What Are Delirium Tremens Symptoms?
Many people avoid getting help for alcohol use disorders because they fear uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Delirium tremens (DTs) is a condition that can arise when you have been drinking heavily and stop. It can pose a serious risk to your health, but not everyone experiences DTs, and the risk of continuing to abuse alcohol is […]
Gray Area Drinking: Is It a Problem for You?
Problem drinking is difficult to define because it’s different for everyone. There’s a large gap between someone who uses alcohol in social settings and someone who is addicted to alcohol. In that space between the extremes there is gray area drinking. What is the line between acceptable and unacceptable drinking? Footprints to Recovery is an […]
Alcoholism and Mental Illness: Is There a Connection?
Addiction is complicated. There are many risk factors and components to consider, but none more so than mental illness. According to research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, around 1 in 5 (20%) of U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. There is a close connection between alcoholism and mental illness for some people. […]
Personality Disorders & Drug or Alcohol Addiction
People who deal with drug or alcohol abuse and have a personality disorder can still get help and live healthy, productive lives as long as treatment adequately addresses both conditions. Integrated care that treats both issues simultaneously is key to long-term stability. Personality disorders are not flaws of character or eccentric qualities. These are disorders that prevent […]
What Is Residential Rehab Like?
Residential rehab is an intensive treatment where individuals stay in a facility for 24 hours a day. It typically lasts 21 days to several months. As the most intensive form of substance abuse treatment, residential rehab is most successful in helping those with severe or long-term addictions. Facilities typically offer group counseling, individual counseling, case […]
Risks of Home Detox & Quitting Cold Turkey
You’ve made the right decision to take back your life from addiction. Recovery is hard work, but you’ll find it’s well worth it. For people with substance use disorders, the first step in recovery is detoxing from drugs or alcohol. Some people attempt drug or alcohol detox at home, but in many cases, this can […]
Does Alcohol Cause Memory Loss?
If you’ve been abusing alcohol regularly and you’re feeling more forgetful, foggy, or confused, it’s probably not a coincidence. Alcohol abuse is linked to both temporary and permanent memory loss. Temporary memory loss is most likely after heavy drinking or binge drinking. This type of memory loss is usually not serious and may resolve on […]
How Long Is Rehab?
How is long rehab for drugs and alcohol? The individual and a number of personal factors can influence how long someone is in treatment, including: Most people who receive treatment for alcohol or drug addiction need to participate in some form of therapy for at least a few months. The length of time spent in […]
Does Alcohol Cause Anxiety?
Does alcohol cause anxiety? Anxiety is often tied to both biological and situational factors, but if you feel more anxious in the hours or days after drinking heavily, it isn’t a coincidence. Many people experience an uptick in anxiety or what’s been dubbed “hangxiety” after drinking alcohol. Anyone can experience these effects, but it’s more […]
Is Alcohol a Stimulant or Depressant?
Many people believe alcohol is a stimulant, so you may find it surprising to learn that alcohol is a depressant. Because alcohol can initially make you feel more confident, happier, and less inhibited, you may think of it as a substance that gives you an “up” or high. While it’s true that alcohol can mimic […]
