Addiction, Alcohol / 02.12.2025

  [caption id="attachment_65187" align="aligncenter" width="500"]alcohol-addiction-roots Source[/caption] Alcohol addiction affects individuals from all walks of life, yet no two people experience it in the same way. Each person arrives at treatment with their own history, challenges, strengths, and goals. Because of this, a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery often falls short. Personalized alcohol recovery paths have become essential in modern treatment because they acknowledge these differences and tailor care to meet each individual where they are. For people exploring options such as alcohol rehab Reno, understanding the value of personalized treatment can shape how they choose a program and how confidently they begin the recovery journey. Personalized recovery paths incorporate factors like mental health needs, past trauma, cultural background, family dynamics, and learning styles. This individualized approach helps people stay engaged, feel understood, and move forward at a pace that aligns with their healing process. When treatment reflects the unique person behind the addiction, long-term success becomes far more attainable.
Alcohol, Legal-Malpractice / 20.06.2025

[caption id="attachment_69088" align="aligncenter" width="500"]selling-alcoholic-beverages Photo by Isabella Mendes[/caption] The beverage industry is constantly growing, and experts predict a 1.7% annual growth rate until 2027. This includes individual beverage industries, like the growth rates of the wine industry.  If you want to sell drinks like soda, beer, wine, or liquor, you need to follow the law. When you create, market, or serve drinks, laws regarding drinks inform you what you can and can't do. These standards make people safer and make it more likely that alcohol businesses will be honest and fair. According to Blake & Ayaz, understanding alcohol beverage compliance (ABC) laws and the particular state and federal licensing and enforcement requirements for your business can be challenging and tedious, so it is important to get advice and assistance from knowledgeable ABC licensing lawyers. If you run a restaurant or a bar or plan to sell drinks at events, you should know these rules if you want to avoid big problems in the future. This article will provide an overview of alcohol beverage compliance so that you can understand better why these policies are important.
Alcohol, ASCO, Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 01.06.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_68875" align="alignleft" width="125"]Chinmay Jani, MDChief Fellow, Hematology & Oncology University of Miami / Jackson Health System Dr. Jani[/caption] Chinmay Jani, MD Chief Fellow, Hematology & Oncology University of Miami / Jackson Health System   [caption id="attachment_68874" align="alignleft" width="125"]Dr. Lopes Dr. Lopes[/caption] Gilberto Lopes, M.D. Professor, Chief, Division of Medical Oncology Associate Director for the Cancer Center and Medical Director for International Affairs Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: There is growing evidence linking alcohol consumption to increased cancer risk and mortality. This association was recently emphasized by the former U.S. Surgeon General, prompting renewed public health interest. In response to these concerns, under the mentorship of Dr. Lopes, we evaluated national trends in alcohol-associated cancer mortality using data from the Global Burden of Disease database.
Addiction, Alcohol / 23.05.2025

[caption id="attachment_64070" align="aligncenter" width="500"]addiction-alcohol Source[/caption]

“I’m Fine” Can Hide a Lot

You get up early. You’re productive at work. You show up for your family. You even go to the gym sometimes. From the outside, everything looks good. But at the end of the day—sometimes before it—you’re pouring a drink, or two, or more. Not because you’re out of control, but because it’s how you cope. Because it’s the only thing that turns down the noise. This is the reality for countless people living with high-functioning alcohol use. It doesn’t always look like rock bottom. It looks like “fine.” But fine isn’t the same as well. And managing isn’t the same as thriving.
Addiction, Alcohol / 17.05.2025

[caption id="attachment_68585" align="aligncenter" width="500"]drug-to-reduce-alcohol-cravings Source[/caption] For many individuals struggling with alcohol use, stopping isn’t just about willpower—it’s about biology. Alcohol changes the brain's reward system, making it harder to resist cravings even after someone decides to quit. That’s why, for some people, adding a drug to reduce alcohol cravings can be a game-changing part of recovery. So, what medications are available, and how do they work? Here’s what science—and real-world treatment—has to say.
Addiction, Alcohol / 14.04.2025

  • If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol conditions, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are ready to locate a treatment facility or provider, you can go directly to FindTreatment.govor call 800-662-HELP (4357).
  • US. veterans or service members who are in crisis can call 988 and then press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255. Or chat online. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).
[caption id="attachment_67921" align="aligncenter" width="500"]talk-to-love-one-addiction Photo by Edward Eyer[/caption]

Starting the Conversation That Could Save a Life

If someone you care about is struggling with alcohol use, chances are you’ve wrestled with a mix of concern, frustration, and helplessness. You may have noticed mood swings, broken promises, or changes in behavior—but you’re not sure how to bring it up without triggering defensiveness or pushing them away. Talking to a loved one about their drinking isn’t easy. But with the right approach, your words can open the door to healing, understanding, and even recovery. Whether you're considering professional addiction rehab in Arizona or just beginning to recognize a problem, here’s how to navigate this delicate but crucial conversation.
Addiction, addiction-treatment, Alcohol / 20.03.2025

hangover-anxiety Experiencing a hangover can be a challenging ordeal, not just physically but mentally as well. For many, the aftermath of a night of indulgence is accompanied by a wave of anxiety that can feel overwhelming. This phenomenon, often referred to as hangover anxiety, can exacerbate feelings of guilt, worry, and unease. Understanding how to manage these feelings is crucial for a smoother recovery. Below are effective strategies and tips to help navigate hangover anxiety.

Understanding Hangover Anxiety

Hangover anxiety is a specific type of anxiety that occurs after consuming alcohol. It often manifests as feelings of dread, worry about past actions, or fear of the future. This reaction is not uncommon, as alcohol can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to heightened anxiety levels. Many individuals find themselves reflecting on the previous night's events, replaying conversations, and scrutinizing their behavior, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.
addiction-treatment, Alcohol / 28.02.2025

[caption id="attachment_66922" align="aligncenter" width="500"]alcohol-addiction-aud Photo by Chan Walrus[/caption] Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as alcoholism, is a chronic condition defined by the inability to regulate or stop drinking, even when it causes significant harm to daily life. Recognizing the signs of alcoholism is the first step toward seeking help. Common signs of a drinking problem include:
  •     Drinking alcohol in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
  •     Craving alcohol.
  •     Developing a tolerance, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effects.
  •     Suffering from withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
  •     Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school due to drinking behavior.
  •     Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence, such as driving or unsafe sexual activity.
If these signs resonate, it’s essential to seek support from a health care provider or alcohol counselors to address the problem before it worsens.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition formally recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It encompasses a spectrum of problematic drinking habits, ranging from mild to severe. People with AUD often struggle with an impaired ability to control their alcohol consumption, even when facing health problems or damage to relationships. Heavy drinking and frequent binge episodes, defined as consuming five or more drinks for men or four or more for women in about two hours, poses a significantly increased risk of developing AUD. Family history of substance abuse or mental disorders also raises susceptibility.
addiction-treatment, Alcohol, Author Interviews / 29.11.2024

For Emergency assistance with mental health or addiction crisis please go to: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline [caption id="attachment_65187" align="aligncenter" width="500"]alcohol-addiction-roots Photo by Isabella Mendes[/caption] Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), remains a pervasive global issue, affecting millions of lives. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that alcohol abuse contributes to over 3 million deaths annually, making it one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Understanding the root causes of alcohol addiction is crucial - not merely for academic purposes but for developing effective prevention strategies and treatment approaches. Experts and researchers have proposed multiple theories to explain the onset of addiction, ranging from biological predispositions to sociocultural influences, each offering unique insights into why addiction develops. This article will explore key theoretical models, their underlying frameworks, and their contributions to our understanding of alcohol addiction. Additionally, it will address emerging research, critiques of existing theories, and their practical application in addiction treatment.
Addiction, Alcohol / 17.10.2024

  [caption id="attachment_64070" align="aligncenter" width="500"]addiction-alcohol Source[/caption] When someone you care about is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s natural to feel helpless. You want to support them but might not know where to start. Navigating this sensitive topic can be tricky, and it’s crucial to approach the situation with care, understanding, and the right tools. How can you be there for them effectively?

Understand What Addiction Is

Before anything else, it’s essential to understand what alcohol addiction really is. Often referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), this condition is more than just excessive drinking. It’s a chronic disease that can take over someone’s life, making them feel powerless to stop, even if they know it’s harming them. Being informed about the nature of alcohol addiction helps you approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Recognizing that addiction is a medical condition, not a personal failing, allows you to be more compassionate in your support. You can’t “fix” it for them, but you can be there to encourage healthier choices and recovery.
Addiction, addiction-treatment, Alcohol / 17.09.2024

Overcoming alcohol addiction is both a triumph and a beginning—a launchpad for a new narrative in one’s life. The journey through recovery is often fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities for personal growth and transformation. Crafting a post-addiction life can be a profound experience that fosters strength, resilience, and joy. Below, we'll explore the key elements that contribute to a successful and fulfilling life beyond alcohol dependency. Keep reading to learn how to embrace this new chapter with confidence and hope.

Embracing a New Chapter: The Journey Beyond Alcohol Dependency

addiction-recovery.png   Breaking free from alcohol’s hold brings a new sense of freedom, allowing individuals to rediscover old passions and interests. Celebrating every small victory is crucial, as is recognizing the immense effort required to stay sober. Support from loved ones and professionals plays a significant role in this journey, providing essential encouragement and guidance. Transitioning from a luxury alcohol rehab to daily life involves building a stable routine that supports sobriety. Engaging in regular exercise, exploring creative activities, and maintaining good sleep habits help create a sense of normalcy. As life changes, developing effective coping mechanisms for stress and being patient with oneself are vital for navigating this ongoing journey toward lasting recovery.
Alcohol, Circulation Issues / 17.07.2024

We've all grown up hearing about the supposed benefits of alcohol—how it warms you up, helps you relax, and even makes you more creative. But let's dive into the truth behind these myths. It's time to separate fact from fiction when it comes to alcohol consumption.

Myth 1: Alcohol warms you up

Picture this: it's a cold winter evening, and you think a shot of whiskey will warm you right up. It might feel that way momentarily as alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, giving a flush to your cheeks. But here's the catch—while you might feel warmer on the outside, alcohol actually lowers your core body temperature. It's a short-lived sensation that can lead to more heat loss and potentially hypothermia if you're not careful. 

Myth 2: Alcohol improves vein health

There's a misconception that alcohol consumption benefits vein health. However, alcohol dilates blood vessels, potentially worsening conditions like varicose veins. Consider consult a vein specialist in Orlando to reduce the discomfort and the risk of developing other vascular issues. 
Addiction, Alcohol, Mental Health Research / 15.07.2024

  Introduction Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a pervasive issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Beyond its well-documented physical consequences, alcohol addiction significantly impacts mental health, leading to a range of emotional and psychological challenges. Understanding the relationship between alcohol addiction and mental health is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and providing support to those affected. Alcohol and the Brain [caption id="attachment_62302" align="alignleft" width="200"]alcohol_pexels-edwardeyer Image Source[/caption] Alcohol's influence on the brain is profound and multifaceted. When consumed, alcohol quickly enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, where it interferes with neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that regulate mood, cognition, and behavior. One primary target of alcohol is gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity. By enhancing GABA's effects, alcohol induces feelings of relaxation and sedation. Simultaneously, alcohol inhibits glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, further dampening brain activity and impairing cognitive functions.
Alcohol, Author Interviews, CMAJ / 03.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61837" align="alignleft" width="125"]Rahel Zewude, MD FRCPCInfectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, PGY-5 University of Toronto Dr. Zewude[/caption] Rahel Zewude, MD FRCPC Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, PGY-5 University of Toronto MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the syndrome of Auto-brewery syndrome? Response: Auto-brewery syndrome refers to a syndrome where the gut ferments alcohol from carbohydrates leading to high blood alcohol levels and intoxication without any consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Alcohol, Author Interviews, Stanford / 13.11.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61049" align="alignleft" width="128"]Timothy C. Durazzo, PhDClinical Neuropsychologist and Research Scientist
Mental Illness Research and Education Clinical Centers
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Professor
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Stanford University School of Medicine Prof. Durazzo[/caption] Timothy C. Durazzo, PhD Clinical Neuropsychologist and Research Scientist Mental Illness Research and Education Clinical Centers VA Palo Alto Health Care System Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Stanford University School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? -There are a limited number of studies investigating changes in human brain structure, in individuals with an alcohol use disorder, with longer term abstinence after treatment. -Our study was the first to assess for change in cortical thickness over approximately 7 months of abstinence in those seeking treatment of alcohol use disorder. -Cortical thickness in humans is genetically and phenotypically distinct from other brain structural measures such as cortical volume and surface area. -Therefore, assessment of changes in cortical thickness with longer-term abstinence provides additional information on how human brain structure recovers with sobriety.
Alcohol, Author Interviews / 25.09.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60871" align="alignleft" width="150"]Prof. Elisabet Jerlhag HolmDepartment of Pharmacology
Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology
The University of Gothenburg Prof. Jerlhag Holm[/caption] Prof. Elisabet Jerlhag Holm Department of Pharmacology Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology The University of Gothenburg MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a conditioned associated with morbidity, mortality and costs for society. There are today 4 approved medications, but given the heterogeneity of the disease the efficacy of these is limited and new medications are needed. Peptides of the gut-brain axis, such as GLP-1, have been implied as novel treatment targets. We therefore investigated the effect of an agonist for GLP-1, semaglutide, on alcohol drinking in rodents.
Alcohol / 14.02.2023

For some people, luxury alcohol rehabs may seem like an unnecessary extravagance. But for many, these programs offer a better chance for long-term sobriety and provide a safe, comfortable place to heal from the effects of addiction. Let’s take a look at the advantages of luxury alcohol rehab and why they can be so beneficial.

Alcoholism

addiction-alcohol-opioidsAlcoholism is a serious problem that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is defined as an addiction to alcohol, in which the person feels unable to control their drinking and continues to drink despite its negative consequences. Alcoholism can lead to health problems, family issues, financial difficulties, and even death Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease that is characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, difficulty controlling one's drinking, and continued drinking despite negative consequences. People with alcoholism often have trouble holding down a job, maintaining relationships, and taking care of their health. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, it's important to get help as soon as possible. There are many resources available to help people recover from this disease.
Addiction, Alcohol, Author Interviews, Cannabis, Education, JAMA, Pediatrics, Social Issues, UCLA / 06.10.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_59623" align="alignleft" width="150"]Mitchell Wong, MD PhD Professor of Medicine Executive Vice Chair for Research Training, Department of Medicine Executive Co-Director, Specialty Training and Advanced Research (STAR) Program Director, UCLA CTSI KL2 Program UCLA Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research Los Angeles, CA 90024 Dr. Wong[/caption] Mitchell Wong, MD PhD Professor of Medicine Executive Vice Chair for Research Training Department of Medicine Executive Co-Director, Specialty Training and Advanced Research (STAR) Program Director, UCLA CTSI KL2 Program UCLA Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research Los Angeles, CA 90024 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: It is estimated that social factors like poverty, education, and housing have a large impact on health. Yet, there are few interventions that exist to directly address those issues.  Schools are a promising solution since society already invests heavily in education and schools are an everyday part of most children’s lives.
Alcohol / 02.06.2021

Decisions have added weight after going through rehabilitation. The priority you put on these decisions will determine the scope of your recovery period. To avoid a relapse, seeking out healthy social circles is the key. Distance Yourself from Triggers There are emotional triggers that will make you want a drink. Once you figure them out, it becomes much easier to avoid. Common triggers are people, relationships, and stress. During drug and alcohol rehabilitation, overcoming your weak points is a part of the process. People can unintentionally make you feel inadequate during normal conversations. When every other conversation with a specific individual causes this problem, you have to speak up. Let them know you’re uncomfortable with a specific subject. If they refuse to acknowledge it, move on and remove that trigger from your life. Short-term and long-term relationships have a big impact on your life. Breaking up with someone makes your future look bleak. When finding someone new fails, a sense of hopelessness sets in. The answer to resolving this problem is to ‘fully’ break up with someone. Staying in contact and reliving happy memories will give you false hope. Staying away from a former relationship trigger prevents bouts of drinking for the future. Stress can sometimes be related to time, or the lack of it. Time management is the best way to avoid this trigger. Having a plan means that you’re in a better position to complete your tasks. There is no need for fancy scheduling, and it helps create a good habit. When you’re productive, stress tends to take a backseat to everything else.
Alcohol, Author Interviews, Heart Disease, JACC / 09.05.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_57388" align="alignleft" width="150"]Kenechukwu Ndubisi Mezue, M.D Fellow in Nuclear Cardiology  Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. Mezue[/caption] Kenechukwu Ndubisi Mezue, M.D Fellow in Nuclear Cardiology  Massachusetts General Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Observational studies have shown that moderate alcohol intake may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms through which this benefit occurs is mostly unknown. Chronic stress is also known to associate with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and our group has shown in previous work that increased activity in the stress-associated regions of the brain (such as the amygdala) is significantly associated with increased bone marrow activity, arterial inflammation, and cardiovascular events. Our current study hypothesizes that moderate alcohol intake reduces cardiovascular events by reducing chronic stress-associated brain activity. 
Alcohol, Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus / 07.12.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_56164" align="alignleft" width="200"]Sitara Weerakoon, MPH (she/her) PhD Candidate | Epidemiology & Biostatistics Graduate Research Assistant Center for Pediatric Population Health UTHealth  Sitara Weerakoon[/caption] Sitara Weerakoon, MPH (she/her) PhD Candidate | Epidemiology & Biostatistics Graduate Research Assistant Center for Pediatric Population Health UTHealth MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Measures to control the spread of COVID-19 included stay-at-home mandates and business lockdown policies which resulted in many facing a loss of income or employment and more time spent isolated at home. Life stressors (like job loss and social isolation) have been shown to be associated with increased drinking at unhealthy levels. Those with a history of mental health problems may be even more at risk. We aimed to see if binge drinking (5 or more drinks [male] or 4 or more drinks [female] in one session) and levels of alcohol consumption among binge drinkers were impacted by these pandemic-related factors. We found that increased time spent at home (in weeks) was associated with a 19% increase in the odds of binge drinking and binge drinkers with a previous diagnosis of depression and current depression symptoms (during the early months of the pandemic) had a 237% greater odds of drinking more alcohol (vs drinking the same amount) compared to those with no history and current symptoms of depression.
Alcohol, Author Interviews, Gender Differences, JAMA / 30.09.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_55510" align="alignleft" width="209"]Michael S. Pollard, Ph.D. Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School Senior Sociologist RAND Corporation Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138 Dr. Pollard[/caption] Michael S. Pollard, Ph.D. Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School Senior Sociologist RAND Corporation Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: There are ample anecdotal jokes and stories about increased alcohol use during COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders. Our study provides robust longitudinal evidence that people drank more frequently, and for women in particular, more heavily, and with more negative consequences, during the initial stages of COVID-19 compared to their own behaviors from a year earlier (May/June 2020 compared to May/June 2019). Women’s alcohol consumption was most significantly changed, with a 17% increase in number of days drinking, and a 41% increase in days of binge drinking (when they had four or more drinks in a couple of hours). This means that, nationally, one in five women drank heavily one more day a month than the same time in 2019, on average. Women also reported a 39% increase in alcohol-related problems, such as “I took foolish risks” or “I failed to do what was expected of me” because of drinking alcohol.
Alcohol, Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard / 11.03.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_53445" align="alignleft" width="167"]John F. Kelly, Ph.D., ABPP. Recovery Research Institute Elizabeth R. Spallin Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine Harvard Medical School  Dr. Kelly[/caption] John F. KellyPh.D., ABPP. Recovery Research Institute Elizabeth R. Spallin Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine Harvard Medical School   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Alcohol use disorder is one of the leading causes of disease, disability, and preventable death worldwide. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a widespread international recovery support organization designed to address it. While it has remained popular and influential for many decades, until recently the quantity and quality of the research on AA and clinical treatments designed to stimulate AA involvement – Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) treatments – had not been evaluated adequately. This systematic review and meta-analysis used the rigor of the Cochrane review system to subject AA/TSF to the same scientific standards as other clinical interventions.  
Addiction, Alcohol, Author Interviews, JAMA, Methamphetamine / 06.01.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_52664" align="alignleft" width="200"]Eric Dawson, PharmD Vice President, Clinical Affairs Millennium Health Dr. Dawson[/caption] Dr. Eric Dawson, PharmD Vice President, Clinical Affairs Millennium Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has projected a drop in the number of overdose deaths for 2018; the first reported decline since 1990. They cite a decrease in prescription opioid deaths as the leading contributor to the overall reduction, but caution that deaths associated with synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, as well as stimulants appear to be increasing. In 2019, we reported a 798% increase in urine drug test positivity rates for nonprescribed fentanyl among results positive for methamphetamine and an 1850% increase among results positive for cocaine. In an effort to conduct ongoing surveillance of the polysubstance use landscape and help characterize these evolving trends in a more timely manner, we examined our UDT data as close to real-time as possible to observe trends in positivity for methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, with and without illicit fentanyl.