ALCOHOL ABUSE
SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOMS
The following symptoms are associated with alcohol abuse;
1. Temporary black outs or memory loss.
2. Recurrent arguments or fights with family members or friends.
3. Continuing use of alcohol to relax, to cheer up, to sleep, to deal with problems, or to feel normal.
4. Headache, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, or other unpleasant symptoms when you stop drinking
5. Flushed skin and broken capillaries on the face. A husky voice, trembling hands, chronic diarrhea, and drinking alone, in the morning or in secret.
6. These symptoms are specifically associated with Chronic Alcoholism
CAUSES
The cause of alcoholism seems to be blend of genetic, physical, psychological, environmental and social factors that vary among individuals. Genetic factors are considered crucial; A given person’s risk of becoming an alcoholic is four to five times greater if parent is alcoholic. Some children of alcohol abusers, however, overcome the hereditary pattern by becoming teetotalers.
TREATMENT
The goal of treatment is abstinence. Among alcoholics with otherwise good health, social support, and motivation, the likelihood of recovery is good: 50 to 60 percent remain abstinent at the end of a year’s treatment, and majority of those stay dry permanently. Those with poor social support, poor motivation or psychiatric disorder tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For those people, success is measured by longer period of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health and improved social functioning.
The goal of treatment is abstinence. Among alcoholics with otherwise good health, social support, and motivation, the likelihood of recovery is good: 50 to 60 percent remain abstinent at the end of a year’s treatment, and majority of those stay dry permanently. Those with poor social support, poor motivation or psychiatric disorder tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For those people, success is measured by longer period of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health and improved social functioning.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES
Once an alcoholic accepts his or her condition and stops using alcohol, a number of alternative therapies can help the recovery process.
ACUPUNCTURE
Treatment by a licensed acupuncturist is often found effective in relieving the symptoms of alcoholic withdrawal and is reported to prevent seizures, to help prevent relapse, andto increase the likelihood of patient’s completing recovery program.
BODY WORK
Massage , as part of physical therapy program can ease recovery by relaxing the body and soothing the anxiety associated with withdrawal.
HERBAL THERAPIES
Ask an herbal Therapist about taking Milk Thistle ( silybum Marianum) to protect against the , or even reverse, liver damage from alcohol abuse. The product is sold under the name Silymarin in 70 to 210 mg capsules at health food stores.
For withdrawal symptoms, try 2 tsp Skullcap( Scutellaria Lateriflora), Lavender ( Lavandula Officinalis) or Motherwort ( Leonurus cardiac) in water, and take three times a day . Some treatment centers use a sleep mix tea made from equal parts Chamomile ( Matricaria Recutita) Hops ( Humulus Lupulus ) Skullcap, i(Mentha Piperita) , Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium), and either Catnip( Nepeta cataria) or Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis).
For withdrawal symptoms, try 2 tsp Skullcap( Scutellaria Lateriflora), Lavender ( Lavandula Officinalis) or Motherwort ( Leonurus cardiac) in water, and take three times a day . Some treatment centers use a sleep mix tea made from equal parts Chamomile ( Matricaria Recutita) Hops ( Humulus Lupulus ) Skullcap, i(Mentha Piperita) , Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium), and either Catnip( Nepeta cataria) or Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis).
HYDROTHERAPY
Warm salted bath may be effective in drawing drugs and toxins from the body. Dissolve halg cup of sea salt or baking soda in tub of warm water and soak in it 10 to 20 minutes every day.
MIND & BODY MEDECINE
Because Alcoholics commonly use alcohol to deal with stress, various relaxation techniques such as massage and meditation may prove helpful. Hypnotherapy may help unlock psychological difficulties that underlie behavioral problems.
Because Alcoholics commonly use alcohol to deal with stress, various relaxation techniques such as massage and meditation may prove helpful. Hypnotherapy may help unlock psychological difficulties that underlie behavioral problems.
NUTRITION & DIET
Poor nutrition goes with heavy drinking. Because an ounce of Alcohol has more than 200 calories but no nutritional value, ingesting large amount of alcohol tells the body that it does not need more food. Alcoholics are often deficient in Vitamin A, B complex, and C; Carnitine; magnesium, Selerium and zinc, as well essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Restoring such nutrients – particularly thiamine (vitmin B1) – can aid withdrawal and recovery. One study found that recovery programs were twice as effective when nutritional therapy was incorporated.
Some therapist think stabilizing blood sugar levels can help make treatment more successful. Recommendation include eliminating dietary sugar, even fruit juice, which has more sugar than whole fruit; reducing the amounts of simple carbohydrates in the diet, such as those found in white flour and instant potatoes; and increasing vegetable protein and the complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, beans, and vegetables.
Some therapist think stabilizing blood sugar levels can help make treatment more successful. Recommendation include eliminating dietary sugar, even fruit juice, which has more sugar than whole fruit; reducing the amounts of simple carbohydrates in the diet, such as those found in white flour and instant potatoes; and increasing vegetable protein and the complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, beans, and vegetables.
HOME REMEDIES
Abstinence is the most crucial- and probably the most difficult- step to recovery. To learn to live without alcohol, you must;
1. Avoid people and places that make drinking the norm, and find new non drinking friends, join as self group.
2. Enlist the help of family and friends
3. Replace your negative dependence on alcohol with positive dependencies such as new hobby or volunteer work with church or civic groups.
4. Start exercising, Exercise releases chemicals in the brain that provide a natural high. Even a walk after dinner can be tranquilizing.
Abstinence is the most crucial- and probably the most difficult- step to recovery. To learn to live without alcohol, you must;
1. Avoid people and places that make drinking the norm, and find new non drinking friends, join as self group.
2. Enlist the help of family and friends
3. Replace your negative dependence on alcohol with positive dependencies such as new hobby or volunteer work with church or civic groups.
4. Start exercising, Exercise releases chemicals in the brain that provide a natural high. Even a walk after dinner can be tranquilizing.
PREVENTION
Returning to drink is a major problem for recovering alcoholics; preventing this may be difficult, but it can be supported by continued therapy, positive motivation and string social support. Other ways to prevent relapse include changing routines, accepting a new sense of values, and avoiding activities or people associated with the drinking habit. For 90 percent of alcoholics smoke; alcoholics who stop smoking as well as drinking are more likely to achieve long term abstinence- to say nothing of the other health b benefits.
A SELF SCREENING TEST
Bo single symptom defines alcoholism, but honest answers to the following questions will help you decide if you are at a risk;
1. Has a friend or relative suggested that you drink too much?
2. Is it hard to stop drinking after you have had one or two drinks?
3. Have you ever been unable to remember what you did during a drinking episode?
4. Do you ever feel bad about how much you drink?
5. Do you get into arguments or physical fights when you have been drinking?
6. Have you ever been arrested or hospitalized because of drinking?
7. Have you ever thought about getting help to control or stop drinking?
If you answered yes to one or more questions, you may have a serious alcohol problem. For your own good, it is time to discuss the situation openly with a physician or mental health professional.
1. Has a friend or relative suggested that you drink too much?
2. Is it hard to stop drinking after you have had one or two drinks?
3. Have you ever been unable to remember what you did during a drinking episode?
4. Do you ever feel bad about how much you drink?
5. Do you get into arguments or physical fights when you have been drinking?
6. Have you ever been arrested or hospitalized because of drinking?
7. Have you ever thought about getting help to control or stop drinking?
If you answered yes to one or more questions, you may have a serious alcohol problem. For your own good, it is time to discuss the situation openly with a physician or mental health professional.
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