addiction-treatment, Alcohol / 28.02.2025

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. (more…)
Addiction, addiction-treatment / 18.12.2024

Editor's note: If you or a family member are experiencing a crisis, The National Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879  is a free, confidential, 24/7 drug and alcohol hotline.The National Drug Helpline is a toll-free number available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can call the drug hotline without fear of getting in trouble with the law. Facing alcohol addiction is one of the toughest battles anyone can go through. If you're reading this, chances are you or someone you care about is considering rehab. It's a big step, and understanding what happens during alcohol rehab can make it feel less overwhelming.

The First Step: Admission and Assessment

The journey begins with an initial assessment. You might be wondering, why is this necessary? Well, everyone’s experience with alcohol addiction is different. The team needs to know your history, your health, and your personal struggles with alcohol. This isn’t about judging you; it’s about understanding you. During this stage at your chosen alcohol rehab, you'll meet with medical professionals or counsellors who’ll ask questions about your drinking habits, physical health, and mental well-being. They’ll also screen for any underlying conditions, like anxiety or depression, which can often go hand-in-hand with addiction. It’s a chance to build a picture of what support you need. This is also where your treatment plan takes shape. Think of it like a roadmap tailored specifically to you. Whether you need a medically supervised detox, therapy sessions, or ongoing support, the team will plan it all out. (more…)
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 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. (more…)
Addiction, Alcohol / 17.10.2024

  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. (more…)
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. (more…)
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.  (more…)
Alcohol, Author Interviews, CMAJ / 03.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: 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. (more…)
Alcohol, Author Interviews, Stanford / 13.11.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: 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. (more…)
Alcohol, Author Interviews / 25.09.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: 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. (more…)
Addiction, Alcohol, Author Interviews, Cannabis, Education, JAMA, Pediatrics, Social Issues, UCLA / 06.10.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: 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. (more…)
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. (more…)
Alcohol, Author Interviews, Heart Disease, JACC / 09.05.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: 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.  (more…)