Addiction
Binge Drinking in the United States
Binge drinking is usually associated with college parties and young single men. A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides evidence that binge drinking is also a common occurrence among older adults. Full Story
Kaiser Permanente’s Early Start Program Could Serve as Intervention for Substance Abuse
Kaiser Permanente has recently published the results of their online study helping at-risk pregnant women with obstetric care. The program could save almost $2 billion yearly towards health care costs in the United States if implemented. According to Medical News Today, the new Early Start program follows a 2008 study by Kaiser Permanente that showed how women could achieve safer health outcomes for themselves and their babies by not using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs. Full Story
The Consequences of Mixing Alcohol and Parenting
In the media today, it’s common for the stressed mother to be depicted as the drinking mother, one who is not stable without a drink in her hand. The trend was the topic of discussion in this recent blog in the Washington Post as the writer recounted a recent mom’s group event. Full Story
The Relationship Between Alcohol and Mortality Rates
When compared with the general population, a study in Italy revealed those who drink heavily have a higher likelihood of both cancer and general mortality rates. Heavy alcohol consumption is responsible for about five percent of all global illnesses. Full Story
Stress Causes Descendents of Alcoholic Parents to Drink
Individuals with a family history of alcoholism are known to be genetically predisposed to the disorder themselves, but researchers at University of Gothenburg, Sweden have identified a possible variable that can increase their susceptibility to drinking. When stressed, children of alcoholic parents may be inclined to consume more alcohol as a way to help them cope with their emotions. Full Story
Alcohol Abuse Silently Rising in the Older Population
A recent study reported that elders are more at risk for alcohol abuse than those from a younger generation. In this study of Australians, older and younger generations were reported to binge drink for very different reasons and at different rates, and the former group has to consider complications with alcohol intake that the younger set does not. Full Story
Excessive Drinking Harms Function of Serotonin in the Brain
A recent Swedish study shows that serotonin, a vital brain neurotransmitter, has a role in developing and curing depression and chronic anxiety. While the neurotransmitter is empowered to regulate impulses and human abilities to sleep or to stay awake, it has been found that excessive drinking harms the function of serotonin in the brain in a short amount of time. Full Story
The Risk of Mental Health Problems Is Often Ignored by Alcohol Abusers
In an effort to curtail the increasing number of youths suffering from alcohol abuse, the Salvation Army has released findings of a study to help raise awareness about the link between alcohol abuse and mental health problems. Full Story
Substance Abuse Among Teens
Substance abuse during the teenage years is especially dangerous. Not only are there immediate dangers, risk of injury and poor decisions, but there are ongoing problems. Many individuals who begin using drugs or alcohol during adolescence continue using the substances into adulthood. This results in the body being exposed to the substance longer, with an increased risk of certain cancers and liver disease with alcohol use and various problems with drug exposure. Full Story
Need Help Finding an Intervention Specialist?
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.
