Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms and Who Is At Risk?

11 October 2018

It is not uncommon to have a drink at the end of a hard day’s work or enjoy a glass of champagne at a social celebration. However, some people find it difficult to limit their alcohol intake to occasional use and they risk losing control of their drinking and developing alcohol use disorder or AUD. Fortunately, there is plenty of outpatient and inpatient alcohol abuse rehab options available across the country to help.

When a person is frequently drinking too much and too often and are no longer able to control their alcohol consumption, it can signal a bigger problem. There are two different issues caused by regularly drinking too much. One is termed alcohol abuse and the other alcoholism which is also referred to as alcohol dependency. Both conditions carry their own risks although individuals are able to recover from even the most severe forms of AUD with the right kind of inpatient or outpatient alcohol rehab.

Although both of these terms are commonly used interchangeably, there are significant differences between the two conditions. Individuals who are abusing alcohol frequently drink to excess which results in them indulging in risky behavior and exercising poor judgment. A person who has alcoholism, on the other hand, has developed a physical need to consume alcohol in order for them to feel okay.

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are significant issues in America, with around 18 million people struggling with alcohol use according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This is why it is crucial to find a reliable alcohol and drug rehab facility. Both conditions place individuals at risk of developing serious health conditions and even certain cancers. Alcohol also heightens the symptoms of any other health issues including heart disease, circulatory problems, and osteoporosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism?

When there is a high concentration of alcohol present in a person’s bloodstream, they will exhibit the following behaviors:

Slurred speech and lethargy
Slowed reflexes
Decreased mobility
Lack of focus and difficulty concentrating
Poor judgment and taking unnecessary risks
Blackouts and loss of short-term memory
High levels of alcohol can cause respiratory problems, coma, and death

There are also other hazards associated with drinking to excess that place individuals at risk including:

Injuries caused by falls or accidents
Drowning
Fighting and brawling
Suicide
Driving under the influence

Because alcohol is a depressant and many people use it in order to de-stress or “numb” themselves from difficult situations. This often makes individuals more susceptible to becoming reliant on alcohol as a crutch to help them get through the day.

The symptoms of alcohol abuse include the following:

Using alcohol to relax or de-stress
Consistently driving under the influence of alcohol
Increasing problems with close personal relationships
Neglecting responsibilities at home or work
Legal problems resulting from alcohol consumption

Alcoholism is the most severe form of AUD and the symptoms include:

Overwhelming cravings for alcohol that can’t be controlled
An inability to quit drinking despite the damage it is doing to an individual’s health, career or personal relationships
Being deceptive about how much the individual drinks and becoming combative if challenged
Attempts to conceal alcohol consumption including hiding bottles in unusual places around the home or office
A preoccupation with consuming alcohol that makes them unreliable at home or work
Drinking without the knowledge of loved ones and friends
Being unable to get through the day without using alcohol

When someone has been abusing alcohol, they are often in denial of there being a problem. However, it is possible for others to see the warning signs and they can recognize that their loved one needs to enter an alcohol abuse rehab center. It is not unusual for people to become aggressive or defensive if challenged about how much they drink, and they are likely to take the criticism personally. If loved ones of addicts want to ensure they enter an alcohol abuse rehab center, it is worth using the services of an intervention specialist to help get them admitted.

Who Is at Risk for Alcoholism?

There are numerous factors to consider when diagnosing individuals with alcohol abuse or alcoholism and there is no stereotypical sufferer. Some people initially start drinking due to a lack of confidence in social situations, whereas others may use alcohol to help them cope with stress or other problems in their lives.

Issues with alcohol can also be genetic, although a history of alcohol abuse or alcoholism in the family does not necessarily mean all future generations will suffer. Ultimately, the exact cause of AUD is often much more obscure than it seems, which is something that is best addressed in therapy in an alcohol abuse rehab setting.

Individuals experiencing the following are more likely to deal with their problems by using alcohol:

Depression
Loneliness
Emotional stress
Boredom

When alcohol use and abuse is driven by emotional issues or in response to a traumatic event, it is often more complex to treat. This is mainly because people develop a tolerance to alcohol that makes them want to drink progressively more to get the feeling they originally enjoyed. This progressively increased intake of alcohol leads to an accumulation of toxic chemicals in the body which often has a widespread effect on the individual’s overall well-being.

Elevate uses the holistic approach to treating alcohol abuse and alcoholism that seeks to gently heal patients and set them on a path to recovery. Holistic therapies address the underlying issues driving alcohol abuse through a variety of natural techniques and practices. In order to overcome issues with alcohol, it is important to heal the person as a whole in terms of their physical, emotional, and psychological health. Holistic therapies used in alcohol abuse rehab provide patients with tools that empower them to achieve and sustain long-term recovery.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Unlocking Plant-Based Protein Potential: Exploring A Leading Supplement

In health and fitness, nutrition is vital to achieving optimal well-being. With increasing numbers of individuals striving to lead healthier lives, the spotlight has turned to alternative protein sources, particularly Plant protein supplements. These supplements offer many benefits, and one notable product in this category deserves attention for its potential advantages. Multifaceted Benefits In the realm of nutrition, plant-based diets have gained remarkable popularity. As a result, plant-based protein supplements have risen to prominence to fulfill the protein needs of those pursuing vegetarian or vegan lifestyles. Unlike traditional sources, such as meat and dairy, plant proteins offer multifaceted benefits beyond protein content. A Comprehensive Approach to Nutrition The product in question exemplifies the ideals of the plant-based movement by providing a holistic perspective on nutrition. This supplement is created from various plant sources and offers a well-rounded amino acid profile, crucial for the body's vital growth and repair processes. Amino acids, the building blocks, are pivotal in promoting muscle development, bolstering the immune system, and maintaining overall health. Supporting Muscle Growth and Recovery Regular physical activity necessitates an adequate protein intake, particularly to aid in muscle recovery and growth. The supplement under consideration excels in this realm, providing a blend of plant-based proteins that are easily digestible and rich in essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). These BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are critical in reducing muscle fatigue, improving endurance, and expediting post-workout recovery. Holistic Wellness and Digestive Health The benefits of this supplement extend beyond its protein content. Often enriched with dietary fibres, it supports a healthier gut environment. A balanced gut microbiome facilitates efficient digestion and influences immune responses and metabolic functions. By incorporating this supplement into one's routine, individuals may experience enhanced digestion, improved nutrient absorption, and heightened well-being. Eco-Friendly Considerations Plant protein supplements offer more than individual health advantages; they often have a lower environmental impact than conventional animal-based protein sources. By opting for products like the one being discussed, consumers indirectly contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, reducing their ecological footprint and promoting a healthier planet. Diverse Plant Sources A notable feature of the product is its incorporation of a diverse range of plant sources. This blend often includes proteins from peas, rice, quinoa, and other plant-based ingredients. This unique amalgamation ensures a comprehensive amino acid profile while catering to individuals with varying dietary preferences or restrictions. Such inclusivity renders the product versatile, accommodating various nutritional needs. Tailored Nutrition Every individual's nutritional needs are distinct, and influenced by age, activity level, and fitness objectives. The product acknowledges this diversity by offering customizable serving sizes. This feature empowers users to tailor their protein intake to their specific requirements, preventing excessive consumption while ensuring optimal protein support. Convenience and Flavour An integral aspect of any nutritional supplement is its taste and convenience. The product excels in this aspect, often available in various delectable flavors. This ensures a pleasant consumption experience and encourages adherence to a consistent nutritional regimen. The ease of incorporating the product into shakes, smoothies, or recipes further solidifies its role as a seamless addition to one's daily routine. Unlocking Potential Through Plant Protein As the pursuit of enhanced well-being and vitality continues, plant protein supplements emerge as invaluable tools. The product discussed here encapsulates the essence of this movement, offering a comprehensive approach to nutrition that transcends mere protein content. With its focus on muscle support, digestive health, sustainability, and adaptable nutrition, this product stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of health and wellness. Incorporating this supplement into your lifestyle could unlock your full potential, aiding you in achieving your fitness aspirations while aligning with your values of health and sustainability. As society increasingly embraces plant-based nutrition, the harmony between holistic well-being and plant protein supplements paves the way for a brighter, healthier future. Read Also: Here’s How NMN Supplements Work How Supplements Complement Your Daily Routine Proven Vitamins Used in Energy Supplements

How to Help Someone Overcome Addiction in Illinois

It’s never easy watching someone you care about go through something like addiction. Many times, people in this situation watch the person they care about to deteriorate and become a different person. If you think your loved one is addicted but you’re not sure, be on the lookout for these warning signs. Their behavior has changed. You notice them becoming more withdrawn, angry, combative, or abusive towards you. You notice them becoming obsessive They’re hiding things from you. Maybe you found needles or empty vodka bottles under their bed or in their bathroom They’ve come home bruised or beaten up but won’t tell you what happened They aren’t sleep They slur their words They’re losing weight or their outward appearance has changed for the worse. If your loved one shows any of these signs, there’s a good chance they might be addicted. If you’re watching someone you love spiral into addiction, there are ways you can help to overcome addiction. Here’s how. 6 Ways To Someone You Know Overcome Addiction In Illinois 1. Call your local rehab center Places like Lincoln Recovery or your local hospital are a great resource for you to tap into. They’ll be able to help you determine the best treatment options for your loved one without making you or them feel ashamed. They’ll be able to give you advice and tools. They can also help you plan something called an intervention. An intervention is when family and friends of the addict’s life come together to make their loved one understand that they need help. Interventions must be planned so they don’t cause more problems. While it’s going to be awkward and uncomfortable, an intervention that’s done right can gently push your loved one on the path to recovery. 2. Establish trust This is a huge thing. Often trust is broken between addicts and the people they love the most, and while it may be difficult to achieve, getting them to trust you is so important. Otherwise and intervention won’t work properly. To start building trust with an addict, you have to learn not to nag, yell, exaggerate, lecture, or engage in any substances they’re addicted to. Asking them to stop drinking when they see you drinking, even if it’s only a small glass of wine at night, can make them defensive. Trust will also help prevent stress. If they trust you more, they’ll be less stressed and feel more comfortable opening up to you about their addiction. Most addicts know they have a problem deep down, they just don’t want to admit it out loud and make it real. Don’t do anything that will keep them from opening up to you about it. Watch their body language to help you determine if your attempts at trust-building are working. If you notice them growing stiff or becoming agitated pull back and try again another time. 3. Never blame Even if the person who’s addicted made you lose money, your reputation, etc. do not try to blame them for it. While they need to take responsibility for their behavior, blaming them for things while they’re addicted will get you nowhere. It will only make them more resistant to change, defensive, and closed off. Speak in the first person, only about how you feel or what you think. Whenever you talk to them about their addiction, use “I” statements. “You” statements can come across as blameful and can do the opposite of what you hope to achieve in the conversation. Avoid insults and negativity at all costs because that is the blameful language that will make them defensive. For more information on using “I” statements, click here. 4. Always practice empathy You see how dangerous it is to blame the addict in any way, either for their addiction or their behavior. Leading with empathy, whether your staging an intervention or not, can help the addict feel more comfortable and open up. Tell them that you understand they’re hurting, and while you don’t know what they’re going through firsthand, you’re there to help in any way you can. You want to be a part of the solution. Offer assistance in any way you can. By doing this, you might find that the person has been waiting for someone to talk to them about it but has been too afraid to bring it up themselves. 5. Prepare for backlash What you have to understand is that addiction affects the chemical balance of the brain. This can make them delusional, combative, or standoffish. They may outright refuse to admit they’re addicted to anything and if they do, they might turn the blame on you. Addicts try to get out of responsibility, and taking responsibility for their addiction is another thing they’re going to try to dance around. Prepare for harsh words, yelling, and threats. Stay calm and listen to everything they have to say. Don’t engage in yelling or screaming or try to push the blame back on them. It will only make the situation worse. If you feel like you’re in danger, remove yourself from the situation or call the police. 6. Stop enabling If you’re allowing the person you love to do drugs in your house or get drunk in your house, stop. Tell them that they aren’t allowed to do that in your home anymore and if they refuse, ask them to leave. It sounds harsh, but they have to learn that there are consequences to their actions. Stop buying them their substance of choice. Practice sobriety yourself so you don’t have alcohol or drugs lying around the house for them to consume. If they frequently borrow your car, remove car privileges so they can’t drive under the influence. Refuse to give them cash. If they say they need a few bucks for food, buy them actual food or not at all. But never give them cash or cards that they can use to purchase drugs or alcohol. While this might seem like you’re not leading with empathy, you are. You don’t have to be mean about doing any of these things. You can simply say, “I don’t want you driving my car under the influence, it’s not safe.” Or “I can’t give you cash, but I can buy you food, water, groceries,” if that’s what you want to do. Just avoid putting the blame or accusing them of anything. To learn the difference between helping and enabling, follow the link. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-stop-enabling-an-alcoholic-63083 Read Also: Four Effective Things To Recover From Heroin & Drug Addiction Treatment Spot It Early: 9 Common Signs of Addiction You Need to Look out For Friendships Up in Smoke? 6 Ways Addiction Affects Relationships How To Know If You Have An Addiction: 7 Common Signs

5 Ways To Prevent Severe Dental Problems

Have you ever rush to the dentist in an emergency? Is a sudden toothache trouble you? If yes, then you should focus more on oral hygiene or should visit the dentist regularly to prevent you from dental problems. The alarming dental problems which may turn into a serious issue with time are bad breath, tooth sensation, and tooth cavities. The urgent problems which need an immediate visit to the dentist are swelling in gums, loose teeth, fractured jaw, tissue injury or facial pain and severe pain in the mouth. Here is the list of some urgent dental problems and ways to tackle them: Loose Tooth: The loose tooth is an urgent dental issue, if you are suffering from a loose tooth or if your tooth is out of alignment, then you should call the dentist immediately to book the appointment. In the meantime, you should try to put back the tooth at its place with your finger forcing it. You should avoid moving your teeth with tongue, do not eat anything hard until you visit your dentist. You emergency visit to the dentist and precautionary steps may save your teeth from falling, as a doctor can splint it with adjacent teeth. A toothache is some Of the Dental Problems: A toothache is not something to take lightly; it may be a symptom of serious tooth decay or any other urgent dental problem. To know the exact reason behind your tooth pain, call your dentist immediately to book an appointment for a checkup. Tissue Injury Or Facial Pain: Any kind of injury inside mouth such as a tear of cheeks, lips, tongues is considered to be tissue injury. The tissues of the mouth are soft and delicate and when they get injured it is very painful. These get injured by an accidental bite on cheeks, if you fall, due to some infection. It is better to call the dentist immediately if you have severe pain due to tissue injury and book appointment for you. In meantime rinse your mouth with warm salt water to get some relief from pain. Swelling Of Gum: It is a serious dental problem, which causes tooth pain and bleeding through gums. If your gums are in pain and are swollen then, book an appointment with a dentist immediately. The doctor may apply for some medicine on gums to give you relief from pain and also will prescribe you medicines. Below are the other dental issues which need your concern: Bad Breath: Bad breath causes due to poor oral hygiene or due to tartar deposition on your teeth. You should visit your dentist for a checkup, to get rid of plaque or yellow teeth which in turn also improve your breath. Teeth whitening are a type of cosmetic dentistry done by the dentist to remove plaque from teeth and to give you confident smile. Sensitivity For Cold And Hot: If you feel sensation while eating ice cream or drinking hot coffee then, your teeth need a visit to the dentist. Sensation occurs when enamel of our teeth gets thinner and it affects the tooth as well as roots of the teeth. Get this treated on time before it leads to any serious problem. Tooth Cavities: Regular dentist checkup can help you to identify cavities and can get treated on time. The sooner you take care of your teeth; you can save them from getting decay. The dentist will protect the tooth from preventing further exposure to substances which may increase the cavity. Many dental issues can be minimized by adopting good oral hygiene and by visiting the dentist regularly. Your teeth are an important part of your personality and also support you in eating, so take care of your teeth properly. Read Also: What You Need To Know About Dental Implant Surgery? 5 Dental Hygiene Tips For A Healthier Smile

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms and Who Is At Risk?

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism?

Who Is at Risk for Alcoholism?

Polydrug Use: What Happens When You Mix Cocaine with Heroin?

Is Outpatient Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Effective?

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Popular

Follow Us

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