by: adminPosted on: September 13, 2022

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.

What Is Considered An Alcoholic

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 risks are still the same, whether you are drinking a bottle of gin on the street corner or are doing it in an internationally imported top-grain leather armchair. So don’t think just because your social life and career are doing just fine that your liver isn’t being pushed one step closer to failure with each and every drink. Beyond that though, alcoholism is, by its very nature, chronic and progressive and eventually your carefully balanced life is likely to come crashing down. And when that happens, alcohol is likely going to be the cause.

Is Alcohol Considered A Disease

5. YOU’VE STARTED TO NOTICE SOME OF THE LONG-TERM PHYSICAL SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM

The chronic and problematic alcohol abuse that comes with alcoholism can have some seriously dangerous long-term physical and psychological side effects. If you’ve begun to notice any of these symptoms getting worse and yet you still continue to drink in spite of them, there’s a pretty good chance that you may be suffering from alcoholism. On the physical side of things, continued exposure to the toxic effects of alcohol can be deeply problematic for your body. The NIAAA points out that long-term use may result in:

High blood pressure
Stroke
Cirrhosis
Alcoholic hepatitis
Pancreatitis
Fibrosis
Cardiomyopathy
Steatosis
Cancer of the mouth, esophagus, throat, liver, or breast
Arrhythmias
Compromised immune system

Prolonged alcohol abuse can also have some pretty serious impacts on your brain as well, causing a range of psychological side effects that the CDC claims could include:

Depression
Anxiety
Learning problems
Impaired memory
Dementia

In addition to the actual toxicity of alcohol directly impacting your health, many alcoholics also suffer from poor nutrition. After all, one of the recognizable signs you are an alcoholic is that you skip meals in favor of drinking alcohol. This nutrition deficiency can lead to the development of serious diseases like Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, a debilitating condition characterized by extreme confusion, psychosis, and amnesia.

6. YOU’VE TRIED TO CUT BACK, BUT CAN’T FOLLOW THROUGH

You may have told yourself over and over again that you’re going to slow down with your drinking at some point, just not yet. You may have justified it by telling yourself that work is too stressful to slow down right now or maybe you have too many social obligations. Heck, you may have even convinced yourself that it just isn’t the right time of year. But no matter how dedicated you might feel at the time, you always seem to find a new excuse to keep drinking or pick it back up again. Or maybe you try to set limits for yourself. You’ll only have, say, two or three drinks when you go out tonight. But despite the restrictions you put on your drinking, you still always wake up the next morning after a night full of double digit drinks.

This is one of the main signs you are an alcoholic – a lack of self-control. After all, an addiction to alcohol is one of the hardest addictions to kick by far. So if you find yourself not being able to curb your consumption, you’ve probably got a drinking problem.

7. YOU EXPERIENCE WITHDRAWALS

If you begin to feel ill after abstaining from drinking for a period of time, you’re likely experiencing withdrawals, one of the most common advanced alcoholism physical symptoms. These symptoms include, among others:

Fatigue
Irritability
Jumpiness
Anxiety
Mood swings
Headache
Insomnia
Nausea
Rapid heartrate
Tremor

If you’re at an especially advanced stage, these withdrawals can actually be fatal and lead to a condition known as delirium tremens, making all the more important you seek qualified help with detoxing. As your body tries to adjust to functioning without the aid of alcohol, your brain may be launched into a flurry of activity resulting in deadly seizures. Even more frightening is the fact that the mortality rate in patients that do end up experiencing delirium tremens (about 4% of alcoholics) ranges from 5 to 25%.

8. YOU DON’T BELIEVE THE RESULTS OF A SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM QUIZ

If you experience a knee-jerk reaction to the results of an alcoholism assessment test, you’re more than likely having a hard time facing the truth of the matter. There are a number of self-assessment alcoholism tests and quizzes that can help you identify whether or not you have a serious problem. The most widely used quick assessments are:

The CAGE Questionnaire – can identify problems over a lifetime. Two positive responses indicate a possible alcohol use disorder and warrants further testing.
- Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
- Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
- Eye opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady or your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

The T-ACE Questionnaire – based on the CAGE, a score of two or more (where A, C, and E = 1 point and T = 2 points) indicates a possible use disorder.
- Tolerance: How many drinks does it take to make you feel high?
- Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt you ought to Cut down on your drinking?
- Eye opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

9. MORE DETAILED ASSESSMENTS POINT TO A SERIOUS DRINKING PROBLEM

There are a number of more extensive tests you can take as well. These will help you take an even more in-depth look at your drinking problem and help you spot the signs of alcoholism.

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) – A 10-question quiz that’s a bit lengthier than the CAGE and T-ACE.
The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) – The most comprehensive alcoholism assessment by far, the MAST consists of 24 yes or no questions and has been used to identify alcohol use disorders for over three decades.
The DSM-5 – Found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, this assessment contains criteria that licensed psychiatrists use to diagnose substance use disorders.

10. YOU’VE HAD MULTIPLE DUIS

Driving under the influence of alcohol is reckless, selfish, and quite possibly one of the stupidest things you could ever do. And if you’ve been arrested for it more than once, you just might be an alcoholic. To put into perspective just how careless drunk driving really is, take a look at these statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

28 people die per day in motor vehicle crashes that involve alcohol. That’s one life every 51 minutes.
2015 saw 10,265 deaths involving drunk drivers, almost one third of all traffic-related deaths.
The annual cost of drunk driving accidents is over $44 billion.

Beyond both the overarching financial and physical costs of driving drunk though, being charged with a DUI can seriously compromise your ability to qualify for a job, continue to operate a vehicle, and may even cause permanent damage to your current relationships, both at work and at home. Plus, the court fees, attorney costs, license reinstatement prices, and boosted insurance rates can all easily add up to tab totaling thousands upon thousands of dollars. This is one short-term decision with long-term consequences.

When Drinking Becomes A Problem

GETTING THE HELP YOU NEED TO OVERCOME YOUR ALCOHOL ADDICTION

You may feel like you have your drinking under control, that you can slow down or stop whenever you want to. The first step to getting the help you need is recognizing that you have a problem. If these 10 telltale signs of alcoholism sound a bit too familiar, then you might have a drinking problem. And while it’s certainly possible to overcome this brutal addiction alone, seeking out professional help can help with long-term recovery. Contact Akrurahospital de addiction center in madurai today for direct support and information on our tailored programs.

Call us today at +91 91591 52143,+91 81441 38144.

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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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