Alcohol Help

Effects of Alcohol

alcoholhelp — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:30:22 +0000

An average American student in college is estimated to drink over 34 gallons of alcohol per annum. 20% of calories are provided alcohol in the diet of a number of drinkers. Alcohol consumption may seem harmless and but a part of college life. However, studies show that athleticism and alcohol use should not be parallel to each other. Although the alcohol may not be eliminated altogether, rigorous efforts should be undertaken in order to avoid the harmful effects of alcohol on athletes such as the following.

Dehydration

Among the effects of alcohol on athletes is severe dehydration as well as confounding electrolyte imbalances. Quite a number of days to a full week are needed to recover fully from severe dehydration. Musculoskeletal injuries which include muscle pulls and strains as well as cramps are a greater risk to a dehydrated athlete. Severe brain injury and even death can result from dehydration especially when during extreme temperatures as well as intense practices. Muscle wasting or loss of muscle mass and reduced appetite is likewise caused by dehydration. Reduced food consumption parallel to loss of appetite will lead to fatigue as well as overtraining that may further increase risk of injury.

Testosterone

Decreased levels of serum testosterone are likewise one of the effects of alcohol on athletes. Reduced aggression, muscle recovery, lean muscle mass as well as general athletic performance is associated with testosterone decrease. This can likewise result in reduced sperm development, testicular shrinkage and breast enlargement in males. Estradial, a kind of estrogen, may likewise heighten in production upping breast cancer risk in females.

Performance

Several days following consumption, alcohol still impairs reaction time as well as mental acuity. Retarded reaction time as well as downgraded mental acuity produces severe consequences to an athlete. Injury risk is increased and performance is reduced. Hand-eye coordination is lowered while judgment is impaired. Breakdown of lactic acid is also affected by alcohol which results to increased soreness following exercise. Drowsiness, nausea and vomiting can also be experienced for days after alcohol consumption.

Fat Storage

7calories/gram is contained in alcohol while fat has nine. Alcohol, in parallel to fat, is stored in the body. Amino acids are also destroyed by alcohol and are then stored as fats. Thus, alcohol intake heightens fat storage and negatively affects the composition of the body given the increase in percentage of body fat. Powerful pathways of energy such as glycolysis are impaired. Lactic acid increases in production which subsequently leads to lower energy, lowered muscle recovery as well as heightened muscles soreness. Alcohol is likewise taken in addition to normal food intake. Given that alcohol contains 7calories/gram, the person’s body weight as well as percentage of body fat increases due to the compounded extra calories.

Social

Alcohol intake can lead to injuries to oneself and other people since alcohol impairs judgment by acting a depressant of the central nervous system. Countless suicides, homicides, fatal car accidents as well as brawls which lead to incarceration are linked to alcohol use. Date rape as well as gender related crimes have resulted from heightened impairment of judgment as well as reduced inhibition or ability to say “NO.”

Alcohol Detox- The First Step to Recovery

alcoholhelp — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 02:21:54 +0000

Whenever someone gets stressed, sometimes he or she resorts to drinking wine to take the edge off, especially after coming home from a hectic day at work. However, if one does this on a regular basis, the result could very well be that that someone has built a dependency on alcohol. There are those who realize this and would want to break free from such a habit and as such, undergo alcohol detox.

Alcohol detox is the process of removing alcohol from an alcohol-dependent’s body. It is done when one refrains from taking in any more alcohol, drinks medication in order to help refrain from it and changing the food a patient eats. It is improbable for detox to happen without the support of family, friends and loved ones as well as the commitment of a patient.

Both the live as well as the kidneys function as the body’s detoxification organs but when it comes to those considered as “severe” alcoholics, a different form of detoxification is needed. There are person who do volunteer work at detox facilities for those who suffer from alcoholism. These persons include doctors and nurses among others.

During most situations, home detoxification could be done but this can only happen when there is only a moderate amount of alcohol being consumed. However, if the case involves severe withdrawal symptoms, the misuse of other substances and hallucinations, then a patient must be admitted to a detox facility.

When cases are severe, in order to detoxify those who drink heavily, medicine is then utilized. In this phase, a patient is cautioned that he or she might go through anxiety as well as insomnia for about two days. Usually, alcohol detoxification drugs such as a benzodiazepine is used. Diazepam is used commonly as well. However, it could be lethal to the patient if this drug is mixed with large amounts of alcohol. Because of this, diazepam as a detox agent requires supervision.

The detoxification process lasts from five to about six weeks. A patient’s diet should consist of food rich in protein and fiber. Aside from these, a patient should also drink huge amounts of water the whole day through. Drinking tea also helps in stimulating the kidneys process in eliminating alcohol from the body.

This type of detox is done inside a rehabilitation facility. These facilities are often located near or within the lesser-populated places in the country to give patients more space as well as quiet time to think things over. There are likewise enough personnel to attend to each person’s needs.

Alcohol Abuse and the Illnesses that Come with It

alcoholhelp — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 02:12:58 +0000

Although statistics differ from country to country, many folks still die of alcohol related illnesses. But how does alcohol abuse lead to death? Here a few effects of alcohol dependence:

Nervous System

30-40% of all men are estimated to have succumbed to an alcohol blackout during their teens or twenties. This is caused by too much alcohol in the body which in turn cause memory loss when it comes to spacio-temporal orientation. Reduced general quality of sleep resulting from sleep disturbance is a famous effect of alcohol. The legs and arms may likewise feel tingling and numbness. Korsakoff’s as well as Wernicke’s syndrome may transpire separately or together. Low levels of Thiamine, a kind of vitamin B complex in alcohol, is the cause of both. Korsakoff’s syndrome causes memory loss and impedes new learning while Wernicke’s syndrome causes disordered movement of the eyes, very poor balance as well as difficulty in walking.

Gastrointestinal system

Muscular ring loosening is another one of the alcohol related illnesses. This particular one impedes the contents of the stomach from re-entering the esophagus. Bleeding as well as pain results stomach acids flowing flowing into the esophagus. Decreased appetite as well as bleeding and pain may also come as a result of inflammation. Meanwhile, esophageal varices, bloated dilated blood vessels, may result in severe, uncontrollable bleeding. As a reaction to liver disease, hemorrhaging and bursting can ensue. Among the common symptoms of the pancreatic effect of alcohol is diarrhea. Alcohol related illnesses likewise include pancreatic inflammation also known as pancreatitis. Alcohol also prevents nutrient absorption which results in a malnourished state. Consistent alcohol levels also affect the liver where alcohol is metabolized. A fatty liver ensues from an enlarged liver. Normal liver structure as well as function is impeded by cirrhosis or fibrous scar tissue also. Inflammation of the organ (hepatitis) may also be experienced.

Blood

Changes in blood cell types are likewise alcohol related illnesses. Inflammation or abnormal enlargement happens to bloods cells. An immunocompromised immune system results from the reduction of white blood cells which combat infections. This factor is the cause of increased cancer risk in alcoholics. Increased bleeding risk comes as a result of increase in platelets and blood clotting factors.

Heart

Alcohol related illnesses likewise lists fluctuating blood pressure. While small amounts of alcohol might result in a blood pressure decrease, increased intake of alcohol increases blood pressure. One of the coronary risk factors is high fat levels in the bloodstream. Heavy drinking can also increase the risk of stroke as a blood clot runs through the circulatory from the coronary chambers to the brain and blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Risk of blood clot in coronary chambers, weakened cardiac muscles as well as heart enlargement can also occur due to huge alcoholic intake.

Reproductive System

The reproductive system is also affected by alcohol related illnesses. Testicle and ovary size is decreased by alcohol which subsequently affect sperm and egg production that ultimately results in decreased fertility. A child is likewise put at risk of having fetal alcohol syndrome by a pregnant mom who drinks alcohol. The child may have lower IQ, facial defects and behavioral problems.

Binge Drinking: Some Facts You Need to Know

alcoholhelp — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 02:04:29 +0000

Simply put, binge drinking is wanting to drink to get drunk, an unrestrictive splurge as well as a self-destructive act.

Intoxicated drinkers manifest irresponsibility, squander money and show harmful behavior in a drinking binge. They even push the envelop as far as being in contact with authorities or emergency medical personnel.

Numerous countries in the west now face a dilemma with regard to binge drinking even if they possess various levels of tolerance for such.

Laws in the US point out that women who down more than four drink and men who drink at least five drinks in one event are binge drinking.

Meanwhile, binge drinking in UK denotes drinking at least eleven—twice as that in United States. This problem has gotten so serious that the government is looking into measures to counter it.

What is the point of discussion?

Irresponsibility is usually covered up as games as well as having fun when binge drinking. Drinkers and the people around them are put in danger.

The following are the risks of binge drinking

• Neglect of work

• Property Damage

• Unplanned sex

• Having unprotected sex

• Driving under the influence

• Trouble with authorities

• Being hurt or Injured

• Alcohol overdose which cause alcohol poisoning, a potentially fatal adverse reaction.

Risks to people around binge drinkers:

• Interruption of leisure time or sleep.

• Being subject to insult or humiliation

• Serious argument

• Property damage

• Being assaulted

• Undue sexual advances

Why do drinkers binge?

• To get drunk

• Status linked with drinking

• Alcohol consuming culture

• Peer Pressure

• Stress

Is binge drinking your dilemma?

Are you knowledge with regard to these destructive behaviors of yours?

• Drinking more heavily and more often?

• Drinking just to “get drunk”

• Is work set aside or are family members or your partner affected by your drinking ?

What you should do

Luckily, NLP and hypnotherapy can be employed to solve binge drinking.

Neurolinguistics programming is used to reconfigure the mind on the way to positive results

Hypnotherapy opens the mind to NLP and the combination of both produces effective results.

In a few hours, the two methods reprogram binge drinking behavior.

With the aid of a downloaded self-help or a hypnotherapist, the brai can be re-programmed and binge drinking can be put to a hault.

Each step produces parallel results—a renewal from self destructive behavior to a “few drinks at a time and having a good time” stance.

Alcohol Detox Treatment – Getting Deeper

alcoholhelp — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 01:53:47 +0000

Three to seven days are needed for alcohol detox treatment. It varies from person to person depending on body size, type of alcoholic drink taken, level of alcohol tolerance and time spent as an alcoholic.

For alcohol detox treatment, medical supervision is needed—specifically from a doctor. One of the safest ways for alcohol detox treatment is an in-patient treatment clinic. On call 24/7 are medical personnels with drug as well as alcohol withdrawal training and experience. They check and maintain sufficient food and fluid intake, vital signs and medications.

In most cases, the alcoholic isn’t 100% steadfast in committing to a new direction in life. Even the strongest person may have doubts when detox effects set in. Being caused to undergo or subjecting oneself to nausea, tremors, vomiting and anxiety isn’t a favorable idea at all, is it? Locating support before alcohol detox treatment is thus critical.

Co-workers, friends and family members can give advice and provide encouragement and support. For those who don’t feel like it to approach kin or colleagues, Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar groups are available to provide good anonymous assistance.

During the period in the alcohol detox treatment facility, withdrawal symptoms may begin to show within 3 hours to two days of the last drink. The alcoholic may very likely experience a relapse without the presence of detox experts as the anxiety of withdrawal sets in. Withdrawal symptoms have generally been dealt with through alcohol which the patient looks for in search of the same relief.

Alcohol detox treatment uses prescription drugs instead. Klonepin reduces physical symptoms. Nonetheless this is not a sure way to avert withdrawal symptoms during the alcohol detox treatment. However, drugs which include Klonepin ease such symptoms. Hyperactivity and sleeplessness instead of convulsions or vomiting in place of shakes (delirium tremens)

Close monitoring and Klonepin can be utilized in the withdrawal and detox phases. Nonetheless one in every four cases may need an anticonvulsant like diazepam or clonazepam.

The detox phase is necessary in recovering from alcohol addiction. While still in it, the body craves for more alcohol. Alcohol’s grip needs to be shattered in order for recovery to begin

The initial step in freeing oneself from alcohol is to decide to stop drinking. Alcohol detox treatment is next and lifelong recovery thereafter. It surely is never easy but it is very beneficial. A good support as well as a great detox program can be the deciding factor between success and failure.

Alcohol Detox – Your Way Out of Alcohol Addiction

alcoholhelp — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 01:43:54 +0000

Overcoming an addiction to alcohol is no easy task. It can also take a significant length of time to get over it. However, recovery can be achieved if one is prepared and willing to put a stop to his or her drinking. The very first step in recovering from alcohol addiction is to admit that you have a drinking problem and that you should strive to solve it.

In case drinking is the only thing preventing you from doing and enjoying the things you want and love to do, then you should commit to finally putting a stop to your alcohol consumption. Take some time to put into paper the reasons why you want to stop drinking, what it is doing to your well-being and what life would be like if you didn’t drink. In doing this, you will realize that the good of not taking in alcohol will be far better compared to why you drink.

Those who are addicted have alcohol controlling them in a way. There are those who have a really bad alcohol problem. Meanwhile, there are others who go out of control whenever they drink. In either way, you have the option to put a stop to your drinking or to lessen it. What’s really needed is for you to reach a decision if you want to stop your alcohol consumption completely, reduce the alcohol you take in or undergo alcohol detox

The next step involves you writing down the goals that you want to achieve and the ways you are going to employ to do so. You will have to write down when you permit yourself to take in alcohol or how often is it that you let yourself take in a sip or two during a certain span of time, for example, a week. Once you already know the things you want to achieve then you can take the necessary steps in order for you to reach them. This might mean that you need to avoid certain occasions or certain persons in order for you to truly succeed at quitting.

For some, alcohol detox might be the only thing required from them although such a task isn’t really that easy to do. In such a case, the best option might be to stop any and all alcohol intake completely. For this to happen, one has to put in the needed time, effort, energy, work and will to succeed in final controlling alcohol problems. As such, one should not hesitate in asking for counseling, guidance and help. Also, the support that medical professionals and rehab facilities offer can help in many ways to make sure that you’ll never have another drinking problem of alcohol addiction episode whatsoever.

For some, lessening their alcohol intake might be the only thing required from them although such a task isn’t really that easy to do. In such a case, the best option might be to stop any and all alcohol intake completely. For this to happen, one has to put in the needed time, effort, energy, work and will to succeed in final controlling alcohol problems. As such, one should not hesitate in asking for counseling, guidance and help. Also, the support that medical professionals and rehab facilities offer can help in many ways to make sure that you’ll never have another drinking problem of alcohol addiction episode whatsoever.

What You Need to Know About Alcohol Detox Treatment

alcoholhelp — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:36:50 +0000

Alcohol detox treatment is undergone within 3-7 days. It varies from person to person and is dependent on the kind of drink usually taken, size of body, period spent in alcoholism as well as level of alcohol tolerance.

Medical help is needed in the process of alcohol detox treatment. One of the safest modes of alcohol detox is in-patient treatment. Trained and experienced medical professionals are on call 24/7 to give patients the service they need. These personnel keep track of medications, vitals signs and food and fluid intake.

An alcoholic is usually not fully committed to having a lease on life. Even the strongest of persons may have some doubts when the effects of detox set in. Undergoing nausea, tremors, vomiting and anxiety isn’t an appealing idea at all, is it? Looking for support before alcohol detox treatment is crucial.

You can get advice, encouragement and support from family, friends and co-workers. Those who are ill at ease seeking help from colleagues or family can get assistance from anonymous aid groups like Alcoholics anonymous.

Withdrawal symptoms may begin to manifest 3-48 hours after the last drink and checking into the alcohol detox treatment facility. A relapse may likely happen as the anxiety of withdrawal sets in—especially when detox professionals aren’t around. The patient looks for the same relief from the symptoms that is almost always provided by alcohol.

Nonetheless, prescription drugs are utilized in alcohol detox treatment in place of alcohol. Klonepin lessens physical symptoms. However, this does not mean that withdrawal symptoms are totally banished during the course of treatment. Nevertheless drug like Klonepin decrease the symptoms. Vomiting in place of shakes (delirium tremens) or hyperactivity and sleeplessness in place of convulsions may occur.

Klonepin and close monitoring can be employed during the withdrawal and detox stages. Nonetheless one out of every four case may need anticonvulsants like colnazepam or diazepam.

The detox stage is necessary in order to recover from alcoholism. The body pines for alcohol while the substances is still in it. Recover only begins when the grip of alcohol is relinquished.

Deciding to quit drinking is the first step to an alcohol-free life. Alcohol detox comes next before lifelong recovery is likely to happen. Nothing is ever a walk in the park but everything is beneficial. An efficient detox program and an excellent support group is the key to success in this kind of endeavor.

Easy to Spot- Signs of Alcoholism

alcoholhelp — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 01:23:21 +0000

Have you ever wondered if the signs of alcoholism posted around clinics and public service offices might be directed at you? Many of us are heavy drinkers without even acknowledging the thought of being an alcoholic. What then are the signs of alcoholism that we are to look out for?

There are many signs of alcoholism. Many are health-related such as pancreatitis and irregularities in women’s menstrual cycle. Schizophrenia and domestic violence are mental and social signs respectively. Here is a rundown (in no particular order) of some of the most common signs of alcoholism.

First up is the inability to stop or reduce drinking altogether. Many times people find themselves questioning if they should stop their alcohol intake yet never get around fulfilling the plan.

Besides questioning oneself, another sign of alcoholism is when others question the alcoholic. Many people are against heavy drinking and its implications and an alcoholic will mostly find themselves offended when confronted by others about their predicament.

This leads to the third sign- drinking alone. This is common with people who have already been confronted or the younger drinkers who know that drinking at their age is frowned upon or may be illegal. Escaping to drink is a big sign of alcoholism as it hints that one will do anything necessary for intake.

No man is an island; neither is the problem of drinking. Another sign of alcoholism is when finances start cracking due to excessive purchasing of drinks. This is a very obvious sign as an alcoholic will continue to buy until his pockets or his companions’ pockets are empty.

Alcohol in our blood slows us down, physically, mentally and socially. This leads to our next sign of alcoholism- depression. One may find him or herself isolating themselves from those who care for them like their family and friends. As a depressive it also leads to people falling asleep on the wheel, thus leading to car accidents.

This does not pertain solely to one being empathetic for himself but can hide in the guise of violence. This is linked with another sign of alcoholism- that drinking gives one a stronger sense of courage. A depressed mind can release itself through physical abuse such as screaming, domestic violence and rape.

One very often missed sign of alcoholism is post-traumatic syndrome disorder (PTSD). It is very common with soldiers from war and women who have just come from strenuous child-labor or a violent relationship. PTSD is a cause and a sign of alcoholism. Those suffering from it use alcohol to either forget or completely erase the experience from memory.

Lastly one must check if they frequently make excuses just to drink. Someone deep in alcoholism will make a reason out of anything just to get their hands on a bottle. When there is absolutely no real purpose in the drink and excuses ring in the air then it is a hint that the person is craving for more than what is reasonable.

There are many more signs of alcoholism yet these here are the most common ones that anyone can identify. Identifying the problem is only the first part of fixing it though. From here on one must take action to cure it.

Alcohol Detox Treatment-Your Way to Recovery

alcoholhelp — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 01:19:18 +0000

Alcohol detox treatment takes around three to seven days. Based on the person’s kind of alcoholic drink usually taken, body size, length of time as an alcoholic as well as alcohol tolerance level, alcohol detox treatment differs from individual to individual.

Medical supervision especially from a doctor is needed when alcohol detox treatment is to be taken. An in-patient treatment facility is among the safest ways of detoxification. You can be sure that drug and alcohol withdrawal trained and experienced medical professionals are on call 24/7. Vital signs, medications as well as enough food as well as fluid intake are monitored and maintained by these personnel.

During the detox phase, the alcoholic is usually not 100% committed to a new way of life. Detox effects can even make the strongest person think twice. Being subject or subjecting yourself to anxiety, tremors, nausea as well as vomiting isn’t an appealing idea, is it? That is why it is critical to locate support prior to the alcohol detox treatment

Encouragement and support can come from friends, co-workers as well as family members who can likewise give advice. Alcoholics Anonymous as well as other support groups are also available for those who aren’t comfortable approaching their colleagues or kin and are a good source anonymous assistance.

When already in the detox clinic, within three hours to a couple of days following the last drink, withdrawal symptoms might start to manifest. As the uneasiness of withdrawal starts, a relapse on the part of the alcoholic may very likely occur in the absence of detox experts. This is due to the fact that withdrawal symptoms have always been relieved by alcohol which has the patient wanting the similar relief with the use of the same substance.

Prescription drugs are instead utilized in the alcohol detox treatment. Physical symptoms are reduced through Klonepin. However, this does not ascertain that no withdrawal symptoms will be experience during the process of detox. However, symptoms are eased by Klonepin as well as other drugs. Vomiting instead of shakes (delirium tremens) or hyperactivity as well as sleeplessness in place of convulsions might be involve in the detox process.

The withdrawal as well as the detox phase can be done away with the aid of Klonepin and close monitoring. However, an anticonvulsant such as clonazepam or diazepam may be needed in 25% of cases.

Recovery from alcoholism cannot be achieved without going through the detox phase. The body craves for more while alcohol is still in it. Recovery only begins after the body is set free from the grip of alcohol.

Making a decision to stop drinking is the first step in the life-long process of freedom from alcohol. Next is the alcohol detox treatment and after that a leap into lifelong recovery. It may not be the easiest way out but it surely pays dividends. An excellent detox program coupled with a good support group can be the key factor between failure and success.

Illnesses Related to Alcohol Abuse

alcoholhelp — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:59:34 +0000

Even if statistics may vary from country to country, there are still a significant number of folks who die due to alcohol related illnesses. So just how do people die from alcohol abuse? Here are some of the effects of long-term alcohol abuse to the body:

Nervous System

An estimated thirty to fourty percent of all men have undergone alcoholic blackout in their teens or twenties. This results from drinking a large amount of alcohol which subsequently end in loss of memory with regard to spacio-temporal orientation. Sleep disturbances that result to decrease in overall sleep quality is a well-known effect of alcohol. The arms as well as legs may experience numbness and tingling. Wernicke’s as well as Korsakoff’s syndromes may occur together or separately. Low levels of Thiamine (a type of vitamin B complex) in alcohol are the culprits of both. Difficulty in walking, very poor balance as well as disordered eye movements results from Wernicke’s syndrome while Korsakoff’s syndrome damages one’s memory severely thereby preventing a person from any new learning.

Gastrointestinal system

Other alcohol related illnesses include muscular ring loosening which results in the prevention of re-entrance of stomach contents to esophagus. These causes pain and bleeding as stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Decrease in appetite as well as bleeding and pain may also result from stomach inflammation. Esophageal varices, enlarged dilated blood vessels in the esophagus, that develop cause severe, uncontrollable bleeding. These varices are extremely prone to hemorrhaging and bursting and are developed as liver disease response. Because of the pancreatic effect of alcohol, common symptoms include diarrhea. Moreover, among alcohol related illnesses is pancreatitis or pancreatic inflammation. Absorption of nutrients is hindered by alcohol thereby creating a malnourished state. Constant alcohol levels likewise affect the liver as it is where alcohol is metabolized. A fatty liver develops as the liver is enlarged, the liver’s normal structure as well as function is hindered as by fibrous scar tissue (cirrhosis) and the organ might be inflamed (hepatitis).

Blood

Among alcohol related illnesses likewise includes changes in blood cell types. Red blood cells are abnormally enlarged. The immune system is weakened as a result of the decrease in white blood cells which fight infections. The increase risk of infections is what is said to partly account for increased cancer risk in alcoholics (which is ten times over those who don’t drink). Risk of bleeding is also increased as blood clotting factors as well as platelets increase.

Heart

Unstable blood pressure is likewise among alcohol related illnesses. Blood pressure drop results from small intake of alcohol while increased blood pressure is caused by increased use of alcohol. Heart disease risk is heightened by high fat levels in the bloodstream. Heavy drinking also causes weakened heart muscles, increased heart size, blood clot risk within coronary chambers, a heightened risk of stroke (because of blood clot entering circulatory systems from the heart to the brain and blocking a blood vessel in the brain.

Reproductive System

Alcohol related illnesses are linked to the reproductive system as well. The fertility of both men and women are decreased by heavy drinking through a decrease in size of testicle and ovary and interference with production of egg and sperm respectively. Having fetal alcohol syndrome is also a great risk to a baby whose mother is alcoholic. This results in particular facial defects as well as behavioral problems and lowered IQ.