Addiction
Is Addiction in your Genes?
Why do some people struggle with things like nicotine or gambling, while others can do it casually with no problem? Could certain people be more inclined to addiction? A German study seems to show that certain people may be more susceptible to addiction. Full Story
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
Misuse of Pharmaceutical Drugs by Older Adults
The face of drug addiction is changing. While many associate drug addiction with young people tempted into an alternative lifestyle by the experience of getting high, recent rises in pharmaceutical drug misuse have resulted in addiction in unlikely segments of the population. Full Story
Seniors With Chronic Illness Cling to Smoking and Drinking
Old habits die hard. Smoking and drinking are difficult habits to break for anyone, but research shows that quitting is especially difficult for older individuals diagnosed with major health issues. 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.
Effective Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorders
Alcohol use disorder affects many aspects of life. Those who struggle to overcome an alcohol addiction may experience a deterioration of their professional achievements, social and family relationships and financial goals. A compulsion to drink soon overrides all other responsibilities and the risk of negative consequences do not deter the addiction. Full Story
Your Sobriety is Your Number One Priority
Before you get too far ahead of yourself worrying about your family and their motives, you have one very important task before that must be accomplished. You must not use drugs, today. Asking questions whose answers will only serve to get you back inside your head is a dangerous endeavor. There is time enough for that when you are more stable in your recovery to ask the tough questions and even confront those issues.
Addiction and your Genes
Most professionals in medicine, psychiatry, psychology, and medical research agree that addiction is a disease. Some compare it to a physical illness, while others believe that addiction is a neurological disorder. Addiction shares many similarities with chronic illnesses: the onset is often influenced by environmental factors, the disease responds to treatment and lifestyle changes, and it causes biological changes, such as to the neural pathways of the brain. Perhaps most importantly, as with other diseases, chronic conditions, and neurological disorders, addiction has a genetic basis.
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We can refer you to an experienced interventionist who can help you help your loved one.
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.
