Alcoholism
Denial in Alcoholism
Part of the definition of alcoholism is a person’s determination to drink despite the negative consequences attached to their alcohol consumption. Why, we wonder, would a person continue in a behavior that can have so many negative consequences? One reason this happens is that the person creates an illusory existence based on denial. The person may or may not be consciously denying the true state of affairs. Full Story
Strong Genetic Link for the Risk of Developing Alcohol Dependence
The nature versus nurture question is far from finally decided, but a recent study is helping us to better understand how nature may play a role in whether a person is vulnerable to forming a dependency on alcohol. Full Story
Alcohol’s Negative Effect on the Aging Brain
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference was hosted this month in Vancouver, Canada. A pair of studies investigated how binging on alcohol, or even changes in drinking habits can have serious impact on cognitive brain function in older drinkers were slated for presentation at the meeting. Binging has multiple harmful effects from an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack to making it more likely that the person will suffer bodily injury. These studies were ground-breaking in terms of measuring the cognitive impact of heavy drinking and alterations in drinking patterns.
The Relationship Between Alcoholism and Depression
For many people, the relationship between alcohol and depression is obvious. Their problems with alcohol began in an attempt to self-medicate their depressed mood. After all, a few drinks can make anyone forget their problems – at least temporarily. It can also make them feel better about their situation – until its intoxicating effects wear off and reality hits. This can create a vicious cycle, exacerbating both the depression and the alcohol abuse issue – and the alcohol abuse can easily turn into an addiction.
Alcohol Abuse Can Lead to Depression
You had a fight with someone at work and in order to get it off of your mind and to numb your troubled emotions, you decided to drink. Unfortunately, this pattern of stressful situations being handled with alcohol could signal that you are depressed. Worse yet, the alcohol intended to whitewash your problems could actually be the source of depression. Full Story
Alcohol Abuse and the Elderly
Once you pass the age of 65 you enter the demographic of the elderly. This is a group about whose alcohol use there is scant data. Perhaps this is because alcohol use is routinely screened out of other studies focusing on physiological diseases among the elderly, but whatever the explanation with the tidal wave of baby boomers entering the ranks of the elderly more data on the elderly and drinking will be needed. Full Story
Imaging Reveals Changes in Brain Due to Binge Drinking
Alcohol dependence can influence a wide range of other areas of life. Those who struggle with alcohol consumption may face challenges in academic and professional achievement, as well as financial stability. Relationships with family and friends may be damaged by the effects of alcohol-related choices. Full Story
Is Your Teen at Risk for Alcohol Abuse?
It can be a very frightening thought, but parents should consider that influences on their teens may prove too much to overcome, leading to a substantial risk for experimenting with and abuse of alcohol. The question is how do you know if your teen is at risk for alcohol abuse? Here we look at some answers. Full Story
Symptoms of Teen Alcohol Abuse
The most obvious symptom of teen alcohol abuse is repeated smell of alcohol on their breath or coming from their body, along with bloodshot eyes, an unsteady gait and other physical tell-tales. But there are other common symptoms that teens are pretty well into abuse of alcohol. Full Story
Hosts of Parties Drink More Than Their Guests (And Behave More Badly too)
College students who host off-campus parties drink significantly more than their guests and are more likely to engage in behaviors like vandalism, arguments, riots, and drunk driving, according to a new study from Ohio State University. Full Story
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The Addiction Primer: Everything You Need to Know to Get Help for a Loved One
A very inexpensive yet indispensable guide for anyone struggling with a loved one's addiction. Chapters on intervention, what to expect from rehab, and information on how addiction impacts the family.
