blatant display of inappropriate, and illegal behaviors have many campus authorities extremely concerned with the direction such conduct is headed. No longer are students content with attending parties, participating in responsible social drinking and then going about their studies. In the 1990's, college students demonstrated a tremendous defiance toward any kind of authority figure, often taking to physical means as a way to signify their rebellion. Said East Lansing police Capt. Stephen Chubb: "I don't know what it's like at the other universities, but here at MSU, the entire community has become concerned" (Stockwell, 2001). It has not been uncommon to find bottles and rocks being hurled at police officers, rendering many of them - as well as innocent bystanders - injured in the alcohol-related riotous outbursts.

The relative newness of disrespect toward law enforcement has authorities puzzled with regard to its intensity. While protests of the 1960's often transpired into tussles between teens and police, there was still little resemblance to the outright defiance toward this particular social entity. Indeed, there is an underlying basis to the foundation of such insolence, which has inadvertently and reluctantly pushed some the country's most notable institutions of higher education into the limelight.

"We've noticed this year ... more and more people have in-your-face attitudes than ever. I think it's people taking advantage of kind of an anonymous situation. They go in there looking for fun, and when it gets to a certain pitch, they can get away with anything. And they're getting away with it" (Stockwell, 2001).

victims of counterfeit liquor

2009-05-14T01:18:00.000-07:00

PARE - Victims drink (miras) brand continues to fall heron. After a hitch six lives, yesterday one more person who was Pelem hospitals, Pare. He is Rohmad, 39, village of origin Gempolan, District Gurah.

Rohmad conditions continue to worsen after the party miras participate in the ex-localization in the Village Wonojoyo, Gurah District, known as Bong Gurah, a few days ago. Kemarindia Pare referred to hospitals at about 09.00. Previously, Rohmad was taken to hospital Khodijah Gurah.

"Get There (RS Khodijah, Red) can not. So I will be here," said yesterday that Rohmad can still talk.

According Rohmad, conditions continued to decline since Wednesday (9 / 7) afternoon. At that time he felt the heat in the chest worsen. Rohmad own claim he also became the victim of heron miras a suspected counterfeit it.

Rohmad of recognition, the party made miras Sunday (6 / 7) night in the homeless pair Mujiyem-owned Wakiso. Rohmad, together with a friend named Nurwahid, originally wanted membooking PSK on the homeless are. But preliminaries by other visitors.

While waiting to turn that both ordering liquor brands heron. Miras is then mixed with the Greensand.

After Yuli, the name of the PSK-awaited, coming, the party resumed miras. "To drink only one bottle," he said.

When the miras he also had a feel awkward with it. Feel quite sepet baunya and very loud. But they do not memedulikan and meminumnya to remain low. "Usually (it's) not so," he said.

Miras effects that take effect the next day. Nausea, stomach Rohmad-serasa nausea and queasy. Body Rohmad also feel very weak. Ready nod hold.

Pikirannya known after the start I heard the victim fall miras heron false. However, Rohmad still trying to survive. Until the end of the night as he was not strong and was directly to the hospital.

Nurwahid fact that night and say Yuli also taken to hospital. However, because the condition is not considered dangerous, they are allowed to go home.

Meanwhile, police continued investigations on the case. To know the cause of death of the victim, the police yesterday to send a number of organs for the victim to diperiksakan Laboratories Mabes criminal police in Surabaya. "What is clear organ in touch directly with the miras," say Kasatreskrim Didit Prihantoro without AKP would explain the type of organ that has been sent. Including the owner who wanted the organ to be examined.

Miras sample is also sent to death labkrim. Didit far can not ensure there is a mixture of drugs in the death miras. Newspapers including the drug mixture. "We can not determine. Labkrim That authority," said Didit, representing Kapolres Kediri AKBP Benjamin.

Until yesterday the police Ridho set as the new suspect cases are miras death. In fact, besides Ridho, kembarnya brother named Robi, and the father of the second person named Bambang was secured. "We must pilah-pilah. Not set as the origin of any suspect," Didit deception when asked why not ditetapkannya Bambang and Robi as the suspect.

But, at this time Didit claim police suspect mengincar new. Police search for No, the people of Kota Kediri been used as the equipment supplier is false miras. (Ery / fud)

Miras False factory uncovered Berkat Penggerebekan Pabrik Shabu

2009-05-14T01:10:00.000-07:00

Surabaya - Penggerebekan drink factory (miras) counterfeit brands in the Mansion Hause Housing Executive Nirwana blessing of the factory shabu-shabu (SS) in Tulungagung.

This disampailkan Kapolda Jatim Irjen Pol Anton Bachrul Alam on the sidelines of the review miras a false location of the factory in the Housing Executive Nirwana Surabaya, Jumat (8/5/2009).

"Terbongkarnya making false miras is kaitanya with terbongkarnya making shabu-shabu in Tulungagung," Anton said the journalist.

In the same place Direskoba Polda Jatim Kombes Pol Erwin Siregar Azhar add one of the suspect making Shabu-shabu at Lee Fung diinterogasi have any claim to the house in the area Nirwana. After get the info, the police also tried to investigate the case with the truth.

In peyelidikan, police finally get the information from the public if the house is also used as a place to produce miras.

"This suspect Lee Fung mengkontrak a home here and is used to produce by Benny miras false," said Erwin.

Erwin said, the suspect is the old Benny the dive in the world and met with the drug suspects since long. In addition, Benny confess first time making this false miras.

"Benny the suspect previously selling liquor and make a delivery to the area east of Jakarta and surrounding areas such as Bondowoso. Then stop and learn to create a false miras from the internet," he said.

To get the raw materials such as alcohol, essence, caramel and other raw materials and kerdus storage miras dibelinya from someone in Jakarta. While the bottles empty Mansion Hause bought from flea markets, Surabaya.

"During one month to prepare to produce the suspect. Suspect produce new operating since 1 to 2 weeks ago in this house," he explained.
(bdh / bdh)

Customs Find banderole Liquor False

2009-04-24T22:05:00.001-07:00

Jakarta, Kominfo Newsroom - Directorate General of Customs successfully prosecute as many as 599,841 pieces banderole MMEA (Drink Containing Alcohol ethyl) suspected counterfeit and potentially cause a loss of state Rp21.017.700.000.

Banderole''which consists of 299,145 secured chip with banderole rates Rp20.000 and 300,696 pieces banderole with Rp50.000 rates, said Director of Investigation and Penindakan Joseph Indarto Customs office in the Customs Jakarta, Selasa (21 / 4) .

Banderole with Rp20.000 customs tariffs for MMEA Group B1 with 5-15% Alcohol content, sedangakan banderole with the tax rates Rp50.000 intended for MMEA Group C with a rate above 20% Alcohol.

Start terungkapnya this case starting from the information society on 19 March 2009 to the Directorate of Investigation Penindakan and Customs of the circulation banderole false in the area of Tambora, West Jakarta.

Once the information from the community, within a period of 20 March 2009 to 2 April 2009, Customs established a team to be appointed to conduct and implement surveilance in the area in question.

Kemud ian, on 2 April 2009, the results of the development is made, obtained information that there will be someone who brings banderole suspected of using fake vehicle vessel open.

''After the search is conducted on the same date, our success against an open type of vehicle tanks in the area of Daihatsu Zebra road Roa Malaka Selatan, Tambora,''he said.

In addition to prosecution vehicle, Customs also successfully secure the carton 12 banderole allegedly false and hold a suspect berinisial 'AH' as the owner banderole is.

Hin gga''at this time still made up the results of investigation with the offense is alleged violation of Article 55 letter b of Law No.39 Year 2007 on duty,''he said. (T.Ia / toeb)

Alcohol abuse may lead to depression

2009-04-24T21:57:00.000-07:00

Study finds significant link even when other possible factors are present

HONG KONG - Excessive alcohol drinking may increase the risk of depression, a long-term study conducted over 25 years in New Zealand has found.

The study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, involved a group of 1,055 children who were monitored and interviewed at various times over 25 years.

"At all ages, there were clear and statistically significant trends for alcohol abuse or dependency to be associated with increased risk of major depression," wrote the researchers, led by David Fergusson at the University of Otago's department of psychological medicine.

The study found 19.4 percent of the participants between 17 and 18 were either abusing or dependent on alcohol, and 18.2 percent were diagnosed with depression.

"Individuals who fulfilled the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependency were 1.9 times more likely to also fulfill the criteria for major depression," the researchers wrote.

Genetic link?
The link between the two was significant even after factoring in other possible causes, such as use of cannabis and other illegal drugs, affiliation with "deviant peers," unemployment and a partner who committed crimes.

"It has been proposed that this link may arise from genetic processes in which the use of alcohol acts to trigger genetic markers that increase the risk of major depression," the researchers said.

"Further research suggests that alcohol's depressant characteristics may lead to periods of depressed effect among those with alcohol abuse or dependency."