Alcoholism Information

  • Alcoholism (AUD)

    Alcohol Tremors “The Shakes”: Fast Facts, Causes and Treatment

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    In moderation, alcohol can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Government guidelines define moderate alcohol consumption as one daily alcoholic beverage for women, and up to two drinks per day for men. Excessive alcohol use, on the other hand, can become problematic and lead to an alcohol addiction, which professionals call an alcohol use disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, (DSM-5) describes the signs of an alcohol use disorder. These include symptoms such as cravings for alcohol, difficulty cutting down on drinking, and continuing to drink, even when it causes problems with work or family. Another sign of an alcohol use disorder is experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when alcohol begins to leave the body. One such withdrawal symptom is tremors, or “the shakes.”

  • Alcoholism (AUD)

    Here’s Why Alcohol Withdrawal Can Be Deadly

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    There is a lot of information circulating about alcohol detox and withdrawal symptoms. The jumble of details can be confusing for those dealing with an alcohol use disorder and their loved ones. Alcohol misuse is dangerous, damages the body, and impacts a person’s entire life. Detoxing from alcohol is a necessary first step towards recovery and sobriety. However, alcohol detox can also lead to withdrawal. For the most part, alcohol withdrawal is uncomfortable and difficult, but not deadly. There is no way for someone to know how their body will handle alcohol detox unless they consult a doctor, though. Some people with alcohol use disorders are at a higher risk for delirium tremens and potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms. With proper care and medically-supervised treatment, the effects of alcohol withdrawal can be minimized in a safe environment. Keep reading to learn why alcohol withdrawal can be deadly and how to safely detox from alcohol.

  • 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)

    Alcoholism Fast Facts: What is it, Side Effects, Treatment Options & How to Help

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    Alcohol use disorders occur at varying levels of severity, and alcohol misuse can cause serious problems in a person’s daily life. Substance use can graduate to dependence when drinking habits become out of control, putting someone’s physical and mental health at risk even more. Alcohol use disorders can build up over many years or become severe in much shorter timeframes. No two people experience alcohol misuse and the effects of alcoholism the same.

    If you or someone you know is living with alcoholism, it can be difficult to understand the impact substance use has on a person’s life. From defining alcoholism and dependence to learning the symptoms of withdrawal, alcoholism can be scary and dangerous for all involved. Keep reading to learn more about alcohol dependence, including treatment options.

  • 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.

  • Addiction Treatment | Alcohol Addiction | Alcohol Detox

    The Effects of Alcoholism on the Brain

    ByPines Recovery Life Staff

    Have you ever stopped to think about the effects alcoholism can have on the human brain? Alcohol misuse can result in both short term and long term negative effects in the brain of the user. Knowing the symptoms of brain impairment can help you understand what’s going on in the body, and how the continued misuse of this substance can damage such a vital, complex organ over time.

    Short-Term Effects of Alcoholism

    A known effect related to brain impairment is the gaps in memory that may begin to occur; this is a result of disruptions in neurotransmitters. These are recognizable characteristics that friends or family can easily notice. Additional effects can include decreased coordination, slower reflexes, slurred speech and a lack of concentration. Again, these qualities may seem obvious to someone observing from the outside, but the person misusing the substance may not be aware of anything wrong.