Alcohol is the only thing that stops my panic and anxiety?

Im seeing 2 psychologists, have been diagnosed with panic, anxiety, and PTSD and have been on zoloft, xanax, and the only thing that stops the panic attacks is alcohol.

I also abused alcohol for anxiety (I also have panic episodes). I just celebrated my one year of sobriety a couple weeks ago – but I will never forget the pain of getting to where I am today.

I was in rehab many times and I can totally sympathize with your pain – it is hell without alcohol at first – but the operative words are “at first”. I never thought I could live without it either. Alcoholism is a disease, not a weakness, and I’m glad you are getting the help you need to fight this because it is a killer.

Have you talked to your doctor(s) about changing your medications? If Zoloft isn’t working for you, there are so many other medications out there they may work better for you. Also, there are some new medications out there to treat alcohol cravings: Vivitrol, which is given as an injection is one that some people I know have had some success with. I take Topamax (an anti-epilepsy/anti-migraine medication), which is not FDA approved for alcohol craving suppression yet but works wonders for me.

I used to take Prozac for depression which didn’t help much at all. Topamax has changed my mood – and my life. I no longer panic/worry/stress/get angry. It’s a miracle and an added bonus since I was only taking it for the alcohol cravings. The New England Journal of Medicine published a study on the subject in Oct. 2007 so it’s promising.

One thing that is very crucial, and I am hoping your rehabilitation team has recommended it is Alcoholics Anonymous. I was hesitant at first myself about going to the meetings, kind of blew it off but it has been the best thing I ever did. It’s critical that you have the support of other people who can relate to what you are going through.

With the right recovery plan – rehab, outpatient psychologist, medication, A.A., – you can do this. I never thought I could live without alcohol. My life was completely hopeless and now I am actually back to the way I was before I started drinking. Climbing back out of my drunken state was hell, but I’m glad now that I did.

Don’t give up. You’re not alone — good luck….

Narcotics: Pit of Despair DVD (1967) Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Video $4.99 Following a boy from his introduction to drug usage to his state of drug dependency, Narcotics: Pit of Despair frighteningly depicts his addiction and encourages abstinence from all drugs. According to the film, marijuana is a gateway drug that leads to harder drugs: chiefly heroin. Drug dependency destroys lives. Abuse leads to medical problems and run-ins with the police. The main character, Han…

ENABLER Men’s Tee Shirt in 12 colors Small thru 6XL …

Oh No, Not Another Learning Experience Men’s tee Shirt in 12 colors Small thru 6XL …

God Knows When You Don’t Tip! Women’s Tee Shirt in 6 Colors Small thru XXL Pick from the petite form-fitting babydoll style or standard regular fit womens style. Please refer to our sizing chart for measurements.This design also available as a men’s Tee shirt, and a men’s hoodie and sweat shirt in our other amazon.com listings….

7 Weeks to Safe Social Drinking: How to Effectively Moderate Your Alcohol Intake $17.05 Drink less, crave less and nip your problem drinking in the bud with the easy Drink/Link Moderate Drinking Program in this book! Drink/Link has helped thousands of drinkers worldwide to control drinking and prevent alcoholism since 1988. Over 80% of the drinkers who have completed this program have either cut their drinking in half or significantly reduced it! No meetings, drugs, belief in a hi…

Alcohol Drinking Problems.  People who experience alcohol drinking problems either to need quit drinking, drink in moderation, or get alcohol treatment.

Can drinking too much alcohol give you stomach problems?

Ima 16 year old girl and these past two months i’ve been consuming alot of alcohol. Almost every weekend i’ve been drinking hard liqour and smoking weed. I havent stayed sober for more than a week. But, i still go to school & do good =) Anyways, i’ve been having pain in my stomach alot and im more than a month late on my period. any thoughts to why? and can alcohol be the problem?

you are poisoning yourself, you really have to start treating your body better than that. yes it can ruin your stomach, liver, and cause cancer. a recent study concluded that even moderate drinking especialy in women increases their chances of cancer considerably.

Hypnosis Alcohol Treatment: Staying Sober through Hypnosis $19.95 Has alcohol become a problem for you? Are you ready for change? Whether you are looking to stop drinking alcohol completely or just reduce the amount you drink, our Beverly Hills Hypnosis Alcohol Treatment CD can help! Beverly Hills Hypnosis Alcohol Treatment CDs use a special blend of hypnosis, relaxation techniques and guided imagery that will enable you to regain control over your life!…

1946 Alcohol & Alcoholism Addiction Filmstrip on DVD $4.99 Where Does it Get You? is a classic educational alcohol video from the 1940’s. The effects of alcohol and facts about alcohol are the film’s subject matter. But what makes the film interesting is the opportunity it affords viewers to see how alcohol and alcohol abuse were perceived and treated in the mid 20th century. Featuring campy dated diagrams and science, the effects of alcohol and alcoholis…

Classic Alcohol and the Human Body (1949) Classic Alcohol and the Human Body (1949) is a 1 film DVD. Alcohol and the Human Body (1949)- Traces the course of alcohol through the body; shows the effects of alcohol on the brain; dramatizes the case of a problem drinker, including treatment. This item is part of the collection: Prelinger Archives Producer: Encyclopaedia Britannica Films Audio/Visual: Sd, B&W Run time: 15:06 NOTE: The films …

Alcohol: It’s Serious Business $59.95 This straightforward program addresses the emotional and physical problems of underage drinking as well as attitudes toward alcohol. Refusal techniques and how to deal with peer pressure are shown. Services organizations such as Alanon, AA, Alateen, MADD and SADD are introduced. First published in 1990. Geared toward Middle School. Running Time: 20 minutes….

Stop Drinking Alcohol natural herbal remedy: Detox – Sale! Decreases the urge to drink alcohol. $24.95 Strengthens liver function, eliminates toxins from the body, and decreases the urge to drink This formula aids the liver in the detoxification process, and is especially beneficial to those who have a tendency to over-indulge, as it curbs alcohol cravings. Additionally, this formula can reduce the symptoms associated with hangovers. Recommended Dosage = 2 to 3 tablets, three times daily. Ingr…

Sober for Good $10.07 Fletcher brings together alternative recovery methods to aid those readers who are looking to control their alcohol use, but do

Overcoming Alcohol Problems (Paperback) $33.25 This therapist guide outlines a treatment program for couples wherein one partner has an alcohol use disorder. Based on the principles of CBT, this 12-session couples-focused program is designed not only to help the drinking partner stop drinking, but …

The Treatment of Drinking Problems (Paperback) $66.5 “The Treatment of Drinking Problems has become the definitive text in the field of alcohol problems. It addresses the frontline realities of clinical practice in an informed and empathetic way, whilst grounding this approach in critical scientific revi…

A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Program for Overcoming Alcohol Problems (Paperback) $19.95 Alcohol use can have negative effects on your day-to-day functioning, health, and relationships. If drinking is a problem in your life, this program can help you regain control. It has been developed with the benefit of each author`s 25+ years of clini…

Compact Research, Alcohol (Hardcover) $25.69 Discusses alcohol`s effect on human health and on society, whether underage drinking is a serious problem, and whether alcohol-related problems can be treated and prevented.

Alcohol Recovery.  It is only after the problem drinker quits drinking on his own or via alcohol treatment that he or she can achieve alcohol recovery.

How will I get to find alcohol rehabilitation centers in Topsham, Maine?

I need to do this for my mother-in-law. My husband is away on business, and he doesn’t know about his mom being an alcoholic yet. I want to make sure that when he gets here, his mom is already on the way to recovery. That way, he doesn’t have to worry as much. My mom-in-law already wants to get treated and she came to me for help. I don’t know how to find alcohol rehabs, though.

Actually, finding alcohol rehabs is pretty easy. The links below should be able to help you. I’m glad you’re helping your mother-in-law. It must be tough for you that your husband’s away, but I’m sure you can do it. You can also take her to a doctor, and the doctor should be able to give you recommendations regarding rehabs. Good luck! I sure hope she gets well soon!

Regenerate – Alcohol Recovery Program Set. – ***NEW*** $79.95

Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Self Hypnosis 3 CD Audio $39.95

Planetary Herbals Kudzu Recovery, Anti-Alcohol, 120T $18.46

The Broken Cord With Louise Erdrich and Michael Dorris (A World of Ideas With Bill Moyers) Bill Moyers interviews writers Louise Erdrich and Michael Dorris who talk about their work, their American Indian heritage, fetal alcohol syndrome, and parenthood….

Chalk Talks: Recovery and the Family with Father Joseph C. Martin (Discusses the nature of alcohol addiction and recovery) $49.99 …

Eating Disorders in Recovery [VHS] …

Why Don’t They Just QUIT? DVD Roundtable Discussion: What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery. $19.95 Real-life solutions to help you now! Watching a loved one immersed in an intense battle with alcohol and drug abuse may be the most difficult, complex and harrowing experience you ll ever have. This 90 minute DVD offers hope to families and friends, and is packed with solutions that can be used immediately to help guide someone toward recovery. A perfect companion resource to the “Why Don’t The…

My Name Is Bill W. (Hallmark Hall of Fame) $16.20 Bill Wilson appeared to have it all – a promising career, a loving wife, and good friends to share a few drinks with after work. Sometimes he drank too much, but he assured his wife Lois he could handle it. Then came the Depression and a dizzying downward spiral into a state of almost perpetual drunkenness. Finally, in 1935, while trying to stay sober – but desperate for a drink – Bill was put in …

Overcoming Your Alcohol, Drug and Recovery Habits $18.95 Recognizing that an addiction to 12-step programs can be just as dangerous as an addiction to alcohol or drugs, this book provides techniques to counter the self-defeating beliefs that lead to addiction. It enables those who have gone through Alco…

Youth with Alcohol and Drug Addiction $24.7 Looks at drug and alcohol addiction among young people, including information about why teens abuse these substances, why certain substances lead to addiction, the effects of specific drugs on the body, and treatment and recovery options.

Always Aware (Paperback) $9.85 What better way to help those folks addicted to drugs or alcohol than by 30 years` experience? Embracing the self-help philosophy used in 12-Step programs, Jim Cusack has been helping people recover to this day. Family love and caring form the essence …

Rising Above The Influence (Paperback) $15.99 Description not available.

Eating for Recovery $12.09 Easy-to-make recipes, meal plans, and useful guidelines are provided in this informative guide to dealing with the common side effects of alcohol abuse, such as a changes to mood-regulating hormones and a weakened nervous system. Original.

There are many different types of programs offered at a drug treatment center. Drug addiction is a treatable disorder and treatment teaches a person how to control their urges and find ways to lead a fulfilled and happy life once again. Addicts receiving treatment are given counseling, therapy and taught to make changes to behavior that will enhance the chances of success.

There are many different types of therapies given to a recovery addict in a drug treatment center. Behavior therapy techniques can include counseling, support groups, individual and family therapy and psychotherapy. The more comprehensive the treatment a recovery patient receives, the more likely that better results will be the outcome. Many patients also require additional medical and health care services while receiving drug treatment. Patients who stay at a drug treatment facility for more than 3 months have a much better success rate than others who stay for a shorter period of time. Addicts who go through a drug detoxification process prior to entering a treatment center will receive additional beneficial treatment at a drug treatment facility.

The ultimate outcome and goal for any drug treatment center program is to teach and enable the patient to achieve lifelong sobriety and abstinence from drug use. The immediate goals are to teach the patient to reduce or discontinue drug use, improve functioning abilities and to minimize the harmful and hazardous medical and social implications of drug addiction. There are several different types of treatment modalities available such as a short-term program which lasts less than 6 months and long-term programs which are for addicts with a more severe addiction.

There are programs that are offered within the therapeutic communities which are highly structured programs require a patient to reside within a center to be treated. Usually, this type of treatment is used for those who have a long history of addiction and dependency, criminal behavior and harbor a serious problem with social functioning. Sober living houses and communities are also beneficial to post-recovery and another important tool to aid a former addict in staying clean and sober.

These are just a few of the many different types of drug treatment programs available for people suffering from drug addiction. There are so many options available and treatment modalities used that any type of addiction can be dealt with safely and effectively. Some forms of treatment work better than others, but as long as the program selected addresses the needs of the individual patient and adapts to their changing needs, the chances for success are bettered substantially.

A drug treatment center is the best place possible for a person who has tried unsuccessfully to deal with an addiction on their own. The staff and rehab professionals are instrumental to the recovery process and now exactly how to help a person on their personal journey to a healthier way of life. Drugs do not have to be a way of life, there is help and hope.

If you or someone you love is dealing with drug addiction and needs help, please contact us today for more information.
About the Author:

Finding the right Drug Treatment Center can be difficult at time. So if you would like more information on a Drug Treatment Center that can help you get clean and sober, please contact us today.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Different Types of Drug Treatment Center Programs

Aquatonic 300 Water Ionizer $650.00 The Aquatonic 300 Counter-top Water Ionizer produces water which is a powerful antioxidant. Alkaline Ionized Water helps to alkalize (balance body pH), hydrate and detoxify the body. Water is the most critical element necessary to improve and maintain good health. Ionized Water is the first step and most important addition to a healthy lifestyle. The Aquatonic 300 is the most recent addition to …

SVA Home Detox $65.00 “SVA Home Detox” 2-DVD set, 4 ½ hours. Safety in detoxification has been a big concern. This DVD will show you how to do “Home Detox” as a blissful and enjoyable experience. Course overview: ?Which are the four kinds of toxins and where do they come from? – Ama, Amavisha, Gharvisha, Indravajravijanyavisha (EMF). ?The channels: beginning and end of total health. ?Pathways through which the toxins …

Nature Made SAM-e Complete 200 mg – 90 Enteric Coated Tablets $38.49 Naturally Restores a Healthy Mood Clinically Proven For Healthy Mood, Joint Comfort   SAM-e is a natural substance created in the body that helps regulate mood. Unfortunately, SAM-e can be affected by poor diet and other health conditions. After two decades, studies have shown that SAM-e, a natural compound found in our bodies, is effective in improving and enhancing mood. …

Toxinout Kit by Dr Natura – Broad Spectrum Detoxification Program – Detoxigreen, toxinout, Flora Protect – Heavy Metal Removal, Enzyme Support, Probiotics $32.99 Get the Toxins out with Toxinout! The Toxinout Broad-Spectrum Detoxification Program was developed to work together with the Colonix Program to thoroughly cleanse and detoxify the whole body and to protect and nourish the entire system. You can think of Toxinout as an ‘add-on’ to Colonix. When used together, these two programs will give you the most comprehensive whole-body detoxification therapy…

Source Naturals Potassium Iodide …

Same $4.95

Lipoic Acid $5.89 The exciting story of how lipoic acid, enhancing the action of other antioxidant nutrients, works to prevent the ills of aging, reduce the risks of heart attack, diabetic damage and cancer, hinder the replication of the AIDS virus and detoxify the syst…

Duration of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

When I decided to quit drinking alcohol, the first issue I looked into is the fear of alcohol withdrawal symptoms that may occur to me if I suddenly stop drinking. The fact that it is fatal to some cases almost dampens my spirit and I almost gave up my plans and preparations to kick the habit. It is likely that most alcoholics who have been abusing alcohol have fear of the sufferings and pains he may experience when he decides to kick the habit for good. This situation can make an individual bring his decision to a halt in fighting alcohol addiction and may continue to abuse the substance that can ruin his physical and mental capabilities and bring havoc to his life in the end.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are signs which occur in the body when an individual suddenly stops drinking alcohol after a long period of time abusing the substance or heavy alcohol consumption. Signs consist of insomnia (inability to sleep at night or during quit drinking process), trembling (hands or body shakes), anxiety (worrying about anything which triggers someone to feel depressed and unhappy) and other symptoms that are related to physical, mental and emotional aspects. The outcome of alcohol in the brain has a sedating effect if continually consume overtime. In the brain of an intense, long-standing abuser, it is repeatedly exposed to the calming effect of alcohol substance and thus the brain regulates its own system to balance the effect of the chemicals. It performs this action by means of making physically invigorating chemical in huge quantities than usual. If an alcoholic suddenly stops consuming alcohol, the brain will react and thus experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Most signs take place when the brain is over stimulated.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may be different from one person to another. In extreme cases, the most hazardous type of symptoms takes place one hour to twenty four hours after the last drink of alcohol. Conditions may include a fatal symptom called delirium tremens also known as DTs. It has a lot of complications so one must pay attention to these kinds of symptoms. Anyone who experiences this kind of sign may ask for medical assistance to have the proper medications and treatments in terms of withdrawal symptoms.

In mild cases, there is no need to seek for medical advice as the symptoms may improve after several days depending on the alcoholic’s physical capabilities and strength. The individual will overcome the alcohol withdrawal symptoms without the help from doctors and specialists who are specialized in this kind of addiction. Mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms may not need support from support groups and may deal with the withdrawal signs by means of his personal judgments.

It is best advice to seek for professional help when dealing with extreme condition as it requires a much more attention than mild cases. Be sure to secure advice from trusted doctors to be sure of the results.

About the Author:

The author shares his experiences and how he managed to overcome alcoholism. He shares ideas and stories how he discovers easy ways to quit drinking alcohol. He used to be an alcoholic and at the same time as a chain smoker but managed to get out of alcohol and nicotine addiction and live a healthier and peaceful life now. Visit the link above to learn more.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Withdrawal Symptoms

BMV Quantum Subliminal CD End Addiction (Ultrasonic Peak Health Series) $14.99 Program your subconscious mind to end addiction to foreign substances (alcohol, alcoholism, drug substance abuse, prescription drugs, cocaine, marijuana, opium, heroin, etc). Stop addictive thoughts, reduce withdrawal symptoms and quit being an addict forever! Exclusive state-of-the-art subliminal & brainwave entrainment technologies that you can use to program your subconscious mind for positive …

Alcoholism: Getting Off the Destructive Merry-Go-Round $7.00 Alcoholism is an illness misunderstood by many people. Many believe an alcoholic should be able to use their willpower and just put down the bottle any time they want to. Well, it isn’t that easy. Because alcohol is legal, it is also easy to get, making it the number one drug of choice. Just as much as you or I crave food or water, an alcoholic craves alcohol. Here are some startling statistics…

I’m Dancing As Fast As I Can $8.99 I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can was a huge best seller. It was made into a movie starring Jill Clayberg. The book was way ahead of its time when first published. When the book was written the danger of addiction to prescription drugs was barely recognized and the authority of doctors was virtually sacrosanct. But one woman’s honesty – Barbara Gordon’s honesty – changed all that. I’m Dancin…

Drug Addiction Stop Your Dependence! $3.49 Drugs have become the most prominent coping mechanism that people use to deal with life’s problems. There are many reasons why people begin using drugs. They are looking for a way out – an escape – a way to forget life for just a little while. Methamphetamine use has grown to alarming rates in the United States with over 25 percent of the population addicted to this drug. Twenty-three percent…

Symptoms of Withdrawal $11.1 In this graceful memoir, the now-grown son of actor Peter Lawford and Pat Kennedy Lawford looks back on his life with sober eyes, recalling his childhood experiences among the rich and famous and his own long battle with alcohol and drugs. Christo…

How Can I Reduce My Alcohol Abuse and Binge Drinking?

I start drinking and do not know when to stop. This is because I’ve developed an immunity to it. I just drink on weekends, but I’m a lush and I can drink more than all my friends. I realize that I involve myself in binge drinking. I don’t ever drink and drive and when I drink, I always call a taxi because I don’t want hurt anyone. I’m an adjuster with the Union and haven’t missed a day of work in 8 years.

Answer. If you do not know when or how stop drinking once you start you have a problem with alcohol and you may be an alcoholic. Talk to your doctor and join AA before you mess up your life. There’s nothing worse than seeing a person die a slow and painful death of as a result of liver or pancreatic cancer

Stop Binge Drinking: Hypnosis CDs that actually work! $29.95

Stop Binge Drinking Hypnosis CD (Steve G. Jones) $29.95

Funky Binge Responsibly Oversized Funny Beach Towel $27.99 Towel reads “Binge Responsibly”. Be the envy of all your friends with this attention getting towel. Perfect for the pool or at the beach….

Binge Drinking & Partying College Poster Print 24×36 $5.95 Binge Drinking (List of Reasons) Art Poster Print – 24×36…

Binge Drinking 24×36 Art Print Poster $4.95 Binge Drinking Image Size 24″ x 36″ Paper Size 24″ x 36″ Fine Art Reproduction on High Quality Art Paper. Retails for $10.00 or more….

It’s Always Fair Weather (1955 Movie Soundtrack) (Rhino Handmade) $16.93 …

BMV Quantum Subliminal CD Binge Drinking Aid: Stop Excessive Alcohol Consumption (Ultrasonic Subliminal Series) $14.99 Program your subconscious mind to stop binge drinking and reduce excessive alcohol consumption. Create amazing results using state-of-the-art subliminal and brainwave entrainment technologies. Tune your brainwaves to specific frequencies by listening to this CD! Program your subconscious mind for positive lasting results, created by a Certified Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner (Neuro-Linguistic…

Blame (Paperback) $10.1 Patsy MacLemoore is a successful history professor known for her wit, brains, and heart. But then one morning she wakes up in a jail cell after a blackout night of binge drinking, and is horrified to learn that she has run over and killed a mother and …

From Binge to Blackout $10.1 Description not available.

Skins – Vol. 1 (DVD) $24.85 Drugs, sex, and binge drinking fight for space in this unsparing British series about teenagers. Consider it an edgier O.C., or–depending on one`s perspective–a considerably more lighthearted draft of KIDS. The comic drama centers on charismatic lead…

The Naked Roommate (Paperback) $10.09 This humorous look at college life prepares incoming students for campus situations not covered by guidance counselors, such as feeling homesick, Greek hazing, binge drinking, and the myriad pleasures and perils of sex.

Saving Grace – Season 2 – 4-Disc Set (DVD) $30.36 For a functioning alcoholic, detective Grace Hanadarko (Holly Hunter) is an unusually effective asset to the Oklahoma City police department. Spending her time off the job sleeping around with married men, flashing her elderly neighbor, and binge-drink…

Vern was a hard-working plumbing contractor who recently began to feel the adverse effects of alcohol abuse each day when he got up for work.  Sure, he almost always had a lot of fun while drinking with his friends, but lately he had begun to feel very lethargic and tired every morning when he awakened.

Like a lot of men, Vern didn’t do much about his problem drinking until something made him address his drinking behavior.  In Vern’s case, this “change agent” was a much younger woman that he began dating.

Realizing that his partying was draining his energy, had helped him gain about ten unwanted pounds, and lowered his self concept in the process, he quit drinking and started exercising every morning before going to work.  Within three or four weeks, he noticed that his energy level had returned, he lost a few pounds, and felt more self esteem when he went out with his new girlfriend.

Fortunately, some people “get it” and do something positive about their adverse alcohol abuse effects.  In Vern’s situation, his new girlfriend was the trigger for him to stop drinking, to get into a physical fitness routine, and to begin living in a healthier manner.

Michael was a personal trainer who tried to walk the talk.  That is, he not only knew how to get others to look physically fit, but he himself looked like he had exercised and worked out for years.

Due to the fact that he was into health and physical fitness, it did not take long at all for Michael to realize that his fairly regular happy hour visits to the local bar and involving himself in abusive drinking were affecting him in an adverse manner.

In a word, Michael noticed some unhealthy effects of alcohol in his life in spite of the fact that he only went to happy hour two or three times each week.

In his line of work, losing one’s energy and feeling sluggish are critical.  So it didn’t take Michael very long before he totally quit drinking and began to feel his old energy return.  Michael is one of the fortunate persons who does something positive when problems arise and who is in tune with his body.

“But we don’t drink all that much,” explained Stephen and Katherine while talking to their family doctor.  This was in response to a series of tests their doctor had ordered to determine if Stephen and Katherine were experiencing some of the more routine effects of chronic alcohol abuse.

The doctor explained that while there may not be a causal relationship, the research literature points to a strong correlation between hazardous and abusive drinking and the respiratory problems both Stephen and Katherine had been experiencing.

The doctor’s suggestion was for Stephen and Katherine to significantly reduce the amount of alcohol they are drinking or to refrain from drinking altogether.  In other words, they had to make sure that they would always drink in moderation or quit drinking entirely.  Doing either of these, however, will be very hard for Stephen and Katherine because having three or four drinks every night was something that they honestly looked forward to.

Unfortunately, when serious alcohol related health problems emerge, the only doable solutions are abstention or substantial reduction.  Now the big question is if Stephen and Katherine can follow through on their doctor’s “orders.”

This was getting old. Jasmine was admitted to the local city hospital for the third time this year because she experienced an alcohol overdose.  When Carolyn, Jasmine’s sister, heard about this she went to the hospital as quickly as possible to visit Jasmine.

When Carolyn walked into Jasmine’s hospital room, the first words out of her mouth were the following:  “I am grateful that you are OK but when are you going to figure this excessive drinking thing out?  Time and time again you drink yourself silly and then end up in the hospital for alcohol poisoning treatment.  If you can’t drink responsibly and in moderation, then stop drinking altogether.  And if you can’t stop drinking for yourself, then quit drinking for the people in your life who honestly care about you.”

Why is it that some “problem drinkers” never seem to learn from their alcohol-related mistakes?  Take Janet for example.  Janet refused to drink in moderation or quit drinking even after receiving three DWIs and after getting rushed to the hospital twice because she displayed alcohol poisoning symptoms.

Based on this information, one can reasonably wonder if Janet has a “death wish” or if she is in so much emotional turmoil that nothing matters but drinking her way through her problems.

Does Janet possess such poor coping skills that she has to resort to drinking to deal with her suffering and pain?  Does Janet suffer from a neurotic sense of guilt that she just can’t resolve or let go?  In all probability, unfortunately, Janet is simply a “typical” alcohol dependent person who has to drink everyday so that she can avoid the alcohol withdrawal symptoms she will experience if she tries to stop drinking.

Please call this number for alcohol and drug treatment info

If people who involve themselves in abusive drinking were to learn more about the negative consequences of their drinking, I wonder how many of them would change their drinking behavior and either drink in moderation or quit drinking?  This is a relevant question because at some level it zeros in on the heart of problem drinking.

Stated another way, more knowledge is virtually worthless if people don’t apply this knowledge to their lives.  In short, I get the sense that many individuals openly ignore the health hazards and dangers that are linked to abusive and excessive drinking because the short-term “pay off” is greater for them when they drink than when they are sober.

In sum, there seems to be a lot of truth to the statement that involvement in alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction is a short-term response or a “quick fix” that has long-term, detrimental consequences.

Colin was an iron worker.  Unlike most of his fellow iron workers, he didn’t drink abusively or excessively.  Gradually, however, he began going to the local bar more regularly and after a two years of this lifestyle, he began to feel the effects of alcohol abuse.

After a while when he started reflecting on where his life was going, he began asking himself a number of questions.  Would he be able to cut down on his drinking and drink in moderation?  Should he quit drinking and stop going to the bar with his buddies?  Does he have a drinking problem?  Should he see his doctor and get an alcohol examination?  Does he need alcohol treatment?  One day he decided that instead of worrying about his drinking, he would call his family physician and make an appointment to talk to him about his drinking behavior.

Stanley was a recovering alcoholic.  He had gone through alcohol treatment two years ago and has been sober ever since he finished his outpatient alcohol counseling program.  Lately, however, he has been feeling like his life is going nowhere and so he began frequenting a few nightclubs in the big city.  He reasoned that since he was no longer an “active” alcoholic or exhibiting alcoholic behavior, he could now drink responsibly and in moderation.

After three weeks of having a few beers every other day, he understood how easily it would be to get involved in the negative cycle of alcoholism once again.  And by looking at drinking in this manner, the one thing that he kept on thinking about were the dreadful alcohol withdrawal symptoms he suffered just before he went to the alcohol treatment clinic two years ago.  In fact, the thought of facing such intense agony and pain made him totally quit drinking–again.  As soon as he quit drinking this time he clearly understood that he was one of the unfortunate individuals who would never again be able to drink, even if he were to drink in moderation.

Cinny had made a special effort to stop drinking at least twice per year the past ten years.  She was from the “old school” that said that an individual had to be tough enough to do things by herself without another person’s assistance.  Indeed, this mentality was the basic reason why she failed to talk to her physician about her drinking problem or why she never thought about getting alcohol rehab.  Things changed abruptly, however, when she got fired for theft at her place of employment.  Due to her drinking problem, Cinny’s finances were going South at an increasing rate.  So she thought he would “borrow” some money from the petty cash for which she was responsible.

Since her place of employment had a zero tolerance policy for theft, she was fired immediately the day her theft was discovered.  Surprisingly, this served as a wake-up call and encouraged her to get an alcohol appraisal.  Finally Cinny was doing something positive about her drinking problem.  Maybe now, Cinny would be able to follow through on her attempt to quit drinking.

I met a young lady named Kendra last night. Kendra has been addicted to alcohol and drugs for a few years and she told me that she has been sober for 32 days.  We talked for quite a while and would have talked even longer but she had to go to her Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.  At one point before she left, when I asked her why she quit drinking 32 days ago, she said she quit drinking because she was sick of the pain of addiction.  I said a few things to encourage her to follow her career goals and to remain sober.  It was good learning that she has a solid support system and is getting back on track about finishing her undergraduate degree and then thinking about graduate school.

Just imagine how many lives are affected by chronic alcohol abuse and alcoholism.  Although a lot of people focus on the ill fortune of the problem drinker, just think of the sons, daughters, grand children, spouses, brothers, sisters, friends, and relatives whose lives are adversely affected by the excessive and abusive drinking behavior of the problem drinker.

I know that the drinker’s logic doesn’t work this way, but if there was a way for the alcohol abuser or alcoholic to know precisely how much suffering and pain his or her drinking causes other people, he or she just might decide to seek alcohol treatment.  The reality of the situation, however, is that the problem drinker has to want to quit drinking and get treatment for himself or herself rather than for other people.

I remember receiving a phone call at 3AM from a man in California who was very concerned about a particular urine alcohol test he read about on one of my websites.  This particular test is called the ETG urine alcohol test and although it cannot determine how much alcohol a person has had, it can detect whether a person has consumed ANY alcohol in the past 80 hours.  The problem for this particular person was that he was scheduled to take a urine alcohol test at work the next day and was apprehensive about this because he thought he would “fail” the test.  He recently had appeared before a judge and due to his abusive drinking, he was told not to consume ANY alcohol.

You can understand his concern because the previous night he had one bottle of beer.  While his body certainly metabolized the alcohol from this beer, if the lab doing the alcohol test was using the ETG urine alcohol testing procedure, this person could be in violation of the demands made by the judge.  Question: instead of being so concerned about failing an alcohol test, if drinking is causing so many problems in your life why not quit drinking and avoid all of the alcohol-related problems in your life?

The alcoholism and substance abuse research findings show that the earlier a person starts to drink abusively, the greater the likelihood that he or she will become alcohol dependent later in life.  In other words, the earlier a person engages in excessive drinking, the higher the probability that he or she will become an alcoholic down the road.

Not only this but research demonstrates the fact that once a person becomes dependent on alcohol, it is very hard for him or her to quit drinking.  To substantiate this claim, according to one longitudinal study that followed the drinking status of a group of alcohol dependent individuals, after five years more than two-thirds of the people were still addicted to alcohol.

Is drinking becoming more trouble than it’s worth? Do you think that you need to cut back significantly on your drinking or perhaps quit drinking altogether?  In short, should you quit drinking?

To help you arrive at a “status report” about your drinking, please review the following questions.

• Do you think about drinking most of the day?
• Have you ever experienced blackouts when you drink?
• Do you drink many times throughout the day?
• Do you sneak a drink or two at work?
• Have you recently received a “driving under the influence” arrest?
• Does your drinking negatively affect your school or work performance?
• Is your drinking draining your finances?
• When you try to stop drinking, do you get alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
• Has your drinking adversely affected your important relationships?

If you answered one or more of these questions with a “yes,” it is highly likely that you are an alcohol abuser and you may in fact be alcohol
dependent. In either case, it is very likely that you have a drinking problem that requires further assessment by your healthcare practitioner or by your doctor.