Alcohol poisoning is a dangerous, potentially fatal, effect of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. For many people, a case of alcohol poisoning is the “rock bottom” moment that inspires them to seek addiction treatment.
Alcoholic beverages contain acetaldehyde and acetic acid, two toxic substances that the body must work to eliminate. The liver does the majority of this work, although some alcohol is eliminated through a person’s breath, sweat, and urine. Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person consumes more alcohol than the body can process.
Although many people assume that addiction is a problem associated solely with young men, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that middle-aged women are the fastest growing segment of people struggling with addiction. Overdose deaths among women age 30-64 have quadrupled since 1999.
If you want to support a friend or family member in recovery, carefully chosen expressions of love and encouragement are priceless. These phrases will help you communicate your support in the most meaningful way.
People in recovery are often dealing with feelings of guilt and shame related to how they treated others while they were actively abusing drugs or alcohol. As a result, they may believe that they’re unworthy of continued love.
In order to embrace all the possibilities of a life in recovery, you need to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Taking care of your mental health should be just as much of a priority as repairing the physical damage caused by substance abuse.
Strong social ties have been linked to improved mental health in several studies.
As part of your treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, you’ll be asked to evaluate the relationships in your life and determine who should be a part of your sober support network.
Although you may instinctively realize that people who abuse drugs and alcohol are dangerous to associate with when you are newly sober, other relationships may be harder to evaluate. Use these six signs of a toxic relationship to help you decide how to proceed.
Alcohol may be legal for adults over 21, but it’s still a highly addictive substance. Understanding the dangers associated with alcohol abuse can help you make an informed decision regarding addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one.
Addiction affects the entire family, but there’s always hope for healing if you’re committed to making changes to promote a healthier family dynamic.
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. Even parents who don’t have substance use disorders make mistakes, so there’s no need to continue to punish yourself for what’s happened in the past. What matters most is that you’re in recovery and committed to moving forward in a positive, healthy way.
A balanced diet helps stabilize your mood, control your cravings, and boost energy levels. If you’re in recovery for alcohol addiction, you should work closely with a nutritionist to create a meal plan that addresses your specific nutritional deficiencies.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which creates a feeling of fullness in the body. This can reduce a person’s desire to eat balanced meals.