Alcoholism (AUD)

  • Alcoholism (AUD)

    5 Things That Make Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous: What Happens?

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    Alcohol dependence occurs in one out of every 12 adults in America. As the most-used addictive substance in the United States, a dependence on alcohol can be very dangerous and affect a wide range of people. When someone is unable to control their drinking habits, they develop an alcohol use disorder.

    As alcohol misuse progresses and a tolerance is built up, it takes larger quantities of alcohol to achieve a similar effect. Alcohol dependence occurs when someone experiences cravings for alcohol or withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. While alcohol detox is a necessary part of the recovery process for alcohol use disorders, alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous.

    People attempting to detox from alcohol should not go through the process alone. Medical supervision can help protect patients as they experience withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening if handled without proper treatment. Keep reading to learn the top five reasons why alcohol withdrawal is dangerous.

  • Alcoholism (AUD)

    Delirium Tremens (DTs): Symptoms, Causes, Duration, and Treatment

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    Alcohol use is common in the United States, with slightly over half of adults indicating they had consumed an alcoholic beverage during the past month as of 2018. What is less common, however, is alcohol addiction and its consequences, as roughly 6 percent of adults in the United States have a diagnosable addiction called an alcohol use disorder, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Misuse and Alcoholism.

    Ongoing alcohol misuse and addiction can lead to significant consequences, such as health problems, serious injuries, and difficulty functioning in work or family life. Another consequence of alcohol misuse is dependence, meaning that the body does not function well without alcohol. When a person who develops an alcohol dependence stops drinking, he or she will typically experience withdrawal. One serious form of withdrawal, called delirium tremens, can be fatal; however, proper medical care can prevent complications from delirium tremens and allow those living with alcohol addictions to participate in ongoing treatment to achieve lasting sobriety.

  • Alcoholism (AUD)

    Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment, and Detox Timeline

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    Alcohol misuse is common in the United States. According to recent data from the National Institute on Alcohol Misuse and Alcoholism, 5.8 percent of adults in the United States have an alcohol use disorder, which is the term used to describe a diagnosable alcohol addiction. One of the signs of an alcohol use disorder is experiencing withdrawal symptoms in the absence of alcohol, meaning that once a person stops drinking for a period, withdrawal will begin. Reports from American Family Physician suggest that each year, about 2 million Americans will experience some sort of alcohol withdrawal. This can range from mild symptoms to severe withdrawal conditions that require hospitalization.

  • Alcohol Addiction | Alcoholism (AUD) | Drug & Alcohol Detox | Recovery Support

    Detoxing from Alcohol at Home

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    As of 2018, the National Institute on Alcohol Misuse and Alcoholism reported that 15 million people in the United States have alcohol use disorder. As a chronic and relapsing brain disease, alcohol use disorder, or AUD, involves the compulsive use of alcohol, a loss of control over the amount of alcohol taken in, and an emotional state that is negative when not using alcohol.

    Whether a person faces binge drinking, heavy drinking, or dependency on alcohol, it is very difficult to overcome an AUD. However, it is also extremely important for that person’s health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, quitting is not an easy process, and people who drink a considerable amount of alcohol are at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

    Some people looking to overcome an alcohol use disorder choose to detox from alcohol at home. While this may be the only option for some, it is not the recommended method according to Alcohol.org, a resource from the American Addiction Centers. Keep reading to learn more about alcohol detox at home.

  • Alcohol Addiction | Alcoholism (AUD)

    Medically Assisted Alcohol Detox

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    Understanding Medically Assisted Alcohol Detox

    Have you ever drank too much one night and woke up the next morning with a pounding headache, sweating, and throwing up? Yes, I’m referring to a hangover.

    Essentially, the way that alcohol interacts with your brain and the rest of your body throwing your biological systems out of balance. If you continue to drink heavily over an extended period of time, then your body beings to change the way it works to adapt to alcohol consumption. You will notice that over time you can drink more and more alcohol without experiencing a hangover. We refer to this as an alcohol tolerance. However, when you stop drinking alcohol, your body does not automatically go back to its regular balance. It takes time for your brain and body to re-adjust to a non-alcohol consumed state, resulting in a number of unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms.

  • Alcohol Addiction | Alcoholism (AUD)

    Warning Signs of Alcoholism

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    Alcoholism is a disease that can be debilitating for many, but there are also a great deal of functioning people with alcohol use disorder. Whether the addiction prevents you from fulfilling your everyday obligations or not, excessing alcohol consumption is dangerous. If you or a loved one has a drinking problem, then it is important to seek help sooner than later. If you are not sure what alcoholism looks like, here are the warning signs of alcoholism.

    What Are the Warning Signs of Alcoholism?

    There is more than one way to identify the potential misuse of alcohol. It is easy to spot some signs, but others are more difficult to recognize. It can be especially hard for loved ones to spot the signs because people with alcohol use disorder may try to hide their substance use. This means the warning signs may be different depending on the severity of the addiction. It may be difficult to intervene and to know when to intervene.

  • Alcohol Addiction | Alcoholism (AUD) | Drug & Alcohol Detox | Getting Sober | Recovery Support

    I Have a Drinking Problem. Now What?

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    You’ve taken the first step towards recovery: admitting you have a problem. Now what? Get ready for the long, challenging, but very rewarding journey that you are embarking on.

    Seek Alcohol Addiction Treatment

    You do not have to be alone on this journey to recovery. Call an addiction hotline or reach out directly to an alcohol detox and recovery program. Trained professionals can help you have the best chance of getting and staying sober. The recovery process can include a variety of treatment methods including detox, medication, inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, therapy, and continuing care. You and your loved ones most likely have a lot of questions about what to expect once you start this journey.

  • Alcoholism (AUD) | Recovery Support

    How to Recognize Alcohol Withdrawal

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    When alcohol intake becomes an addiction, it can be a trying task to let go of the urge to have the next drink. Not only does your body go through emotional changes during your detoxification process, but the physiology of your body changes as well. If one has been dependant on alcohol for a longer period of time, the body begins to adapt (while still having a negative impact). So, what happens when you decide to remove alcohol from your system?

    A breakdown of alcohol withdrawal

    Withdrawal can occur within eight hours of the last drink. The first few days tend to be the most difficult to deal with, as your body is experiencing a drastic change from its previous routine. During this time, you may experience: