Alcohol Addiction, Depression and Anxiety

Having a drink every now and then is a completely normal and acceptable thing to do; you may even be having a drink while you read this. For some people, however, this behavior may be too frequent, too severe and too uncontrollable. Two types of alcohol-related problems are currently recognised. Alcohol abuse refers to behaviour characterised by continued drinking despite negative consequences and decreased ability to fulfil responsibilities. Alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction or alcoholism is an inability to cope without alcohol, including constant cravings and a higher tolerance to the effects of alcohol (APA, 1994). Alcohol abuse is a growing global health problem, affecting 17.8% of Americans during a given lifespan (Hasin et al., 2007) and alcohol dependence affected 13%. In a recent study, Whiteford et al (2013) measured the extent to which various mental health and substance abuse disorders create a burden for those suffering the disease. They found that alcohol abuse was the fourth highest cause of burden of disease in the world, superseded only by depression, anxiety and drug abuse. Specifically, alcohol abuse accounted for 9.6% of all disability-adjusted life years measured, and that the burden remained high from the early 20s right through to 50 years of age, before a gradual decrease in burden was seen. A survey by Murphy et al (2013) found that in 2010, a total of 25,692 Americans died because of alcohol-related causes, including 15,990 due to liver disease. They also found that three times more males died compared to females.

Alcohol dependence is also referred to as alcoholism or alcohol addiction and can happen to anybody as it is often due to a combination of genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors. Often, people with an alcohol addiction will have another mental health difficulty, and the addiction may have begun as an attempt to self-medicate against the comorbid problem. For instance, 36% of people with alcohol dependence also have an anxiety disorder, and 27% have a major depressive disorder (Petrakris et al, 2002). Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety (11.6%), post-traumatic stress disorder (7.7%) and panic disorders (3.9%).  For those with alcohol abuse, 29% suffer with anxiety disorders and 11.3% have comorbid depression).

Due to the wide availability of alcohol, it is vital that those with alcohol abuse problems or alcoholism are appropriately cared for. Many successful treatments are available for alcoholism, many of which have similar aims including:

1)       Attempting to discover the cause of one’s addiction, which might include self-medicating due to another disorder, relieving stress, social inhibitions and avoidance;

2)      Addressing other difficulties besides the addiction which may be present, such as other comorbid disorders, grief, or the loss of employment;

3)      Determining the internal motivations associated with drinking behaviour, also known as functional analysis, by asking clients about their thoughts, feelings and behaviours before, during and after drinking behaviour. This method is particularly helpful in identifying triggers to relapse;

4)      Teaching clients how to better cope with stressors, negative life-events, cognitions and behaviours. This entails coping skills training and developing alternatives to using alcohol as a solution to problems.

CBT has given hope to many with alcohol addiction, and a meta-analysis (review of many studies) of 53 trials of CBT for alcoholism and drug abuse has shown that CBT is significantly effective amongst a wide variety of people and substance abuse disorders, and that it works most effectively when combined with other psycho-social treatments.

Other treatments for alcoholism are also effective, including:

-           Cognitive bias modification (CBM) therapy, which works by adjusting cognitive biases people have towards alcohol from approach to avoidance (Wiers et al, 2011)

-          Social behaviour and network therapy, which promotes change through positive support from a network of family and friends (UKATT, 2005)

-          Motivational enhancement therapy, which aims to clarify the clients own perceptions and beliefs (UKATT, 2005)

-          Harm reduction, which focuses on reducing risky or dangerous drinking and substance abuse

-          AA meetings, thought to work to some extent by reducing depressive feelings (Kelly et al,  2010)

-          And numerous other treatment approaches.

Whatever the situation or problems you are having, your alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction can be treated. As long as you are willing to change and have an open mind, treatment could completely change not only your life, but those of the people you care most about.  Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse treatment and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse and drug treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Alcohol Abuse is an Increasing Problem

Alcohol Abuse Is A Common Problem

Many people confuse alcohol abuse with alcoholism. Alcohol abuse is when drinking leads to problems but not necessarily physical addiction.

According the CDC, Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work. Manifestations of alcohol abuse include things such as: failure to fulfill major responsibilities at work, school, or home; drinking in dangerous situations, such as drinking while driving or operating machinery; legal problems related to alcohol, such as being arrested for drinking while driving or for physically hurting someone while drunk; and continued drinking despite ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by drinking.  Often, those who abuse alcohol may also be suffering from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or who are experiencing stressful life circumstances

Long-term alcohol abuse can turn into alcohol dependence.  Dependency on alcohol, also known as alcohol addiction and alcoholism, is a chronic disease. The signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence include: a strong craving for alcohol; continued use despite repeated physical, psychological, or interpersonal problems; the inability to limit drinking.

Alcohol abuse is an increasing problem. It has been estimated that one out of every six people throughout the United States has a drinking problem. This includes alcohol abuse, risky drinking and alcoholism.

Anyone who has more than a dozen drinks in a week or who has five or more drinks in one of occasion can be at risk of alcohol abuse. These will often lead to problems within their lives, which may include problems in their relationships, at work, health or other areas of functioning. This is not an addiction because the person can stop if they choose to, however many choose not to because of making them feel better in one way or another.

Those who are suffering from alcohol abuse often need to drink more alcohol in order to feel the effects and may begin to have memory lapses after drinking large quantities. These individuals are developing tolerance and are at risk for withdrawal symptoms if they have not had a drink in a specific amount of time. At this point the individual is dependent on alcohol.  These individuals are at risk for serious medical problems if they try to stop “cold turkey” and require medical assistance.

Some of the common symptoms for people with alcohol abuse include drinking alone, neglecting to eat properly, trying to hide the use of alcohol, and. Those who are showing signs of alcohol abuse need to get help just as much as those who are considered alcoholics. The same treatment programs that are available for alcoholics can work for those with alcohol abuse. The first step is realizing that there is a problem that needs to be dealt with.

While alcohol abuse may be common, it doesn’t have to be a problem. Those who recognize that they have a problem can get help. Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse and drug treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Alcohol Abuse Is A Common Problem In Memphis, TN

Many people confuse alcohol abuse with alcoholism. However, alcohol abuse is very different. Unlike alcoholism, alcohol abusers have some ability to set limits on their drinking.  However, their alcohol use is still self-destructive and dangerous to themselves, can progress into alcoholism and they need help. When people are abusing alcohol they may neglect some of their everyday duties.  Alcohol abuse is when drinking leads to problems, but not physical tolerance, withdrawal or addiction.

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work including:

  Repeatedly Neglecting Responsibilities:  Because of drinking, repeatedly neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school.  For example, neglecting the children, performing poorly at work, poor or failing grades in school, or skipping out on work, school, personal or social commitments because you’re hung over.

  Alcohol Use in Dangerous Situations:  The use of alcohol in situations where it can be physically dangerous, such as drinking and driving, drinking in a bad neighborhood, mixing alcohol with prescription medication against the advice of your doctor or operating machinery while drinking.

 Legal Problems Due to Drinking:  If, due to drinking, you are experiencing repeated legal problems.  For example, getting arrested for fights, drunk and disorderly conduct, domestic disputes, driving under the influence.

  Continued Drinking Despite Relationship Problems: Alcohol is causing or making problems worse in your relationships with your friends, family or spouse, and you continue to drink.  For example, fighting with your family because they don’t like how you act when you drink or going out and drinking with your buddies even though you know your wife will be very upset.

    Drinking to De-Stress:  Many drinking problems start when people use alcohol to relieve stress.  Because alcohol is a sedative drug, over time, you will need more alcohol to have the same effect.  Getting drunk after a very stressful day more often, for example, or reaching for a bottle after you have an argument with boss, a friend or your spouse more frequently.

Those who abuse alcohol may also be suffering from depression, peer pressure, low self-esteem, or who live stressful lifestyles

Alcohol abuse is an increasing concern. It has been estimated that one out of every six people throughout the United States has a drinking problem. This includes alcohol abuse, but can also include risky drinking and alcoholism. 51.5% of adults were current regular drinkers at least 12 drinks in the past year.

Anyone who has more than a dozen drinks in a week or who has five or more drinks in one of occasion can be at risk of alcohol abuse. These will often lead to problems within their lives, which may include medical problems as well is difficulties completing activities of daily living, such as occupational problems, difficulties with relationships, and other functional impairments. This is not an addiction because the person has not developed a physical tolerance or withdrawal symptoms.

Those who are suffering from alcohol abuse often move into alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, alcohol dependence, or alcohol addiction, because they need to drink more alcohol in order to feel the effects. This is called tolerance.  These individuals may also begin to feel withdrawal symptoms if they have not had a drink in a specific amount of time. These individuals may also end up requiring medical detoxification.

Some of the common symptoms for people with alcohol abuse include drinking alone, neglecting to eat properly, trying to hide the use of alcohol, and. Those who are showing signs of alcohol abuse need to get help just as much as those who are considered alcoholics. The same treatment programs that are available for alcoholics can work for those with alcohol abuse. The first step is realizing that there is a problem that needs to be dealt with.

While alcohol abuse may be common throughout the United States, it doesn’t have to be a problem. Those who recognize that they have a problem can get help. Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the alcohol abuse treatment and drug abuse treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Alcohol Abuse and PTSD: Dual Disorders

Alcohol abuse and PSTD frequently occur together.  The combination of both causes major challenges for the sufferer and for their family.

People who have PTSD are much more probable than non-trauma sufferers to develop alcohol related problems.  At the same time people who drink too much often experience PTSD.  People who have PTSD can have trouble with drinking too much, both before getting PTSD as well as after developing PTSD.  Likewise PTSD greatly increases the odds of developing drinking problems.

Studies have shown women are more inclined than men with PTSD to start drinking too much.  An astounding 75% of abuse victims have problems with drinking.  Compare this to people who weren't abused but had a trauma in their life such as experiencing a disaster, being very ill or in a bad accident where 33% reported drinking too much.

For veterans of Vietnam who have PTSD, close to 70% abuse alcohol.  Veterans of all wars who have PTSD often drink too much, and they usually binge drink.  The reason for the binge drinking is to try and suppress symptoms associated with a traumatic event associated with PTSD.  Elderly combat veterans who have PTSD have a much higher risk to suicide attempts if they drink too much or have depression.

For people who have experienced psychological traumas, drinking too much may serve to try and numb out or forget the traumatic events.  Alcohol is often used by people to self medicate when their life isn't going that well.  The alcohol leads to more problems and repels the people closest to you even further apart.  This makes it extremely difficult to fulfill life roles, such a son, daughter, wife, husband, parent or employee.  When alcohol with PTSD co-occur both sets of problems are magnified.

Alcohol does help you forget your troubles for a short time.  But this temporary solution causes many more problems than you had before.  Drinking makes it difficult to concentrate and to think about how to productively solve your problems.

The best solution you have for the alcohol abuse and PTSD is to get help.  Stopping the drinking cold turkey could result in withdrawal symptoms, depending on how long, how much and how frequently you have been drinking.

People who have PTSD and alcohol abuse they can be treated concurrently in our dual diagnosis program.  Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Dual Diagnosis / Substance Abuse treatment Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN has been proven to be effective in the treatment of PTSD and alcohol abuse, as well as drug abuse,  in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of PTSD, alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for PTSD and substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Alcohol Abuse and Harm Reduction

In countries other than the United States Harm Reduction what is frequently used to reduce  excessive use, addiction and dependence on alcohol.  The idea of this is quite simple: reducing a problem to any degree is positive. Incrementally reducing this problem will eventually get rid of the problem or least get it under control.  Harm Reduction is a very easy concept to grasp and it works.

Using NESARC, Dawson and colleagues examined data on people who experienced the onset of alcohol dependence at some point before the year prior to the survey. In this sample, 25.0 percent were still alcohol dependent, 27.3 percent were in partial remission, 11.8 percent were in full remission but drinking at levels or patterns that put them at high risk for relapse, 17.7 percent were low-risk drinkers, and 18.2 percent were abstainers during the year prior to the survey.

The NESARC data has shown that only 25.5 percent of these respondents reported ever receiving treatment. Of this 25.5 percent, 3.1 percent participated in 12–Step programs, 5.4 percent received formal treatment only, and the remaining 17.0 percent participated in both 12–Step and formal treatment programs.  This work shows that there is a wide range of recovery from alcohol dependence in the general population, from partial remission to full abstinence. It also shows that the track of this disease is not clear-cut—some people appear to recover from alcoholism without formal treatment. Others may cycle into and out of dependence throughout their lifetime despite repeated attempts to achieve sobriety.

Most people know friends or family that had a drinking problem sometime in their life who either started cutting down or abstaining to better their lives.  A substantial number of people recover from alcohol dependence in spite of its chronic characteristics.  When you know that you have a problem with anything the ideal time to deal with it is early.  If you wait the problem will only linger and get much worse.  This is definitely the case with alcohol abuse.  You can try to cut down by yourself but if that does help then you must find outside help.  But you should only find alcohol treatment which treats you like an individual.  The research is clear that people who are not ready to abstain from alcohol do not do well in abstinence based treatment and tend to do better in harm reduction programs that work within a moderation management paradigm.

Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse and drug treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Drug Abuse Treatment

Drug addiction is a complex but treatable illness, characterized by compulsive, uncontrollable drug craving, drug seeking, and drug abuse that persist despite negative consequences. For many individuals, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapse occurring even after long periods of abstinence. The drug abuse typically reaches a point where it interferes with normal functioning at home, work, or in other important aspects of life.  Drug addiction can also place people at increased risk for a wide variety of other illnesses.  For some people, drug addiction is a chronic and progressive disease, and much like any other chronic disease, individuals usually cannot simply stop using on their own and be considered permanently cured. Most people require long-term care, with multiple episodes of care, to achieve sustained recovery.

Because drug addiction has so many dimensions and disrupts many aspects of a person’s life, drug treatment is never simple. In order to be effective, treatment for drug abuse must attend to the multiple needs of the individual, rather than focusing solely on the substance abuse. The therapeutic process often begins with medically assisted detoxification, and is followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Medication is often used to supplement the recovery process, particularly if an individual struggles with a co-occurring mental disorder. Behavioral treatments are aimed at modifying attitudes and behaviors related to drug abuse and increasing adaptive life skills, and may include cognitive-behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, family therapy, and motivational interviewing, as well as individual counseling. No single treatment is appropriate for everyone, so it is important to frequently assess the treatment process and modify as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet an individual’s changing needs and life circumstances.

Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse and drug treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Drinking While Driving: A Danger to Every Driver and Passenger

The definition of drunk driving in the USA is having a blood alcohol rate of a minimum of .08%.    In 2010 there were over 110 reported incidents of drinking while driving.

Compared to recent years the incidents of driving while drinking has decreased by 30%.  Even so, there are still too many drunk drivers operating vehicles and they account for around 33% of all deadly crashes.  For 2009 they accounted for more than 10,000 deaths on the streets and highways.

Problems that Drunk Driving Causes

When someone is drinking while driving everyone else driving on the streets and highways are in peril.

Below are the demographic statistics of who is more than likely to be drinking while driving for the year of 2010:

    Men comprise of 80% of all drunk drivers
    Younger men (21 to 34) are 3 times more likely to drive drunk.  They are only 10% of the population but account for over 30% of all drunk driving incidents.
    More than 80% were the result of binge drinking.  The definition of binge drinking of men is at least 5 drinks, and for women are at least 4 drinks.

Defenses Against Drunk Driving

Always remember to use your seat belt.  You never know when you will encounter a drunk driver.

It is reported that seat belts decrease the probability of death and serious injury by half.

Some states are more strict on laws for seat belts than others.  A few states will pull over a driver just because they are not buckled up and in other states it is illegal not to wear a seat belt.

Ways to Prevent Drunk Driving

    Do not engage in drinking games where you and your friends start binge drinking.
    If you have a serious drinking problem which is negatively affecting your social life, work or health then tell your physician.  They will most likely recommend counseling to help you be less dependent on alcohol.
    Make sure before you drink not to drive home and look out for your friends who are also drinking.
    Beforehand you should designate a non drinking friend as the driver to take you and your friends home.
    If you don't have a friend who can drive you home take a taxi home.
    You cannot control who else is driving on the streets.  This is why it's imperative that you always use a safety belt and make sure your passengers also wear them.  Even if the car ride is less than a mile remember to wear your seat belt because you never know when you will encounter a drunk driver.

Ways for Doctors to Prevent Drunk Driving
    Test patients for unhealthy drinking habits such as binge drinking.  If the patient is found to have a drinking problem consult with them on the dangers to both their health, and the health of others caused by their excessive drinking.
    Inform patents that car accidents are the top reason for death for young people from age 5 to the mid 30s.  And of those deaths, 33% are caused by drunk driving.

Ways for Employers to Prevent Drunk Driving

    Promote healthy living and drinking habits with a work health program which instills to each employee how dangerous it is to drink while driving.  An idea is to ask family members who were directly affected to talk and discuss their loss.
    Have a zero tolerance policy for employees who operate a work or personal motor vehicle intoxicated while driving as part of their job.

If you are concerned about your drinking or have received a DUI, you should consider your treatment options.  The severity of your drinking problem will determine the type of treatment you should receive.  Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol treatment and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse and drug treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.