Alcohol

       Treatment, Therapy & Alternatives

Suffering from an alcohol addiction can reek havoc on a persons life. As with any addiction a person can suffer greatly. I would like to talk about some treatment options for a person struggling through alcohol addiction. It is most important for the person to recognize their condition and have an desire to quit. (Carol Galbicsek, 2019) Sometimes a person may realize this on their own or it may take an intervention to help the person see they have a problem. Once the person is ready and willing to get help you must then figure out treatment and support options.

Drug & Alcohol Intervention. Retrieved from www.beachhouserehabcenter.com

Detoxification is the initial step in treating alcoholism and it can be a very difficult process as the first few day a person may feel some withdraw symptoms. (Carol Galbicsek,2019)  Once a person is detoxed they may enter into therapy. An option is inpatient therapy where a person is in structured treatment environment. (Carol Galbiesek, 2019)In in patient therapy they may also help you through detoxification if you were unable to do this alone through giving medications that help with withdraw symptoms.(Addiction Center, 2020)Common ones they would prescribe include:

• Acamprosate – Used to reduce alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Naltrexone – Used to reduce cravings for alcohol as well as its pleasurable effects.
• Vivitrol – An extended-release formulation of Naltrexone
• Disulfiram – Causes severe negative effects when alcohol is consumed.

  These program are for people with a serve alcohol problem and the person would generally remain in treatment from anywhere from 30 to 90 days. These people will get around the clock care  to prepare you for life after rehab ,learning to fight triggers and to seeking help if you relapse. (Carol Galbiesek, 2019)

Alcohol Intervention Service. Retrieved from www.homedetox.co.uk

Alcohol counseling is another option which includes many meetings with a counselor who will guide you through recovery. Counseling opens up lines of communication so the person can express themselves at all times, through the good & bad they are experiencing. (Carol Galbiesek,2019) Alcohol support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.(Buddy T, 2019) AA is well known and another great option.Scientific research has shown that people in support groups like AA combined with other treatment, is more effective than battling addiction alone.(Buddy T, 2019) There are other alternatives like— Women for Sobriety, SMART Recovery, and LifeRing that are support groups for those who choose to be sober. (German Lopez, 2018) Programs like SMART Recovery and LifeRing can be a different option for those who choose moderate drinking instead of quitting drinking all together , these are designed for more of a problem drinker rather than severe cases although anyone can try these. (German Lopez, 2019) People who are less committed to abstinence will be more committed to programs like SMART and LifeRing. We need alternatives in treating alcohol addiction because no one case is the same and people respond to different treatments. It is best to be advised by a doctor to what treatment is best for you.

Retrieved from www.theharlemvlleynews.net

Here are some great links:

https://www.verywellmind.com/dealing-with-having-an-relapse-67896

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-use-disorder-treatments#1

References

Addiction Center (2019) Alcohol Treatment & Rehab.Retrieved from www.addictioncenter.com

Buddy T (2019) Treatment Options for Alcoholism. Retrieved from www.verywellmind.com

Carol Galbicsek (2019) Treating Alcoholism. Retrieved www.alcoholrehabguide.org

German Lopez (2018) Alcoholics Anonymous Works for some people. Retrieved www.vox.com

                

                Comorbidity and Alcoholism

Comorbidity describes two or more disorders or illnesses occurring in the same person. I want to discuss how Alcoholism intertwines with comorbidity. Alcoholism can cause a variety of medical conditions along with psychiatric conditions. Heavy alcohol use directly affects the brain function and alters brain chemicals and hormonal systems known to be involved in the development of many mental disorders such as mood & anxiety disorders. (Ramesh Shivani, 2002) Alcoholism can bring on a wide range of psychiatric symptoms including extreme sadness, difficulty concentrating, nervousness,fidgeting or crying. (Ramesh Shivani,2002) Alcoholism can unleash aggressive behavior , antisocial behaviors that may mimic certain externalizing disorders. (Ramesh Shivani,2002) Alcohol reeks havoc many systems in the body. Comorbid cardiovascular issues start to occur within the body when heavy alcohol use . Such cardiovascular issues include high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, elevated levels of cholesterol, heart attack ,alcoholic cardiomyopathy occurs in chronic drinkers, and risk of stroke. (Alcohol.org, 2020)

Alcohol & Heart Health. Retrieved from www.hopkinsmedicine.

Chronic alcoholism can cause inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract from all the toxins giving you many gastrointestinal issues. (Alcohol.org,2020) Alcoholism can also cause issues with your central nervous system causing brain cancer, risk for development of dementia and seizures.Some more mental health issues that go hand in hand with alcoholism are eating disorders, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma and stress related disorders. (Alcohol.org,2020)

Alcohol Use Disorder & Mental Health. Retrieved from www.aspenstrong.org

                                                                                     National Mental Health Awareness Month. Retrieved from www.sovhealth.com

 

IS THERE HOPE?

Yes, there is hope but it will be a long road ahead.It is not as easy as many think, quit drinking and your problems will disappear. Quitting drinking is only the first big step, quitting alone will not remove the struggles the person is dealing with. The recovery time depends on the length the person has abused alcohol. (Alcohol.cor,2020)Unfortunately, chronic abuse of alcohol can be associated with numerous comorbid conditions, including medical conditions, neurological conditions, psychological conditions, and social issues. (Alcohol.org,2020) It is important for the person to have support and reach out to a professional who can help them in all areas they are suffering in whether it be mental disorders or health issues. It is never to late.

Here are some good links:

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/dual-diagnosis/

References

Alcohol.org (2020) Excessive Use of Alcohol is Frequently Associated with Comorid Medical Issues in The Body.    Retrieved from www.alcohol.org

Ramesh Shivani (2002) Alcoholism & Psychiatric Disorders. Retrieved from www.pubs.niaa.nih.gov

       The Family & Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is wrecking families. The effects of alcoholism continue far beyond the years of trauma. One in five adult Americans have lived with an alcoholic relative at some point during their childhood. (Buddy T, 2020) Children who live with an alcoholic are four times as likely to develop alcoholism and are also at greater risk for behavioral and emotional problems.(Behavioral Health, 2020) No one suffers as much as children do in this sad situation. Children are more likely to have difficultly dealing with stress & highly likely to marry an alcoholic or abusive spouse later in life. (Behavioral Health, 2020) 

Characteristics of Adult Children Retrieved from www.thecabinhiangmai.com

There are major behavioral patterns that play out & evolve beyond childhood which include poor self image, loneliness, guilt,anxiety,feelings of hopelessness, fear of abandonment and chronic depression. (Behavioral Health, 2020)Alcoholism effects every family member dramatically more than it does the actual drinker. The unsafe environment with disruptions of a child's normal routine, tensions that can be felt by the child of strained relationships & dishonesty all weigh heavy on a family.(Buddy T, 2020) Alcoholism is a slow progressive disease that takes your family by surprise, once innocent ,one time behaviors become more common and more accepted as normal behaviors that can reek havoc on your family.

 

Study Finds Alcoholism in Family Retrieved from www.matrixdiagnostics.co.uk

Drug Abuse Affects the whole Family Retrieved www.thecabinhiangmai.com

ROLES

There are different roles certain family members tend to take on when dealing with alcoholism within the family. The first is the enabler . He/she covers for the individual,takes on the responsibility of taking care of everything left undone and may denial about the seriousness of the addicts problem. This person excuses behaviors , unable or unwilling to hold the addict responsible for their actions,tries to smooth things over or run interference so the addict does not have to face consequences of actions.(Addiction Center, 2020) This enabler stunts the addicts ability to recover if they do not stop protecting them. The second is the Hero. The Hero is usually the older child who overachieves and is obsessed with perfection and sometimes needs to take responsibility in the home in place of missing parent. (Behavioral Health, 2020) The next is the Scapegoat. The Scapegoat misbehaves and is often in trouble in school & with law enforcement , this is reflective of the poisonous / chaotic atmosphere at home. The Mascot is next, the Mascot uses rumor to find some normalcy and balance with his/her situation. The Lost child is the saddest , the Lost child is isolated from other family members, they don't want to rock the boat, they have trouble making relationships as adults ,and often suffer deeply & quietly to themselves. (Addiction Center, 2020)

SUPPORT

It is important to be supportive but firm with addicts helping to put them in direction they need to go for help. It is vital to encourage loved ones while holding them accountable for their behaviors and creating rewards for positive behaviors.(Addiction Centers, 2020) Family members can attend support groups with loved ones or join their own support groups for families of addicts . (Addiction Centers, 2020) 

Here are some great links:

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-can-i-get-an-alcoholic-into-treatment-62623

https://www.verywellmind.com/a-family-in-crisis-63316

REFERENCES:

Addiction Centers (2020) The Role of Family in Addiction Recovery. Retrieved from www.addictioncenter,com

Behavioral Health (2020) The Effects of Drug Addiction on Family Members. Retrieved from www.bhpalmbeach.com

Buddy T (2020) Alcoholism: The Family Disease That Affects Every Member. Retrieved from www.verywellmind.com

                        Attitudes of the Culture:  

                        COLLEGE STUDENTS

Alcohol & College Students

Entering college can be an exciting time with new experiences and a new found freedom. Gaining independence can come with some big responsibility and choices than can affect your future. Four out of five college students consume alcohol at some point during their college life. Up to 50% of college students engage in binge drinking by consuming too much alcohol in too little of a time frame. (Carol Glabicsek,2019)The availability of alcohol at sporting events or social gatherings can make it hard for a young person to say no. It can become very tempting for young people. Many will drink within the first six weeks of their freshman year. Many fall under peer pressure and begin a bad cycle of drinking. Binge drinking for men is consuming 5 or more alcoholic  drinks in 2 hours while for women it is consuming 4 or more drinks in 2 hours. (Carol Glabicsek, 2019) Over the last couple decades college students started consuming hard liquor over beer. Some are not drinking to socialize but are drinking to get drunk with the end goal to drink as much as they can. (Carol Glabicsek, 2019) These toxic behaviors can lead to blackouts and even alcohol poisoning.

Binge drinking effects male & female. Retrieved from blog.frontiersin.org

Alcohol & binge drinking. Retrieved from downtowndentalnashville.com

Effects of College Drinking

Drinking in college can get in the way of your goals. For some drinking begins to become a big problem affecting students grades, their attendance , and their studying habits. One in four students admitted they have gotten a bad grade due to drinking. (Carol Galbicsek, 2019) Some end up having to retake classes which costs them thousands of dollars resulting in push back on their graduation. Some students may even harm themselves unintentionally. Some 600,000 college students unintentionally injure themselves due to heavy drinking causing bruising ,fractures and muscle sprains. (Carol Galbicsek, 2018)

Drinking can lower a person's inhibitions leaving them vulnerable for a physical or sexual assault. Fifty percent of student sexual assaults involve alcohol. (Alcohol.org,2020) Ninety percent of rapes by an acquaintance of  the victim involve alcohol and 43 % of sexual assault involve use of alcohol by the victim . (Alcohol.org, 2020) It is sad to know that in some cases these sexual assaults could have been prevented by avoiding the use of alcohol. 

MYTHS 

Sadly , many students enter college and believe they have no other choice but to drink like everyone else. This is not true.  About 40% of college students drink on a daily basis which tells us that many more people are saying no than yes. (Morris Green,2014) Many students along with people in general believe that alcohol is not a drug. Alcohol is a drug, just because it is legal does not mean it is not a drug. Alcohol is #1 misused drug/substance. (Morris Green,2015) A drug is a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced to the body. (Morris Green, 2015) Heavy use can lead to alcoholism which is a drug addiction. Some other myths about alcohol are you can't have a party without alcohol and having a few drinks is okay. These are both incorrect, having as little as a 4 ounce drink can impair your focus and behavior if you are not used to drinking. (Morris Green, 2014) There is plenty of fun to be had at parties without alcohol involved. People think they won't fit in if they don't drink. This could not be farthest from the truth, the right people will support your decision not to drink. 

Education is key. Talking to young ones about drinking at an early stage is a good start. It does not mean a child will never drink. Having good lines of communication throughout your child's life will help them to be able to communicate with you when difficult situations arise. Educating students about alcohol and the effects it can have on their life is so important.

Here is some great links:

https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/college-alcohol-abuse/

https://www.thehavenatcollege.com/effects-of-alcohol-on-college-students/

References

Alcohol.org (2020) An American Addiction Centers Resource: Sexual Assault on College Campuses Involving Alcohol. Retrieved from www.alcohol.org

Carol Galbicsek (2019) College Alcoholism. Retrieved from www.alcoholrehabguide.org

Morris Green (2014) 5 Myths College Students Believe About Alcohol. Retrieved from www.absoluteadvocacy.org

CURRENT EVENTS 

I read a recent article from January 8th, 2020 titled "Alcohol -Fueled Deaths Double in the US over the Past 20 Years". This article states since 1999 deaths went from 36,000 a year to 73,000 a year in 2017. (Steven Reinberg,2020) One million deaths have been related to alcohol in less than two decades. Alcohol has been around for years. We tend to focus on newer opiod or suicide deaths than alcohol related deaths. One in five overdose deaths involve alcohol from excessive drinking. (Steven Reinberg, 2020)

Link to article: http://denverrap.org/risk-and-protective-factors-important-in-preventing-drug-and-alcohol-use/



Alcohol-Related Car Crash. Retrieved from bhattlwagroup.com



CDC: Excessive Alcohol Use Costs State Billions. Retrieved from www.usnews.com


Excessive drinking can cause a great amount of harm not only to your body but those around you. The US National Center For Health Satistics reported that in 2017 alcohol abuse accounted for 2.6 % of 3 million deaths in the United States. (Steven Reinberg, 2020) 50% of these deaths were from liver disease or over doses of liquor alone or combined with other drugs. (Steven Reinberg,2020)  Alcohol related deaths are highest among men but the growth of women drinking has become especially higher. Women are at greatest risk due to the higher blood alcohol levels than men when they consume the same amount as a man that is same weight. A womens body tissue is exposed to more alcohol actaldehyde, a toxic metabolite of alcohol after each drink. (Steven Reinberg,2020)

Some reasons for the increase of alcohol consumption could start from loss of job security,financial collasp,community fragmentation, isolation & other social problems by changing world economy & changing cultures. (Steven Reinberg, 2020) Alcohol provides people with a temporary out for the stressors they may be dealing with. That is just it , it is temporary ,after that high the problems still lay ahead and you must deal with them. This can become a vicious cycle for many. Like the article brings out " Alcohol is sneaky, it tells your brain the best way to calm down is to drink more". (Steven Reinberg, 2020) This is why it is so important to find other ways to cope with stress and anxiety of todays problems and not always turn to the bottle for an escape. Be alert and aware so you do not fall into the snare of alcohol. 

Best peice of advice the article brings out is to try to have as little as possible and drink in moderation.

Risk & Protective Factors

Depending on each persons situations, Alcoholism can be interrelated between social,behavioral issue,psychological issue,and cultural issue. What you were exposed to as a child can influence the way you look at drinking and the way it can effect your life. 

It is important to know the risk factors that can increase a persons chance to become addicted to alcohol. Protective factors can help reduce risk.(Leah Raffa, 2015) It is important to identify risk factors and provide early interventions to help in coping . Within the community it is importnat to build a secure environment for children such as after school programs, faith based resources, and have positive peer role models. It is important to help develop good coping skills and problem solving which will help reduce the risk of addiction. (Leah Raffa, 2015) Being suportive and helping build self-esteem is essentially important in prevention. 

Some Useful Links in Intervention:

https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/intervention-alcoholism/ 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/intervention/art-20047451

https://www.verywellmind.com/family-intervention-how-it-works-63299

References:

Leah Raffa (2015) Risk & Protective Factors in Preventing Drug & Alcohol Use. 

                Retrieved from www.deverrap.org

Steven Reinberg (2020) Alcohol- Fueled Deaths Double in U.S. Over Past 20 Years.

                Retrieved from www.usnews.com/news