by: adminPosted on: June 11, 2022

COMMON SKIN PROBLEMS FOR DRUG ABUSERS AND ALCOHOLICS: BROKEN DOWN BY DRUG TYPE

It is common knowledge that prolonged drug use can cause major health complications for the body’s most vital organs – especially the liver, kidneys, bladder, and stomach. But, most people neglect the fact that drug addiction can also be extremely damaging to the body’s largest organ – the skin. Learn more about skin problems for drug abusers and alcoholics. We’ve broken down many of them below with respect to drug type.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sobriety, contact Akrurahospital for evidence-based de addiction center in madurai

DRUGS CAUSE A NUMBER OF PROBLEMATIC SKIN CONDITIONS

If you have a problem with substance abuse, or you are a recreational user, you should know about the most common skin problems caused by certain drugs (alcohol is a drug!). Sure, you might not be so concerned about infections and scars on your body – they can be hidden – but what about your beautiful face? You only get one….and it is on display for the world to see! Make no mistake about it – you are not exempt from having some of the skin conditions we will talk about in this article. They can happen to anybody who abuses intoxicating substances. If you are not careful, you could do permanent damage that will leave you disfigured. Of course, this will leave you wishing you had never done these flesh-rotting drugs in the first place. But, by then, it will be too late.

WHY DO DRUGS CAUSE SKIN PROBLEMS?

There are a number of reasons why drugs cause certain skin problems. We will explain this in greater detail as we talk about each substance. However, there are some common factors that explain why intoxicants can wreak havoc on your skin.

For starters, most people who struggle with an addiction are not concerned about personal hygiene. Taking showers or baths are usually way down on the to-do list. Many people who are hooked on drugs will not wash themselves for weeks at a time. This allows harmful bacteria to remain active (and breed! UGH!) on the skin, which leads to chronic skin conditions.
Another obvious reason substance abuse causes common skin problems is that fact drugs are toxic pollutants to the body. It doesn’t matter whether you are slamming tequila or shooting heroin (well, it kinda does – we’ll get to that!), every substance you put into your body has a profound impact on your skin’s health. Just like drinking plenty of water helps to hydrate the skin and boost its immunity, intoxicants dehydrate and damage the skin.
Also, drugs tend to overheat the body and cause the body to sweat more than it normally would to cool itself down. Guess what that sweat is made of? Water and toxic byproducts of whatever substances you have been using. This causes yucky stuff to be absorbed by your skin. Without washing it off, it just sits there and festers. This promotes bacterial infections and skin problems galore. Ick!
Plus, poor nutrition leads to bad skin. Just like very other organ in the body, the skin needs nutrients to function properly. Without essential vitamins, minerals, and pure drinking water, the skin will get sick – and it will let you know it is sick by producing visible problems. These problems are rarely treated properly because people with a drug habit don’t like to go see the doctor.
Finally, the lifestyle choices of an addicted person are hard on the skin. People who use drugs often stay up for days or even weeks at a time. This causes exhaustion, which causes bags under the eyes and other unsightly problems.

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR SKIN?

When you live enslaved by addiction, there are few other things on your mind than the next drink, the next hit, or the next fix. Getting loaded is all that matters – consequences be damned. However; in our experience, most people who come to us for addiction treatment are far more concerned with what drugs have done to their skin than their liver or small intestines. We want you to know this. You may have little concern for your health or your appearance now. But, when you do get sober (and we have absolute faith and confidence that you WILL when you are ready!), you will most certainly care about what you look like.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where people greatly care about physical appearance. It is a known fact many employers won’t hire someone – even though they are educated and qualified – because of the way they look. And, most of us also realize that finding a romantic partner is largely based on physical attraction. Also, our outward appearance greatly affects how we feel about ourselves on the inside. We can tell you all day long that using drugs can cause you major health problems later in life, but these warnings will probably fall on deaf ears. However; if we appeal to your natural inclination toward vanity, we might be able to reach you. Skin problems caused by drugs can leave lifelong scars on your face, neck, and arms. You can also lose huge chunks of your skin because of abscesses. Are you sure you have the strength to bare these marks on your body for the world to see to for the rest of your life? Studies have shown that specific skin disorders and conditions are caused by certain drugs. Let’s talk skin problems for drug abusers and alcoholics.

THE DEVASTATING SKIN PROBLEMS CAUSED BY METH

Meth, also known as crystal methamphetamine, has the most notorious reputation for causing skin problems because of drug use. Even short-term meth use can have a profound negative impact on your skin, as well as your health. It’s easy to spot someone who is struggling with a meth addiction. The meth sores, scabs, and scars on their face tell the story of prolonged abuse of this toxic drug. Even long after someone has quit using this substance, there will be evidence of the addiction. This can leave someone feeling as if they can never escape their past. Why? Because they can see it every time they look in the mirror.

METH SORES

The most common skin problem associated with amphetamine use. An experience called “formication” is usually the cause. Formication is a hallucination that causes people to feel as if there are bugs crawling under their skin. The bugs aren’t real. They only exist in the user’s mind. Nevertheless, this does not stop someone under the influence of the drug from scratching and picking at their skin, digging for what are known as “meth mites.” This causes open sores and scabs. Meth sores look like ulcers and open wounds. The experience of hallucinating meth mites is caused by a surge of serotonin in the brain, which can lead to a psychotic episode. (Serotonin is a feel-good neurotransmitter that, when experienced in high doses, can cause euphoria and alter perception). When someone is spun, they actually believe they can see and/or feel these imaginary bugs crawling on their skin and they become frantic to get them off. Not everyone who takes this drug will have the experience of formication. And, studies show that typically, someone must use methamphetamines five or more days a week for six months or longer to experience formication. The body’s ability to heal meth wounds is compromised because the feeling of being attacked by meth mites is constant and unrelenting. This leads to ongoing scratching and picking, which makes the situation worse. Eventually, these meth sores become scars or leave permanent pock marks (or holes) in the face.

DERMATILLOMANIA – ALSO KNOWN AS SKIN PICKING DISORDER

This is a mental disorder that involves body-focused repetitive behavior – in this case, picking the skin. While this is officially classified as a mental health issue driven by obsession and compulsion, many people who use meth develop Dermatillomania during periods of prolonged use. The individual who suffers from this condition feels powerless to stop the behavior, even though it causes physical injury. Dermatillomania causes obvious signs of skin abuse. It involves obsessive and compulsive picking of the skin. Users may have an uncontrollable urge to pick, squeeze and even scratch their skin, causing many defects to appear. The most targeted area is the face, although some users will also pick at their arms, legs, back, stomach and chest. To be clear, Formication is the sensation of feeling bugs under the skin. Dermatillomania is the need to pick at the meth sores caused by digging into or scratching the skin to “get” the bugs. Also, someone with meth-induces Dermatillomania will pick on moles, scars, acne, or other skin conditions. They may also dig into their skin and create sores where there were none. Those who struggle with dermatillomania will often do the majority of their picking in only one area. Obsessive picking can lead to scarring and other types of injuries, like infections and tissue damage. The condition can even lead to disfigurement. In some cases, skin grafting is needed to treat the condition.

The disfigurement can be quite severe. In addition to meth sores, someone who abuses methamphetamines can also experience persistent and extreme cases of acne that looks like a rash on the face and body. Because crystal meth weakens the immune system, the body has a difficult time fighting off bacteria and infections. Take someone with low immunity coupled with poor personal hygiene and you create the perfect storm for meth rash. Meth rash can happen on the face, but it usually happens under the arms, on the back and shoulders, and between the legs. This is because sweat that is saturated with the toxins from the drug sits on the skin and festers. When there is friction (like under the arms), it helps to grind bacteria back into the skin, which produces a bright red, itchy, bumpy, burning rash.

RAPID AGING

In addition to meth sores, this drug can make your face look leathery and old. Frequent use of this drug will negatively impact the body’s blood flow and damage blood vessels. This prevents the skin from getting the blood it needs to stay youthful and vibrant. Without proper circulation, the skin will begin to break down at a cellular level and can look yellow, gray, brown, or even black. This gives users’ skin a dull, ghastly, petrified look. Many people who use methamphetamines for a long period of time can look twenty years older than they actually are. They will have deep wrinkles and lines on their face because the drug makes the bodywork overtime and breaks down collagen. In a world where people are willing to spend big bucks on anti-aging remedies, why would anyone intentionally do something to their skin to make it appear older than it is? Also, keep in mind, meth is made up of toxic chemicals like brake fluid, gasoline, rubbing alcohol, and other pollutants. These are poisonous to the body and lead to skin problems. When you use this drug, you are ingesting some of the most harmful chemicals known to man. The body is simply not capable of breaking these compounds down without doing some serious bodily damage – especially to the skin.

A LOOK AT ABSCESSES CAUSED BY HEROIN USE

We’ve talked a lot about skin problems caused by meth because the stories of meth mites and sores precede the drug’s reputation. Now, let’s talk about heroin for a minute. Heroin addiction can also cause unwanted skin problems. The most dangerous is a skin abscess, which can be deadly if left untreated. A skin abscess is just one of the many medical complications that can arise from IV heroin use. Many heroin users use needles to shoot the drug into their veins or muscles. More often than not, these needles are dirty and unsanitary, exposing the user to bacteria and airborne pathogens that can cause infection or disease. As a result, a heroin injection site can easily become an open wound. Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop an addicted person from continuing to shoot heroin into that part of the body. What results is a pus-filled, extremely painful, totally disgusting mess-of-a-situation for the user. It is not uncommon for heroin users to minimize the seriousness of an abscess and put off going to the doctor for it. They don’t want to have to deal with the inconvenience of a hospital stay and be without their heroin. This causes the condition to get worse and worse until – motivated by excruciating pain – someone with a serious abscess will go for help. The problem is, infections caused by heroin abscesses can get into the bloodstream and cause a number of different catastrophes. They can eat away at the bones, cause the kidneys and immune system to shut down, and become so severe that surgery or amputation is required. Although it is rare, it is possible to die from this skin condition. If you are a heroin user, you should NEVER inject into an abscess. If you see one on your skin, you should go for immediate medical care. Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you do, you might have to undergo surgery, stay in a hospital for weeks until the infection clears up, or lose an arm or a leg.

COMMON SKIN PROBLEMS CAUSED BY COCAINE USE

Cocaine use can lead to a number of skin disorders depending on how the drug is administered. Intravenous cocaine use, for example, can lead to necrotic tissue. Smoking crack can cause a condition called “crack hands,” where the tissue on fingers and palm can blacken because of exposure to extreme heat.

Cocaine use can also lead to the following conditions:

Vasculitis and Retiform Purpura
Scleroderma
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Churg-Strauss and a P-ANCA positive Wegener granulomatosis-like syndrome.

Vasculitis is damage to the blood vessels due to inflammation. This creates a dark, speckled pattern on the skin. This can lead to a condition known as Retiform Purpura, which is basically a more intense version of the same condition. Fortunately, this type of ulceration and bruising is reversible when it comes to cocaine use. Your body will slowly recover if you quit. Cocaine use can also lead to Scleroderma, which is hardening of the connective tissues. This forms a splatter pattern on your body. Churg-Strauss causes rashes to appear on the skin, and the same can be said for a P-ANCA positive Wegener granulomatosis-like syndrome. These conditions cause the skin to look dull and speckled. It will also look like there’s a lot of bruising going on. This basically means that the skin and the blood vessels underneath are damaged. In worse case scenarios, this may lead to necrosis. Although not quite as severe, cocaine addiction causes skin problems similar to those you would expect with a meth user. Many users experience Formication and subsequent Dermatillomania. Though usually not as prevalent or severe as meth sores, cocaine use can cause sores on the face and arms and leave permanent scars or pocks. Also, cocaine addiction – especially crack addiction – causes premature aging. As a result, those who abuse cocaine often have more wrinkles and facial lines than other people their age. Cocaine dehydrates the skin and breaks down collagen. It causes the body to work overtime because it increases heart rate and blood pressure. Depending on how cocaine is being ingested, other skin conditions may appear. Those who smoke crack often experience a loss of lateral eyelashes and eyebrows, a condition similar to “Madarosis.” This happens when a hot flame makes contact with the skin and the face. Crack use often also causes skin burns from the hot pipe. Since crack use suppresses the immune system, it takes a lot longer for crack addicts to heal from these injuries.

SKIN DAMAGE CAUSED BY PRESCRIPTION STIMULANTS

Skin problems for drug abusers and alcoholics can seem like commonplace, but even prescription medicines are known to also cause skin problems and damage, particularly stimulants. There are many different types of prescription stimulants. Adderall, for example, is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Different prescription stimulants can cause different types of skin disorders. Not everyone will experience skin disorders from using these drugs. It all depends on your genetic makeup. Prescription stimulant use can cause rashes, hives and hypersensitivity. Angioedema can also be a reaction to prescription stimulant use. This is a swelling of the epidermis, just below the skin. Serious conditions that have been linked to prescription drug use include Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is essentially a skin disease that appears if an individual is allergic to a prescription stimulant. Not everyone will be allergic, so only a handful of users will ever experience this condition. Stevens Johnson Syndrome causes symptoms like:

Aching
Coughing
Fever
Headaches
Red rashes

The rashes can turn into blisters, and they will spread to other parts of the body. Blisters usually appear near the mouth, the nose, the eyes and the genitals. After the blisters have formed, the skin in those areas will shed within a few days. If you are using prescription stimulants, and you experience this disorder, you should seek immediate medical attention before the condition gets worse.

TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS (TENS)

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, otherwise known as TENS, is also a skin disorder that can be caused by prescription stimulant use. It’s a milder version of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and may even be an early symptom of the syndrome. This condition appears when an individual has a negative reaction to the stimulants. The reason behind the negative reaction is unknown. As a result, this skin disorder only affects some patients and not others. The disorder involves shedding of the skin, hair and nails. Those affected often feel cold and are hypersensitive.

ALCOHOL-RELATED SKIN CONDITIONS

An alcohol addiction can lead to major consequences for your physical health. It’s no secret that alcoholism leads to cirrhosis of the liver, kidney failure, stomach cancer, and other debilitating conditions. But, alcohol can also have damaging effects to your skin – a consideration most people overlook when they’re hooked on booze. Here are some common alcohol-related skin conditions:

PUFFER FLUSHER

Drinking alcohol can cause facial flushing, or “red face.” This is the result of dilated blood vessels and increased blood flow. Over time, dilation of the blood vessels. Also, this condition can cause blood vessels to become leaky, which leaves the skin with a puffy appearance.

ARID SKIN

Alcohol is a powerful diuretic – which means the stuff makes you urinate more frequently. This prevents your kidneys from effectively extracting water from the urine. When this happens, the skin becomes lackluster, dull, and lifeless. It also becomes itchy and scaly.

PREMATURE AGING

Also, you should know that – like cocaine and crystal meth – alcohol speeds up the aging process. This is because beer, wine, and liquor lower your body’s ability to fight off free radicals that cause the skin to sag, puff, and wrinkle. Most people who have an addiction to alcohol look much older than they are. Needless to say, the aging process shows up on the face and it is irreversible. One of the most common complaints we hear from recovering people who come to us for alcohol addiction treatment is how alcohol has affected their face.

LOWERED IMMUNITY

Alcoholics are also prone to developing skin conditions like urticarial reactions, pruritus, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and cutaneous stigmata of cirrhosis. This is because alcohol substantially lowers immune function. Luckily, these skin conditions will usually heal themselves once an individual has quit drinking.

JAUNDICE

Prolonged alcohol use can lead to jaundice, a serious liver disease. This can cause the skin to turn a yucky yellow.

HOW DO YOU AVOID SKIN PROBLEMS CAUSED BY DRUGS?

If you insist on abusing intoxicants – and we wish you wouldn’t…. for your own well-being – try to be mindful of your skin. Skin problems for drug abusers and alcoholics happen all too frequently and yet another reason to consider de addiction center in madurai. This is easier said than done, of course. Addiction robs even the most health-conscious person of the ability to make good choices. Nevertheless, you can at least make the effort. The best thing you can do for your skin if you have a substance abuse problem is to drink plenty of water. This helps flush toxins from your body and reduces the likelihood of bacterial infections. It also helps you to stay hydrated so you won’t sweat as much and expose your skin to harmful pollutants. Another way to avoid common skin problems caused by drugs is to take a shower on a regular basis. This gets all the grime and gook off your skin that could lead to infection. It also reduces inflammation and clogged pores and allows your skin to maintain a proper Ph level so it won’t become too oily. And, of course, the best way to avoid drug-related skin problems is not to use drugs at all. That way, you can put your best face forward, avoid dangerous abscesses, avoid premature aging caused by drug use, and be comfortable in your own skin.

Get Help:

If at any point you think that your child has an issue with alcohol and/or drugs, get help. If you are seeking help, contact Akrura. The rehabilitation center in madurai and get a fast recovery with no side effects. Consultation Sessions in an Open Corridor with a natural environment.

By employing the above strategies, you may give yourself a more robust chance for recovery. Don’t wait! As a parent, you’ll need to help prevent your child from becoming hooked on alcohol or drugs. Taking action as early as possible is an important task

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UNDERSTANDING ALCOHOL ADDICTION

A common misconception is alcohol addiction is simple to overcome. For those who don’t suffer from the disease, understanding alcohol addiction is not so easy. Many believe it to be a cop-out or a character flaw. However, the realities of alcohol use disorder (AUD) are life-threatening and can be next to impossible to treat without outside help. In order to address excessive drinking, it’s critical to understand how the brain works and changes when alcohol dependency is an issue. Those battling alcohol use disorders drink to excess, endangering both themselves and others. It’s critical to find help as soon as possible. If you’re not sure where to turn, Akrurahospital online treatment can provide assistance and information to help you understand AUD. Contact us today directly at +91 91591 52143,+91 81441 38144. WHY DO PEOPLE BECOME ALCOHOL DEPENDENT? There are many reasons a person may develop alcohol use disorder. For the majority of cases, there is an underlying cause that may lead a person to excessive drinking. A few common underlying co-occurring disorders include depression, trauma, PTSD, or anxiety. In many cases, individuals will attempt to self-medicate with alcohol in an effort to relieve stress or deal with insomnia Once a person has developed alcohol use disorder, it’s not a simple case to quit. Alcohol dependency results in significant and recurrent adverse consequences. For example, a person with alcohol dependency may fail to fulfill major school, work, family, or financial obligations. Regardless of the results, a person who is dependent on alcohol will continue to drink. Understanding alcohol addiction is difficult. Because alcohol is deeply embedded in Indian culture, it may feel that drinking is a normal activity. However, partaking in occasional drinking is not the same as being dependent or addicted to the substance. Alcohol use disorder is an illness, not a lifestyle choice. The changes in the brain prevent an individual from seeing the damage alcohol may be causing, further victimizing them as they continue to lose sight of important life obligations. COMMON MYTHS ABOUT ALCOHOL ADDICTION According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 6.2% of adults in the United States aged 17 and older have alcohol use disorder. A government survey revealed that about one in five individuals aged 12 to 20 were current alcohol users. About two in five young adults, aged 18 to 25, were binge alcohol users, and nearly one in ten were heavy alcohol users. Even with these staggering statistics, many still don’t understand how alcohol addiction happens. As a result, myths regarding alcohol and binge drinking crop up. These myths can perpetuate the misconception that people who suffer from alcohol use disorder can easily solve this illness by simply not drinking. Individuals may even wonder why they consume so much and why it’s difficult to stop. Let’s take a look at some common myths that crop up in understanding alcohol addiction: ALCOHOL DEPENDENCY IS A CHOICE Many people believe that someone actively chooses to keep picking up the bottle. However, it is highly unlikely that a person actively decided to end up in this position. Once someone has developed an addiction to a substance, their body finds it difficult to cope without it in their system. If someone were to stop drinking and try to go cold turkey, they would suffer from withdrawal symptoms. These can include: Vomiting and nausea Excessive sweating as well as fevers Shaky hands Issues with sleep Seizures and hallucinations Fast heart rate Higher blood pressure OVERCOMING ALCOHOLISM IS EASY IF YOU TRY While it is true that you will need determination to tackle alcohol use disorder, it is untrue that this has to be done alone. Most of the time, people will need help from a proper treatment program or from professionals to help them recover from alcohol addiction. ONLY CERTAIN AGES ARE AT RISK FOR ALCOHOL ADDICTION A lot of people tend to believe that only those of certain age groups will develop a dependency on alcohol. However, this isn’t the case. A person can develop alcohol use disorder at any age, both young and old. In fact, in 2019 an estimated 414,000 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 had alcohol use disorder. Understanding alcohol addiction goes beyond age limitations and lifestyle choices. There are a number of factors that may make an individual more prone to developing alcohol dependency or alcohol use disorder. Few factors include: Genetics Environmental causes Family history of substance abuse Childhood or recent trauma There’s never a sure way to assess whether or not a person who drinks may become a habitual drinker. It’s important to evaluate drinking habits periodically and understand when excessive drinking begins to interfere with daily routine or life in general. ADDRESSING ALCOHOL USE If you are concerned that a loved one has become dependent on alcohol and may need help, it will be important to tackle this in a sympathetic, sensitive way. It will be important to use empathetic statements that show you’re worried about their welfare rather than try to blame them for their drinking. Give your loved one options for tackling the situation rather than demand they seek help. Make sure to focus your concern about their drinking, using statements with the phrasing “I” to show how you are being impacted by the misuse, such as “I am worried about your alcohol use, and I was worried that you came home late last night, as I didn’t know where you were.” UNDERSTANDING ALCOHOL ADDICTION There are several signs to look out for that show a person may be suffering from alcohol use disorder. These can include: Needing to drink more than before because of a building tolerance to alcohol Repeatedly wanting to reduce the amount they drink but finding themselves unable to do so Letting alcohol use impact their commitments such as school, work, or home life Spending the majority of their time drinking Suffering from strong cravings for alcohol Reducing or abandoning hobbies, social activities, and work commitments Drinking in unsafe situations such […]
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WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN ALCOHOLIC?

When drinking is such a firmly established social norm, it can be difficult to determine when it turns problematic. Of course, there are stereotypes that play a role in how we measure alcoholism—a homeless individual with anger issues. However, the disease of addiction is much more complex. As studies work to determine what is an alcoholic, the realities of living with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are made clear. Fundamentally, it’s a life-threatening illness that has claimed over 95,000 lives annually. Anyone who’s dealt with substance abuse disorder can tell you that the signs of addiction aren’t always obvious. Depictions in movies and books are often dramatic with self-destructive behavior that leaves a person’s personal, professional, and social life in shambles. But in real life, the signs can be much more subtle and masked by high functioning alcoholism. If you’re worried that alcohol use is out of control, consider some of the following signs. Akrurahospital offers supportive care to individuals and families in search of help. For questions about alcohol abuse contact us directly at +91 91591 52143,+91 81441 38144. TELLTALE SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM While we all may think we know the signs of drinking problems, the truth is that many people are likely more addicted to this intoxicating drug than they’d like to admit. Rather than simply asking “What is considered an alcoholic?” take a look at these 10 telltale signs of alcoholism and see if they sound a little too familiar. An estimated 15 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol use disorder. Of those, only 10% receive needed treatment. However, receiving help According to a study, which examined the effectiveness of alcohol treatment, results were positive for those who received treatment for alcohol abuse. During the year after treatment, 1 in 4 clients remained continuously abstinent on average, and an additional 1 in 10 used alcohol moderately and without problems. During this period, mortality averaged less than 2%. The remaining clients, as a group, showed substantial improvement, abstaining from 3 days out of 4 and reducing their overall alcohol consumption by 87%, on average. Alcohol-related problems decreased by 60%. To determine what is considered an alcoholic it’s important to consider whether any of the following are applicable to your lifestyle: 1. YOU HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF BINGE DRINKING Binge drinking is incredibly common in India today, especially on college campuses. And while it isn’t quite the same thing as being an alcoholic, the more you end up doing it, the likelier you are to develop a serious a drinking problem. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) defines binge drinking as “a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dL. This typically occurs after 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men—in about 2 hours.” This pattern becomes “heavy alcohol use” when you binge drink 5 or more times in a 30-day period according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The frequency that you engage in these behaviors has a direct effect on your risk of developing alcoholism. Studies have found that the more alcohol-related problems an individual has before the age of 18, the more likely they will be diagnosed as an alcoholic by the age of 25. So while you may think that going out every Friday, Saturday, and maybe even Sunday is just a part of the culture you’re in, especially when it comes to college life, it’s important to realize that you may actually be setting yourself up for a lifelong disease. 2. YOUR DRINKING IS CHRONIC AND PROBLEMATIC When does alcohol become a problem? And of course, what is considered an alcoholic? These are all incredibly common questions to ask when evaluating your relationship with alcohol. After all, determining whether or not you have a drinking problem all comes down to how often you drink, right? This is a common misconception among many people. Alcoholism isn’t simply about how often you drink but rather about the effects drinking has on your life. On the one hand, drinking every day may not point to an addiction. The official Dietary Guidelines for Indians put out by the Indian Department of Health and Human Services notes that recommended alcohol consumption levels are less than two drinks a day for men and one for women. Technically, then, you can in fact drink every day without being an alcoholic. When that drinking starts to negatively impact your physical, social, and/or emotional health and you still continue to do it, however, that’s one of the clearest signs of drinking problems. 3. YOU’RE FAILING TO MEET OBLIGATIONS THAT WEREN’T EVER A PROBLEM Just like any other substance addiction, alcoholism is all-encompassing. It affects your body, your emotions, your reasoning, your motivation, and nearly every other aspect of what makes you, well, you. As a result, this disease (and it really is a disease) can take its toll on nearly every facet of your life. School, work, family life, friends, and even personal health all tend to take a backseat when addiction is concerned. It probably won’t come as too much of a surprise, then, that an alcoholic may have a hard time fulfilling old obligations, especially when these directly inhibit their ability to drink. So, if you find yourself constantly coming in late to work because of a hangover or seeing your grades drop due in part to your drinking (like 25% of college students today) then you may be developing a drinking problem. 4. YOU TELL PEOPLE NOT TO WORRY: YOU’RE A FUNCTIONING ALCOHOLIC You may be breathing a sigh of relief after reading the last sign of alcoholism. Your life isn’t anywhere near in shambles. You’ve got a great job, a loving and rewarding family life, and you don’t have any outward problems in your life that can be traced back to alcohol. You’re off the hook, right? Not so fast. Even if you’re able to keep the framework of your life in place while still drinking heavily (a.k.a. being a functional alcoholic), that doesn’t mean you are safe from the detriments of alcoholism. For one thing, the health […]
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CAN ALCOHOL PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR BRAIN?

Alcohol addiction is one of the most common illnesses in the India According to multiple studies, including one by MedlinePlus, around 18 million adult Indians are battling alcohol use disorder (AUD). That’s equivalent to 1 in 12 men and 1 in 25 women. As new information is published on the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption, many ask: can alcohol permanently damage your brain? It’s essential to understand the destructive issues caused by alcoholism, or AUD. Despite its prevalence, AUD is still a vastly misunderstood illness. People don’t always realize that AUD is a disease that needs professional treatment like any other. Treatment is important if a person wants to regain control of their alcohol intake and, ultimately, their life. It’s also crucial when we consider that alcohol can permanently damage the brain. Symptoms of alcohol-related brain damage are easy to miss. In part, some of them are similar to the symptoms of drunkenness. This makes it hard for loved ones to recognize that a brain injury, rather than recent alcohol consumption, is the reason behind mental and physical changes. And that’s why familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of alcohol-related brain damage can help you to help the person you love—or to help yourself. If you need support or guidance regarding alcohol abuse, contact Akrurahospital dedicated treatment helpline directly at +91 91591 52143,+91 81441 38144. WHY IS ALCOHOL SO DAMAGING? Most of us are familiar with the mental and physical changes that occur after a few drinks. You’ve likely stumbled a time or two out of a bar and felt the ease of liquid courage flooding your body. Alcohol is well known for its intoxicating feelings of euphoria. Perhaps this is why it’s paired well with celebratory occasions. The dark side of alcohol is not nearly as glamorous as advertisements may make it seem. For people living with long-term alcohol addiction, these changes become more severe and longer-lasting as time progresses. Without proper treatment, there is cause for concern. Can alcohol permanently damage your brain? Yes, alcohol causes brain injury in a few different ways: DAMAGE TO NEUROTRANSMITTERS Neurotransmitters are the messengers of the nervous system. They carry out important functions such as regulating: Heart rate Breathing Sleep cycles Digestion Mood Concentration Unfortunately, alcohol interferes with the production and flow of neurotransmitters inside the brain. In short, alcohol can slow down and sometimes block these key messengers from carrying out essential duties. In order for the brain to function, it has to overreact to the messages that neurotransmitters are trying to send. Over time, neurons in the brain become worn out and stop working properly. Even when a person stops drinking alcohol, the damage to their neural pathways may be permanent. In these instances, neurotransmitters still find it difficult to send messages, resulting in impaired mental and physical abilities. THIAMINE DEFICIENCY Thiamine deficiency is common in people with long-term alcohol addiction. Thiamine is also known as vitamin B1, and it’s essential for brain health. Some people with thiamine deficiency go on to develop a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff’s Syndrome (WKS). This is the most severe form of alcohol-related brain injury. The first stage of the condition is Wernicke’s encephalopathy. People at this stage experience confusion, vision problems, and poor muscle coordination. The following stage of the condition is Korsakoff’s psychosis, which involves severe learning and memory problems. POOR HEALTH Other alcohol-related health conditions can indirectly damage the brain. For example, severe liver disease can produce mood changes, confusion, and hallucinations. High blood pressure caused by alcohol addiction can lead to stroke or vascular dementia. 14 SIGNS THAT ALCOHOL HAS CAUSED BRAIN DAMAGE Can alcohol permanently damage your brain? We’ve determined that the answer is yes. But what are some signs and symptoms that brain damage is a likelihood due to alcohol consumption? How do you know if a loved one has alcohol-related brain damage? We’ve listed many symptoms below. It’s worth remembering that a person is unlikely to display all of the symptoms on this list. A person’s particular combination of symptoms will depend upon which part of the brain has been damaged. MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL SIGNS OF ALCOHOL-RELATED BRAIN DAMAGE Depression: manifesting as a lack of motivation, energy, and interest in people or activities the person once enjoyed. Forgetfulness: you or your loved one may find it difficult to remember things, such as directions, appointments, and what they have just finished doing. Difficulty with familiar tasks: people can become confused by tasks they’ve always found easy, such as preparing a meal or using a cell phone. Difficulty learning new things: you or your loved one may find it hard to retain new information, however simple and straightforward. Poor judgment: a person may put themselves or others in danger or be easily manipulated by others. Inappropriate behavior: you or your loved one may respond in strange ways to other people and behave in ways that aren’t socially acceptable. Personality and mood changes: a person may have extreme mood swings and demonstrate violent behavior, unaware of its effect on other people around them. Poor concentration: alcohol-related brain damage can make it difficult for someone to concentrate for more than a few minutes at a time. Language problems: frequently-used words can suddenly become hard to recall when the brain has undergone significant stress — you or your loved one may struggle to remember names and words. PHYSICAL SIGNS OF ALCOHOL-RELATED BRAIN DAMAGE Impaired speech, vision, bowel, or bladder function: these problems are associated with Korsakoff syndrome. Paralysis of the eyes or strange, jerky eye movements: these symptoms are typical of Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Numbness in the hands and feet: this is another symptom associated with Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Poor muscle coordination: also called ataxia, poor muscle coordination creates problems with balance and walking. Shaking hands and changing sleep patterns: these symptoms are most often associated with brain changes caused by liver disease CAN ALCOHOL-RELATED BRAIN DAMAGE BE REVERSED? Alcohol can permanently damage the brain, but it is possible to halt or reverse alcohol-related brain damage. Medical experts estimate that 75% of people show at least minor recovery when they stop drinking and receive appropriate treatment. How well a person recovers from […]
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HOW TO DEAL WITH A HUSBAND WHO DRINKS TOO MUCH

If your spouse has issues with alcohol consumption and is either unable or unwilling to stop drinking, they may be battling alcohol use disorder. Alcohol addiction is a serious problem, hindering many individuals nationwide. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that over seven percent of Indian adults have an issue with alcohol, a total of almost 14 million Indians. In order to understand how to deal with a husband who drinks too much, it’s essential to learn about the issues caused by alcohol dependency. Alcohol dependency is a deadly disease that impacts millions each year. If you believe your husband may be suffering from alcohol abuse, getting help sooner can make all the difference. Contact our helpline 24/7 at +91 91591 52143,+91 81441 38144. HOW MUCH ALCOHOL IS TOO MUCH? Questioning alcohol consumption and limits will always vary for each person. How much alcohol did you drink last week? It’s a simple enough question but answering can still prove difficult. Research by the National Institute of Health (NIH) highlights patterns of alcohol consumption, emphasizing that, in reality, routine drinking has highs and lows for everyone. That is, there are often periods of low consumption, interspersed with episodes of frequent drinking. During the holiday season, for example, people’s alcohol consumption tends to increase. However, when alcohol consumption doesn’t follow usual trends, it can pose many difficult questions. Why is my husband drinking so much? How should I deal with alcohol abuse? While everyone’s relationship with alcohol differs, what is clear is that too much alcohol can be detrimental to a person’s overall health and wellbeing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive alcohol use is responsible for 88,000 deaths in the United States each year, including 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64. The Akrurahospital defines heavy or high-risk drinking as having more than three drinks a day or more than seven drinks a week for men over 65. For men under 65, high-risk or heavy drinking is defined as more than four drinks a day or over fourteen drinks a week. Learning how to deal with a husband who drinks too much means first identifying an issue with alcohol consumption. Why is Alcohol Addiction a Health Concern? The CDC provides a list of criteria that highlight how much alcohol is considered too much. Additionally, as new information and research on the detrimental effects of alcohol abuse become available, family members must review fundamental health concerns. Alcohol dependence doesn’t always occur in the same manner. In fact, there are varying degrees of alcohol abuse, and the aftermath can look drastically different from person to person. Alcohol dependence occurs when a person’s need to drink requires larger amounts to achieve the same effect. In many ways, the person may no longer be aware of the adverse effects of continued alcohol use. The reasons for alcohol abuse may not always be clear. What is clear, however, is that alcohol addiction can lead to behavioral problems and major health concerns. Note that long-term alcohol abuse or binge drinking can lead to health issues including: Breast cancer, cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver cancer Pancreatitis Cardiovascular muscle damage and cardio failure Stroke Hypertension Liver disease Suicide Accidental injury or death Brain damage Fetal alcohol syndrome (in pregnancies) Alcohol withdrawal syndrome No one sets out to become an alcoholic, but regular, heavy drinking can result in alcohol dependence and alcoholism. If you’re attempting to figure out how to deal with a husband who drinks too much, explaining these possible negative impacts may be a good place to start. HOW ALCOHOL ABUSE AFFECTS FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS Alcohol abuse isn’t just an individual problem. It often destroys marriages and disrupts relationships among family members, friends, and even work colleagues. De Addiction Center in Madurai warn of the marital and family problems related to heavy drinking. People who drink heavily have a 60 to 70 percent higher rate of spousal abuse and neglect. They often have financial difficulties brought on by excessive spending on alcohol, missed work, lack of worker productivity, and mismanagement of the family budget. Alcohol frequently causes fights. Because it impairs the health and happiness of the family, other family members like spouses and children may begin to exhibit signs of growing mental health concerns as well. Often, family members develop symptoms of codependency. Children of alcoholics are often: Anxious Depressed Stressed Difficulty developing healthy relationships What’s more, children witnessing and experiencing the effects of alcohol abuse within a given household are more than three times as likely to abuse alcohol as adults. Finding a way to protect children while learning how to deal with a husband who drinks too much is a monumental task. Fortunately, there are many alcohol resources available for spouses and other family members looking for relief from the cycle of alcohol abuse. SIGNS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE Carol Galbicsek pointed out that there are warning signs of alcohol overuse in the Alcohol Rehab Guide. She suggests the spouse ask the following questions: Does your spouse experience temporary blackouts? Is he exhibiting short-term memory loss? Is he frequently irritable, distracted, angry, and/or impatient? Does he have extreme mood swings? Does he make excuses for his drinking, like the need to unwind or relieve stress? Has he begun to ignore family responsibilities and obligations? Has he become isolated or socially distant with family, friends, and colleagues? Does he drink alone? Has he taken to hiding the extent of his alcohol intake? Does he complain of headaches and other hangover symptoms even when he isn’t drinking? Have his appearance and personal hygiene deteriorated? Have you noticed changes in his group of acquaintances? HOW TO DEAL WITH A HUSBAND WHO DRINKS TOO MUCH Dealing with someone who drinks too much is not an easy undertaking. Depending on how alcohol impacts the individual, it’s important to understand that unsafe drinking habits can lead to unsafe situations within a given household. Dealing with a husband who drinks too much can feel next to impossible, and many spouses may […]
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BLOATING ALCOHOL STOMACH WITHDRAWAL

The thing about consuming alcohol is that it can seem like an innocent endeavor. Most Americans love to consume beer, wine, and spirits on a regular basis. As alcohol becomes an everyday custom, it grows increasingly more difficult to stop. Moreover, without pause in alcohol consumption, it can be impossible to truly know the effects of long-term alcohol use. The National Institute on Alcohol notes that over six percent of Indian adults suffer from alcohol use disorder. Bloating stomach alcohol withdrawal can occur when a person begins to curb regular use. Madurai alcohol addiction is twenty percent higher than the national average. Akrurahospital offers recovery options for adolescents and adults suffering from alcohol dependency. Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that should be evaluated prior to entering recovery programs. Contact us today to learn more about our supportive services and long-term sobriety care at +91 91591 52143,+91 81441 38144. ALCOHOL ABUSE & MORTALITY RATES Over 88,000 Indian adults die of alcohol-related illnesses annually. Indian males who are hospitalized with alcohol use disorder have an average life expectancy of between forty-seven and fifty-three years. Indian women hospitalized with alcohol use disorder have a life expectancy of fifty to fifty-eight years. Indian who suffer from alcohol dependency die between twenty-four and twenty-eight years earlier than the average Indian. Writer Catriona Harvey-Jenner notes that as our bodies go through the process of alcohol withdrawal, changes occur. One of these is bloating stomach alcohol withdrawal. WHAT CAUSES BLOATING STOMACH ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL? Alcohol forces your stomach to produce increasing enzymes to aid in the digestive process. These extra enzymes often irritate the lining of your stomach. The result can be upset stomach, ulcers, heartburn, nausea, or gastritis. Alcohol erodes the mucous membrane of your stomach. Bloating may also be caused by alcohol-induced hepatitis. Thus, your stomach is more susceptible to intestinal ailments. While abdominal swelling may be a sign of acute gastritis, it could also be caused by taking anti-inflammatories or nonsteroidal drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. The swelling could be the residual result of imbibing excessive amounts of alcohol. This swelling or abdominal distension is actually a buildup of gas. Bloating and abdominal discomfort are often the result of alcohol-induced gastritis. It remains after you quit drinking because it is the result of ingesting alcohol over time. Since the condition occurred over time, it is unlikely to disappear overnight. Here’s the good news! As your bloated stomach disappears, you are likely to drop ten or so pounds in weight. BLOATING & WATER RETENTION: ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL Your body’s ability to balance water is delicate. The body’s balance can easily be thrown off by diet, disease, and, yes, consuming alcohol. Drinking affects your digestive system as well. Since the human body is composed largely of water, ingesting substances like alcohol, soft drinks, coffee, or tea throws off the water balance. Alcohol water retention or alcohol-induced gastritis can have short-term and long-term effects. In any case, it can take a month for your body to adjust after you stop drinking. DETOXING FROM ALCOHOL: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? Your nervous system has adjusted its functioning with alcohol over time. While this is occurring, your body is doing its best to keep your brain awake and active. It is also trying to retain nerve connections. When you seriously commit to rehab and recovery from alcohol addiction, your alcohol level plummets. However, your brain is still active. That’s why recovering alcoholics often experience insomnia, nausea, high blood pressure, or higher-than-normal body temperature. HOW DO I KNOW IT IS TIME TO GET HELP FOR MY ALCOHOL ADDICTION? The Akrurahospital advises those who struggle with alcohol overuse to seek help if they are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms: Shaking hands or body tremors Excessive sweating Sleep issues Nausea or vomiting Hallucinations Agitation, jumpiness, restlessness, or anxiety Seizures Irregular or rapid heartbeat Preoccupation with alcohol Financial issues related to drinking Inability to limit alcohol amounts Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop drinking Strong cravings, urges to drink Poor performance at work, school, home and/or in the community Lack of interest in friends or activities that don’t include alcohol Using alcohol in unsafe situations such as driving or swimming Increased tolerance to alcohol such that usual amounts don’t create the desired effect Experiencing withdrawal symptoms GETTING HELP FOR ALCOHOL ADDICTION The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides an informative guide for individuals, their colleagues, family, or friends. Included are treatment facilities, program options, and locations for those who need recovery and rehab information to address alcohol problems. HOW EFFECTIVE IS ALCOHOL RECOVERY AND REHAB? Unfortunately, only about ten percent of those with alcohol addiction seek treatment. However, for those who do, there is good news. Regardless of the severity of the alcohol addiction, most people who enter a treatment program benefit from it. One-third of them require no further treatment to remain clean, sober, and productive. Others show a significant reduction in alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. HEALING FROM ALCOHOL When you make the decision to quit drinking, even if you have been drinking for years, your brain will begin to heal. It will restore your body’s natural functions. WHAT TO EXPECT IN RECOVERY If you have been a moderate to heavy drinker for a significant time, your recovery will move through stages. These vary in time and intensity. For heavy drinkers, the first stage is medical support to get sober. Physical, mental, and emotional impacts of detox are noted and addressed. Once that stage is over, trained counselors devise techniques to help you stay sober and productive in your home, at work, and in the community. HOW CAN AKRURAHOSPITAL HELP? It’s easy to forget that alcohol is toxic to the human body whether or not it is consumed regularly. It’s critical to understand how dangerous excessive alcohol use can be and treat alcohol withdrawal if dependency is an issue. Expert treatment specialists at Akrurahospital are here to assist with tailored treatment programs that safely manage the recovery process. Certified clinicians at […]
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