What Is Alcohol Induced Psychosis?
Alcohol-induced psychosis can be frightening for the individual and those around them. It’s triggered by excessive alcohol consumption and other factors, such as co-occurring disorders. Alcohol-induced psychosis is a set of psychiatric symptoms. These may include: Types of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis Alcohol-related psychosis is categorized into three areas: 1. Alcohol Withdrawal Psychosis Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and even deadly. It can also bring about a temporary form of psychosis. Alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD) is a psychosis that long-time heavy drinkers are at risk for when they quit drinking. Alcohol-induced psychosis can be a part of what is more commonly known as delirium tremens (DTs). People with DTs sometimes experience hallucinations or delusions. They may also feel like bugs are crawling on their skin. 2. Acute Alcohol Intoxication Acute alcohol psychosis can occur when you drink excessive amounts of alcohol. One night of binge drinking can trigger acute psychosis. This type of substance-induced psychosis is rare. It usually occurs when people drink similar amounts of alcohol which lead to alcohol poisoning. Most people will become unconscious before any psychotic symptoms appear. 3. Chronic Alcoholic Hallucinosis People who’ve been abusing alcohol for years are at risk for alcoholic hallucinosis. If you have alcoholic hallucinosis, you may experience auditory hallucinations: hearing sounds that aren’t there. Some people also experience: This type of alcohol-induced psychosis may occur sporadically for hours or days. Over time, alcoholic hallucinosis can begin mimicking symptoms of schizophrenia and last indefinitely. In some cases, chronic alcoholic hallucinosis leads to brain damage. This may include Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and long-term psychotic disorders. Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis If you have alcohol-induced psychosis, you may experience a range of symptoms. These can vary in severity from hallucinations and paranoia to completely losing touch with reality. To an outsider, people in this state of mind may appear frightened or confused. Some people become aggressive and violent. People with this reaction may exhibit a few or several of the symptoms below: Is Alcohol-Induced Psychosis Dangerous? While heavy drinking can cause many dangerous health effects, alcohol-induced psychosis doesn’t directly impact physical health. The dangers of alcohol-induced psychosis come indirectly through its symptoms. If left untreated, people who are hallucinating or paranoid may put themselves or others in danger because of their distorted perceptions of reality and a false belief that they need to protect themselves from harm. Who Suffers from Alcohol-Induced Psychosis? Anyone who drinks excessively or has an alcohol addiction is at risk for alcohol-induced psychosis. People who are at increased risk for alcohol-related psychosis include: How Long Does Alcohol-Induced Psychosis Last? How long alcohol-induced psychosis lasts depends on the type and severity of the episode. It’s also linked to your personal mental health factors. People typically begin seeing symptoms of these episodes within 24 hours of their last drink because of alcohol withdrawal . Psychotic symptoms associated with alcohol can last for a couple days, and longer in rare cases. Alcohol-induced psychosis due to acute intoxication should subside after all the alcohol has left your body. Chronic alcoholic hallucinosis episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. How to Prevent Alcohol-Induced Psychosis Abstinence from alcohol—not drinking—is the best way to prevent this symptom. Anyone who drinks heavily or has an alcohol use disorder (AUD) is at risk for alcohol induced psychosis. People who’ve already experienced an episode are at greater risk of having another one. Following guidelines for moderate drinking or maintaining abstinence from alcohol will safeguard you from this condition. How Do You Treat Alcohol-Induced Psychosis? Anyone with alcohol-induced psychosis should get medical help immediately. Medical professionals may treat alcohol-induced psychosis by: It’s critical to get professional addiction treatment if you or someone you love has experienced alcohol-induced psychosis. You have a serious alcohol use disorder if your drinking has led to such an extreme outcome. Drug and alcohol rehabs provide medically supervised alcohol detox followed by structured and supportive treatment that helps you maintain long-term recovery. Get Help for Alcohol Abuse Addiction doesn’t get better on its own. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol misuse, don’t wait to get help. Footprints to Recovery’s treatment centers have helped thousands of people take back their lives from substance abuse. Our highly experienced clinicians provide evidence-based treatment. We help you address the root causes of substance use disorders and teach you skills needed for long-term recovery. Footprints offer all levels of care, including inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab options: It’s possible to take back your life from alcohol. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation and to learn about our treatment programs. References
Alcohol and Xanax: What Happens When They Mix?
Alcohol and Xanax (alprazolam) are both legal substances. They are also both addictive substances. In 2020 over 60 million Americans binged on alcohol and 4.8 million Americans misused prescription benzodiazepines like Xanax. Abusing alcohol or Xanax is dangerous and can be deadly. According to the CDC, non-fatal and fatal overdoses on benzodiazepines like Xanax increased by 24% from 2019 to 2020. Alcohol-induced overdose deaths increased by 25% during the same time period. While abusing Xanax or alcohol on its own is already dangerous, taking the two together can significantly increase those dangers. The combination also ups your risk of long-term physical and mental health problems. Why Do People Mix Alcohol and Xanax? People may take Xanax while they’re drinking alcohol in an effort to get “more of a good thing.” Alcohol and Xanax are both depressants. They slow down your central nervous system (CNS) by enhancing your brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps you feel relaxed and calm by blocking certain CNS activity. GABA also helps you sleep. Both Xanax and alcohol can make you feel calm and less inhibited. Some people may take Xanax with alcohol in hopes of intensifying these desirable effects. The problem is that this combination is always risky. Mixing alcohol and Xanax can be dangerous and even fatal. Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol Taking Xanax and alcohol together compounds the dangers of taking them separately. Xanax can exaggerate the effects of alcohol and vice versa. When you mix alcohol and Xanax together, you’re at increased risk for several physical and mental side effects. Physical Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Xanax Behavioral Health Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Xanax What makes mixing alcohol and Xanax especially dangerous is the risk of respiratory suppression. Since these substances slow down your central nervous system, when taken together, they may slow breathing so much that you overdose or go into cardiac arrest. How much it takes for an alcohol or Xanax overdose depends on your physical make-up and health. There is no way to know until it happens. It can be easy to take dangerous amounts of Xanax or alcohol because of the effects they have on your memory. You may forget that you already took Xanax and take it again, or drink more than you normally would. Your body can get overwhelmed as it tries to process alcohol and Xanax at the same time. This keeps both substances in your body longer. You may think you’re more sober than you are. Mixing Xanax and alcohol can lead to situational danger. For instance, poor coordination and delayed reactions can lead to falls or car accidents if you’re driving. Long-Term Effects of Xanax and Alcohol Abuse Besides the possibility of overdose and death, alcohol and Xanax abuse can have long-term consequences to your physical and mental health. Abusing both substances puts you at risk for the detrimental effects of taking either alone. Long-term risks of alcohol and Xanax abuse include: Addiction Regularly abusing Xanax or alcohol can lead to a full-blown addiction. Your brain and body get used to having these substances in your system. This can cause changes in brain chemistry. Your central nervous system begins relying on them for certain functions. You develop a tolerance and dependency and experience withdrawal symptoms when you go without Xanax and alcohol. Cognitive Issues Both Xanax and alcohol have been shown to impair cognitive functioning. They can have a negative impact on: Liver Problems Most people know that alcohol can damage your liver, but long-term, heavy Xanax use can also impair liver functions. Xanax can elevate your liver enzymes, leading to liver inflammation and liver tissue damage. If you combine the two substances, liver damage can be even more severe. Mental Health Disorders Xanax and alcohol affect neurotransmitters responsible for: Over time, they can deplete chemicals that stabilize your mood and nervous system. This can lead to anxiety and depression symptoms. Poorer Quality of Life You cannot compartmentalize alcohol and drug addiction. Alcohol and drug abuse impact all parts of your life. Your relationships struggle. You don’t do as well at work or school. You may even run into financial or legal problems because of the choices you make while you’re under the influence of drugs and alcohol. All these consequences impact your overall well-being and happiness. Withdrawal Symptoms of Alcohol and Xanax If you’ve been abusing alcohol and Xanax, you’ll likely go through withdrawal when you stop using them. Even people who use Xanax as prescribed for a long period of time need to slowly taper off the drug. Withdrawal symptoms for alcohol or any type of drug affect your body and brain and depend on factors like: Alcohol and Xanax withdrawal is like detoxing from other depressants. You can experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms and Xanax withdrawal symptoms more intensely than just detoxing from one of the substances. As your central nervous system adjusts to the absence of these two substances you may experience withdrawal symptoms like: The time it takes you to detox from alcohol and Xanax depends on individual factors and how severe your substance use is. Generally, withdrawal symptoms begin within the first day of being off alcohol. Severe withdrawal symptoms peak at two to three days into the process. Usually, the most uncomfortable symptoms of detox are over within five to seven days. But often people have lingering psychological withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months. This is called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). It can include: These symptoms occur as your brain chemicals rebalance themselves. Your brain is used to depressants being in your system and helping produce certain brain chemicals. Without Xanax or alcohol, it takes time to begin producing regular amounts of these chemicals on your own. These are chemicals tied to mood, movement, memory, and motivation so these types of functions will be affected until the body repairs itself. Do You Need Medical Detox for Alcohol and Xanax? One of the most dangerous substances to detox from is
How to Stop Drinking Out of Boredom
“I love being bored,” said no one ever. Boredom can be dangerous in recovery. The reasons people start drinking alcohol is very different than the reasons they continue to drink alcohol. Boredom and isolation are known relapse triggers for people with substance use disorders. An important way to safeguard your sobriety is to be aware of this and take steps to mitigate it. It doesn’t help that although alcohol may be the world’s most commonly accepted drug, it’s also regularly left off the list of drugs that negatively impact people’s lives. Alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death behind tobacco and obesity, yet its impact is often minimized by those directly affected by it, and it continues to be widely accepted in our culture. When you’re triggered by experiences like boredom or isolation, the accessibility of alcohol makes it that much harder to refrain from drinking to cope with these difficult feelings. The average individual tends to rate/categorize substances based on their effects and the way they are ingested. Alcohol tends to operate beneath the threshold due to its wide cultural acceptance and its central focus in celebrations. The message communicated within our society to people from a young age is “drinking is fun and makes everything better.” Anyone who has experience with someone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) understands the grip it can have over all areas of an individual’s life. Despite knowing their drinking behavior is causing problems, they cannot fathom managing life without it. Many people with AUDs dismiss negative experiences as “bad luck,” or, “It was a one-time thing; I know what to do next time.” As the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous puts it: “Insanity is not doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results; insanity is doing the same thing over and over again knowing full well what the results will be.” There is a strong relationship between boredom, stress, and drug or alcohol use. It’s therefore no surprise that during the pandemic, the rate of alcohol consumption increased among people that reported COVID-19 related stress. The pandemic has been here and, at the time of this writing, is continuing to keep our world in a state of flux. This puts those who have formed an attachment to alcohol in a very vulnerable position. We often hear in our program that people’s relationship with alcohol became increasingly problematic, or they gained awareness into just how much they were drinking when COVID-19 shifted their day-to-day lives. Alcohol can be in a unique position of being both the solution to and the cause of pain. Yet, no matter how much pain it causes to the individual or family, alcohol is one of the most difficult substances to remove. 5 Ways to Stop Drinking Out of Boredom It can be hard to quit drinking or remove alcohol from your life when you think about your everyday stresses and pressures. Boredom and stress are two large triggers that can be challenging to navigate in recovery. To set yourself up for success, here are some steps you can take that support your recovery when you feel bored – and overall: #1 Remove Alcohol and Substances From Your Home When you eliminate all alcohol and addictive substances from your living space, you give yourself the opportunity to experience the thoughts and emotions associated with substance use without acting on them in a way that harms your recovery. This is one of the easiest ways to stop drinking out of boredom #2 Keep a List of Supportive Contacts Always have a list of people that support your recovery available. This provides quick access to those who empower you on your recovery journey. Surrounding yourself with people that support you can help alleviate possible remnants of guilt and shame from past behaviors. #3 Make a Schedule to Structure Your Days Predictable plans lead to predictable behavior. Unstructured time leads to unpredictable behaviors, which are problematic in recovery. #4 Connect With a Support Group Regularly Find a support group and make contact with them regularly. This consistent connection will help foster healthy relationships in recovery with people who can support you and what you’re going through in the present moment. Losing relationships to the substance can be challenging but anchoring to others in recovery can be the very thing you need to feel worthy of recovery. #5 Stay Physically Active Take care of your body by staying active. Exercise is a powerful way to rebuild your body in recovery and a healthy coping skill. It’s a way to care for yourself by committing to a practice that releases positive, mood-enhancing endorphins and alleviates stress. Finding a new activity and hobby such as working out can provide something to look forward to each day. Boredom and stress are two emotions that can feel as if they are never going to leave. However, as the saying goes, this too shall pass. Valuing and prioritizing yourself in recovery can be a powerful way to remove the hold alcohol has on you. – Justin Wolfe, LCPC, CADC, CRC, PCGC Looking for Help? If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, we can help. Footprints to Recovery offers alcohol addiction treatment that’s evidence-based and personalized to your clinical needs, preferences, and life situation. We don’t just treat the symptoms of addiction; we address underlying issues like co-occurring mental health conditions and trauma that perpetuate substance use. We’ll also teach you healthy coping skills that support long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Recovery is hard work, but we think you’ll find it’s well worth it. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Can Alcohol Cause Hemochromatosis?
Hemochromatosis can be a dangerous condition if not caught early. If left untreated, hemochromatosis can damage organs and increase your risk for heart failure, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. Learn about the link between hemochromatosis and alcohol, and how to get help. What Is Hemochromatosis? Hemochromatosis occurs when your body experiences “iron overload” because of issues with iron absorption. When working properly, your intestines only absorb the amount of iron your body needs from food. If you have hemochromatosis, your body takes in excessive iron, which can be toxic. The process that tells your body it has adequate iron levels and shouldn’t absorb more is compromised. Hemochromatosis is a condition that can cause or worsen: Doctors have identified two types of hemochromatosis: Primary hemochromatosis – Gene mutations cause this form of hemochromatosis. If you inherit a certain mutated gene from both of your parents, you’re at significant risk for developing hemochromatosis. Specifically, genes C282Y and H63D are mutations of the HFE gene, which regulates iron absorption. If you inherit one copy of C282Y or H63D, you may experience mild hemochromatosis, but you can still pass the gene onto your children. This primary form of hemochromatosis is also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, genetic hemochromatosis, and classic hemochromatosis. Secondary hemochromatosis – This type of hemochromatosis occurs because of other diseases or conditions that increase iron levels. Conditions that put you at higher risk for hemochromatosis include: Symptoms of Hemochromatosis Hemochromatosis symptoms vary by individual. In fact, some people can carry the gene, but experience no symptoms. Hemochromatosis symptoms may include: The Link Between Hemochromatosis and Alcohol Studies have shown that alcohol abusers are at higher risk for hemochromatosis and other liver conditions. It’s often difficult to distinguish between hemochromatosis and alcoholic liver disease because they share similar symptoms. The specific reasons why high alcohol consumption increases the risk of hemochromatosis is still under research. It’s likely due to the way alcohol can suppress hepcidin, a hormone that regulates your body’s absorption of iron. Alcohol intake can also enhance disease expression of the C282Y gene. This is one of the genes attributed to hereditary hemochromatosis. Patients with hereditary hemochromatosis are advised to avoid any alcohol. Dangers of Hemochromatosis Only a doctor can diagnose hemochromatosis. They may use liver function tests and iron-level detection tests like serum ferritin or transferrin saturation tests. If caught early, hemochromatosis is very treatable with a good prognosis. Without intervention, excessive iron accumulation can contribute to: Can Addiction Treatment Help Hemochromatosis? Medical treatment for hemochromatosis involves ridding your body of excessive iron concentrations through blood removal procedures. This is done on a regular schedule and may continue throughout your lifetime with decreasing frequency. Sometimes medications that help iron pass through the urine are prescribed. Dietary changes like staying away from iron-rich foods and iron supplements and decreasing or avoiding alcohol intake may also be recommended. Addiction treatment can treat drinking behaviors that worsen hemochromatosis. A key sign of alcohol addiction is the inability to stop drinking despite negative consequences to your health and life. If you’re having a hard time cutting back or quitting alcohol even after a medical diagnosis like hemochromatosis, it’s a good idea to get professional help. An addiction treatment program can help you: Without treatment, substance abuse usually gets worse. Don’t risk your health or your life. If you’re struggling with alcohol abuse, call us today for a free, confidential consultation. References
Alcohol Use During Pregnancy: How Dangerous Is It?
Are you getting mixed messages about drinking alcohol during pregnancy? After the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism released a warning on drinking alcohol during pregnancy in 1977, the practice became mostly taboo in the U.S. In recent years, that’s changed. Many women have heard that drinking an occasional glass of wine or two is no problem — even the norm. “French women drink wine while pregnant all the time,” or “our moms and grandmothers drank while pregnant, and we’re just fine,” are common fodder in the mommy wine culture. The truth is, there is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In fact, health organizations like the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women avoid alcohol completely. Here’s why. How Alcohol Affects the Fetus and Baby Alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix for a number of reasons. Drinking any amount of alcohol while you’re pregnant comes with risks to your baby. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the most common cause of intellectual disability and birth defects in the U.S. The only way to know if drinking will affect your baby is after the fact, so the safest thing to do is refrain from alcohol use. Simply put, when you drink alcohol, your unborn baby drinks alcohol. It’s passed through your blood into the umbilical cord. Alcohol can affect the fetus’ developing brain, and put your baby at higher risk for birth defects, premature birth, and other complications like fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Specifically, alcohol exposure during pregnancy may contribute to: How Alcohol Affects a Pregnant Woman Drinking alcohol while pregnant doesn’t just impact the fetus, it affects your health as well. Alcohol use in pregnancy puts you at risk for the usual dangers of drinking in addition to pregnancy complications. These effects can be painful and dangerous and may include: Research cannot definitively say how much alcohol can cause problems, but some studies suggest that even little amounts of alcohol affect brain development and cause issues later in life for a child — even alcohol in early pregnancy. Getting Alcohol Treatment While Pregnant If you feel like it’s hard to stop drinking during pregnancy, it may be time to take a closer look at your alcohol use. You don’t necessarily need to be a heavy alcohol drinker to have a problem. Feeling like you can’t stop drinking for the length of your pregnancy is a sign that you should talk to a professional. There could be underlying issues like mental health disorders or trauma that make it hard to quit drinking even knowing it can affect your developing baby. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking for women as 4 or more drinks in a two-hour period. Heavy drinking is defined as more than 3 drinks a day or at least 7 drinks a week. If you’re a pregnant woman who is binge drinking or heavy drinking, it’s imperative to reach out for help. Don’t let stigma or shame stop you. Getting help is courageous and it’s the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby. A substance abuse treatment program will help you safely detox from alcohol. Then you’ll address the reasons why you use substances. Once you understand your drinking triggers, learn healthy coping skills, and treat underlying issues like trauma or mental health disorders, sobriety is much more attainable. It’s not too late to have a healthy pregnancy and do the best thing for you and your child. References
Why Is Alcohol Addictive?
Despite its social acceptance, alcohol is highly addictive and the cause of millions of deaths every year. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that in just one year, 15 million Americans met the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol is often misused to: Alcohol is an addictive substance and one of the most abused substances in the world. While anyone can become addicted to alcohol over time, some people are more susceptible to alcohol addiction. The properties of alcohol already make it addictive, but certain biological and environmental factors can greatly increase the risk of addiction in some people. What Makes Alcohol Addictive? There are several reasons why alcohol is addictive. The quick answer is that with continued alcohol abuse, your brain thinks you need alcohol to survive. This makes it feel nearly impossible to resist a drink. Getting to this point of addiction is a complex process that involves physical and psychological factors. On a purely physical level, alcohol is addictive because of the way it changes your brain. Alcohol and other addictive substances affect your brain’s reward center. This is the part of the brain that helps ensure your survival. The brain’s reward system supports the continuation of humans and other living species. It accomplishes this by sending pleasurable feelings when you do things that support life like: The way the brain rewards you for these behaviors motivates you to continue doing them. Alcohol works on the same “feel-good” brain chemicals that reward you for those “human survival” activities, but alcohol releases more of them. With repeated alcohol abuse your brain starts prioritizing drinking right up there with eating, sleeping, sex, etc. It begins sending you messages that you need to drink alcohol “to survive.” These strong neurological associations with alcohol can make you do about anything to get alcohol or continue drinking. Alcohol abuse interferes with your brain’s natural production of chemicals like dopamine. Dopamine is the main brain chemical tied to reward. It’s involved in functions like: Your brain starts relying on alcohol to do the work of releasing and regulating these chemicals. When you’ve reached this point of alcohol addiction, you experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you quit drinking. This is your body’s way of trying to re-establish equilibrium without the alcohol it has become to depend on for normal functioning. With continued alcohol use, your brain starts firing neurotransmitters even when you anticipate drinking alcohol. You begin to receive pleasure signals just by thinking about drinking or being in a situation or around people that remind you of drinking. This is a key reason why it’s so hard to resist alcohol once you have a problem. Why You Have an Alcohol Addiction Certain physical and psychological factors put you at higher risk for developing alcohol addiction. These include: 1. Your Biology Several alcohol research studies have shown that substance abuse has genetic components. Your genes contribute to around half your risk for addiction. So, for example, if one of your parents or siblings has an alcohol use disorder, you have twice the risk of alcohol abuse than people without that genetic tie. Researchers have also discovered that people who have substance use disorders have similar gene groups — ones not found in those who don’t abuse alcohol and drugs. Having a genetic predisposition to alcohol addiction doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll become an alcoholic, but it can make you more susceptible to environmental triggers to abuse substances. 2. Your Environment Environment can play a big role in alcohol consumption. For instance: 3. Your Mental Health There’s a clear link between alcohol abuse and mental illness. Around half of people with substance use disorders also have co-occurring mental health disorders. Mental health and alcohol addiction influence each other in a couple of ways. People with conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, or bipolar disorder may use alcohol to cope with their psychiatric symptoms. For example, people with anxiety may like the way the sedating effects of alcohol temporarily ease their symptoms. The problem is, in the long run, heavy alcohol use actually exacerbates anxiety. Since alcohol is addictive, the cycle keeps going. Alcohol and drug addiction can also cause or intensify mental health symptoms. For example, alcohol has a sedating effect and can deplete certain brain chemicals, which can cause depression symptoms. Why is Alcohol Addictive: Signs You May Have a Problem Casual drinking habits can quickly turn into alcoholism under certain circumstances. The social acceptance of alcohol can mask an alcohol problem for a while. In the early stages of alcohol abuse, you may be able to hide excessive drinking from loved ones, friends, and coworkers, but it becomes harder and harder to hide the problem. Signs of alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction include: Prioritizing Drinking If you’re constantly thinking about when, where, and how you’ll have your next drink, you may have a substance use disorder. You may turn down invitations if you know there won’t be alcohol. You may miss important events or obligations so you can drink. If alcohol is your preferred companion, it’s time to take a closer look at your drinking habits. Lack of Control Over Drinking Another sign you may have an addiction to alcohol is feeling like you can’t decrease or stop drinking. You may have tried to cut back or quit without success. Turning down a drink when offered feels nearly impossible and you may drink even when you intend to stay sober. It’s difficult to keep alcohol in the house without drinking all of it and once you start drinking, it’s extremely hard to quit until the day is over. Developing an Alcohol Tolerance A key sign of alcohol abuse and addiction is developing a tolerance to its effects. Like with other substances, alcohol is addictive and you may be chasing that original drunk. When your previous amount of alcohol consumption doesn’t cut it anymore and you need to drink increasing amounts of alcohol to feel drunk, you have a
7 Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic
Often people think of an alcoholic as an individual whose life is falling apart. The fact is many people who have alcohol use disorders are keeping their lives together pretty well, even living highly successful lives. If you’re one of these people, you may think there is no need to get help for your alcohol use. However, just because you don’t fit the mold of what you consider a typical alcoholic doesn’t mean you don’t have a serious problem that can be dangerous and even deadly. Take a closer look at your relationship with alcohol and understand the signs of being a high-functioning alcoholic. What Does High Functioning Alcoholic Mean? Many drinking behaviors of a high functioning alcoholic are consistent with a substance use disorder, but they are able to successfully participate in everyday life unlike some people with alcohol addictions. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism categorizes drinking behaviors into 5 subtypes. High-functioning alcoholics fall into the “functional” subtype, also known as a functional alcoholic. Almost 20% of people with alcohol use disorders fall into this subtype. Common characteristics of a functional alcoholic include: Signs You’re a High Functioning Alcoholic Functional alcoholics typically don’t consider their heavy drinking a problem. If they start having concerns or their friends and family bring up their drinking, they tend to justify it by pointing to their success in life. They may point to the fact that they have a successful career or are maintaining social and family obligations. If this sounds like you, and you’re questioning whether you have a problem with alcohol abuse, see if any of these situations describe you: 1. Lying About How Much You Drink Loved ones or coworkers may have raised their eyebrows at your drinking habits enough that you begin to hide how much you’re drinking. When asked how many drinks you’ve had, you’ll lower the number, or you may drink a few alcoholic beverages around people but consume much more in private. 2. Needing More Alcohol to Get Drunk It used to just take a few drinks to get that buzz you’re looking for, but now you need four or five drinks to get the desired effect. When this happens, it means that you’ve developed an alcohol tolerance, and it’s a red light that your substance abuse is problematic. 3. Having Some “Hair of the Dog” You find yourself having an eye opener in the morning when you’ve overdone it the night before. The intention is to lessen the effects of your hangover by adding some alcohol into the mix to help your body regulate. Drinking so much that you need a morning drink or drinking at unusual times just to get through your day is a sign of alcohol addiction. 4. Experiencing Memory Lapses After Drinking You may have memory issues if you’re drinking a lot. For example, people reference recent conversations with you, but you can’t remember them because you were drinking. These memory lapses can be severe enough that they’re considered blackouts. Research shows that the severity of blackouts varies by your individual make-up and that these alcohol-induced memory lapses can jumpstart long-term neurobiological abnormalities and psychiatric symptoms. 5. Getting Defensive About Your Drinking If you find yourself defending your drinking a lot, it’s time to take a closer look at your substance use. Maybe friends or family say you need to cut back or your drinking may have even given your coworkers or boss cause for concern. Even though you may be able to function better than others on large amounts of alcohol, the long-term psychological and physical effects can be damaging and deadly. 6. Engaging in Risky Behaviors While Drinking People who are high-functioning alcoholics can be overconfident about their ability to do tasks while under the influence of alcohol. You may operate machinery or drive after drinking, putting your life and the lives of others in danger. It’s important to know that though you’ve developed a tolerance to alcohol, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) remains unchanged by how much you drink. Even though you may not feel as drunk, your judgement is still clouded, and you will still suffer ramifications like getting a DUI if you’re pulled over while driving drunk. 7. Not Being Able to Curb or Quit Drinking If you’ve tried to cut back on your drinking or stop altogether without success, it’s time to seek help. Alcoholism is a disease of the brain. The reason why you can’t quit is because alcohol abuse has changed your brain and it now associates alcohol with something it needs for survival like food or water. Getting medical and psychological help for alcohol dependence is necessary. Does a High Functioning Alcoholic Need Treatment? A main indicator of addiction is continuing to use substances despite negative consequences in your life. Sometimes functioning alcoholics have a hard time seeing that their drinking is problematic. Though people with alcohol use problems are still colloquially referred to as “alcoholics,” the clinical term is an alcohol use disorder. In order to meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder you only need to meet two of the below criteria over the past year: The severity of an alcohol use disorder (AUD) is determined by the number of criteria you meet. A mild AUD is 2-3 symptoms; a moderate AUD is 4-5 symptoms; and a severe AUD is at least six symptoms. People with alcohol use disorders benefit from professional treatment programs because it addresses the underlying reasons behind substance abuse and addiction. Many people with substance use disorders have co-occurring mental illnesses like depression and anxiety disorders. This is known as a dual diagnosis. Trauma is also a common contributor to alcohol and drug abuse. You may be abusing substances as a way to self-medicate the symptoms of these mental health conditions. Without tackling underlying issues and learning new life skills, it’s extremely difficult not to relapse. In alcohol treatment, you’ll work with behavioral health and medical professionals who will
10 Signs of Alcohol Poisoning (Alcohol Overdose)
Alcohol poisoning kills six people every day and chronic heavy drinking kills 261 people a day according to the CDC. Also known as alcohol overdose, alcohol poisoning began making headlines in the 1990s when reports began surfacing of college students dying from excessive drinking during fraternity hazing. Some may find it surprising that most people who overdose on alcohol are well beyond college age. In fact, 76% of deaths due to alcohol poisoning occur in people ages 35-64. No matter your age, if you abuse alcohol, you’re at risk for alcohol overdose and certain factors may make you more at risk than others. If you’re a heavy drinker or if you have a loved one who struggles with alcohol consumption, understanding the signs, causes, and dangers of alcohol overdose is important. What Are the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning? Alcohol poisoning happens when you drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a short period of time. Your liver can’t process alcohol at the same speed you’re drinking it. This causes toxic alcohol levels in the blood. At this point, alcohol finds its way to other areas of the body. Parts of the brain that control functions like temperature, breathing, and heart rate begin to shut down. This causes several dangerous complications. Signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning include: How to Help Someone With Alcohol Poisoning Alcohol poisoning is serious and can lead to organ damage and death. If someone you’re with is showing alcohol poisoning signs, call 911 immediately. The emergency medical team will ask if you know: While you wait for emergency personnel, try to keep the person awake and sitting up. If you can’t keep them sitting up, put them in the recovery position, on their side with their head turned. This can prevent choking on vomit. If they stop breathing, perform rescue breathing. Things like drinking coffee, putting them in a cold shower, or letting them “sleep it off” won’t work, and could make things worse. Letting someone sleep it off is one of the biggest dangers of alcohol poisoning because they can stop breathing due to depressed respiratory functions or choke on their tongue or vomit. What to Do if you Have Alcohol Poisoning Unfortunately, the symptoms of alcohol poisoning make it nearly impossible to help yourself if it’s happening to you. When you’re at that level of intoxication, you likely won’t have the wherewithal to notice warning signs before you pass out or become delirious. If you have excessive vomiting while drinking or other worrisome effects, it’s always best to get professional medical attention in case things get worse. If you overdose on alcohol, the best you can hope for is that someone else will be there, recognize you need help, and call 911. If you’ve experienced alcohol poisoning, take it as a red flag that you need help with substance abuse. Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Poisoning An alcohol overdose can impact the brain and heart. Vomiting can cause dehydration. This throws off your electrolyte imbalance which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Alcohol’s effects also slow down your central nervous system, which impacts several functions. A common risk of alcohol and drug overdoses is suppressed breathing. When oxygen flow is cut off from the brain, you are at risk for permanent brain damage. Seizures are another symptom of alcohol poisoning that can damage your brain. When Does Alcohol Poisoning Happen? Binge drinking over a short period of time increases your risk of alcohol overdose. Binge drinking is defined as .08% blood alcohol content (BAC) or higher. This typically comes out to: According to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, you’re at high risk for alcohol overdose when your blood alcohol level (BAC) hits .16% or more. If your alcohol level reaches 0.40% you are in danger of serious consequences like brain damage or death. Keep in mind that BAC alcohol-poisoning levels aren’t one size fits all. These are only benchmarks. It may take more or less drinks for alcohol’s effects to become dangerous to you depending on factors like: Get Help for Alcohol Abuse If you’ve overdosed on alcohol, you’re likely drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis. Alcohol use disorders don’t get better on their own. There are reasons behind your alcohol addiction that you need to address. Otherwise, you’ll continue to drink alcohol to numb emotional pain. We can help with that. Sometimes issues like trauma, co-occurring mental health disorders, and early relationships fuel alcohol and drug abuse. We’ll help you address these issues in a safe, accepting space where you can begin healing from them. You’ll also learn better ways to cope with triggers that have led to alcohol abuse. Our treatment program includes: You’ll take part in a blend of traditional and experiential therapies and begin building a strong support system in recovery. We’re here 24 hours a day. Reach out for a free, confidential consultation. References
Raising the Drinking Age to 25: What Are the Pros and Cons?
There’s been an ongoing debate about the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) in the U.S. since the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed in 1984. The federal law requires people be 21 years old to buy or possess alcohol. Some people feel that requiring people to be 21 to drink just makes underage drinking more of a problem and doesn’t align with other minimum age restrictions like joining the military or owning a gun. On the other side of the debate, people argue that young adults are less likely to drink responsibly, and that alcohol can damage the still-developing human brain. Some proponents of drinking age limits feel that the U.S. should raise the drinking age even higher — to 25. Pros of Raising the Drinking Age to 25 Some people believe raising the legal drinking age to 25 is imperative because of considerations like emotional and physical maturity. They also say the minimum drinking age saves lives by reducing the risk of danger to oneself and others. Here are a few reasons why they believe the legal drinking age should be raised to 25: Protects Brain Development Much research has shown the damaging effects of alcohol on brain development in teens and young adults. The brain is still undergoing crucial developments until age 25, and some scientists have found evidence that it keeps developing until as late as age 30. Young adult and teen drinking can interfere with brain development, causing long-term consequences like: Prevents Drunk Driving Fatalities There is a strong correlation between drunk driving and youth. Data shows that since the drinking age was raised to 21, there has been a significant decrease in alcohol-related car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that raising the drinking age to 21 saved 31,959 lives between 1975 and 2017. Furthermore, some research has shown that people aged 21-25 are the most likely age group to drive after drinking alcohol. Decreases Underage Drinking According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), after the drinking age was raised to 21, alcohol consumption in people aged 18 to 20 decreased from 59% to 40% in the six years following the change. Drinking also decreased from 70% to 56% during the same period in people aged 21 to 25. Lowers Addiction Risk Some research suggests that around 90% of adults with substance use disorders drank as teens or young adults. Proponents argue that raising the drinking age can help stem the addiction epidemic in the U.S. Cons of Raising the Drinking Age to 25 People who don’t think the drinking age should be raised and should potentially be lowered feel this way for a number of reasons. Some believe it’s a form of ageism, actually encourages underage drinking, and may put lives at risk because underage drinkers may be worried about reporting emergencies. Raises the Thrill of Underage Drinking Having a rebellious streak is part of the teenage years and sometimes continues into young adulthood. Youth are trying to develop their sense of self, and this often means pulling away from parents and questioning other authority figures. It’s a normal part of growing up. The parts of the brain responsible for impulsivity and decision-making are still under construction. This combination can fuel underage drinking. Critics of raising the drinking age argue that this change will just extend that “thrill” of asserting your independence against authority for a longer period given that we know that the brain continues developing well into the 20s. Discourages People to Get Help in Emergencies Some people believe lowering the drinking age can prevent medical emergencies and dangerous situations from becoming worse or deadly. They maintain that people who are drinking illegally may not call 911 if a friend is in trouble or an accident has happened because of drinking for fear of getting in trouble with the law or with their families. Many may not know that most states have laws in place that protect them from legal ramifications if they report an emergency. Doesn’t Align With Other Age Restrictions The United States is one of a handful of countries with a drinking age of 21. Proponents of keeping the drinking age at 21 or lowering the drinking age even more argue that European countries don’t have the same underage drinking problems as the U.S. They say that because people can drink legally at a younger age, it takes the allure of “breaking the rules” through alcohol consumption and so less youth drink. However, recent data shows that this is simply not the case. Around 50% of European countries have higher intoxication rates among teens and young adults, and also have similar binge drinking patterns. Proponents of keeping drinking age limits at 21 or lowering the drinking age say that the law is counterintuitive to other minimum age laws. They point to the fact that people can own a gun, join the military, vote, and be convicted of a crime as an adult at age 18, so not allowing people to drink until age 21 is a form of ageism. The Truth About Alcohol Whatever side you’re on in the debate about minimum drinking age, the truth is that alcohol can be dangerous and deadly at any age. When alcohol use progresses to alcohol addiction it takes over your life. If you’re worried about your drinking or that of a loved one, reach out to Footprints to Recovery. We provided evidence-based substance abuse treatment that will help you take back your life. References
5 Signs You Use Drugs or Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism
No one who uses drugs or alcohol sets out to become addicted, but it happens. Over 14 million American adults have an alcohol use disorder according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and 31 million Americans over age 12 are using illicit drugs. The path to addiction often starts as a way to cope with challenging life experiences or negative emotions. If you’re doing any of these five things, it’s time to take a closer look at your substance use: 1. Using Drugs or Alcohol to Unwind American culture often depicts substance use as a way to deal with stress — winding down at the end of a long day with a glass of wine or toke — but using substances to cope with stress can quickly progress to a full-blown substance use disorder. If you’re using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress from work, school, family, or other pressures, you’re walking a slippery slope. Stress and alcoholism and drug addiction are inextricably linked. Regular use of substances is especially risky if you have trauma, a mental health disorder, or a family history of substance abuse. You are more susceptible to developing addictive behaviors and a drug or alcohol dependence under these circumstances. 2. Always Using Substances in Social Situations Drinking alcohol in social situations is acceptable and often encouraged in American culture — parties, sporting events, dates, even some movie theatres serve alcohol now. A true “social drinker” will have one — occasionally two — drinks in these situations. If you’re having several drinks and feeling like you need to have alcohol in social situations to feel comfortable or confident, it’s time to take a look at your substance use. The same goes with drug abuse. Always using drugs in social situations and avoiding events or gatherings where there won’t be an opportunity to drink alcohol or use drugs is a red light that you need help. 3. Needing Drugs or Alcohol to Sleep Sleep and addiction are often linked. The relationship is bidirectional. Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to sleep issues, but insomnia and poor sleep hygiene can also increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. A common symptom of alcohol use disorders is insomnia. Some people think the effects of alcohol help them sleep better. While alcohol is a depressant and may help you feel more relaxed before you sleep, it actually gives you a less quality and amount of sleep. Some people develop a dependency on prescription drugs to sleep. Continued use of benzodiazepines can lead to a physical and psychological addiction. Furthermore, sleep issues can be an alcohol or drug withdrawal symptom. A key sign of addiction is needing a substance to function and stave off withdrawal. 4. Daydreaming About Drugs or Alcohol If you have frequent thoughts about drug and alcohol consumption when you’re not around them, you may be using substances to cope. For example, if you’re having a stressful situation at work and you find yourself thinking about how good a drink or a hit would be to take the edge off, you’re in dangerous territory. Regularly thinking about substance use throughout your day is a sign that your relationship with alcohol and drugs is problematic. 5. Using Drugs and Alcohol to Improve Your Mood Mental health disorders are often associated with alcohol and drug abuse. It’s estimated that around 9.2 million people who struggle with drug or alcohol abuse also have a co-occurring disorder. Common co-occurring disorders with addiction include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. If you turn to drugs or alcohol to remedy a low mood or anxious thoughts, substance abuse may be your way of trying to cope with psychiatric symptoms. Worried About Your Substance Use? One of the most significant signs of addiction is continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences to your health, relationships, finances, and well-being. If the thought of changing your drug use or drinking behaviors makes you anxious or doesn’t seem possible, it’s time to seek help. Addiction treatment helps you address the reasons why you’re using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. You’ll explore those issues in a safe, compassionate environment with the help of behavioral health professionals. Drug and alcohol treatment also teaches you how to stop using alcohol and drugs as ways to self-medicate, and instead draw upon healthy coping skills when you’re triggered to use substances. We can help. If you or a loved one is struggling, call us for a free, confidential consultation. References
