Category: Articles

Alcohols Relationship With Cancer

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Alcohol abuse is characterized by poor work performance, legal issues and having difficulty among social situations as well. Alcohol use not only affects the person using it, but it impacts their family and friends’ lives as well. There are many ways an alcohol addiction can affect the person using it as well as those around them. However, a person who abuses alcohol continues to use alcohol despite the negative consequences he experiences.

A fact that many people do not realize, or even choose to ignore is that alcohol consumption may be linked to the increased risk of developing cancer. The information following this investigation is stunning, and research also shows the majority of people do not even know the risk. However, the scary truth is drinking alcohol can increase your chance of developing some cancers.

Drinking alcohol has been correlated to causing head and neck cancer, especially in the mouth, where alcohol intake begins. Alcoholics or heavy drinkers are at least two times more likely to develop cancer in their mouth or throat than others who are not regular boozers or if they do not booze at all. Once you pair alcohol consumption with tobacco use, the likelihood of developing cancer within the mouth and esophagus are exponentially higher.

Liver disease is a well known effect of drinking alcohol, but the development of liver cancer is something that is not talked about as often. Research is unwavering that alcohol use is damaging to the liver. However, we should also be aware that liver damage and cirrhosis of the liver can lead to liver cancer due to the damage already done to the liver.

Women, who ingest high amounts of alcohol, likewise have a greater chance of developing breast cancer. Research shows that women who have three or more drinks a day have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. It further shows even women who drink once a day still have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol raises the levels of estrogen within a woman’s body, which could be the cause of the elevated risk of breast cancer among women who consume alcohol. Drinking over a long period of time also considerably increases women’s chances of developing breast cancer as well. One’s body produces the necessary amount of estrogen, so altering that amount has been linked to the increased risk of developing breast cancer among many studies. The more one cuts down on her drinking, the lower her chances of developing breast cancer due to alcohol consumption will be.

Additionally, alcohol intake has been associated with the increased development of colon cancer. Heavy drinkers, as shown in the other cases, have an elevated risk of developing rectal cancer as well.

By definition cancer is the uncontrollable division of abnormal cells within the body or parts of the body. When cells are damaged by alcohol, altering the genetic makeup of them, the cells then become abnormal, taking a dangerous step toward the augmentation of cancerous cells. The breakdown process of ethanol, which is found in all alcoholic beverages, is a toxic chemical that damages the genetic makeup of the body. Alcohol may even get in the way of the body’s natural absorption of nutrients, leading to the mutation of cells and the boost of cancer cells within the body. Alcohol also increases the amount of estrogen found in the bloodstream, which is linked to breast cancer. Another risk factor associated with alcohol consumption and the development of cancer is linked to the effect alcohol has on body weight. Drinking adds more calories to one’s diet, and if excess amount of calories are added, then the person risks becoming overweight, and being overweight has been shown to increase the risk of cancer among individuals as well. Alcohol has also been linked to suppressing the immune system and prohibiting the body from absorbing needed nutrients into the body. Therefore, making the body more susceptible to the maturation of cancer. The amount of potential harm to the body and the likelihood of developing cancer from consuming alcohol far outweighs the benefits of drinking.

What can you do to decrease the dangers of developing an alcohol related cancer? Keep track of how much you are drinking. Your liver cannot tell how much you are drinking, so you must keep up with how many drinks you ingest in order to reduce your risk of developing any of the cancers listed above. Keeping up with how many drinks you have can also help you cut back on drinking because you will be aware of how many drinks you are taking into your body. Regular intake of alcohol creates a tolerance within your body. Try taking breaks from drinking or, at very least, decreasing your alcohol intake. Also note, even drinking only a little alcohol increases your chances of developing cancer. Even if you choose to continue drinking, you should be aware and consider the liabilities involved with alcohol consumption.

The Addictive Nature of Alcohol

Articles, Australia, International, United Kingdom, United States

If you’ve ever drank too much before, then you know that feeling where you wake up the next morning with your head pounding and feeling awful. You pledge to never drink again, but often the feeling wears off shortly after you recover from the previous night. Another opportunity arises to go out and drink with friends, so you go and drink another time. The cycle begins all over again

Maybe you do not go out and drink too much at night, but you cannot go a day without having an alcoholic beverage. A day passes and you are feeling out of sorts because you must have a drink in your system in order to feel “normal”.

In addition to all the affects you feel on the outside of your body, there are other effects happening within your body. Alcohol affects all parts of the body. It changes brain chemistry, the central nervous system, vision, the liver, sexual functions, and motor skills. Alcohol consumption can change the way the neurotransmitters absorb in the brain, causing them to send, receive or process information inaccurately. It also lowers inhibitions causing decision making processes to be impaired, which can cause injuries and possibly even death. Consuming alcohol can also disturb one’s speech. Since alcohol is a depressant, it slows down the functions of the central nervous system, which includes the slowing down of speech, thinking, as well as reaction time. High levels of alcohol can upset the central nervous system so drastically that it could possibly cause a person to slip into a coma or even cause death. Alcohol consumption changes one’s vision causing him to not be able to see clearly, which could have serious consequences while walking, driving or engaging in other activities also. Alcohol can change the way the body metabolizes the substance, which can lead to scarring the liver, and, ultimately, to the development of liver disease. When consuming alcohol, it can also affect one’s sexual performance causing it to be inhibited and can even result in impotence when used excessively. Finally, alcohol can cause one’s coordination to be impaired causing injuries or other problems as well. It is important to consider the risks of alcohol use when determining how it transforms one’s body.

After each binge or each day you cannot go without a drink, you may tell yourself, “I cannot keep harming my body like this.” However, you continue despite the negative feelings you are experiencing. Then the question we need to ask ourselves becomes, “What makes alcohol so addictive?”

In addition to the physical changes listed above, one of the most impressive factors of alcohol being addictive is the brain changes that occur with repeated use of alcohol. Repeated alcohol use alters brain processes and changes the way the brain perceives pleasure. It creates a message inside the brain that continually says it needs more pleasure. Then, the brain changes and is constantly seeking out those gratifying activities. A problem develops when the brain continues to tell one to seek out pleasurable activities despite the consequences one experiences, like those listed above. The consequences could include losing friendships or even legal trouble, but the person continues to use alcohol despite those negative experiences in their life.

Genetics also play a role in the addictive nature of alcohol. Those who have a prior family history of alcohol abuse are more prone to becoming addicted to alcohol. Although biology plays only about a 50% role in the addictive nature of alcoholism, it is still a significant factor to consider.

On the other hand, others become addicted to alcohol because they use it to decrease their symptoms of stress or other mental health disorders they are experiencing in everyday life. While using alcohol their psychological symptoms seem to decrease. However, when they stop alcohol use, the symptoms pop back up again causing the uncomfortable feelings of their mental health disorder to increase again. For this reason, they continue to use alcohol so they will not have to feel the effects of their psychological disorder. Even though the person believes the alcohol is keeping their emotional problems under control, it is actually creating more mental issues for the person. Alcohol has it’s own set of side effects that influence and contribute to more and more consumption. Using alcohol to curb symptoms has many serious risk factors and can leads to addiction as well.

There is not simply one factor that plays into the addictive nature of alcohol. However, many components play a role in alcohol being such an addictive drug.

CBT Rehab – Far More Than Cold Turkey

Articles, International, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

CBT Rehab is a form of addiction therapy that is growing in respect with professionals and clients alike. Many see it as treatment that increases the chances of long term sobriety.

What is CBT?

This stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It is a part of recovery therapy techniques and concepts that professionals are using for those with addictions.

Originally targeted at those with alcohol addiction it has spread, and been found effective for those who have become dependent upon other illicit substances.

It focuses on not only overcoming a dependence, but on being able to maintain long term sobriety, and is far more than simply going ‘cold turkey’

It is about being able to say goodbye to your unhealthy behaviour and move on without having to rely on alcohol or other addictive substances.

Just as importantly it is a therapy whose main aim is to bring about positive changes in your personal life.

Thinking About What You Do And How You Are Feeling:

Many addicts fail to understand, or refuse to acknowledge the problems addiction is causing to themselves from a physical and psychological point of view, or the heartbreak and despair it is causing their loved ones

This type of therapy majors on how those undergoing addiction recovery feel about themselves, their current situation and the actions taken due to their dependence.

If such feelings can be identified during CBT Rehab then it becomes easier to avoid them or to deal with them in a far healthier way.

A two-pronged treatment approach:

CBT rehabilitation services takes the form of a two-pronged approach. Let us take a look at each one in turn:

Functional Analysis:

This analysis focuses on a partnership between the therapist and the patient. Its aim is to identify circumstances, thoughts and feelings of the patient before, during and after they have used their drug of choice.

The aim of this identification is to help the patient understand what behavioural traits and choices such actions mean in terms of a potential relapse and is particularly important during the early phase of treatment.

Indeed, such analysis is crucial. Because it will help you identify, determine and be aware of potential triggers and actions that you need to take to ensure you avoid or minimize such risk situations.

Understand why you turned to drugs or alcohol in the first place:

You need to understand why you turned to drugs or alcohol in the first place. This understanding cannot be underestimated in terms of its importance.

You need to be honest with yourself and your therapist to find the root causes of your current problem and for both to clearly and fully understand such reasons.

Such triggers for addiction can include major traumas in your personal life, problems in a close relationship, or the need to escape from reality.

Once both parties understand these reasons this will be the basis for moving forward in a positive manner during your recovery process.

Skills training:

This is the second prong of CBT Rehab. Those with a drink or drug problem will begin to unlearn the destructive habits which have put them in their current situation, and then they will learn new and far healthier ways to replace these old habits.

Three key factors of CBT:

There are a number of key factors relating to such therapy. Let’s just consider 3 of these:

Short term therapy – Long term help:

To overcome an addiction it needs to be clearly understood that CBT drug rehab programs are purposely established over a shorter time period but with long term recovery clearly in mind.

While physical symptoms of drugs withdrawal may disappear quite quickly, the psychological effects can last for months or years. By learning newer, healthier habits and avoiding the triggers that can send you into relapse such therapy sets you on a solid road to long term recovery.

It is a 2-way street:

Please be clear, there is no passive involvement in such therapy. The CBT therapist will not decide what the patient needs on their own.

This therapy is a collaboration between the patient and therapist. Each session will have a defined agenda as well as specified concepts and techniques. Such an agenda will be used during each of the CBT therapy sessions.

This means there is a constant and focused approach to your problems, the triggers, reactions and habits are unlearned and new ones learned.

The therapy is based on what the patient wants, it is not the therapist setting goals. Once patient goals are set it is the therapist’s task to direct, coach and encourage the patient on how to reach these goals.

Emotional and behavioural adjustments:

CBT rehab techniques are based around the fact that the vast majority of emotions and behaviours are learned.

This makes for a clear path forward in terms of identifying such emotions and behaviour that have led to your drug problem.

It is important to reiterate that unlearning bad habits and identifying such situations before they occur means you have a far better chance of avoiding them and slipping into relapse.

You will also be very clear on how to react to certain triggers in a far healthier and more acceptable way.

It is about understanding what you need to change to ensure a successful outcome for a drink or drugs free future.

Be Positive:

Those with a drink or drug addiction problem have every right to think they are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They have a desire to stop use and abuse, but their cravings and addiction can be all consuming.

Anyone with such problems needs professional rehabilitation services which will give them the best possible chance of becoming, and remaining positive during a trying period of their life.

This is a significant key to the success of CBT rehab. The intention is to leave you feeling very positive. It helps you to understand why you are taking your drug(s) of choice in the first place and what triggers to be aware of in terms of slipping back into your old ways.

You will also understand the situations you need to avoid whenever possible, or to manage such situations in a far more positive way, and you will have clear, flexible goals and targets that have been defined with your counsellor.

Long term recovery must be your priority:

Alcohol or drug withdrawal is not a quick fix, but it is an eminently achievable proposition.

Once you buy into the deal that is long term recovery, and you incorporate CBT methods into this strategy you will be placing priority on positive long term recovery.

Such long term recovery should be the ultimate aim of any addict.Bottom of Form

 

What Our Youth Should Know About Drugs

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction

Drugs are chemicals that change the way the body functions. Drugs can include illegal drugs, prescription drugs, marijuana, alcohol and even caffeine. Since drugs change the way your body works, they are not safe to take, especially without know the side effects and consequences that go along with using drugs.

 

Prescription drugs are still dangerous, even though they are not “illegal drugs”. However, taking prescription medications without a prescription is illegal. There is a reason medications are regulated by doctors and pharmacists. So even though they are not “illegal drugs”, they are still illegal to take and can be life threatening if not taken as prescribed by a medical professional. Therefore, legal trouble could ensue from taking these drugs if one takes them without a doctor legally prescribing the medication to them specifically. Using prescriptions drugs in a manner that they have not been prescribed can be dangerous for one’s health. These medications can cause slowed breathing, mood alterations and even decreased brain functioning, especially when not taken properly. Comas and seizures are also possible when using prescription medications outside of the scope of how they are intended to be used. Prescription pain medications are also highly addictive, especially when used for purposes they are not designed for. One’s body can be physically hooked on the substance and crave it when they do not have it. Dependence and withdrawals from these substances can be dangerous and even life threatening also. Accidents also increase while taking non-prescribed medications. Car accidents become more common because brain functionality is inhibited while taking these sorts of drugs. These drugs can also decrease your judgment, therefore, putting people taking these drugs in unsafe situations. Prescription medications are dangerous for many reasons when not used properly.

Marijuana can damage your health. Although many still debate this topic, marijuana can be addictive. Addiction is defined by not being able to stop using a substance despite it having negative consequences on the person’s everyday life. Some become addicted to marijuana and others do not. However, smoking marijuana also opens the door to use other drugs. Marijuana also has many other negative health effects. Smoking marijuana, especially in the teen years, can also cause impairments in brain performance. Marijuana use is linked to poorer memory and can causing problems with learning information. Furthermore, smoke inhalation is always dangerous for one’s lungs. Therefore, the American Lung Association, among others, cautions individuals from smoking marijuana due to the risks of damaging one’s lungs.

If someone you know overdoses, call for help! If you are with someone who is doing drugs and they lose consciousness or stop breathing, call emergency services immediately, even if you have been taking drugs and are afraid you will get in trouble also. You could save the person’s life and those benefits far outweigh the potential negative ramifications that could happen to you or your friend. An additional alternative would be to call a poison control center to determine if you can do anything to help the person immediately. If the person has stopped breathing or you cannot find a pulse, begin CPR. Also, if you still have the drug the person was taking, present the drug to the emergency service workers or take them to the hospital with you, so they will know exactly what the individual took.

Treatment can help you, and you should use it when you need it. Treatment can help decrease and eliminate drug use. Receiving professional help to overcome an addiction is much more beneficial than trying to beat the problem through your own endeavors. If you cannot stop using drugs, even when you wish you could, or it interferes with your everyday life, such as school or work, you should seek professional treatment for you drug abuse problem. If you have repeated negative social consequences that affect your daily life and have lost interest in hobbies you previously enjoyed, your drug use is interfering with your daily life to the point you should seek treatment. If you find yourself in recurrent dangerous situations, it may be necessary to pursue professional help also. Find a treatment program that will meet your specific needs. Treatment programs will aid you in developing positive coping skills to deal with situations as they arise instead of using drugs to deal with them. Consult with your family and friends if you are unsure whether or not you require a treatment program, or if you are nervous about beginning treatment for a drug abuse problem.

Rehabilitation for young people has proven effective also. Addiction is an issue that needs to be taken seriously and can be a life threatening problem. Drugs are dangerous for many sorts of reasons. If someone you know has a problem with drugs, please seek treatment to help with that drug abuse issue.

Am I An Alcoholic?

Articles, Australia, Education, Understanding Addiction

It is a question many ask, but few answer honestly.

After a particularly heavy bout of drinking many will ask themselves the question: Am I an alcoholic?

While in many cases there is no charge to answer, and in all probability the question has been considered due to the way you feel ‘the morning after’, it is very important to understand just how highly addictive and damaging alcohol can become.

Why does alcohol not carry the same stigma as other recreational drugs?

This is simple really, alcohol is legal, recreational drugs are not. That should NOT fool you into thinking that alcohol is any less addictive or dangerous. In many cases it is far more addictive and damaging to your health than other recreational substances.

Such a statement is borne out by the amount of people who are dependent upon alcohol, the cost to the health services in treatment, the damage to your liver, kidneys and general health as well as the year on year death toll it contributes to.

Why do we drink alcohol?

There are a whole host of reasons for this. Peer pressure is a major factor, your friends or colleagues drink, and a natural reaction is that you want to be socially accepted, you do not want to be left out, so you join them during drinking sessions.

Some turn to binge drinking in an attempt to heal pain or loneliness while others may have a family history of alcoholism. Being brought up and living in such a home environment certainly increases the chances of alcohol addiction.

It is important to understand that as long as alcohol is taken in moderation it can be a very pleasurable experience.

Why is alcohol so pleasing?

When alcohol is consumed the brain releases endorphins. These neurotransmitters are responsible for, amongst other things, pleasurable feelings, excitement and satisfaction.

This means that the more alcohol consumed the more pleasurable it appears. Inhibitions are loosened and many have a thoroughly enjoyable time while socialising and drinking.

Why is alcohol so addictive?

“Am I an alcoholic” is a silent question many who overindulge with alcohol on a regular basis ask. This is because in many cases their occasional drinking does not stop there.

Such momentary feelings of pleasure given by alcohol will eventually lead those who drink to excess to crave more. As more alcohol is consumed the more the body and mind becomes tolerant of it, and thus yet more drink is required to feed your need.

This can rapidly become a vicious circle that is difficult to break. These satisfaction sensations entice and encourage you to drink more in your efforts to keep the brain continually satisfied.

If you are in a situation where alcohol is being drank regularly, or you are drinking to excess and begin to find that it is affecting your life and judgement then the answer to the question: Am I an alcoholic? is a most definite YES.

When should you seek professional help?

Admitting to yourself and your loved ones that you have a problem with alcohol is no easy task, but it is a task that must be accepted and challenged if you are to escape the misery that alcohol dependence and addiction can cause.

Here are just 9 pointers that show you are heading towards, or already have an addiction to alcohol. The more of these you acknowledge, the deeper your drink problem has become:

Using alcohol as an emotional crutch:

Emotions play a very strong part in those who drink heavily. Whether you justify your drinking to relieve stress, pressure, anxiety, temporary depression, or feel you need a drink to help you really relax, these are signs that you are becoming dependent upon alcohol.

What is important to remember here is that while drinking to excess may give temporary relief it is just that; temporary, indeed there is a big chance things will only get worse in the long run.

Denial:

This is a very common sign when asking yourself: Am I an alcoholic? Many alcohol rehab establishments cite this as a major pointer to alcohol addiction.

The thing with denial is that it is easy to lie to others how much you have drank, or deny that you are secretly drinking. Of course, such denial may fool others for a while, but deep down you know you are not fooling yourself.

Regular “black outs”:

If you regularly find you have no recollection of what happened during and after a drinking session this should be seen as a major red flag that alcohol is taking over your life.

Once started there is no stopping:

Yet another pointer that alcohol rehabilitation services are required. If you are in a situation where once the wine bottle is uncorked it is emptied, or the last beer in the fridge must be drank before you stop a drinking session, this is a clear sign your drink problem is in control of you and not the other way around.

Drinking increased amounts:

Another clear sign in answering the question: Am I an alcoholic? If you are finding your tolerance to drink is increasing and that not only can you drink more, but it takes more to get you drunk, this is proof that your body is becoming far more tolerant and needing of alcohol.

Drinking when you know you should not:

Are you drinking before or during work, or before you need to drive somewhere? If so this implies that drinking is becoming your main priority.

You know such occasions are not the time to drink and yet you ignore the serious implications that such drinking can cause.

Affecting your daily routine and relationships:

If drink is causing you problems at work or you are neglecting your household duties this will have a significant effect in relationships with those most close to you.

It means you are placing your need for alcohol above all else and while this is damaging you, you must be aware of the heartache and concern it is causing others.

Withdrawal not a hangover:

We need to be clear on the difference. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you have not had a drink is a reaction to a lack of alcohol rather than having drank too much and feeling hungover.

Withdrawal signs include irritability, anxiousness, depression, fatigue, loss of appetite, sweating and shaking.

Trying to quit but unable to:

The final pointer when asking yourself; am I an alcoholic, is if you have realised the consequences your drinking problem is causing and have tried to stop, but you are unable to do so.

This shows that you understand the impact excessive drinking is having on your life, but its hold over you is too deeply entrenched for you to stop drinking without professional help.

This is when you really should avail yourself of alcohol rehab establishments that fully understand your issues and will work with you to beat and overcome your alcohol addiction.