Both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence can cause many different types of problems that can disrupt a person’s life. They include health, emotional, social, work or school, and financial problems. Health problems related to alcohol The short-term effects of alcohol on the body include: upset stomach; diarrhea; lack of coordination and judgment; headaches; and insomnia. […]
Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures
Physical dependency on alcohol develops following a sustained period of daily heavy drinking. This can result in the development of an alcohol withdrawal syndrome, with such symptoms as tremulousness (the shakes), sweating. In more severe cases withdrawal seizures (or fits) may occur. The more severe withdrawal symptoms occur between 24 48 hours after stopping drinking, […]
Drug Abuse vs Dependence
While each drug of abuse produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common: they hijack the brain’s normal “reward” pathways and alter the areas of the brain responsible for self-control, judgment, memory, motivation, emotional regulation, and learning. Whether a person is addicted to nicotine, alcohol, heroin, Valium or speed, the effect […]
What Parents need to know about marijuana.
There are some signs you might be able to see. If someone is high on marijuana, he or she might: seem dizzy and have trouble walking; seem silly and giggly for no reason; have very red, bloodshot eyes; and have a hard time remembering things that just happened. When the early effects fade, the user […]
Binge drinking, alcohol abuse, or alcohol dependence ?
Understanding the difference: Binge Drinking - Alcohol Abuse - Alcohol Dependence. Alcohol problems occur at different levels of severity, from mild to life-threatening. Alcohol dependence is considered the most severe alcohol problem, and it can be life –threatening. There is a lot of confusion around alcohol use, progression of dependency and alcoholism. For many people […]
Dealing with family member who’s an addict
Dealing with an addict: If it feels uncomfortable, chances are you’re doing the right thing Helping a loved one battle the disease of addiction is painful and can make for some tough choices. You are not alone. I want to say that right at the start, because if you’re anything like me, finding yourself in […]
Treatment and Recovery
Can addiction be treated successfully? Yes. Addiction is a treatable disease. Discoveries in the science of addiction have led to advances in drug abuse treatment that help people stop abusing drugs and resume their productive lives. Can addiction be cured? Addiction need not be a life sentence. Like other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed […]