Category: Australia

Alcohol and Body

What Does Alcohol Do To The Body?

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

Excessive alcohol intake can cause real harm to a person’s body. The effects certainly do not happen overnight, but continued heavy drinking either through regular sessions, or abstention and then heavy binge sessions will eventually take their toll.

There are so many potential health hazards for those who drink excessively that it would take a long series of articles to list them all. Here are just 4 that should be of real concern.

Digestive system:

Drinking too much can activate abnormal enzymes produced by the pancreas. If these enzymes continue to build-up they cause inflammation and a condition known as pancreatitis. This can be a long-term problem with serious complications.

Liver:

The liver takes the brunt of alcohol because one of its responsibilities is to break down and remove harmful substances. Alcohol is awash with potentially harmful substances and excessive drinking causes the liver to work overtime. If constant pressure is placed on the liver there is a strong possibility it will become inflamed and diseased.

Inflammation causes scarring and the associated condition of cirrhosis. This is where the formation of scar tissues destroys the liver. Without a healthy, fully functioning liver a person will suffer long term health problems that can kill.

A warning for women:

An important point relating to alcoholic liver disease for women is that their bodies generally absorb more alcohol than a man’s. Their liver also needs more time to process it.

This means women who regularly abuse alcohol are at an increased risk of developing liver damage more quickly than men.

Blood sugar levels:

It is the pancreas that works to regulate the body’s insulin use and its response to glucose. If the pancreas and liver are not functioning correctly then there is an increased risk of hypoglycemia. This condition is when a person suffers from low blood sugar levels.

A damaged pancreas can also prevent sufficient insulin production to use the sugar that keeps the body healthy. If this occurs it has the opposite effect. There will be too much sugar in the blood causing a condition known as hyperglycemia.

Being unable to balance blood sugar levels leads to health complications and increased chances of diabetes.

Damaging central nervous system effects:

We have all experienced or heard the way in which a person slurs their speech when drunk. This is one of the first signs of excess alcohol. Too much alcohol reduces communication between the brain and body. Coordination becomes far more difficult, balance is affected and it is not uncommon to see a person stumble or fall over.

Other damage alcohol can cause to the central nervous system is numbness or tingling feelings in the bodies extremities, Short and long-term memory is affected as is decision making and the ability to think clearly. This is shown by irrational thoughts and acts that often get a person into trouble.

Go steady:

The occasional hangover may not be sufficient to convince a person that drinking is causing them harm. The reality is that a continuation of heavy drinking sessions will more likely than not cause serious health problems in later life.

The ultimate ‘reward’ for abusing your body in this way is an unwanted, early grave.

what is addiction

What Is Addiction?

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

This commonly asked question can be answered in a straightforward manner, but it is the issues surrounding addiction that are far more complex.

What is addiction?

It is a point where a person who uses drugs or drinks alcohol cannot stop even if they have a desire to do so. The cravings and urge to keep using is far too strong for them to control even though they know the substance concerned is causing them harm.

There is no blueprint for addiction:

One thing is for certain, when someone tries an illegal substance or drinks alcohol they are not expecting to become addicted. The majority do so because they are curious, and keen to experience the effects that so many will have told them about.

The problem with these substances is that they have an extremely strong pulling power. They are moreish and the more a person has the more they want.

What starts as a once a week bit of fun with friends turns into 2 or 3 times a week and then it becomes an expected everyday occurrence.

Not everyone is caught in this spiral of increased use, this makes it very difficult for those who can take or leave substance use to understand why others cannot simply leave it alone.

Something that must be understood is that these substances can change the way the brain works. Many who use drugs or alcohol begin to need them simply to feel normal. Those affected in this way can quickly find that dependence takes over their lives.

Is your dependence deepening?

Here are 6 factors that show a dependence is deepening:

  • Tolerance: Are you finding alcohol or drug use is increasing over time? Is more required to achieve the same feelings as previously experienced?
  • Lack of control: Do you find there are times when you take more of the substance in question than was your initial intention or more than you wanted to? Do you sometimes drink simply to get drunk? Does the first drink regularly lead to more? Is there ever regret regarding how much of the substance you used the previous day?
  • Continued use despite negative consequences: Even though you are aware of the harm this is causing yourself and those around you, you continue to use.
  • Neglected duties: Expected duties around the home or social obligations are either forgotten or purposely ignored. If so, this is because substance use is more important.
  • Increasing time spent: Increased amounts of time and energy are being put into buying and using your substance of choice and thoughts of it are either constantly on your mind or just below the surface?
  • Withdrawal: If you try to forego the substance do physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms take hold? This can range from sweating and shaking to increased anxiety and irritability. The significance of emotional withdrawal is on par with physical withdrawal symptoms.

Deepening dependence will not disappear on its own:

Anyone who feels their substance abuse is getting the better of them needs to seek professional help. Many who are addicted have strong feelings and actions of denial. The sooner this denial is ended and professional help sought, the sooner a solution can be found to help.

alcohol recovery

Maintaining Progress During Recovery

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Treatment, Understanding Addiction

Remaining sober while going through rehab is the beginning of a healing process that all addicts must face.

Once this initial treatment has been successfully completed a person should be ready for onward progress.

Maintaining this progress will require determination, desire and a positive approach to daily challenges, but it is most certainly achievable.

When times are tough a few self-reminders need to be recalled. Here are some important pointers.

Recovery is not an overnight event:

Let’s face it, your substance of choice took a good while to get the better of you. In all likelihood, it will have been the unwanted duo of increasing use and self-denial that finally led to rehab.

Similarly, recovery will not happen overnight. The need for patience, perseverance and that ever-strengthening desire to regain control of your life will take time.

While an addict will understand this, many friends and family will not. A fair percentage will think that because you have successfully completed initial rehab that all is well; if only!

Marking time:

There will be frustrating periods to face during recovery. Goals and targets are taking longer to achieve than expected and you appear to be marking time in terms of positive progress.

Don’t let these dips during recovery get you down. They will test your resolve and try your patience, but by resisting negative thoughts and pressing on in a positive manner you will become a stronger person.

Positivity is key to continuing the momentum of your personal recovery journey.

Beware of recovery burnout:

At times, challenges to maintaining sobriety will push you to the limit. This is natural because of the immeasurable effects addiction brings, but don’t let recovery burnout get the better of you.

It is imperative that any negative feelings and thoughts are expressed. Speak with your counsellor, a sponsor if you have one, and anyone who is close enough to open your heart too. These frank and open discussions will help tremendously and help you see things from a different perspective.

Focus is important if a recovering addict is to avoid recovery burnout. Here are ways in which that focus can be maintained:

Prioritise your goals:

It is natural to want everything to fall in place quickly, but it is important not to rush things. Address issues in order of priority, overcome one and move on to the next. If this takes longer than expected do not be disheartened.

Listen to your counsellor:

The agreed recovery plan has been specifically tailored for your needs. Many of the basic building blocks of this plan are being utilized because they have proved successful over time.

Never be afraid to question the steps that are being taken, but don’t place extra pressure on yourself by ignoring them and trying to establish your own rehab program.

Don’t underestimate prior progress:

As you progress through healing some stages will appear to be far more challenging than others. Rather than being disheartened spend time thinking about previous successful stages and how you achieved them.

This thought-process will bring positivity and allow you to face and overcome the next healing hurdle.

Recovery takes as long as it takes!

Bear this fact in mind, but don’t become complacent. Keep active, change routines, look at new activities and above all remain positive.

Whenever self-encouragement is needed just consider the progress made to date. Such progress is something you should rightly be proud of.

overseas rehab

Don’t Overlook Overseas Rehab

Articles, Australia, International, Treatment, United Kingdom, United States

Huge numbers of men and women currently dependent on prescription or illegal drugs, and those with alcoholic problems are desperate for solutions to kick their habit.

Professional rehab services:

Professional rehabilitation services are quite rightly seen as a major step in the right direction. Top of the list in this category is an initial stay as an inpatient at a respected rehabilitation establishment.

Unfortunately, acquiring such a stay in your own country presents hurdles that prevent many from taking advantage of this highly effective first healing step.

In-country hurdles preventing this treatment:

Two major hurdles stand out in terms of securing a stay as an inpatient in the western world. Individually they are sufficient to prevent a person from getting much needed addiction treatment.

Waiting lists:

It takes courage and determination for someone whose life is dominated by substance abuse to stand up, end denial and seek professional help.

Having taken such a brave step, near-immediate attention is required. For an addict to be told by an inpatient rehab establishment that “yes, they do treat the substance in question”, but “no, admission cannot be provided now. However, there is a waiting list which we can place you on” is akin to a kick in the teeth for an addict.

It sends out a message that is literally saying “Sorry, you will have to wait your turn, please mark time and we will be in touch with you in xx months”.

This disappointment will generally mean one thing to an addict. They will continue abusing their substance of choice and slide deeper into dependence.

Cost:

In the vast majority of cases the cost of an inpatient stay at a residential establishment in your own country is prohibitive for many. It must be understood that dependent on the depth of treatment required stays generally range from 28 to 90 days.

If there is no personal health insurance policy with a clause covering such treatment then a person with an addiction will often struggle to meet such expenses.

Overseas rehabilitation establishments:

The 2 hurdles stated above are far easier to overcome if an addict looks at overseas rehabilitation establishments.

South-east Asia is a point in case with Thailand being a shining example. Here are just some of the reason why:

  • Location: Whether a remote mountain setting or idyllic beach location is your preference both are available with differing locations in between.
  • Accommodation: Extremely comfortable accommodation with luxurious facilities are available.
  • Fully qualified staff: The staff at such establishments are fully qualified with internationally approved and recognized certification.
  • Treatment: Treatment methods all comply to international standards. This means the treatment you will receive is certainly on par with that of your home country.
  • Waiting lists: In general, there will be no waiting lists. The pressures of attendance are far less than in your own country.
  • Costs: This has surely got to be the icing on the cake. Not only are major health insurance policies accepted, the actual cost of such a stay can be up to 2/3rds lower than the same stay in your own country.

A consideration not to be ignored:

There are a whole host of other reasons as to why overseas rehab is a most valid option for treatment. If the details above have whetted your appetite, further investigation will be most worthwhile.

Alcohol facts

Alcohol Fiction – Don’t Listen To The Barstool Doctors!

Articles, Australia, Education, United Kingdom

There are so many myths about alcohol and how to avoid a hangover that it would be very difficult to list them all, but let’s try a few that most will have heard, some will be convinced of and others will quite rightly dismiss!

Have a nightcap before sleep:

It is thought by many that after drinking over their normal limit a nightcap will help them get to sleep quickly and offers a good night’s sleep.

Wrong! This approach may help you doze off more quickly but additional alcohol will only disturb and shorten that much needed REM cycle of sleep. The result is that many wake up far sooner than wanted.

Waking in the early hours can cause unease and the severity of the hangover can also make it very difficult to get back to sleep again.

Hair of the dog:

This term is short for the colloquial English saying, “Hair of the dog that bit you” and means the best cure for something that ails you is to have some more of it.

Wrong! All this will do is postpone the hangover. The height of a hangover is when blood-alcohol levels hit zero, so by continuing to ‘top-up’ is just delaying the inevitable.

Strong coffee will do the trick:

Sorry, wrong again! Excess caffeine can work to narrow a person’s blood vessels and the result is quite possibly an even worse hangover.

The best beverages to consume after a night on the tiles are water and high-energy sports drinks. These will help replace lost electrolytes and counter dehydration which is a major cause of a hangover.

Over-the-counter painkillers:

Many people believe that taking OTC painkillers before going to bed will alleviate the headache and generally ‘rough’ feeling when they awake after a night on the booze.

Wrong! These readily available medicines peak in around 4 hours, so by the time you wake up they will be of no help. Also, do not take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) after a night of drinking. This combination could do more harm than good to your liver.

If you do feel the need to take such painkillers then the best time to do so is immediately upon waking.

What can help reduce the effects:

We all know and understand that a hangover is not something to look forward to, yet this self-inflicted hurt is encountered all too regularly.

Here are a couple of things you can do to reduce those feelings:

  • Eat beforehand: Have a good, solid meal before commencing a drinking session and this should be loaded with fats. Steak is a good example. Any food will slow down the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol, but fatty foods do it best.
  • Water: As mentioned the main cause of a hangover is dehydration so it is vital you take ample amounts of water on board. This should not only be before bed, but during your drinking session. Try and have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

The ultimate solution to avoid a hangover:

Apart from limiting the amount you drink the only real solution is time!

Give your body time to recover and your hangover will disappear, and while feeling sorry for yourself during recovery please make a promise that you won’t hit the bottle so hard next time!