Alcohol may seem harmless but as a substance can be abused. In addition, it can be dangerous and lead to permanent physical and mental damage as well as death. Side effects can be anything from addiction to alcohol, poisoning to liver damage to death. Drinking during the pregnancy could severely affect your child! There are short term and long term side effects in regards to alcohol: * Vomiting, stumbling and incoherency, dizziness and passing out are short term side effects as are hangovers … [Read more...] about Side Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol Addiction
How to Help Alcohol Abusers
Studies have shown that if a person regularly drinks more than two drinks per day that they could have an alcohol problem. When many of us think of alcohol abuse, the worst case scenario comes to mind. We envision an alcoholic who has lost all concept of everything around them and live for the next drink, just as a drug addict would live for their next fix. What many do not realize is that there is a difference between alcohol abuse and being an alcoholic, although if left untreated, alcohol … [Read more...] about How to Help Alcohol Abusers
Youth: The New Face of Drug Addiction
Young people are among the biggest groups of drug addiction problems all over. Some give in to peer pressure, some come from families with drug addiction problems, others fall victim to it through prescriptions or curiosity. No matter how the drug addiction begins, it is a battle that many of the world's youth go through. Once upon a time drug addicts were looked upon as bad people. They were dealers and they were mob people, they were criminals. Now, the new face of drug addiction is youth. … [Read more...] about Youth: The New Face of Drug Addiction
Why People Drink Alcohol
Alcohol is used in many settings and for many occasions. It can be used in a religious ceremony as it has been since centuries. It can be used in a party setting or for a special occasion such as toasting, or the bride and groom at a wedding, or even when celebrating something special that has happened in someone's life. It can also be used to calm a person's nerves or shake loose some inhibitions. Some people simply drink to forget. The common reasons? * People drink due to stress. … [Read more...] about Why People Drink Alcohol
How to Help an Addict in Recovery
Recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction is not an easy process. While there are things that loved ones can do to be supportive and helpful, it also is not necessary to walk on eggshells. Encouragement is one of the best aids a recovering addict can receive. Whether the person has been through rehab once or several times, encouragement will still help. It shows confidence which often is what the addict is lacking at this time. Along with encouragement, a positive attitude helps. No one … [Read more...] about How to Help an Addict in Recovery
How to Stay Sober after Drug Addiction
You have been on a long journey. You got hooked on drugs, went through many life-changing experiences, lost just about everything and finally decided to get clean. You did a residential program and you vowed to your family, friends, counsellor and most importantly, to yourself, to stay sober. You have been released from the residential program. How do you keep the promise to stay sober after drug addiction? 1. Get in and stay in a support group. These are people just like you who have been … [Read more...] about How to Stay Sober after Drug Addiction
Substance Abuse Facts
The Number OneFact about Substance Abuse? It does exist. Though at first, people deny it, substance abuse is real and not only affects the user but family, friends, co-workers, even strangers. It affects relationships, careers, grades, finances and health. A quarter of the deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to substance abuse through alcohol and the use of illicit drugs. These deaths can be overdoses, health problems the user has succumbed to due to a substance abuse problem or accidental … [Read more...] about Substance Abuse Facts
Family Matters
Having one alcoholic in the family is bad enough. Two is extremely confusing and three or more is absolute hell. Both my Mother and my Father were alcoholics. My sisters and I grew up with them not realizing the impact it would have on our lives. I can remember being a teenager and the family doctor putting me on tranquilizers for stress because he “understood that my Mother was an alcoholic”. Hmmm, ok, well so was Dad but it seems Mom was also addicted to codeine. Rehab? Oh, certainly not. For … [Read more...] about Family Matters