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Health Advice and Information on Alcohol and Alcoholism
Drink Problems, click apples ALCOHOL/ ALCOHOLISM Alcohol is the most readily available and legal, acceptable and affordable drug available. It is also probably, and certainly in my mind, the most widespread abused drug and the fact is that alcohol only needs to be taken in small quantities to adversely affect not only the drinker but everybody around them. If alcohol is taken in large quantities and the drinker becomes a danger to themselves and others the problem is obviously huge. But even in small quantities the user may be far more dependent on drink than they realise. Although many believe that in some way the alcohol may be helping them, it is in fact doing the complete opposite and taking away the natural ability of the individual to cope with lifes normal emotions and events in a way that can help them grow as an individual. Alcohol is a personality changing drug and that personality it creates is not the real you. The real you is undoubtedly a lot happpier and able individual than the one the alcohol creates. On top of this, we all know that alcohol makes us do things that we would not normally do, that loss of inhibition and the gaining of false courage, more often than not the things we do that we would not normally do can cause us embarrassment, shame and regret. For sober our behaviour no longer sits easy in our minds so that even sober we may be over compensating or be emotionally and spiritually paying for the events of our drinking. To many it does not become a problem, but to the vast majority of people that do use alcohol, it can cause problems. We drink for many reasons, infact to most it can be seen as a solution to many of our problems because of the initial effects it has on our minds, thinking, feelings and inhibitions it is felt as a positive thing. Although felt as a solution for many problems, it can more often than not become a problem in itself and other solutions to initial problems will have to be found to cease the abuse of alcohol, which infact is self abuse as alcohol can change the way we act and behave in a very negative way and we can lose sight of who we really are as the alcohol takes over. The dependance on alcohol from individual to individual differs and some may need support and learn to control their drinking, while for others where alcohol has taken a hold, for whatever reason (it has been suggested that this may be genetic) others may have to completely abstain from drinking alcohol and so need support to lead this new life free from alcohol. If you do have a problem with alcohol and drinking, you can rest assured that you are by no means alone and thanks to greater media coverage and acceptance of alcoholism being an illness and the many supporting organisations, treatment centres and individual counsellors available there are also very good chances and ways to recover from this problem. There are also all the complementary therapies available that do spiritually ease stress and promote esteem and relaxation. Therapies that can support you through whatever issues and problems that you have and need support to work through with. Also if the drinking has been long and harmful and effected you physically, the therapies can help speed up the recovery of your whole self, holistically. many drinkers are full of anger and self hatred and this can all be turned around with the use of these therapies. In many cases, the alcoholic cannot stop drinking, or can go a while without a drink and then end up drunk all over again, all around can feel helpless, and the alcoholic themselves will more often than not deep down realise they have a serious problem and be full of shame, fear and powerless too. If you are thinking of cutting down on drinking, considering abstinence or being teetotal and totally abstaining fom drink. There is an abundance of help , advice and solutions for all the problems that may bring you to drink in the first place, the problems that the drinking brings and the tools and perhaps changes in the journey of life to recovery and freedom from the bondage to alcohol. For many, the idea of never drinking again can seem like an absurd possibility, many also find that it is the first drink that causes them to crave even more, that it is not possible to just have one or a couple. A life without drink is therefore going to be a lot better one and is achievable with the right support. Few people can stop drinking on their own if their illness has progressed. This is no failure, anyone with any illness can not get better on their own, we all need help to recover. Alcoholism has been around for many years and today affects more of us than ever, starting from very young people who may display the signs of very progressed alcoholism that in the past may have only been seen in much older people. Alcohol is legal, a legal drug, and very easily accessable, from the local scorner shop to garages and super markets to the many bars, pubs and clubs that line our high streets. Now alcohol is legal to be served 24hrs a day. It is socially acceptable, and thought of a social lubricant to help in social situations, reducing inhibitions and initially giving a false sence of added confidence in ourselves and our ability to be able to, say for example, communicate with other people, especially those of the opposite sex. Alcohol can be used as a crutch in times of difficulty also, for example when an individual is suffering from stress or emotional pain due to any number of reasons. The individual may feel that alcohol is actually an aid and is helping. That alcohol is taking the pain away of grief or abuse, that alcohol is promoting sleep in someone not able to get to sleep, easing physical pain, or anym other emotional, spiritual or life problem. The true reality is that alcoholism can progress very rapidly, you may end up regularly drinking more than you wanted and experience black outs where you cannot remeber periods of time during the drinking. You may do things that you severly regret and could never have thought you would do, like drink driving, putting your and other peoples lives at risk. You may sleep and have sex with someone that you wish you had not and have failed to practice safe sex, giving the chance to become infected with sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancy. You may become aggressive when you drink and get into fights that you would never normally do in your sober state, leading to arrest and convictions. The list continues, but for anyone who is abusing alcohol, drinking too much, FEAR is a common feeling that becomes part of life. This fear can lead to a vicious cycle of drinking more to forget and lessen the fear, which only causes yet more regrets and fear. Anyone who is drinking too much who has a justification for it, excuses and reasons, will know that really they do not know why they are really drinking like this anymore, as the problems the drinking are causing are now worse that the original problems the drink 'helped' with. The truth is they cannot stop drinking, and they do not know why. This is the disease of alcoholism. Alcohol stimulates the secretion of adrenaline, producing nervous tension, irritability and insomnia. Alcohol will in excess increase fat deposits in the heart and decrease immune function. Alcohol is also a toxin to bone marrow. It has a severe impact on the liver, inhibiting its ability to detoxify the body, heavy drinking causes cirrhosis and liver disease. Damaging also on the brain and central nervous system causing the brain to deteriorate with permanent loss of memory, epileptic fits and wet brain. Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with poor nutrition, leading to protein and vitamin deficiency, this can give rise to a permanent abnormal gait and tingling in the fingers. Heavy drinking also causes pancreatitus, giving rise to abdominal pain and diabetes. Alcohol in excess is also a catalyst to an increase in crime, violence, road accidents, family disfunction, promiscuity or unwanted sexual activities, accidents and hospital admissions etc. All in all it is not a pretty picture or enjoyable, the early days of enjoyment and friviality are long gone and will never return. In fact the person may feel very lost, helpless and powerless. Alcoholism is when an individual has become addicted to alcohol, they cannot live with or without it and in many cases the individual will be in denial of their problem. It is not their fault, it is an illness. A mental obsession combined with a physical allergy in which they cannot stop drinking, more often than not leading to dire consequences. It is almost impossible for the alcoholic to get better by themselves. As any other sick individual they need help. As often do the families and friends involved. Alcoholism is sometimes know as a family illness as it effects all those close to the sufferer, as do many illnesses, but with alcohol, the deceipt, personality change and not being able to stop the alcoholic from drinking can distress the other members of the family who may resort to desperate measures and even have a change in personality themselves, they may become fearful and depressed to and need support and understanding also. They may become victims of domestic violence, turn to alcohol or drugs themselves, or resort to violence, lying, poor work performance, lower self esteem, fearful etc. If you or someone you know has a drink problem, or thinks that they might, why not try looking at the questionaire below, if you answer yes to these questions, and the more you answer yes to, it is extremely likely that you are suffering from alcoholism. The discovery of this may come as a shock, or a relief as there is a way out, there are many forms of recovery and you now have the choice to make that decision and get the help you need now. There are many alcoholics in recovery all over the country and the world. You will find men and women, old and young, rich and poor and of every religion and nationality that have suffered as you are. No one is immune to alcoholism, you may feel isolated and as if you are the only one, but for all you know there may be another 10 alcoholics in you very own street. There are always statistics that are printed, but I believe this is the tip of the iceberg, many alcoholice never admit the fact and die for all manner of side efeects of the drinking. Many just carry on miserable for years, not seeing a way out. There is a way out, there is a way to stop and lead a happy and fulfilling life again. There are many options, find out the best on for you and go for it. Alcohol Questionaire: from the Abbey Care Foundation holistic Treatment Centre 1. Do you ever use alcohol alone?
2. Have you ever stolen alcohol or stolen to obtain alcohol? 3. Do you regularly drink when you wake up or when you go to bed? 4. Do you avoid people or places that do not approve of your drinking? 5. Has your job performance ever suffered from the effects of your alcohol use? 6. Have you ever been arrested as a result of drinking? 7. Do you put the purchase of alcohol ahead of your financial responsibilities? 8. Have you ever tried to stop or control your drinking? 9. Have you ever been in a jail, hospital, or rehabilitation center because of your drinking? 10. Does using alcohol interfere with your sleeping or eating? 11. Does the thought of running out of alcohol terrify you? 12. Do you feel it is impossible for you to live without using alcohol? 13. Do you ever question your own sanity? 14. Is your alcohol use causing problems at home? 15. Have you ever thought you could not fit in or have a good time without alcohol? 16. Have you ever felt defensive, guilty, or ashamed about your drinking? 17. Do you think a lot about drinking? 18. Have you had irrational or indefinable fears? 19. Has drinking affected your sexual relationships? 20. Have you ever taken alcohol that you did not prefer simply for the effect? 21. Have you ever used alcohol because of emotional pain or stress? 22. Have you ever experienced a "Blackout"? 23. Do you continue to use alcohol despite negative consequences? 24. Do you think you might have an alcohol problem? brought to you with kind permission of John of The Abbeycare Foundation www.abbeycarefoundation.combr > Abbeycare Foundation has a complete holistic approach to the treatment of alcohol addiction and dependency. By using our rational, emotional and spiritual intelligence we aim to transform ourselves and to become free from addictive behavioural patterns. In the past spirituality has often been seen as the silent way to freedom from addictions however, in recent years hard science has now accepted the fact that spirituality is a positive tool on the way to recovery from alcohol addiction. The staff at Abbeycare are a solid team of qualified, experienced & dedicated people which includes a psychiatric nurse, psychotherapists, spiritual advisors & volunteers from many walks of life and backgrounds. Most counsellors and volunteer staff have experienced alcohol addiction themselves. Whether you are worried about the amount you are currently drinking and want to cut down, if you think that you may have the beginings of a drink problem, a seruious drink problem or are an alcoholic or chronic alcoholic. It is important to get help. The earlier the better, but even in the late stages of alcoholism there is still hope for recovery. As well as counselling, spiritual approaches and group therapy are found to be very useful and effective for both the alcoholic and the families. Massage-can promote greater well being, esteem, help in the recovery of the nervous system Mediatation Hypnotherapy-is excellent for changing unwanted behaviours of pattern and reducing cravings. Auricular Therapy-can ease the detoxification process and help maintain abstinence. Nutritionist and naturopth therapy-will be of great help as malnourishment is common, and better eating habits will also aid restore health Spiritual Healing Acupuncture Chakra Balancing Counselling-for all support needs and continuing support Group Therapies Reading book material AA and the Big Book of AA All therapies that have a healing and dealing philosophy and effect will aid the recovery of alcoholism from mild to severve as the side effects of drinking will also need to be treated. And in recovery, a whole new way of life will be open to heal the mind, body, spirit and soul. For withdrawls it is advised to seek orthodox medical attention as fits can occur which can be fatal. Doctors may also be able to prescibe other medicines such as antabuse which you may or may not choose to use in your recovery. It is an individual choice and your recovery and in most cases of alcoholism, continued abstinence, that is paramount. Alcoholism is a fatal illness and the journey to this end is littered with distress and illness. It is recoverable and an alcoholic must take their recovery with the seriousness of a fatal disease and do all in their recovery that is needed to bring greater health and state of mind body and spirit. This input no only benefits the alcoholic, but has a knock on effect to all that know him or her positively. It is seen as wise for the first space of time after coming off the drink to go into a Treatment Centre or Clinic, not only does this afford a distance from the immediate problem which is alcohol. These places can also give intensive counselling, insightful information and tools required along with a great deal of support from not only trained professionals but also from fellow sufferes who will identify with you, an intensive caring time if you like, in the early days of the recovery and change of life. Mant of the treatment centre offer aftercare support. Some individuals like to go to group therapy, self help groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. This may not be for everyone and many counsellors are skilled at dealing with alcohol problems, alcoholism and recovery. Other methods of therapy that can help you lessen the stress and promote greater wellbeing are all listed on Healer Dealer. Helping you find the solutions. |
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