On a fairly regular basis doctors fail to identify people with alcohol use disorders. This failure is often due to simply not asking the right questions. The consequences of such failure may be substantial, especially if the person has major surgery or develops a severe illness and then manifests acute alcohol withdrawal. Screening and brief […]
Problems Relating to Drinking
Excessive Drinking Alcohol depresses your central nervous system. In some people, the initial reaction may be stimulation. But as you continue to drink, you become sedated. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and affects your thoughts, emotions and judgment. Too much alcohol affects your speech and muscle coordination and affects vital centers of your brain. A heavy […]
Acute Alcohol Withdrawal
Acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms Symptoms may vary depending on the individual. There may be mild or severe symptoms, and some may need close inpatient, or medical supervision. Serious withdrawal symptoms include: Delirium tremens The Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome Seizures Depression Electrolyte disturbances Complications due to associated liver disease Presentation: A person may present in acute alcohol withdrawal, or may be […]
Problems Caused By Alcohol
Both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence can cause many different types of problems that can disrupt a person’s life. They include health, emotional, social, work or school, and financial problems. Health problems related to alcohol The short-term effects of alcohol on the body include: upset stomach; diarrhea; lack of coordination and judgment; headaches; and insomnia. […]
Characteristics of ACOA by Janet G. Woititz
In 1983 author Janet G. Woititz listed, in her book “Adult Children of Alcoholics”, thirteen characteristics most adult children have in common. This list is also known as the “A.C.O.A. Characteristic List” by many adult children. The 13 Characteristics of A.C.O.A. Adult children of alcoholics guess at what normal behavior is. Adult children of alcoholics […]
Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures
Physical dependency on alcohol develops following a sustained period of daily heavy drinking. This can result in the development of an alcohol withdrawal syndrome, with such symptoms as tremulousness (the shakes), sweating. In more severe cases withdrawal seizures (or fits) may occur. The more severe withdrawal symptoms occur between 24 48 hours after stopping drinking, […]
Relapse Prevention
Becoming aware of addictive behaviors, thoughts, and emotional build-up. Recovery is more than just abstinence; however, abstinence is the first step in recovery. It is stopping drug and alcohol use. The next step is “staying stopped”, a process called: ‘relapse prevention”. But many people struggle to prevent relapse and fall back into substance use and […]
What is Alcohol
Alcohol is a Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant and slows down brain’s functioning. Some people think that alcohol is a stimulant because it makes people feel more energetic and lowers inhibitions. Types of alcohol: Ethanol (Ethyl alcohol) is a chemical name used for the alcohol present in beer, wine, spirits and liqueurs. It is produced by fermenting or […]