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Chronic Alcohol Abuse Symptoms

Posted on February 25th, 2010


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The following article on Chronic Alcohol Abuse Symptoms discusses the following points.

  1. Causes Chronic Alcohol Abuse
  2. Chronic Alcohol Abuse 2009
  3. Chronic Alcohol Abuse 2010
  4. Chronic Alcohol Abuse Symptoms
  5. Chronic Alcohol Consumption
  6. Chronic Alcohol Withdrawal
  7. Chronic Ethanol Abuse
  8. Effect Of Chronic Alcohol Abuse
  9. Patients With Chronic Alcohol Abuse

Chronic alcohol abuse symptoms can show early signs of real potential health problems such as loss of muscle tissue, loss of memory, and loss of testosterone, just to name a few.

Alcohol also affects every cell within your body, and if this condition stays chronic, it will start to kill cells, and once a cell is dead, it stays dead.

Alcohol is a toxin and will travel through your bloodstream into every organ and cell in your body. Liquid vitamins and minerals, because of their superior absorption into our systems can be a very strong asset to someone that consumes too much alcohol.

Causes Alcohol Abuse
Chronic Alcohol Abuse 2009
Chronic Alcohol Abuse 2010
Chronic Alcohol Abuse Symptoms

Alcohol is the most abused drug by the world as a whole, but other drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine can affect the desired results of vitamins, but by far and way alcohol is the largest nutritional threat to the majority of people.

Chronic alcohol abuse prevents the absorption of vitamins and is often associated with a poor, and in some cases, a very poor diet. Your body needs vitamins and minerals to function normally, and they must be in the correct balance to do so.

Dehydration that is often caused by chronic alcohol abuse will interfere with the narrow limits of each ion in our body, such as calcium, sodium, and potassium.

A reduction in these ions by abuse can and often does lead to excess thirst which may lead to muscle cramps, as well as the potential for sudden dizziness or fainting spells.

If you are prone to getting cramps, especially in the middle of the night, you might want to revisit your alcohol intake.

Chronic Alcohol Consumption
Chronic Alcohol Withdrawal
Chronic Ethanol Abuse

Although the loss of vitamin B12 is the deficiency most associated with chronic alcohol abuse symptoms, there are several other critical vitamins and minerals that are affected by abuse of this drug.

Folic acid is a nutrient that helps your body to make new cells, including red blood cells, which are critical for carrying oxygen in your body. Vitamin B12 helps to maintain the red blood cells as well as the nerve cells, but folic acid is also a major contributor.

Also at risk with a loss of this nutrient because of chronic alcohol abuse symptoms is folic acid deficiency anemia, a condition where you don’t have enough red blood cells. Most people will be affected by this condition simply because they don’t eat enough of the proper foods that contain folic acid, or you have a hard time in absorbing it.

Pregnancy also puts you at a risk of this deficiency, and chronic abuse of alcohol during pregnancy can severely place the fetus at risk of birth defects.

  1. Thiamin or Vitamin B1 is also a nutrient that is threatened by alcohol abuse. This nutrient is especially important in the metabolism of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, as well as the formation of hemoglobin.
  2. Hemoglobin is especially important to our bodies as it is a protein that is carried by red blood cells and delivers oxygen from the lungs and delivers it to peripheral tissues.

This delivery system by your body allows for the maintenance of cell viability. Alcohol abuse destroys this process, thus the killing of your cells.

Zinc is yet another nutrient severely affected by chronic alcohol abuse symptoms. Although your body does not require a lot of zinc, next to iron, it is the most plentiful of all the trace elements in your body.

It has been utilized throughout history for wound healing but also plays critical roles in the immune and reproduction systems, and is important to growth, taste, vision, smell, and blood clotting. However, perhaps the most important function of zinc in our bodies is its role in the metabolic process that produces energy.

  1. A loss of this nutrient reduces endurance, and in chronic situations, muscle mass as well. This is one of the major reasons people that have drank too much feel so tired the next day.
  2. But the damages to your body do not just end there with chronic alcohol abuse. Alcohol in your body also reduces testosterone which is critical for development and recovery of muscle.
  3. This toxic drug also slows your body’s ability to heal itself.

Alcohol holds very little nutritional value, but it works very effectively in reducing the nutrients in your body, especially if abused. In fact, because of its high calorie content, the body treats it as fat, and as a result it breaks down the sugars in alcohol into fatty acids.

However, chronic alcohol abuse symptoms does more than just destroy nutrients in your body; it affects your appearance as well.

Effect Of Chronic Alcohol Abuse
Patients With Chronic Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol can affect your skin, (loss of vitamin A) especially if you are prone to acne or blemishes; it can age you prematurely, dries up your hair, cracks your lips, and will also give your skin a puffy appearance.

It also affects your brain, as it deprives your brain of water cells and glucose, the brain’s food supply. It can also lead to blackouts, diminished memory, stupors, and in severe cases, comas.

Chronic alcohol abuse also causes increased stomach acid production which may lead to heartburn or even ulcers. However, because of the livers role in breaking down alcohol, it is the most effected organ in the body.

Chronic conditions will destroy liver cells which normally are in the state of constant rebuilding, can cause fat accumulation around the liver, and may eventually cause cirrhosis of the liver, which is fatal.

The list of damages to you body by chronic alcoholism alcohol abuse symptoms could go on and on, but maintaining the supply of vitamins and minerals in your body effectively is extremely important if you choose to drink alcohol regularly.

About The Author – Frank Will – After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach. http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/

Reference

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Drug and Substance Abuse Treatment – Addiction Disorders Cure

Posted on February 25th, 2010


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Here is an article on Drug and Substance Abuse Treatment – Addiction Disorders Cure that covers:

  1. Alcohol Addiction Treatment
  2. Alcohol Substance Abuse Treatment
  3. Drug And Alcohol Abuse
  4. Nida Substance Abuse
  5. Opiate Addiction Treatment
  6. Substance Abuse Addiction
  7. Substance Abuse Prescription Drugs
  8. Substance Abuse Rehab

Treatment Works for Drug and Substance Abuse and other Addiction Disorders as Long as Everyone Helps

Decades of research has demonstrated that treatment works for addiction disorders and substance abusepatients.

  1. Studies of publicly supported treatment programs show a savings of $7 or more in other societal costs for each dollar invested in treatment.1
  2. Studies indicate drug treatment reduces use by 40-60% and significantly lowers criminal activity.
  3. Counseling and other behavioral therapies are critical components of virtually all effective treatments for addiction. For certain types of disorders, medications are an important element of treatment, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies.2
  4. A parent must be matched to the appropriate treatment program in terms of intensity, duration, and treatment content. In addition to treating the addiction, for recovery to occur, the child welfare and alcohol and drug services partnership must identify and treat other co-occurring psychological, physical, and social problems.3

Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alcohol Substance Abuse Treatment
Drug And Alcohol Abuse

Community-based partnership is key when treating addictions disorders and substance abuse victims.

  1. Most states identify substance use as one of the top two factors in child abuse and neglect.4
  2. Studies suggest that 40-80% of children in the child welfare system have been affected by child abuse or neglect because of a parents’ addiction to drugs or alcohol.5
  3. It is important for child welfare workers to recognize when alcohol or drug use is a factor in the case of child abuse or neglect; to help parents obtain appropriate treatment; and to understand the concept of recovery in the context of child safety.6

To help accomplish permanency for children, child welfare workers should partner with local alcohol and drug addiction treatment professionals and programs. An effective partnership between the child welfare and the alcohol and drug treatment systems can help parents with substance use disorders retain or regain a parental role with their child, while not putting the child at risk of harm. Thus, the child welfare-alcohol and drug services partnership becomes a cornerstone for long-term child protection, a key issue for child welfare workers.7

Nida Substance Abuse
Opiate Addiction Treatment
Substance Abuse Addiction

Co-occurring Disorders are Prevalent

  1. The co-occurrence of substance abuse and substance dependence with mental illness is estimated to affect between seven and 10 million adults each year. Child welfare workers should be aware of the prevalence and complexity of co-occurring substance abuse and dependence and mental illness and identify providers who are experienced working with both illnesses.8
  2. Individuals with coexisting substance use and mental health disorders should have both disorders treated in an integrated way.9

Gender-specific considerations are important in the treatment of addictions disorders and the recovery of substance abuse patients.

Research studies have begun to identify gender-specific components and issues to address in treatment. Research indicates that women are more likely to complete treatment in women-only programs and that women have different needs than men in treatment (such as dealing with a history of victimization). A high percentage of women who access addiction treatment have experienced physical or sexual abuse in childhood. Many have a history of family dysfunction or addiction. In addition, women who use substances may have experienced physical or sexual victimization as adults (e.g., domestic violence).10

Shared planning and service delivery lead to practices that better meet the needs of children and Families.

Substance Abuse Prescription Drugs
Substance Abuse Rehab

Through collaboration, multiple agencies working with the same family can reduce confusion and fragmentation for the family members and improve coordination of services. Collaboration with local treatment programs can provide the expertise that is needed for a family in the child welfare system.

If the protective services on-site investigation and screening of parents suggest that alcohol or drug use is a factor in the abuse or neglect, alcohol and drug addiction treatment providers are needed to:

  1. Conduct a substance abuse assessment or evaluation;
  2. Help identify the level and type of treatment program that is needed;
  3. Provide treatment and aftercare services; and,
  4. Participate in case management and monitoring.

In addition, alcohol and drug treatment agencies may be able to provide crisis intervention, trauma-related services, or other services needed by the parent.11

References

1. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University (2001). Shoveling Up: The Impact of Substance Abuse on State Budgets http://www.casacolumbia.org.

2. NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction, http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/treatmeth.html

3. Understanding Substance Abuse and Facilitating Recovery: A Guide for Child Welfare Workers, Available online at: http://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov/files/UnderstandingSAGuide.pdf

4. Id.

5. “Safe and Sound: Models for Collaboration Between Child Welfare and Addiction Treatment Services.” Arthur Liman Policy Institute of the Legal Action Center. http://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov/files/SafeSoundReport.pdf. 2003

6. Understanding Substance Abuse and Facilitating Recovery: A Guide for Child Welfare Workers, Available online at: http://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov/files/ Understanding-SAGuide.pdf

7. Id.

8. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (1999). Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2002). Report to Congress on the Prevention and Treatment of Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Disorder and Mental Disorders. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Young, N.K. and Gardner, S.L. (2002). Navigating the Pathways: Lessons and Promising Practices in Linking Alcohol and Drug Services With Child Welfare. SAMHSA Publication No. SMA-02-3639. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, p. 132.

9. NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction, http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/treatmeth.html

10. Understanding Substance Abuse and Facilitating Recovery: A Guide for Child Welfare Workers, Available online at: http://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov/files/UnderstandingSAGuide.pdf

11. Id.

About The Author – Linda Rosenberg is the president and CEO of the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. TNC specializes in the treatment of substance abuse and addiction disorders across the country. such as alcoholism and bi-polar disorder, are prevalent and need to be treated together. Lean more at http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/.

Reference

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Alcohol Depression Treatment – Alcohol Addiction Depression

Posted on February 17th, 2010

Depression and alcoholism have direct correlation and majority of alcoholics’ exhibit symptoms of depression. Such people have co-morbidity which is the existence of two diseases, alcoholic problem and depression. Sometimes the depression comes first and people use alcohol as a way to escape it and sometimes alcohol usage begins first and depression develops as a result of alcohol usage and also because of subsequent withdrawal from alcohol. Alcohol acts as a toxin and affects the central nervous system and upsets the chemical balances.

As the number of depression symptoms, such as sad mood with other symptoms like appetite changes, sleep disturbances, decreasing interest in the daily activities, suicidal tendencies etc.. , increase so does the risk of developing alcohol dependence increases.

A person suffering from alcoholism and depression often denies that there is a problem requiring treatment and he has no motivation to seek treatment. The treatment of both the disorders has unique challenges because when treatment is made for alcoholism, depression may enhance the chance of a relapse in recovery.

Related Terms – Alcohol Depression Treatment – Alcohol Addiction Depression

  1. Alcohol Addiction Depression
  2. Alcohol Depression Anxiety
  3. Alcohol Withdrawal Depression
  4. Drinking Alcohol Depression
  5. Drugs Alcohol Depression
  6. Alcohol Dependence Depression
  7. Alcohol Depression Medicine
  8. Drug Therapy Alcoholism

alcohol depression treatment alcohol addiction depression

The families of such patients also suffer a lot which highlights the importance of seeking treatment for alcoholism and depression. These are illnesses which can be devastating will not be cured without proper treatment. Nowadays good treatment is available and the chances of recovery are bright.

The most important thing for treatment of alcoholic depression is that the patient should be honest with the fact that he is suffering from depression and alcoholism and he should be willing to be cured. He should share his feeling with his near ones who will help him in getting cured of the problems.

Healthcare professionals who have proper experience and training should be contacted who will develop a treatment program for curing alcoholism and depression.

A typical treatment approach will include detoxification, psychotherapy and medicines to facilitate recovery. Care should be taken that antidepressants prescribed are not addictive. Patients in the early stages of alcohol withdrawal and recovery may experience advancing symptoms of depression which should also be treated with counseling and if necessary with medicines. These symptoms typically subside within a short time of stopping consumption of alcohol and if the patient is made aware of this he may be able to cope with the withdrawal symptoms.

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Alcoholism Drug Treatment – Drug Alcohol Rehab

Posted on February 17th, 2010

Alcoholism can be considered as a brain disease which is caused due to over consumption of concentrated alcohol over a long period of time. Alcoholism is a chronic disease which shows its affect for lifelong if neglected at the initial stages. Brain cells damage due to the alcohol and also start generating intensive impulses which raise the desire to consume more alcohol, thereby causing addiction. Alcohol is a typical drug which is good for human health when consumed at right concentration levels and is also know to cure ill health conditions like fever, cold etc.., but is highly dangerous when over dosed.

Alcohol leads to several behavioral problems such as people being violent on their own families, work absenteeism, motor accidents, legal problems and fines associated with violent assaults and financial difficulties.

Medical Treatments for Alcoholism

Quite a few prescription drugs are widely available in the all over the world, though sometime a lot expensive, that treat alcoholism, or prevent patients from drinking. An alcohol-sensitizing drug famously known as Antabuse is considered to be a strong deterrent. This drug works by snooping with the metabolism of acetaldehyde. Naltrexone (ReVia) is an opioid antagonist, a drug long known to block the narcotic high; it may reduce a recovering alcoholic’s urge to drink.

Alcoholism Drug Treatment

Here are some related terms to find more information on thetopic.

  • Alcoholism Drug Addiction
  • Drug Alcohol Rehab
  • Alcohol Addiction Treatment
  • Drug Alcohol Abuse
  • Drug Alcohol Dependence
  • Drug Treat Alcoholism
  • Alcohol Drug Detox
  • Alcohol Addiction Cure

alcoholism drug treatment drug alcohol rehab

Acamprosate (Campral) is an anti-craving medication that may help a person combat alcohol cravings and remain abstinent from alcohol. Unlike disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate do not make a person feel sick soon after taking a drink. It works by maintaining alcohol abstinence by mimicking a GABA analogue. These drugs do not cure alcoholism nor can they remove the compulsion to drink.

There are several alcoholism and drug treatments available in market, most of which of:

  • Medically supervised harmless back out from drinking
  • Counseling to handle issues underlying alcohol or other drug usage
  • Daily exercise program
  • Stress management and how to relax keeping the brain cool

These programs aims to support a course of recovery from material dependence and offers help with the emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational dimensions of alcohol craving. These programs are intended to facilitate participants to build up a ample plan to keep their recovery on liberation. Patients are encouraged to display a commitment of working in the direction of personal and also support them in increasing their confidence in mingling with groups.

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Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility

Posted on February 17th, 2010

Alcohol is the oldest known and most commonly consumed psychoactive drug in the entire world. There have been plentiful historical references about alcohol, along with its adverse affects, in various literatures, religions and science. Excess consumption of alcohol leads to very bad consequences like mentally instability, weakening of brain’s reactions power, brain’s impulse rate, increase blood pressure, puffed-up heart, damage of the liver like liver bulge and ache, skin yellowing, intestinal and stomach ulcers, muscle weaknesses, frequent loss of short term memory, problems in se.x.ual life, loss of sensation in limbs, and can also affect unborn and premature babies if mother drinks. Regular drinking also leads to physical and psychological dependencies.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility

If you or somebody you love is stressed with drug or alcohol exploitation, it is your responsibility to understand that the situation can’t be dealt with by self. It’s almost unfeasible to get well devoid of some good treatment. And more importantly, the person who is suffering must be aware that he or she has a big problem and require help, otherwise the therapy for cure will only end up being short-lived.

Waste no time in deciding to be treated. The best thing that you can do about it is find alcohol abuse treatment facilities which can help you. Choosing the precise recovery program or facility is one of the most important decisions you will have to ever make.

drug and alcohol treatment facility

h2>Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility Related Terms

If you wish to do further research on this topic, here are some related terms.

  • Drug Alcohol Rehab Centers
  • Drug Alcohol Addiction
  • Drug Alcohol Relapse Prevention
  • Drug Alcohol Detox
  • Drug Alcohol Counseling
  • Drug Alcohol Outpatient Treatment
  • Prescription Drugs And Alcohol
  • Drug Alcohol Dependency

Pat Moore Foundation, Mark Houston Recovery, The Retreat, Spirit Lodge, The Right Step, Holistic Addiction Treatment, Treatment Solutions Network, Transformations, The Scott, etc… , will fall under the list of the nicest available alcohol and drug treatment facility providers.

While choosing a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility one must keep the below in mind:

  1. Alcohol and Drug treatment can be very expensive. So ensure that you have a insurance coverage for the payment plan during the course of treatment.
  2. Check is the facility is tidy and well organized.
  3. Check the facility is willing to provide a long term support after the care duration; this can give an additional advantage to the sufferer to be completely under the monitor of specialist doctors or facilitators until the cure shows up reasonably.
  4. Check if the facility or program provides the offer counsel and provide other behavioral therapies to improve the individual’s capability to function in the family or general communities.

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Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment

Posted on February 9th, 2010

Residential drug and alcohol treatmentcomprises mainly drug and alcohol, psychological addiction treatment, supervision during drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms and aftercare services which includes sober living. This is an all-inclusive drug and alcohol treatment.

Residential treatment offers wide variety of therapeutic amenities due to which personalized treatment can be provided which will not be possible in less intensive care units .Treatment here is less costly because unnecessary expenses can be avoided in view of the personalized treatment it gives and it is more flexible because the residents at the center are allowed to move freely and they may leave the treatment center at any time. The environment at these residential treatment centers will give space and time to recover in a tranquil atmosphere without the stresses of everyday life, like that of family, friends, colleagues etc. and allows the freedom to focus just on you and nothing else which will be useful in building a solid foundation in drug and alcohol addiction recovery.

These rehab facilities are of different standards ranging from basic necessity types to high -end 5-star types depending upon whether it is for court ordered patients, troubled teens or high persons and every treatment center has its own unique atmosphere and doctrine for successful treatment. Some treatment centers focus on individual counseling and others adopt community model in which the residents are actively engaged with each other in doing various activities and they together experience change. Sometimes treatment is focused on certain categories like women, men, youth etc.

residential drug and alcohol treatment

Residential drug and alcohol treatments are of two types : Short term treatment which is of 30 to 60 days duration and is intensive but relatively brief covering basic aspects like abstinence from drug use, life skill building and recovery. Whereas long term treatment is of the duration of 6 months or more which is rigorous and focusing on prevention of relapse and goal setting in recovery.

Normally one rehab treatment is needed for many ex-addicts for a clean and sober life but total recovery may require further treatment after initial success. Residential treatment centers provide facilities for continuous participation in support groups, counseling and other healthy activities that keep the ex-addicts stimulated and focused on self improvement.

Residential drug and alcohol treatment centers may have follow-up programs for the newly rehabilitated drug and alcohol addicts at times imparting vocational training etc.., so that they are sent back into the world properly.

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Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment

Posted on February 9th, 2010

Alcohol Abuse:

Alcohol is a demoralizing drug that is sucked up and absorbed by the abdomen / stomach from where it find a way into the human bloodstream and then spreads to all the tissue in the body. The root causes of various alcohol affects depend on many factors, such as an individual’s age, s.e.x, weight, and the amount of food already present in stomach while consuming alcohol. Extra consumption than what an individual can handle leads to alcohol abuse. This also leads to alcohol addiction and in later stages creates a mess for the individual by spoiling their health and weakening their mental and physical stability.

Drug Abuse:

Drug abuse is similar to alcohol abuse and is caused by an over dose of either illicit or licit drug. The abuse of drugs leads to modifications in the function and biological structure of the human brain. Even though it is factual that for the majority of drug obsessed people the initial choice to take drugs is voluntary but in due course of time, the changes occurred in their brain due to repeated drug abuse can affect their potential, self control, stability, self respect and ability to make clever decisions.

Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Abuse:

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment can be classified into various categories like Medicinal treatment, treatment by natural herbs, Nutritional therapy and Psychological support and psychiatric treatment.

alcohol and drug abuse treatment

A healthcare expert in general initially evaluates the individual who is facing alcohol related tribulations. Ordinary medicinal problems associated to alcoholism could include increased blood sugar, high blood pressure, and heart and liver disease. Treatment, which is repeatedly tailored to an individual, involves a short interference, an assessment, an outpatient course, psychotherapy or a residential inpatient stay. Most treatments lay emphasis on acceptance and self-discipline, instead of moderation.

Numerous residential programs for treatment of alcohol addiction in the United States of America include endorsement of abstinence from alcohol, participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), family involvement, educational lectures, activity therapy, and work assignments. Apart from residential treatment, other approaches to alcoholism may include acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, couples therapy, and aversion therapy.

Some long-established or hypothetical treatments of alcoholism, which falls short of sufficient evidence, includes betel nut, 5-HTP, music therapy, ginkgo, niacin, reflexology, selenium and riboflavin.

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