How Long Does Alcohol Stay In Your Body?

Posted on February 16, 2018 by dr-admin

The body has a process for breaking down alcohol. The amount of time alcohol stays in a person’s body depends on how much they drink and their overall health. After prolonged alcohol use, the liver, brain, and other organs may suffer great damage.

Understanding The Effects Of Alcohol

Alcohol (ethanol) is a central nervous system depressant that spends relatively little time in the body, but causes its functions to slow. The amount of time alcohol spends in a person’s body depends greatly on the size of their liver and their body mass. On average, the body metabolizes alcohol at a constant rate of 20 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) per hour.

“Alcohol slows your breathing rate, heart rate, and how well your brain functions. These effects may appear within 10 minutes and peak at around 40 to 60 minutes. Alcohol stays in your bloodstream until it is broken down by the liver,” (National Library of Medicine).

Alcohol affects each person differently. A person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is determined by environmental factors such as amount consumed, presence of food in the system, type of alcoholic beverage, and genetic factors. Two people can drink the same amount of alcohol, and it will have a different effect on each of them, and different effects on their BAC.

Factors that can affect how a person’s body reacts to alcohol include:

age
weight
gender
physical health
genetics
smoking
how much and how often a person drinks
mixing alcohol with medications or other drugs
drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time (binge drinking)

Many people drink alcohol as a way to unwind or socialize. Yet too much alcohol can damage the liver, heart, stomach, pancreas, and immune system. Abusing alcohol, binge drinking, or using alcohol to try to cope with grief, anxiety, depression, or mental illness, may contribute to alcohol use disorder.

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What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition that occurs when the use of alcohol causes significant impairment, health problems, or distress. Many people suffering from AUD become unable to meet requirements with their career, school, or home life.

Alcohol use disorder is a progressive and primary illness. If left untreated, AUD will continue to get worse over time as drinking progresses. AUD is defined as mild, moderate, or severe.

How Is Alcohol Metabolized?

After alcohol is consumed, it quickly travels to the digestive system. The stomach tissues absorb about 20 percent of the alcohol into the bloodstream, which is known as gastric emptying. The other 80 percent of alcohol is absorbed into the tissues of the small intestine.

First-pass metabolism (FPM) is greatly influenced by the speed of gastric emptying, which can also vary based on the amount of food in a person’s system, how much they drank, their age, and their overall physical health.

Once alcohol has been absorbed into the bloodstream, it travels through the veins to the liver, where it’s exposed to enzymes and metabolized. The principle alcohol-metabolizing enzymes within the liver include alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).

ADH metabolizes alcohol to acetaldehyde, which is a highly toxic substance that may contribute to organ tissue damage and alcohol addiction. After that, acetaldehyde is broken down into acetate, which is then oxidized into carbon dioxide in the heart, skeletal muscles, and brain cells.

Researchers have found that a person’s genetics can be a factor in the amount of ADH and ALDH enzymes they have in their body. People have different variations of ADH and ALDH enzymes in their body, and some people are able to process alcohol faster than others.

Liver Metabolism Rates

The liver is responsible for the final step of removing alcohol from the body, but any issues with the liver can slow this process. On average, it takes the liver one hour to metabolize one ounce of alcohol. The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing ingested ethanol, but non-liver tissues, like the brain, can metabolize alcohol as well.

For many people, an ounce of alcohol produces a .015 blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The more alcohol a person drinks, the higher their BAC becomes. In other words, the amount of time it takes the liver to process alcohol is greatly affected by the amount a person drinks.

A person who suffers from an alcohol use disorder may not be able to control the amount they drink, which not only increases their chance of acute alcohol intoxication, but also increases the chance of doing serious damage to the liver and other organs.

Alcohol’s Effect On The Body

Even though its time in the body is considerably short compared to many other drugs, alcohol can have a serious impact on a person’s health on any single occasion or over time. The rate at which the the body metabolizes alcohol is greatly affected by organ health. Alcohol can cause damage to the heart, liver, brain, pancreas, and contributes to certain cancers as well.

Brain—Alcohol slows communication speed between neurotransmitters in the brain. Alcohol also shrinks brain cells and damages the cerebellum, limbic system, and cerebral cortex. Abstinence from alcohol can help reverse negative effects on problem-solving skills, memory, and attention.
Liver—Heavy alcohol consumption takes a serious toll on the liver, and can lead to a number of liver problems and liver inflammation. Liver problems caused by alcohol include fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
Heart—Some of the heart problems from alcohol include alcoholic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, stroke, and high blood pressure. Long-term heavy drinking is a leading cause of heart disease, which kills an estimated 610,000 people each year.
Pancreas—Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce a toxic substance which can lead to pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a dangerous swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion.
Cancer—Heavy drinking increases the risk of developing cancers, which may include mouth cancer, esophagus cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer.

Alcohol damage to any single organ may cause a chain reaction of organ damage. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “The liver breaks down alcohol—and the toxins it releases. During this process, alcohol’s byproducts damage liver cells. These damaged liver cells no longer function as well as they should and allow too much of these toxic substances, ammonia and manganese in particular, to travel to the brain.”

Alcohol doesn’t just damage the body. With too much alcohol, a person can develop alcohol dependence (alcoholism), loss of job, mental disorder, and even die. Alcohol poisoning is responsible for six deaths every day in the United States.

How To Detoxify Your Body From Alcohol

A medically-supervised detoxification (medical detox) takes place at a residential treatment center, and is performed by a team of physicians, clinicians, nurses, and treatment professionals. Medical detox helps patients through potential withdrawal symptoms and other complications found in early abstinence from alcohol. Medical detox is the safest and most effective way to remove alcohol from the body.

Medical detox is an initial step toward recovering from alcohol, but isn’t considered a full treatment. Addiction is a progressive illness, which means that it doesn’t go away over time, but gets worse. Quitting alcohol may help an individual avoid serious health risks.

Contact DrugRehab.org for help with quitting use of alcohol.

For More Information Related to “How Long Does Alcohol Stay In Your Body?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

The Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol And Muscle Relaxers

Posted on January 18, 2018 by dr-admin

Mixing alcohol and muscles relaxants is a dangerous combination which can produce extreme sedation, decreased cognitive abilities, impaired motor functioning, accidental death, and addiction. Should a person be addicted to one or both of these drugs, a comprehensive treatment program should be sought to alleviate these risks.

A person faces an increased risk of overdose, respiratory depression, fall and injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and seizure when combining alcohol and muscle relaxants (more technically referred to as muscle relaxants).

Both alcohol and muscle relaxants depress, or slow down, the body’s central nervous system (CNS), an action which can lead to these and other dangers, should these two substances be combined.

What Are Muscle Relaxers?

Muscle relaxants are prescription medications used to relax muscles, providing relief from sprains, strains, or other injuries to the muscles. Muscle relaxants produce their effect by depressing the CNS, producing sedation and a relaxing of the skeletal muscles.

When used for these purposes, muscle relaxants alleviate pain, reduce muscle spasms, aid a person in having greater mobility, and, as an additional benefit for some, provide relief from insomnia caused by these ailments.

Muscle relaxants are not typically recommended as a first-line defense for certain concerns, such as low-back pain, due to their potential for misuse and because of their side effects. These medications are generally prescribed for short-term use to to their potential for misuse, abuse, and dependence.

One of the most frequently abused skeletal muscle relaxants is called Soma, however, others may also be abused, including cyclobenzaprine (Amrix), dantrolene (Dantrium), methocarbamol (Robaxin), metaxalone (Skelaxin), and tizanidine (Zanaflex).

The side effects of muscle relaxants will vary somewhat drug to drug, and person to person, but in general they include:

depression
drowsiness
dizziness
clumsiness
fatigue
headache
impaired thinking
low blood pressure
nausea
quickened heart rate
unsteadiness
upset stomach
vision troubles
vomiting
weakness
skin rash

Muscle relaxants can also make it difficult for a person to stay alert and think clearly, causing impairments to decision-making and thought processes.
It’s worth noting that certain benzodiazepine medications may also be used as muscle relaxants due to their antispasmodic properties. Examples include: alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan), all of which are heavily abused.

Side effects of benzodiazepines may include:

altered sex drive or ability
blurred vision
depression
dizziness
diarrhea
drowsiness
impaired motor skills
mental confusion
nausea
slowed reaction time
trouble concentrating
weakness

When used properly, under caution, and as prescribed by a doctor, muscle relaxants are typically safe. However, when taken with or in close proximity to alcohol or other drugs, muscle relaxants can have dangerous, and sometimes deadly, effects.

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The Effects Of Alcohol Abuse

Despite alcohol’s notoriety as an upbeat, social drug, it’s actually a depressant. When consumed to excess alcohol will significantly slow down a person’s brain and body and reduce their ability to function properly.

Alcohol can cause:

abdominal pain
altered vision
anxiety
confusion
depression
dizziness
impaired judgement
an inability to think clearly
motor skill impairment
nausea
poor decision-making skills
poor memory
problems with balance
trouble concentrating
trouble walking
vomiting

As you can see, many of these effects echo those caused by muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines included, which is the main reason it is so risky to combine these drugs.

Why Do People Combine Alcohol And Muscle Relaxants?

Muscle relaxants, including benzodiazepines, can cause intense relaxation and euphoria, effects which lead some to abuse their own prescription or someone else’s. Some individuals may also use these medications to self-medicate as a means to induce sleep or to reduce the unpleasant feelings associated with alcohol withdrawal.

The dangers linked to this use may occur unknowingly, as a person consumes one drug in close proximity to the dose of the other. This may happen when a person is taking the muscle relaxant as prescribed and has a drink with it (without realizing the harmful interactions). It can also happen if they have a drink a short time latter while the medication is still in their system.

Most muscle relaxants last around four to six hours, so even if a person begins drinking several hours after they take their dose the medication will still be in their system. Muscle relaxants can be extremely potent; even having one drink while on one can cause uncomfortable, debilitating, and dangerous side effects.

While any combination of these drugs can be dangerous, many people face more extreme risks when they intentionally abuse both drugs together to create a desired, pleasurable effect. Within situations of abuse, an individual is far more likely to use a medication in large dosages. This means that they may take greater-than-prescribed doses of the muscle relaxer or take the pill more frequently than they should, behaviors which increase the odds of overdose, addiction, and other adverse health effects.

The Dangers Of Combining Alcohol And Muscle Relaxants

The CNS depression and sedation caused by muscle relaxants (including benzodiazepines) can become dangerous when enhanced by the effects of other drugs, including alcohol.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism writes that using alcohol with muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol may cause the following harmful reactions:

drowsiness
dizziness
higher risk of seizures
higher risk for overdose
slowed or difficulty breathing
impaired motor control
unusual behavior
memory problems

The reactions listed for benzodiazepines are the same, except for the omission of the seizure risk.

One of the biggest dangers of this combination (including benzodiazepines) is motor impairment and incoordination. Together, muscle relaxants and alcohol can make it difficult to walk and balance. This can cause a person to stumble and fall, especially when compounded by the dizziness and impaired vision which may be present from each drug. The head injuries which result from this could be grave, even to the point of being lethal.

Motor impairment also makes it very dangerous to operate heavy machinery or a vehicle. Used separately, these drugs cause an individual’s reaction time, judgement, decision-making ability, and cognition all to be adversely affected; when alcohol and muscle relaxants are used together these impacts become even more apparent and hazardous.

The sum of these adverse effects can endanger not only the person driving the vehicle, but those accompanying them as passengers, other drivers on the road, and pedestrians. Scientific American reports that “automobile drivers were much more likely to weave and speed if they were under the influence of drugs like Xanax in addition to alcohol than if they had consumed alcohol alone.”

The intense sedation and respiratory depression which results from these two drugs places an individual at a high risk of overdose, circumstances which require emergency medical services.

The most recent DAWN findings document that nearly one in five emergency department visits relating to the misuse or abuse of muscle relaxants involved the use of alcohol, with carisoprodol being the most frequently witnessed muscle relaxant in these circumstances, and cyclobenzaprine the second.

Overdose from alcohol and muscle relaxants can become so severe that it’s fatal. Should you fear that yourself or a loved one is overdosing, contact emergency medical services immediately.

Muscle relaxants, especially benzodiazepines can be addictive, as can alcohol. Abusing either of these drugs places an individual at risk of addiction. Abusing both together makes this risk even more pronounced.

When a person uses one drug, their ability to reason and think properly is reduced, which can make it easier for them to abuse the second drug and/or to use it in higher quantities, behaviors which in turn up the odds of developing an addiction.

Lastly, should a person become addicted to benzodiazepines and alcohol, and suddenly stop using each, withdrawal symptoms can become severe. Withdrawal from these two drugs can actually become so extreme as to cause death.

Pursuing treatment for the abuse of muscle relaxants and/or alcohol works to protect yourself or a loved one from these risks. It also helps to protect your life.

For More Information Related to “The Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol And Muscle Relaxers” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

American Family Physician — Choosing a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
MedlinePlus — Carisoprodol, Cyclobenzaprine
US National Library of Medicine — Considerations for the Appropriate Use of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants for the Management Of Acute Low Back Pain

How Does Alcohol Abuse Affect The Body?

Posted on November 17, 2017February 16, 2018 by dr-admin

Most people choose to consume alcohol because it allows them to relax and appear more sociable and happy, but, alcohol abuse can have serious long-term consequences to the body. The negative effects begin as soon as alcohol enters the body and contaminate the rest of it quickly.

Alcohol abuse is considered to be a habitual misuse of alcohol. Where the person is using alcohol as an escape mechanism to let loose and have fun, or to escape their own reality in some way. Anyone can abuse alcohol, it does not mean that there is an addiction (alcoholism) present, only that there is a higher likelihood for addiction to occur.

The more alcohol in the blood, the higher the risk for serious side-effects to occur. Which include increased risks for certain cancers, damage to the liver, brain, and other organs, and unintentional injury or violence.

The recommended drinking amount is 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. Drinking more than this is considered to be problematic drinking and can result in permanent damage to the body.

Alcohol’s Effects On The Body

When first consumed, 33 percent of alcohol gets absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, via the lining of the stomach. The rest is slowly absorbed by the small intestine. When someone abuses alcohol, they consume more than the amount their body can handle, and the amount of alcohol that is in their blood increases more quickly.

Once in the blood, alcohol makes its way to the brain, heart, and most other biological tissues.

Alcohol’s Effect On The Brain

Alcohol abuse can produce a significant amount of alcohol in the blood that supplies the brain. When the brain is flooded by alcohol it interferes with the brain’s neural messaging network by causing a disruption to the neural pathways. These disruptions can result in sudden mood changes, or changes in general behavior. And make it more difficult to think clearly, or be coordinated.

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Alcohol’s Effect On The Heart

Abusing alcohol can cause serious heart malfunctions. When habitually abused, over a long time period it can cause the muscles in the heart to sag or droop (cardiomyopathy), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), stroke, and high blood pressure.

Alcohol’s Effect On The Liver

Heavy drinking can take a huge toll on the liver over time. The liver is the organ responsible for detoxifying your body of harmful substances. When alcohol is introduced into the system, the body recognizes it as a contaminate. The pancreas and liver begin producing and releasing enzymes that break down the alcohol and make it less toxic to the body.

Overtime, abusing alcohol causes the liver to become overworked and injured. Because most people who abuse alcohol attempt to remain a little drunk all the time, in order to avoid the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol leaving their system. As a result of the damage this constant state causes the liver to become inflamed.

The inflammation can appear as:

Steatosis (fatty liver)
Alcoholic hepatitis
Fibrosis (scarring of the liver)
Cirrhosis (chronic degeneration of liver cells)

Depending on how long the person has abused alcohol.

Alcohol’s Effect On The Pancreas

With the constantly raised levels of alcohol, the pancreas can only produce enough enzymes to break down a little of the excessive amount. This causes the pancreas to be flooded with toxic substances that, over time, lead to inflammation (pancreatitis).

Pancreatitis is dangerous because the swelling of the blood vessel prevents the body from being able to digest things properly, which can damage multiple other systems throughout the body.

Alcohol abuse can lead to long-term irreparable damage to these major organs. It can also cause the body to slowly shut down over time. It’s essentially like slowly poisoning yourself because your organs become to damaged to properly detox your body.

Alcohol Abuse Causes An Increased Risk Of Cancer

Abusing alcohol can increase risk of cancer to the mouth, esophagus, and throat. This is thought to result because the majority of alcohol is consumed orally. The mouth, esophagus, and throat all become exposed to habitual abuse, and the cells within the tissues that initially consumed the alcohol degenerate from the inside out once the remaining alcohol enters the blood.

Alcohol abuse has also been shown to increase the risk of getting liver and breast cancer. The increased risk to liver damage will happen when the liver becomes overworked and the damage sets in. The increased risk to breast cancer is thought to be because of the increased fat cell content in this tissue, because fat cells are more susceptible to alcohol penetrating their cell membranes than normal body tissue cells.

Decreased Immune System

With time, alcohol abuse can also lead to a less than optimal immune system. Typically when the body encounters a foreign substance it sees as harmful it will produce white blood cells to fight and destroy that substance to return the body to homeostasis.

Abusing alcohol lowers the body’s ability to do this by damaging internal organs and keep the body constantly in a state of fluctuation. This is why people who drink chronically, are more likely to contract diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis, over people who rarely drink. It is important to note that even after a single binge drinking session the body’s ability to ward off infection is lower than normal for up to 24 hours after getting drunk.

Alcohol Has Different Effects With Age

How the body handles alcohol can change with age. And alcohol abuse symptoms are sometimes easily mistaken for common problems among old people, like balance issues. This can be dangerous because it can make it more difficult for doctors to understand their elderly patients symptoms, and they are more likely to be misdiagnosed. The increased risk of elderly becoming confused and forgetful often lead to the misdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

It is possible for elderly people to feel the effects of alcohol without increasing the amount they drink. Because the body breaks down with age, making it more difficult to build up a tolerance. This can lead to increased risk for falls and fractures.

Abusing alcohol has also been shown to worsen some health conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcers, and mood disorders in older people.

Get Help For An Alcohol Problem Today

Still have questions regarding alcohol abuse and its effects? Contact one of our treatment specialist at DrugRehab.org to find out more about these topics. Abuse is the borderline to addiction, reach us today if you or a loved one is in need. We are here to help.

For More Information Related to “How Does Alcohol Abuse Affect The Body?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

National Institute on Aging – Facts About Aging and Alcohol
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol’s Effects on the Body
U.S. National Library of Medicine – Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

What is an Alcohol Use Disorder?

Posted on November 13, 2017November 13, 2017 by dr-admin

Alcohol is one of the most widely abused drugs across the globe. With an estimated 16 million people in the United States alone suffering from alcohol use disorder, it comes as no surprise that alcohol abuse and alcoholism are so common.

As a legal and easily accessible drug, alcohol can be a difficult drug to say no to. Determining what an appropriate or healthy amount of alcohol to consume can be difficult. It is so socially accepted that many people may suffer from an alcohol use disorder without even realizing it.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

An alcohol use disorder is generally defined as a disease that causes lack of control and compulsiveness associated with drinking alcohol. While there are many levels of severity to this disease, alcohol use disorder can worsen quickly, leading to alcoholism and alcohol dependency.

To determine if a loved one is suffering from an alcohol use disorder, it is first important to understand what defines an alcohol use disorder. While there are many ways that an alcohol use disorder can present itself in a person, often times the foundation of the problem is rooted in an individual’s behavior surrounding the consumption of alcohol.

Individuals who suffer from an alcohol use disorder tend to take unnecessary and sometimes dangerous risks while drinking. Those who make risky decisions while they are drunk or after the consumption of alcohol can often point to signs of an alcohol use disorder. These risky decisions can include:

Driving while under the influence of alcohol
Participating in unsafe sex, such as random partners or not using protection
Participating in unlawful activities, such as theft
Demonstrating excessive aggression while drinking, such as getting into a fight at a bar
Drinking to the point of passing out, or putting yourself at risk for alcohol poisoning
Mixing alcohol with other drugs
Going to work or school while under the influence of alcohol

Alcohol use disorders can also be apparent when an individual neglects some aspects of their typical routine or day-to-day life. One example of this could be missing an important assignment for school in order to go out and drink or being late or absent to work due to a bad hangover. Often times when responsibilities are missed or ignored, it can be a telltale sign of alcohol use disorder.

Signs Of An Alcohol Use Disorder

If you suspect a loved one may suffer from alcohol use disorder, or if you believe you may have some symptoms of alcohol use disorder, there are some signs to look for.

Signs of an alcohol use disorder include:

Inability to control the amount or frequency of alcohol consumed
Lying to friends or family about the amount or frequency of alcohol consumed
Continuing to drink despite negative consequences such as lost friendships or financial difficulties
Demonstrating withdrawal symptoms after periods of not drinking
No longer interested in activities or hobbies that don’t include drinking or the consumption of alcohol
Getting into dangerous or risky situations because of drinking (for example, committing a crime or participating in unsafe sex)
Have attempted to cut back or stop drinking in the past but could not
Experiencing intense cravings for alcohol or drunkenness
Feelings of depression or anxiety when not drinking

If you have experienced these symptoms in the past, it is possible you suffer from an alcohol use disorder. It is important to be honest with yourself when considering your relationship with alcohol, as it can be easy to lie about the amount of alcohol you consume or your actions surrounding the consumption of alcohol.

Alcohol Use Disorders vs Alcoholism

While both alcohol use disorders and alcoholism can both lead to devastating results, they are two different diseases. In simple terms, alcoholism is far more severe than most cases of alcohol use disorders. Often times an alcohol use disorder is a disease that can turn into alcoholism when left untreated.

Alcoholism is considered a severe and debilitating disease, and with good cause. This severity of alcohol use disorder leaves individuals with a form of alcohol dependence that is completely dominant over their lives. Someone who suffers from alcoholism often has little or no control over the frequency or volume of alcohol they are consuming. These individuals are not blind to the negative consequences happening as a result of their disease, however they do not have the power to overcome their own cravings. Ignoring financial, social, and professional implications of their drinking habits is not uncommon for someone suffering from alcoholism, as they cannot control their own urges.

An alcohol use disorder is still very dangerous, although it is not as severe as alcoholism. The cravings, habits, and risky behaviors often associated with alcohol use disorder can make those individuals especially prone to alcoholism. Individuals suffering from alcohol use disorders may also find themselves with the same broken relationships, lost jobs, and legal issues that those suffering from full alcoholism may also struggle with.

The good news is with an AUD there is still a good opportunity to try to overcome some of the cravings and other symptoms associated with the disease. Even making simple life changes, such as choosing activities and hobbies that have no association with drinking can help distance the relationship you have with alcohol. Distancing yourself from alcohol can also help you associate other sober activities with positive experiences. Making some of these simple changes can help put you back in charge of your life, giving you a better chance of standing up to the cravings when they hit again.

Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorders

There are many steps that you can take in your own life to distance yourself from alcohol, such as the ones mentioned above. Surrounding yourself with people and activities that are not associated with alcohol can enrich your life with sobriety and new experiences. Exercising your own power over cravings for alcohol is important, and can also help you to realize just how significant of a role alcohol plays in your life.

It is, however, equally as important to be honest with yourself when you have lost some of that power over your cravings for alcohol. If you have reached a point where you begin to cancel on plans that do not involve drinking for ones that do, or if you choose to hang out with the bar crowd over your sober crowd, then it may be time for some professional help.

Professional help is essential when it comes to diagnosing and treating some cases of alcohol use disorder. Therapists and counselors who are specifically trained to treat clients with alcohol use disorder are accessible through many addiction treatment programs. These professionals can help address both the physical dependency of alcohol use disorder as well as the psychological and mental symptoms of the disease. In treating all aspects of an alcohol use disorder, clients are more likely to have a successful recovery and less likely to suffer from a relapse in the future.

Get Help For An Alcohol Use Disorder Today

If you are interested in the treatment mentioned above for yourself or for a loved one, we are able to help you find a program that fits your needs. Our addiction treatment specialists are available 24/7 to talk with you about your program options. Your call is always confidential. Contact a treatment specialist today to learn more.

For More Information Related to “What is an Alcohol Use Disorder?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Medications To Manage Alcohol Withdrawal

Seizures from Alcohol Withdrawal

How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?

The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal

What is Alcoholic Hepatitis?

Sources

Drug and Alcohol Dependence (journal) – The Alcohol Use Disorder And Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule
JAMA Network – Prevalence and Co-occurrence of Substance Use Disorders and IndependentMood and Anxiety Disorders
National Institute of Health – Alcohol Use Disorders

Medications To Manage Alcohol Withdrawal

Posted on October 9, 2017 by dr-admin

Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the United States. Alcohol can form an intense physical dependence for individuals that drink heavily on a regular basis. When they stop drinking, a severe withdrawal can occur.

In mild cases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms may be only uncomfortable. The individual could experience minor symptoms such as shaking or sweating. The most serious withdrawal problem from alcohol is when a person has delirium tremens (DT’s). Individuals can die from a seizure from having delirium tremens so it should never be taken lightly.

A professional medical detoxification in an inpatient treatment setting manages these concerns safely, by aid of various medications. Benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants are most commonly used for this purpose.

Why Does Alcohol Withdrawal Occur?

Like other drugs, the moment you begin using alcohol it goes to work changing the way your brain functions. As use becomes more frequent and intense, these changes become more severe and lasting. One of the largest impacts is felt within our neurotransmitters, specifically one called GABA. These important brain chemicals are responsible for regulating critical functions within our bodies, including the autonomic nervous system, cognition, and mood.

In the presence of a constant influx of alcohol, as within an addicted state, your brain drastically cuts back on its own production of neurotransmitters. This reliance is termed a physical dependency. Should a person stop using alcohol, or radically reduce their consumption, their body experiences an intense state of shock called withdrawal.

When you drink alcohol, it increases GABA’s effects, which reduces the amount of excitability within your brain, as explained by the American Family Physician (AFP). During withdrawal, without alcohol, your brain becomes excessively excited, which leads the sense of unease and edginess which accompanies withdrawal.

What Are The Signs Of Alcohol Withdrawal?

After the last drink, symptoms of withdrawal may occur in as little as a few hours, or it may take up to several days for certain individuals to encounter these effects. The severity of withdrawal is influenced by:

How long a person has been drinking for.
The amounts regularly consumed.

Withdrawal from alcohol can cause:

Anxiety
Brain fog
Confusion
Cravings
Depression
Insomnia
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid heart rate
Sweating
Tremors or shaking

For long-term, heavy drinkers, withdrawal can become severe. Drinkers of this sort are far more common to experience delirium tremens (DT’s), a severe and dangerous form of withdrawal. According to MedLinePlus, symptoms typically begin two to four days after a person stops drinking, but in certain cases they may not occur until day seven or ten. This state is marked by:

Agitation
Extreme confusion
Fever
Hallucinations
Mood swings
Seizures
Stupor

The risk of withdrawal-induced fatality is heavily increased by DT’s. The AFP warns that one to five percent of individuals who progress to these states experience fatality. This reality strongly increases the need for a specialized medical detox for certain individuals.

Is Detox A Necessary Part Of A Treatment Program?

Detoxing from alcohol at home or anywhere other than under medical care is never recommended. Doing so can be very dangerous and life-threatening. for most individuals, alcohol addiction treatment is best begun by a medical detox.

During unmonitored withdrawal symptoms and cravings can become extreme and debilitating. Many people retreat back to substance abuse to stop these effects. Medications can be a life-saving tool during this time.

Medications Used To Manage Alcohol Withdrawal In A Detox Setting

The primary aim of pharmacotherapies (medications used within treatment) during detox is to stabilize and begin to normalize a person’s brain chemistry. Detox seeks to make withdrawal as comfortable and painless as possible. While some medications address physical concerns such as nausea and shaking, work to address issues which trouble a person on emotional and mental levels.

Using Benzodiazepines During An Alcohol Detoxification

Anxiety and agitation can run high during withdrawal. During this time a person may also be fearful of their future, as they’re intimidated by the prospect of living a life without alcohol as a form of self-medication.

To counter these and other states, benzodiazepine medications may be used, either as needed, or on a fixed-schedule regimen. These medications have a sedative and calming effect, which can be of great benefit during this time.

The following benzodiazepines are frequently used for these purposes:

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Oxazepam (Serax)

They also note that within “a fixed-schedule regimen, doses of a benzodiazepine are administered at specific intervals, and additional doses of the medication are given as needed based on the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.”

Benzodiazepines widely impact the functioning of your central nervous system (CNS), as does alcohol. This is yet another reason why you should never detox on your own. Should you attempt this on your own, and be taking these medications while you relapse, the CNS depression could lead to overdose and death.

Other Medications Are Used To Treat Alcohol Withdrawal

The following medications may also be used to treat alcohol withdrawal:

Atenolol (Tenormin)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)*
Clonidine (Catapres)
Gabapentin (Neurontin)*
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)*
Valproic acid (Depakene)*

Anticonvulsants are also widely used during this time (these are marked above by an asterisk). They do caution that in most cases these medications should not be used as “monotherapies,” or medications used as standalone treatments.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse asserts that Acamprosate (Campral) works on GABA, and “is thought to reduce symptoms of protracted withdrawal, such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and dysphoria.” They also note that topiramate is believed to impact GABA, and for this reason may be used off-label as a treatment.

Individuals with other medical conditions may require special considerations when using medications. For example, the AFP suggests that phenytoin (Dilantin) may help individuals already prone to seizures, whereas individuals diagnosed with coronary artery disease may benefit from beta blockers.

The toll of withdrawal is further compounded by the way alcohol abuse depletes your body of vital hydration, nutrients, and vitamins, leaving you malnourished and dehydrated. Intravenous (IV) hydration may be used to boost a person’s fluids and electrolytes. Multivitamins and B vitamins (especially thiamine) may be administered to balance any malnourishment caused from abuse.

Detox Safely From Alcohol Today

If you’re considering treatment for an alcohol addiction, contact DrugRehab.org today. We will find the right program that fits both your needs as well as your budget. All calls are 100 percent confidential.

For More Information Related to “Medications To Manage Alcohol Withdrawal” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

American Family Physician — Outpatient Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
MedlinePlus — Alcohol Withdrawal
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — Complications of Alcohol Withdrawal
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — Alcohol Dependence, Withdrawal, and Relapse

Seizures from Alcohol Withdrawal

Posted on October 4, 2017 by dr-admin

Seizures may occur during acute alcohol withdrawal, and are characterized by convulsions, muscle spasms, and twitching. Alcohol withdrawal can range from anxiety, nausea, insomnia, hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens. A supervised medical detoxification may be the safest way to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

What Does Alcohol Do To The Human Body?

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that has stimulant properties as well. It has stimulant properties, because as a person drinks, certain neurotransmitters in their brain are flooded with adrenaline or norepinephrine. Most other drugs only work as either stimulant or depressant, but alcohol is different.

Alcohol is a small molecule that interacts with a lot of different neurotransmitters in the brain, including: GABA, endorphins, dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate, and adrenaline. Alcohol causes dependency, partly because as a person drinks, the dopamine in the reward pathway of the brain is increased.

When a person feels any kind of pleasure, it’s because of that release of dopamine. Similarly, the endorphins produced by alcohol are what cause a person to feel “high.” When the glutamate system is affected by alcohol, it causes slurred speech, staggering, and blackouts.

So what happens when a person stops drinking? With repeated use of alcohol, the dopamine levels remain at a constant high in the brain. When alcohol is removed, the brain, which has learned to expect the heightened level of dopamine to remain constant, and in turn stopped producing it naturally, begins to go into the withdrawal stages. The most severe of which includes seizures and delirium tremens.

Most adults in the United States have experienced the calming effect produced by alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that “86.4 percent of people ages 18 or older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime.” Keep in mind that not every person who drinks alcohol will become dependent upon it. There are factors that play a role in alcohol dependency, they may include a person’s: age, weight, height, and alcohol intake.

Alcohol dependency is characterized by craving, loss of control, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol abuse can also result in certain cancers, other health risks, and consequences. According to the National Library of Medicine, heavy drinking “can cause damage to the liver, brain, and other organs. Drinking during pregnancy can harm your baby. Alcohol also increases the risk of death from car crashes, injuries, homicide, and suicide.”

What Is The Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline?

Alcohol withdrawal is commonly experienced by a person who regularly abuses alcohol then stops suddenly. Someone doesn’t necessarily have to be alcohol dependent to experience withdrawals, but the chances will be greater in these cases.

There are three stages to alcohol withdrawal, the first of which can begin as early 6 hours after a person’s peak intoxication. The stages go from mild to moderate to severe, and can last anywhere from 5 to 7 days. Generally after a week, the majority of withdrawal symptoms will have subsided, however, some may persist for several weeks without proper treatment.

Not everyone will experience each of these symptoms with the same severity either, but the alcohol withdrawal timeline will look something like this:

Stage 1: nervousness, insomnia, depression, nightmares, anxiety, fatigue, tremors, foggy thinking, mood swings, nausea, loss of appetite, and heart palpitations; 6 to 24 hours after peak intoxication.
Stage 2: high blood pressure, increased body temperature, headache, clammy skin, profuse sweating, rapid breathing, worsening mood swings and irritability, unusual heart rate, and confusion; 24 to 72 hours after peak intoxication.
Stage 3: fever, seizures, delirium tremens—hallucinations, severe mental confusion, and disorientation come with this stage; 72+ hours after peak intoxication.

Approximately 10 percent of patients will experience severe withdrawal symptoms. The mortality rate among patients exhibiting delirium tremens is anywhere from 5 to 25 percent.

Risk factors for prolonged or complicated alcohol withdrawal include lifetime or current long duration of alcohol consumption, lifetime prior detoxifications, prior seizures, prior episodes of delirium tremens, and current intense craving for alcohol (NIAAA).

What Are Seizures From Alcohol Withdrawal?

Seizures during acute alcohol withdrawal are characterized by muscle spasms, contractions, twitching, and convulsions. Seizures that begin locally with the twitching of a limb suggest a co-occurring disorder and need to be fully investigated (NIAAA).

A co-occurring disorder can refer to when an alcohol use disorder such as alcohol abuse, or alcoholism, occurs at the same time as a mental disorder like generalized anxiety, or depression. Co-occurring disorders seldom just disappear, and treatment may include a medical detoxification, or behavioral therapy to help someone stop drinking.

Similar to other alcohol withdrawal symptoms, not every person will experience seizures. Regardless, seizures occur in more than 5 percent of patients with acute alcohol withdrawal.

“More than 90 percent of alcohol withdrawal seizures occur within 48 hours after the patient stops drinking. Fewer than 3 percent of such seizures may occur 5 to 20 days after the last drink. Clinical data suggest that the likelihood of having withdrawal seizures, as well as the severity of those seizures, increases with the number of past withdrawals,” (NIAAA).

In other words, the number of detoxifications and withdrawal complications can increase the likelihood of seizures. The development of each is “ascribed to as cumulative long-term changes in brain excitability,” and is referred to as the kindling hypothesis.

Alcohol withdrawal can be a dangerous situation, and may need more than just an at-home detoxification. The seizures, and delirium tremens resulting from alcohol withdrawal can actually result in permanent brain damage.

Another result of delirium and cognitive impairment is called Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, which is a chronic memory disorder that results from a nutritional deficiency, and can be completely debilitation, .

How Do I Safely Detox From Alcohol?

The first step in getting sober for most drinkers is a supervised medical detox. Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly, and should never be attempted alone.

When a person drinks heavily, they may become gaunt, malnourished, and not be able to process fluid or food normally.

During a medical detoxification at an inpatient rehab, a person can have nurse practitioners and physician assistants guide them through the process, which can include:

safely removing alcohol from their body
watching for seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens
monitoring of:
- blood pressure
- body temperature
- vitamin, fluid, and food intake
- heart rate
- blood levels
- different chemicals in the body
some require fluids or medicines intravenously
medication-assisted therapy—sedative medicines until withdrawal is complete

After detoxification, the withdrawal symptoms should be pretty well taken care of, but other behavioral treatment programs should be considered. Detoxification merely takes care of the physical addiction to alcohol, but what a person is left with is the mental addiction.

Some of the different evidence-based treatments for a mental addiction to alcohol include:

Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Motivational Therapy
Support Groups
Individual and Group Therapy
Aftercare Support

No matter the route that a person chooses, freedom from an alcohol addiction starts with the first step, and those who receive treatment are on the path to success. Alcohol addiction doesn’t necessarily have a cure, but it’s still treatable.

We Want To Find The Right Treatment For You

Alcohol use disorders can manifest themselves after quitting alone is no longer an option. If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol abuse or alcoholism, please reach out to us and we can work out a solution together. Contact us today.

For More Information Related to “Seizures from Alcohol Withdrawal” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol Facts and Statistics
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Complications of Alcohol Withdrawal
U.S. National Library of Medicine – Alcohol Withdrawal

The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Valium (Diazepam)

Posted on September 22, 2017 by dr-admin

Some people mix Valium with alcohol to intensify the calming effects of each drug unaware of the dangers they present. Mixing alcohol with Valium can increase the chances of overdose, liver problems, cardiovascular problems, and memory problems.

Why Is My Loved One Abusing Alcohol And Valium?

Many people drink alcohol to help them relax or unwind, and mixing it with Valium can actually intensify those effects—in a negative way. That’s because alcohol is considered a depressant and so is Valium.

Valium is the most common brand name of diazepam, which belongs to a drug class called benzodiazepines. These depressant are most commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, panic disorders, and muscle spasms. When dosage is being supervised by a physician, Valium can be also be a safe way to manage some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol and Valium reduce the activity in a person’s central nervous system, which is why when someone drinks they often feel drowsy, sleepy, or lightheaded. Mixing the two can be dangerous, because each drug, no matter how potent, is intensified by the other.

Not everyone mixes alcohol with Valium to intensify the effects of each drug—sometimes it happens by accident. If it is on purpose, it might be easier to understand why they did it, if you know more about their background. That’s because addiction can have genetic, psychological, physiological and social factors that contribute to each individual’s illness and symptoms.

The fact is, it isn’t always easy to tell if someone you love is abusing drugs or alcohol. They may get defensive when confronted, change the subject, or seem distant. Here are some of the other things to tell if a loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, they might:

spend a lot of time alone
lose interest in their favorite things
get messy—for instance, not bathe, change clothes, or brush their teeth
be really tired and sad
be very energetic, talk fast, or say things that don’t make sense
be nervous or cranky (in a bad mood)
quickly change between feeling bad and feeling good
sleep at strange hours
miss important appointments
have problems at work
eat a lot more or a lot less than usual

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Addiction is an illness characterized by a person’s inability to stop using drugs. That’s why some people are able leave substances alone, while others are not. A lot of people require an individualized treatment based on their needs, in order to stop using drugs.

Understanding An Addiction To Depressants

Addiction to benzodiazepines can result from past trauma, undertreated anxiety disorders, and also from excessive use of the drug. A lot of people start using depressants like Valium or alcohol to feel normal. But normal may be a term used for feeling relaxed, getting enough sleep, and so on. Using a drug to feel normal is a type of unhealthy coping, and it can be extremely dangerous. This type of coping has potential to lead to dependence, tolerance, lack of control, and co-occurring disorders.

As time goes on, a people might become unable to handle reality without a drug. They might take the drug so much, that they start building up a tolerance, which means that they need more of the drug than when they first started using it. After a person develops a tolerance to depressants, they become more likely to also develop a dependence.

When a lot of people become physically dependent upon drugs, they also begin having intense cravings, and may not be able to control of the amount they’re using, or when they’ll stop. Alcohol dependence is also referred to as alcoholism. Valium may have originally been used to treat a legitimate medical purpose, but when it’s abused, it can become a vice, and a person may not be able to find balance without it.

The same goes for alcohol—when a person drinks moderately, they may not have an issue with alcohol abuse or alcoholism, but as they continue binge drinking, or drinking too much, they may find that they’re unable to stop once they pick up the first drink.

What Happens When You Mix Valium With Alcohol?

An overdose is caused when a person takes too much of a drug and their body is unable to metabolize it fast enough. Mixing alcohol and Valium can increase the risk of overdose. It often leads to unintended, and unpredictable symptoms; an overdose can be fatal.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism not only does mixing depressants increase the chance of overdose, it can:

slow down heart rate
slowed or difficulty breathing
impaired motor control
unusual behavior
memory problems

As previously mentioned, some people mix Valium with alcohol without understanding the danger. Many will develop an addiction to both of these drugs. This is known as polysubstance addiction or polysubstance use disorder.

Polysubstance refers more than one drug, and is outlined by the Australian Government Department of Health as when “people who are trying to cut down their use of one drug find that they start to use more of another drug to help manage withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to be careful in these situations because the person might find they develop a problem with two drugs rather than one.”

Mixing alcohol with Valium also damages the liver, which is essentially the body’s filter. Liver damage can end with other, sometimes fatal, conditions such as cirrhosis, or hepatitis. When Valium is being prescribed to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, be sure that your loved one is leaving enough time in between the two substances to avoid danger.

How Long After Taking Valium Is It Safe To Drink Alcohol?

The half-life of Valium is fairly long, and can be anywhere from 20 to 80 hours. Let’s say someone is fairly healthy in most respects, and the half-life of Valium in their body is 24 hours. This means that after 24 hours, half of the drug is still in their system. After 24 more hours, there will be a quarter of the drug left in their system. And so on…

On average, for a healthy person, there will have been up to 150 hours passed by the time Valium is completely out of their system—that’s just over six days. Mixing alcohol into that time frame can be extremely dangerous. A lot of people don’t realize this, but alcohol with Valium in the system can be fatal.

It’s different taking Valium after alcohol, because alcohol is out of the system at a relatively fast rate. Generally, it takes your body about 1 hour to process 1 standard alcoholic drink. For someone with a slower metabolism, alcohol might be in their system longer. The previously mentioned time frame of alcohol metabolism can also vary based on a person’s weight, age, amount consumed, and height.

Keep in mind that no matter what, it isn’t safe to mix substances, and if you’re having a hard time stopping, there’s help. In fact, there are people who make it their life’s work to help others recover from addiction. If you’re unsure about what to do to stop abusing drugs or alcohol, sometimes the safest thing to do is ask.

What To Do If You Can’t Stop Using Drugs

In 2009, 23.5 million persons aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problem. Of these, only 2.6 million received it at a specialty facility.

It’s true, not everybody gets help for an addiction, even though it might be risky to continue living with one. It’s especially hard to lose a loved one to drugs or alcohol, if you didn’t know that they had an issue in the first place. If you think someone you love is suffering from a drug addiction, don’t give up hope, and don’t ignore the problem.

“About 570,000 people die annually in the U.S. due to drug use,” (NIDA for Teens). The fact is that there are too many good people lost to drug addiction, and the United States is currently in the middle of a drug epidemic.

One of the best ways to ensure your safety is to take an active approach towards recovery. There are a lot of different addiction treatments that help people overcome the mental and physical addictions caused by Valium and alcohol.

The first part of treatment is known as detoxification. This is essentially the removal of unwanted chemicals and substances, as well as management of withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and benzodiazepines can be painful and uncomfortable—they also have potential to increase the chance of relapse. Once a medical detox is complete, the mental healing can begin.

Oftentimes, a mental addiction can be treated at an inpatient or outpatient rehab, with one of the following behavioral therapies:

Medication Assisted Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Mindfulness and Stress Management
Motivational Interviewing
Group and Individual Therapy

Find The Best Treatment To Help You Stop Using Drugs

If you’re ready to overcome addiction, but don’t know where to begin, contact a treatment specialist at DrugRehab.org. We want to help you or your loved one find treatment, figure out how to fund it, and where to go for it. Call today to learn more.

For More Information Related to “The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Valium (Diazepam)” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

Australian Government Department of Health – Polydrug Use
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Mixing Alcohol with Medicines
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Signs of Drug Use and Addiction
Treatment Statistics
NIDA for Teens – Drug Facts Chat Day: Drug Use

The Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol With Hydrocodone (Vicodin)

Posted on September 5, 2017 by dr-admin

Vicodin is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain which contains both the opioid hydrocodone and paracetamol (acetaminophen). Combining alcohol with an opioid such as hydrocodone can lead to devastating consequences. Both drugs are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Combining them magnifies these effects in a way which can lead to respiratory depression, brain damage, coma, and death. Used together they can also cause kidney damage and acute liver failure.

What Is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a combination medication, that is, it actually consists of two drugs, hydrocodone and acetaminophen, both of which are painkillers. Vicodin is used to treat moderate to severe pain, either for the purpose of temporary relief or for ongoing chronic pain management.

When the drug is used properly, as prescribed, it is for most extents and purposes safe. But this safety is fleeting if Vicodin is taken in a way other than prescribed and/or with another drug.

While the acetaminophen is meant to somewhat act as an abuse deterrent, some individuals still choose to misuse their prescription or use Vicodin recreationally. Doing so can lead to dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, addiction, and overdose. Even individuals who misuse their own prescription to self-medicate can stumble onto this treacherous path.

Is It Dangerous To Combine Alcohol And Vicodin?

Alcohol causes the sedative qualities of opioid drugs to intensify. This can create an intoxicated state much faster than a person anticipates. Even using a small amount of alcohol with opioids can do this. This is why it’s dangerous to drink alcohol if you’ve been prescribed Vicodin or if you use it illicitly.

In these states a person will become uncoordinated with poor balance, which leads to a higher risk of falls and injuries. Memory loss will occur and a person will become too impaired to drive a vehicle.

Alcohol And Vicodin Have A High Potential For Overdose

As depressants, Alcohol and Vicodin both change the way your brain and CNS regulate your heart, breathing, blood pressure, and temperature rates, causing them to slow down. When you drink alcohol with Vicodin (even in small amounts), these life-sustaining functions can become seriously compromised and in certain cases begin shutting down.

If a person uses one or both drugs to excess, they face an even greater peril of progressing to a fatal overdose. When this happens your organs and life-support systems begin to shut down. This is just from the effects of the alcohol and hydrocodone.

The acetaminophen in the Vicodin can also cause overdose if a person consumes too much. MedLine Plus cautions that any amount reaching or surpassing 7,000 mg can initiate acute overdose.

What Are The Signs Of An Alcohol And Vicodin Overdose?

If your loved one is taking both alcohol and Vicodin, understanding the signs of overdose could help to save their life.

Signs of overdose include:

Cold skin
Decreased cognitive functions
Excessive dizziness
Extreme confusion
Irregular and falling heart rate
Irregular, slowed, or stopped breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Passing out
Seizures
Stupor
Weak pulse

One of the most dangerous side effects of overdose is respiratory depression. As a person’s breathing continues to plummet their brain is deprived of oxygen. When this happens, other organ systems follow suit and begin to shut down. The lack of oxygen can also lead to brain damage. During overdose a person can completely stop breathing, fall into a coma, and/or die.

Overdose is not something you can afford to take your time on. When a person is overdosing there’s a good chance they could lose their life unless they get prompt medical attention.

If you at all suspect that yourself or a person near to you is overdosing, or in jeopardy of doing so, contact emergency medical services immediately.

Using Vicodin And Alcohol Together Can Harm Your Organs

Both alcohol and Vicodin can, when abused separately, be harmful to your liver. When these drugs are used together the damage to your liver is compounded. Chronic drinkers should try to abstain from using any acetaminophen-containing product for these reasons.

Your liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol. When you drink too much, such as within patterns of binge drinking or chronic use, this organ cannot keep up. This causes an immense strain on your liver, one, which over time, can lead to liver damage.

Vicodin abuse can also damage your liver. “Taking too much acetaminophen…is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States,” warns Mayo Clinic. Acute liver failure can, according to DailyMed, lead to liver transplant and death.

Using acetaminophen can lead to acute liver failure by one of two ways, either by taking:

A single dose of the drug which is too high
Doses higher than the daily recommendation for several consecutive days

For individuals who abuse Vicodin, this is a very real concern. Drug abusers use Vicodin in both of these patterns.

One scientific survey determined that this drug interaction can harm your kidneys too. It found that “Respondents who reported taking both acetaminophen and drinking lightly or moderately had a more than two-fold higher risk for kidney dysfunction.”

How Much Vicodin Is Too Much?

The FDA established that the maximum amount of acetaminophen per day is 4,000 mg. To put this in perspective, Harvard Medical reports that liver damage can begin occurring just beyond this, at 5,000 mg. This equates to just over 16 Vicodin a day (containing 300 mg of acetaminophen each). While this may seem like a lot, surpassing this amount can come quite easily to individuals who abuse this drug on a regular basis, especially for those who have a tolerance.

Tolerant individuals need higher doses of the drug to create the high or pain-relieving effects they seek. This, in turn, means they’re far more likely to take these toxic amounts of Vicodin. The range of Vicodin an addicted individual takes per day can vary, but some people may take 40 or more tablets a day. When the alcohol is added to the mix, it takes far less Vicodin to create these devastating effects.

Even light to moderate use of alcohol paired with prescribed dosages of Vicodin can begin to damage your organs and create an intoxicated state. The risk of overdose escalates when you increase your consumption of either drug. The bottom line is that combining these drugs in any quantity is harmful to your health.

How Do I Get Help For My Addiction?

If you’re addicted to one or both of these drugs you need to get help as quickly as possible in order to protect your body and brain. Fortunately, there are inpatient drug rehab programs all across the country which can help you with these needs.

Alcohol and Vicodin addictions often require a medical detox to treat the physical addiction. After you’ve progressed through detoxification it’s best to proceed directly to treatment. The most comprehensive programs offer both of these services under one roof.

During your program, medication-assisted treatments, behavioral therapies, counseling, and a wide-range of other modalities will be implemented to help you reach a sober state. Aftercare programs typically follow, which will help you to stay strong in your commitment to sobriety.

Don’t Let Your Addiction Go Any Further

If you’re concerned that someone you care about is mixing alcohol and Vicodin in a way which could harm their health, reach out to us at DrugRehab.org today. Our confidential assessment will get you started on the path to a healthier, drug-free life.

For More Information Related to “The Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol With Hydrocodone (Vicodin)” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

DailyMed — LABEL: Vicodin HP
Harvard Health Publications — Overdosing Acetaminophen
MedLine Plus — Acetaminophen overdose
MedLine Plus — Hydrocodone Combination Products

The Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol With Crack Cocaine

Posted on August 30, 2017 by dr-admin

Alcohol decreases a person’s fundamental ability to make sound decisions. As judgment, reasoning, and inhibition drop, a person is far more apt to make poor choices like using crack for the first time, or using large amounts within shorter periods of time.

Crack cocaine is intensely addictive, so much so, that according to CESAR a “A person can become addicted after his or her first time trying crack cocaine.” With this toxic drug cocktail your risk of overdose will always be higher, as is the chance that your body will experience other harm.

What Does Alcohol Do To Your Body?

Even though alcohol may make people initially feel more energetic, it’s actually a sedative or “downer.” When you consume alcohol it goes to work on your central nervous system (CNS) and begins to depress it or slow it down, hence why it’s also referred to as a CNS depressant.

As this occurs, your heart, breathing, and blood pressure rates all start to decline. The more alcohol you use in a shorter period of time, the more pronounced these effects. Alcohol greatly taxes a person’s liver and also affects their heart and brain.

How Does Crack Effect You?

Crack is a powerful stimulant. When a person uses crack their CNS speeds up (the opposite effect of alcohol) and their brain’s chemistry is immediately altered. Here, two things happen. First, as the CNS quickens, a person’s heart rate and other cardiac functions increase. Secondly, as their brain’s chemistry changes, and because crack is so powerful, they quickly begin to crave the drug.

Crack is far more potent than powdered cocaine, and thereby carries an even greater risk when abused. Despite this intense effect, the high or “rush” from crack is relatively short-lived (only about five to ten minutes).

To counter this brief effect, crack, like powdered cocaine, is often used in binges. This means a person keeps using the drug in rapid succession after the first dose, a practice which increases the risk of addiction, heart damage, and overdose.

Why Do People Use Alcohol And Crack Together?

The reasons are similar to most which fuel polydrug abuse. Some users ingest both because alcohol intensifies the high associated with crack. On the other hand, alcohol is often used to moderate the come-down associated with a crack high, or certain unpleasant side effects of the high itself, like twitching, tremors, or anxiety. Regardless of why a person chooses to use these drugs together, they are placing their life and health in a precarious position.

What Happens When You Use An “Upper” And A “Downer” Together?

Due to the opposing nature of each drug’s basic characteristics (one being a stimulant and the other a depressant) the drugs seem, at certain points, to cancel out the effects of the other.

This may lead a person to drink more because they don’t feel the intoxicating effects of the alcohol as acutely. Or a person may use more crack because the alcohol seems to balance out the heightened states associated with it.

Many users take these to be positive effects, when in reality they are anything but. This does not at all mean that your body is immune from the effects of the additional alcohol or crack. While certain effects may wane, the impact on other parts of your body and brain remain.

When you use both your CNS is caught in the middle of a dangerous tug of war which overburdens this critical system, as well as your heart. As your body is pulled quite literally from one extreme to the next in this way, your life is in jeopardy.

Alcohol And Crack Increase Your Risk Of Death

Both alcohol and crack, can, alone, cause overdose. Using these two drugs together increases the risk. As a person uses crack more frequently to fulfill their cravings, their CNS system becomes even more taxed, increasing the risk of overdose. This hazard is high when a person is binging on the drug, behaviors which increases when alcohol is present.

For individuals who aren’t accustomed to consuming alcohol with crack, the potential for a fatal overdose skyrockets. Alcohol can actually make it easier for your body to absorb cocaine, which increases the concentration of cocaine within your blood by 20 to 30 percent. From this effect, a person could overdose if they take an amount they are typically used to when using the drug alone.

In the instances where crack seems to “cancel” out alcohol’s effects, a person may continue to consume alcohol in pursuit of a buzz. The problem is that even though they don’t feel the alcohol, their body is still taking large amounts of it in.

Once the crack begins to wear off a person may become very intoxicated quickly, to the extent they get severe alcohol poisoning.

Also, research shows that cocaine as a whole has been linked to an increased risk of suicide when used with alcohol.

What Is Cocaethylene And Why Is It So Toxic?

When alcohol and crack cocaine enter your system within the same period of time their chemical components begin to react together, forming a new chemical called cocaethylene.

Cocaethylene itself has psychoactive properties that many users seek out even if they don’t realize it. This chemical has a longer half-life by three to five times compared to cocaine, which means it remains in your system longer, lengthening the euphoric state of the crack.

Cocaethylene has been associated with an increased risk of:

Cardiac complications: Various cardiac processes can malfunction from this chemical. The risk of heart attack climbs (especially in those under aged 40).
Liver damage: Since your liver metabolizes the two drugs to create cocaethylene, this organ can suffer substantial damage.
Seizures: Seizures can lead to bodily injury and head trauma, which could cause death.
Sudden death: Cocaethylene “carries an 18- to 25-fold increase over cocaine alone in risk for immediate death,” according to the Journal of Addictive Diseases.
Immune system: A compromised immune system makes it harder for your body to fight disease and infection and maintain an altogether healthful state.

Even though a user may feel the pleasurable effects for a more substantial period of time, the longer cocaethylene is in your system, the greater the opportunity it has to damage your body.

It is possible to treat two addictions at once. In these instances, inpatient drug rehab is typically the best choice for treatment.

Get Help For Alcohol and Crack Cocaine Abuse Today

If you or a loved one is addicted to both alcohol and crack, or experimenting with one while addicted to the other, don’t delay. Contact DrugRehab.org now to begin exploring your treatment options today.

For More Information Related to “The Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol With Crack Cocaine” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

US National Library of Medicine — Effects Of Concurrent Use Of Alcohol And Cocaine
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics — Cocaine and Alcohol Interactions in Humans: Neuroendocrine Effects and Cocaethylene Metabolism

Is Alcoholism Genetic or Hereditary?

Posted on August 14, 2017 by dr-admin

Affecting over 1.5 million adults in the United States, alcoholism is one of the most prevalent addictions in the country. Alcoholism can be a fatal disease, sometimes ending in liver disease or cancer of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, liver, and breast. The fatality of alcoholism claims close to 90,000 lives each year, making it the fourth preventable cause of death in the United States.

With statistics as grim as these, many individuals are left wondering what factors influenced their alcoholism in the first place. Like many drug addictions, alcohol abuse can be triggered by a traumatic life event or major stressor, as well as environmental factors and elements of habit. But what about genetics? Genetics do play a role in influencing alcoholism in the next generation, however it may not be as large of a role as you would think.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects millions of Americans. It can be defined as addiction to alcohol, or the inability to control the amount or frequency of alcohol consumption. Generally stemming from a history of alcohol abuse, alcoholism is on the most severe end of the spectrum of alcohol use disorder, as defined by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Alcohol abuse, which is generally a more manageable stage of alcohol use disorder, can lead into alcoholism if a lifestyle change or intervention is not taken at this point. Alcohol abuse is defined as reckless or risky behavior associated with drinking, heavy drinking or binge drinking, and planning events or activities around the consumption of alcohol. At this stage, a physical dependency may not be present, but a behavioral dependence and habitual addiction can quickly define your lifestyle. It is much easier to quit drinking at this stage than it is once alcoholism takes its toll.

Like alcohol abuse, alcoholism is not defined by the amount or frequency of an individual’s alcohol consumption, but rather the behavior associated with it. People who suffer from alcoholism may find that they are unable to control how much and how often they consume alcohol, and they may feel withdrawal symptoms after they stop drinking for a short period of time.

It is not uncommon for alcoholics to lie to close friends and family regarding their alcohol use, and often times they are able to function very well in their lives, even while drinking heavily. Physical dependence will be present at this point, and alcoholics will often tailor their lives to work around their alcoholism. The destructive behaviors of an alcoholic will often present themselves before the physical side effects can take their toll on the body.

Alcoholism is considered a disease, and for good reason. It not just a bad habit or lack of willpower, but rather an illness that can completely consume an individual, leaving them little control over their own lives. It is seen more frequently in adults with a history of childhood abuse or trauma, however can affect an individual of any background, race, age, or gender. It is also seen more often in individuals with a family history of alcoholism or alcohol abuse, however this can be traced back to environmental influence as well as genetics.

The Four Symptoms Of Alcoholism

There are four main symptoms of alcoholism that define the boundary between alcohol abuse and alcoholism. While these symptoms can have varying levels of severity, they are indicative of a chemical dependency the body has developed to the drug. These four symptoms include:

Cravings

A craving is a strong urge or desire to do or consume something. With alcohol, this urge can become more intense during times of high stress or emotion. This type of craving would be considered a coping mechanism, which means your brain responds to certain triggers with a desire to drown them out with alcohol. Cravings can make alcoholism difficult to overcome, as many emotions are tied to them and it is usually not as simple as saying “no, I will not drink that”.

Tolerance

Tolerance is generally a sign of the over consumption of any drug, as it indicates that the body has adjusted to a certain level of drugs in your system. When consuming alcohol for a period of time, your body will consider a certain level of alcohol to be the new ‘norm’, requiring more alcohol to reach a feeling of drunkenness. This can be a difficult cycle to break, as more alcohol is required to obtain the same feeling that brought an individual to drink alcohol in the first place.

Loss of Control

Loss of control can also be a sign of severe alcohol abuse, but is especially prevalent in alcoholism. With alcoholism, the chemical and behavioral dependency on alcohol is too great to overcome with willpower alone. It is not uncommon for alcoholics to report the inability to control their drinking despite a strong desire not to.

Physical Dependence

Last but certainly not least, alcohol is a physically addictive drug. It is so physically addictive that in some cases, withdrawal symptoms from stopping the consumption of alcohol can be severe enough to be fatal. While many aspects of alcoholism can be attributed to emotions and behavior, physical dependence is entirely chemical and cannot be helped through therapy or counseling. Often times, medical detox is recommended to help an individual detox from alcohol safely with as few health risks as possible.

Inheriting Genes vs Inheriting Habits

There have been many studies conducted in the United States regarding alcoholism and its relationship to genetics. While many of these results have been inconclusive, it has been established that alcoholism is indeed a genetic disease, but cannot be measured statistically like other genetic diseases because environmental, behavioral, and emotional factors play such a large role in the outcome of an individual.

According to a study done at the Indiana University School of Medicine, children with one or more alcoholic parents have a 2-4 fold higher chance of becoming an alcoholic as an adult. However, surveys performed by this same study indicate that less than half of these children actually develop alcoholism. According to Howard J. Edenburg who lead the study, the risk of alcoholism is shaped by two facts:

Risk is affected by genes
Risk is affected by choice

Arguably, the second fact is indicative of environmental factors chosen by the parent, as we agree that no one willingly chooses to become an alcoholic. Children of alcoholics not only share the same genes as their parents, but also the same environment. If a child sees a parent drinking openly and often, this can influence their perception of the role alcohol plays in the life of an individual.

It is not uncommon for children of alcoholics to come from a dysfunctional home, sometimes leading to abuse or emotional distress. These traumatic emotional triggers can contribute to the chances of developing a substance abuse issue or addiction down the road. Children of alcoholics are also more likely to partake in underage drinking, which can greatly increase the chance of developing alcoholism as an adult.

So is alcoholism genetic? The short answer is yes – to an extent. There has been a gene isolated that has a strong association with alcoholism. However, the effect of gene-environmental interactions must also be taken into account when considering the impact of alcoholism and genetics.

Get Help Today

If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one when it comes to alcohol abuse or alcoholism, the sooner you reach out for help the more likely you are to make a full recovery. Especially when taking a family history of alcoholism into account, professional intervention is often necessary to assist with safe detox from alcohol as well as inpatient therapy to treat the emotional and behavioral aspects of alcohol addiction.

Our addiction treatment specialists are experts when it comes to choosing an alcohol treatment program that fits your needs and expectations. Many of our programs can be custom tailored to fit you, which can lead to better outcomes and a full recovery. Our specialists are available to talk around the clock, and your call is always confidential. Call today and let us help you get started with your recovery.

For More Information Related to “Is Alcoholism Genetic or Hereditary?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

DrugAbuse.gov – Genetics of Alcoholism
Journal of Molecular Psychiatry – Genetics and Epigenetics of Alcohol Dependence
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – A Family’s History of Alcoholism
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Drinking Levels Defined
National Institute of Health – Genetics and Alcoholism

The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal

Posted on August 8, 2017 by dr-admin

Nearly every adult in the United States has drunk alcohol at one point or another. In 2015 86.4 percent of people ages 18 and older report having tried alcohol. Granted not every person who tries alcohol will ever get drunk, experience a hangover, or alcohol withdrawal. However,those who suffer from an alcohol use disorder will be more likely to experience all of those things.

There are currently around 15.1 million Americans with an alcohol use disorder, which is briefly defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism as “a medical condition that doctors diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm.”

The people suffering with an alcohol use disorder are actually among the minority. Most people are able to cease or moderate their drinking before it becomes a problem; others aren’t so fortunate. When a heavy drinker quits drinking, they may experience withdrawal and delirium tremens.

How Is Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?

Alcohol withdrawals are essentially the body’s way of removing chemicals and fighting against both the physical and mental addiction. Generally, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are a result of alcohol dependence, and become more intense based on the quantity and the duration of a person’s drinking.

Alcohol dependence can result from social, physical, and psychological variables. For the most part, the greater a person’s alcohol dependence becomes, the worse their withdrawal symptoms will be. Some of the other dangerous changes that can occur from alcohol withdrawal include cognitive function, and physical health.

Impaired Cognitive Function

As a person drinks heavily, the neurotransmitters in their brain (gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate), in an attempt to function properly, may take adaptive measures and actually go through changes to try to stay normal. When a heavy drinker stops drinking, these cognitive changes that have occurred are no longer adaptive, and may become largely responsible for alcohol withdrawals as they try to normalize.

Psychological withdrawals can also lead to seizures, and even greater complications with chronic memory disorders like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Impaired Physical Health

People don’t usually intend to become physically dependent upon alcohol, but it can occur for a multitude of reasons and result in a variety of health complications as well. Some of determining factors include regularly binge drinking, or using alcohol to cope with other issues. Physical withdrawals can include loss of appetite, profuse sweating, restlessness, and insomnia.

Alcoholism and alcohol use disorders may be better understood when compared to other chronic relapse diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. The truth is, like other diseases of this nature, alcohol withdrawal can actually increase the chances of relapse.

Relapse is the point when a person who has quit alcohol uses it again. The chronic nature of addiction “means that relapsing to drug abuse at some point is not only possible, but likely” (National Institute on Drug Abuse).

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal symptoms generally start as early as 8 hours after a the last drink.

Over the next 24 to 72 hours, the symptoms usually become a little less psychological and more physical. During this time, the symptoms can also become more intense, violent, and dangerous.

For the majority of people, withdrawal symptoms will be complete after about 7 days, and they will be able to move on with recovery from alcohol.

Psychological withdrawal symptoms may include:

anxiety or nervousness
depression
fatigue
irritability
jumpiness or shakiness
mood swings
nightmares
not thinking clearly

Physical withdrawal symptoms may include:

sweating, clammy skin
enlarged (dilated) pupils
headache
insomnia (sleeping difficulty)
loss of appetite
nausea and vomiting
pallor
rapid heart rate
tremor of the hands or other body parts

It’s important to remember that withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person, mostly due to the fact that not everyone’s drinking patterns are the same. It’s also important to note that alcohol addiction is a serious illness, and those suffering from it can greatly benefit from support and understanding.

What Is Delirium Tremens From Alcohol Withdrawal?

A person who’s been abusing alcohol for several years is more likely to experience increased heart rate, breathing, blood pressure as well hallucinations or seizures. These hallucinations are part of the final and most severe stage of alcohol detoxification better known as acute alcoholic withdrawal, or delirium tremens.

Delirium tremens is considered the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal and can include:

agitation
fever
seeing or feeling things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
seizures
severe confusion

Delirium tremens is a medical emergency, and takes the lives of about 5 percent of patients who experience it. This number is significantly decreased with proper treatment, medications, and management of withdrawals.

How To Manage Alcohol Withdrawal

In summary, alcohol withdrawal is not only a result of a physical demand of the chemical, but also the cognitive function in trying to maintain normal function.

A lot of people will try to stop drinking abruptly, and even though their efforts have purpose and are no doubt with good intent, this method of quitting alcohol cold turkey can be dangerous, and can have unwanted results.

The act of flushing alcohol out of the system is known as detoxification, and there are trained professionals who understand how to do it safely. Whether it’s done in a clinical setting or an inpatient rehab center, a medically supervised detoxification will most likely be safer than doing it alone at home.

Along with professional assistance, detoxification may also necessitate a medication-assisted treatment. This can include use of naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram to help manage the symptoms of withdrawal.

Detoxification is used to treat the physical addiction to alcohol, but is not considered a full addiction treatment. In order to treat the mental addiction to alcohol, a behavioral therapy or other treatment program will almost always be necessary.

Alcoholism is a disease of chronic relapse that a person may fight for most of their life. Even if they’ve been sober for 10 years, the disease is still there, and so is the slight possibility of relapse.

Addiction is not curable but it is treatable. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and most people will greatly benefit from inpatient rehab followed by the aftercare support that they have to offer.

Start Your Recovery Journey Today

Anyone suffering from alcohol withdrawal should be detoxed under medical supervision . Contact DrugRehab.org today to speak to an addiction specialist who understands what you’re going through, and knows how to get you the help you need to stop drinking today.

For More Information Related to “The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol Facts and Statistics
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Complications of Alcohol Withdrawal
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
U.S. National Library of Medicine – Alcohol Withdrawal

What is “Wet Brain”?

Posted on July 12, 2017 by dr-admin

Characterized by hallucinations, unsteady gait, confusion, and amnesia, ‘wet brain’ is a degradation of the brain caused by a Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. Wet brain is also referred to as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome by the medical community. While a variety of factors can come into play when a patient develops wet brain, alcoholism is a common cause of the Vitamin B1 deficiency that can lead to the disorder.

What Is Wet Brain?

Wet brain is actually a manifestation of two conditions; Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis. Both Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis present symptoms of degradation of the brain, however Korsakoff’s psychosis affects memory impairment while Wernicke’s encephalopathy is characterized by visual and gait impairments. While these conditions can occur separately, they are commonly diagnosed together.

The first phase of wet brain is Wernicke’s encephalopathy. This phase is usually brief, however, the onset of its symptoms can happen quickly. Classic symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy can include:

Loss of muscle coordination leading to unsteady gait and leg tremors
Vision changes
Eyelid drooping
Confusion
Double vision
Loss of mental activity

Patients do not need to present all symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy to be diagnosed with the disorder. In some patients, the symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy may be mild and unnoticeable for the most part. If left untreated, it can cause coma or even death in many patients.

The second phase of wet brain is Korsakoff’s psychosis. Characterized by fast onset of memory impairment without any other decline in intellectual functions, Korsakoff’s psychosis develops as a result of the brain damage caused by Wernicke’s encephalopathy. The part of the brain that is damaged by Wernicke’s encephalopathy directly relates to memory creation and retention.

The symptoms of Korsakoff’s psychosis will generally develop once the symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy go away. These symptoms can include:

Amnesia
Loss of memory – from mild to severe
Making up memories or stories that never happened
Hallucinations
Inability to form new memories

How Does Alcohol Cause Wet Brain?

Alcoholism and chronic alcohol abuse do not directly cause wet brain, however they are the most common cause of wet brain. The brain damage associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is actually caused by a Vitamin B1, or thiamine, deficiency. Thiamine is required for the presence of several enzymes that assist in breaking down sugar and carbs into other energy molecules. The absence of this results in brain damage.

Because high levels of thiamine are stored in your heart, kidney, brain, and liver, prolonged or excessive amounts of alcohol consumption can prevent the absorption of thiamine into your liver or gastrointestinal tract. Excessive alcohol consumption can also have a negative effect on the thiamine currently stored in your system.

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse, however, are not the only causes of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. Because the syndrome is actually caused by a thiamine deficiency, other sources of malnutrition can also be a cause of the symptoms. Eating disorders, starvation, AIDs, and cancer can also cause malnutrition and thiamine deficiency severe enough to cause Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.

Treatment For Wet Brain

Wet brain diagnosis will usually involve a series of tests including thiamine and other vitamin levels in the blood, CT or brain scans, liver function, and MRIs to measure for bleeding or tumors in the brain. Along with the results of these tests, cognitive and memory performance will also be measured to compare with the symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis individually.

Once wet brain is diagnosed in an alcoholic patient, a thiamine injection will be promptly administered in an attempt to get thiamine levels back up. While the thiamine injection can improve confusion and unsteady gait in a patient, any memory loss the patient currently suffers from will likely remain the same.

Immediate abstinence from alcohol is also recommended, along with a well balanced diet. Inpatient rehab along with other drug rehabilitation programs are highly recommended to ensure the proper detox of a patient suffering from alcoholism as well as to reduce the likelihood of a relapse down the road.

Without treatment, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome will likely result in death. With treatment, it is possible to control and improve some of the symptoms associated with the syndrome such as confusion and unsteady gait. If the syndrome is caught early enough, it is possible to administer treatment in time to help reverse some of the effects that have already started taking place.

Get Help

If you or a loved one suffers from alcoholism or the symptoms of wet brain, it is essential you seek out professional help. Wet brain does not always present itself in obvious ways, but it is very life-threatening. In certain cases, by the time it is diagnosed there is already permanent brain damage for the patient.

Our addiction specialists are standing by to take your call and offer more insight to the rehab programs available for alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Your call is always confidential, and we can get you started on the road to recovery. Call us today.

For More Information Related to “What is “Wet Brain”?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

National Organization for Rare Disorders – Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
The Scientific World Journal – Thiamine Deficiency Induced Neurochemical, Neuroanatomical, and Neuropsychological Alterations: A Reappraisal

Heroin and Alcohol: A Deadly Combination

Posted on July 11, 2017 by dr-admin

Every day in the United States novices try heroin or alcohol for the first time and every day each of these drugs claims lives of hundreds of people. Heroin is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that can have a major impact on a person’s breathing and thus decrease their oxygen intake.

When heroin is concurrently abused with alcohol, also a depressant, the combination can be a lot more than what was bargained for; often causing overdose, coma, and even death. It takes a deeper look at this relationship of two depressants to fully understand the severity of it.

Understanding The Dangers Of Heroin And Alcohol Abuse

Heroin is derived from morphine, but about three times stronger and includes an acetyl molecule which allows the drug to enter into the bloodstream and brain faster. One concern with heroin abuse is that it depresses the respiratory system, which basically means that it slows the breathing—oftentimes to a dangerous level. When heroin is concurrently abused with alcohol, this curbed rate of breathing becomes more likely. This can be dangerous on so many levels, but knowing what the situation can provoke can enable you to save someone’s life.

Alcohol is known for the sort of energetic feeling it creates (at least at first), but the truth is that ethyl alcohol is actually a sedative that not only slows down motor function and reaction time of the brain. It also affects the heart and breathing rate. Alcohol, like heroin, is absorbed into the bloodstream.

When drinking alcohol on a full stomach, it can take several hours (on a full stomach) to reach the brain, because it’s absorbed through the small intestine and stomach. When a person injects or snorts heroin, it’s in the bloodstream almost instantly, and makes it’s way to the brain just as rapidly—at which point it changes back into morphine.

Not only is mixing heroin and alcohol dangerous on a physical level, but also on a mental level. Heroin is among the most addictive drugs known to man, and alcohol’s well-known to cause drug dependency and addiction as well. A rehab treatment has potential to help a person with dependence and mental addiction. When heroin and alcohol are used at the same time, the double-depressant combination can cause a chain of events and complications such as:

Slowed reaction time—which makes driving dangerous
When the brain is slowed down, the lungs slow down
Lightheaded due to slow or shallow breathing and lack of oxygen
Lowers heart rate from less oxygen to the brain
Depressed brain, lung, and heart rate can put a person in a coma
Comas can lead to further brain damage, causing problems with memory and other disabilities

Signs And Symptoms Of Alcohol With Heroin

It can be difficult to determine if someone is using alcohol and heroin at the same time, because the two substances can have similar symptoms—and the tell tale signs of alcohol abuse can often cancel out the indicators of another drug. Some of the signs you may look for if you believe someone is using heroin with alcohol, are drowsiness, decreased motivation, or frequent scratching as a side-effect of opiates. Some other signs to look for in heroin use are:

Having muscle and bone pain
Complaining about chills
Frequently throwing up
Insomnia or inability to sleep
Feeling nervous

Unlike alcohol, the signs of heroin abuse may be a little harder to pinpoint. If someone is using heroin, you might not know what’s wrong with them, or why they’re acting weird. From the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “heroin gives you a feeling of well-being and happiness. It also makes you feel like the world has slowed down. People on heroin think slowly and might move slowly. Heroin makes people feel sleepy, like they’re in a dream.

Heroin makes the pupils (the black circle in the center of each eye) get very small. A person who injects (shoots up) heroin will have marks on the skin where the needle went in.”

Heroin And Alcohol Overdose Statistics

As previously mentioned, mixing alcohol with heroin can increase the chances of overdose. In the United States, “between 2000 and 2015, the rate of heroin-related overdose deaths more than quadrupled, and more than 12,989 people died in 2015” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Heroin use disorders usually start with abuse of prescription opioids, marijuana, and alcohol. The fact is that three out of four new heroin users report abusing prescription opioids before trying heroin.

Also in 2015, 26.9 percent of people 18 and older reported binge drinking in the past month. Why is this pertinent? Alcohol and heroin are deadly substances with potential to be even worse when mixed. It’s true and even though alcohol leads to nearly seven times the amount of deaths as heroin, when the two are combined it’s even worse.

Alcohol related deaths can include automobile accidents, alcohol poisoning, hepatitis of the liver, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, and opiate/alcohol overdose. In fact, “an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, making alcohol the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In 2014, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 9,967 deaths” (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism).

The statistics of heroin and alcohol overdose are staggering, but there’s hope to fix this issue. There are a lot of caring professionals who understand the phases of addiction, and know how to help a person who’s struggling with substance abuse.

Detoxification And Other Treatment Programs

If you’ve established that you or someone you love has a dependency issue with heroin, alcohol, or both then you’re on the right path. Understanding that there’s a problem with drug abuse is the first step. The next step is figuring out a solution to the problem, and preparing for the road ahead. After a person stops using CNS depressants like heroin and alcohol, the withdrawals can be intense and a medical detoxification may be required. Some of the withdrawal symptoms experienced can include irritability, anxiety, depression, severe drug cravings, headaches, nausea, and seizures.

The reason a medical detoxification may be required is that the withdrawals from alcohol and opioids can actually be fatal—especially when the two are combined with one another. Detoxification can give a medical professional the adequate time needed to monitor a patient’s vitals and prepare them for behavioral therapy or whatever treatment comes next, but detox isn’t considered a full treatment. Detoxification only fixes the physical addiction.

The mental addiction from heroin and alcohol is a common ground for checking into an inpatient treatment. Behavioral therapy can be the answer to other emotional or mental disorders that often co-occur with substance use disorders and addiction. In a rehab center, substance use disorders and addictions are treated with treatment programs like medication assisted therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, contingency management, group therapy, and support groups.

How To Find A Treatment That Works For You

Contact DrugRehab.org today to speak with an addiction specialist about drug or alcohol addiction. Learn more about the dangers of Heroin and Alcohol by clicking the link below.

For More Information Related to “Heroin and Alcohol: A Deadly Combination” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse – Heroin

How Common is Alcohol Abuse?

Posted on June 19, 2017 by dr-admin

Alcohol is a legal and easily accessible drug in the United States, but it does not come without its issues. Despite its legality, alcohol can cause a list of diseases and destructive behaviors to those who do not consume it responsibly.

Determining what a responsible amount of alcohol is can be a tricky and often double-ended question. Alcohol can affect individuals in vastly different ways depending on family history, environment, and even genetics.

With the exception of a brief prohibition in the 1920’s, alcohol is a widely accepted adult beverage in the United States. Because of this, it can be difficult to spot if a loved one is suffering from alcohol abuse. It is more common that you may think.

What is Alcohol Abuse?

To determine if a loved one is suffering from alcohol abuse, it is first important to understand what alcohol abuse is. Alcohol abuse can present itself in many forms, but the underlying issue revolves around an individual’s behavior when it comes to alcohol consumption.

Individuals who abuse alcohol often take unnecessary and sometimes dangerous risks while drinking. Those who make risky decisions such as deciding to drink and drive instead of getting a ride home, or making aggressive contact with another individual while under the influence of alcohol are often signs of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse can also present itself with neglect for other aspects of an individual’s routine. For example, calling into work because of a bad hangover or missing a deadline to go out and drink can be telling signs of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol Abuse vs Alcoholism

Simply put: the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism is a matter of severity. While both conditions can lead to devastating results, alcoholism is a more severe form of alcohol abuse that has turned into alcohol dependence.

Alcoholism is considered a disease, and rightfully so. With this degree of alcohol abuse comes a dependence on alcohol that can completely dominate an individual’s life. An alcoholic has little to no control over the amount and frequency of alcohol they consume. Despite negative consequences, getting their next drink can consume their livelihoods. It is not uncommon for individuals suffering from alcoholism to ignore financial, social, and professional responsibilities as a result of their drinking habits.

While alcohol abuse is not as severe as alcoholism, it can still take over an individual’s life. The risky behaviors and drinking habits of someone who abuses alcohol makes them increasingly prone to alcoholism. The risky habits associated with alcohol abuse can also turn deadly very quickly, or at the very least lead to broken relationships and even jail time.

With alcohol abuse there is still a good chance to turn things around and change the role alcohol plays in your life. Choosing friendships and activities that are not centered around drinking or going out to the bar can distance the relationship you have with alcohol and help put you back in the driver’s seat of your own life.

Who is at Risk for Alcohol Abuse?

So who is at risk for alcohol abuse? The short answer is: everyone. Alcohol abuse can affect any race, culture, age, or gender. However, there are some individuals who are more likely to abuse alcohol than others.

According to Mayo Clinic, the following factors can increase an individual’s likeliness to abuse alcohol:

A family history of alcoholism or alcohol abuse
Drinking at a young age
Relationships that encourage drinking
Prolonged periods of drinking on a regular basis
Environmental factors (i.e. viewing alcohol as ‘glamorous’)

The stereotypical college lifestyle is a common portrayal of alcohol abuse, but it isn’t always this blatant. Alcohol abuse could be as simple as your friend choosing to drive home after ‘only a couple beers’ even if they have a sober ride home offered to them. Aggressiveness or a tendency towards criminal behavior while drinking could also indicate alcohol abuse.

According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 37.9% of college students in the age range of 18-22 reported binge drinking, and 12.5% reported ‘heavy use’ of alcohol. Both of these categories are classified as alcohol abuse, which can put these populations at a higher risk for alcoholism later on in life. It is estimated by this survey that 20% of college students in the United States meet the criteria for alcohol abuse.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is by no means limited to the college aged population. There are many individuals that abuse alcohol and it can go unnoticed to friends and family.

If you suspect a friend or family member is abusing alcohol, it is important to look closely for the signs related to alcohol abuse. Keep in mind this is much more about their behavior surrounding the consumption of alcohol, and not necessarily limited to the amount of alcohol they consume.

Some common signs of alcohol abuse can include:

Taking unnecessary risks while drinking alcohol, such as driving drunk
Missing deadlines or priorities due to drinking or hangovers
Planning all or most activities around the consumption of alcohol
Depression, or change in mood or mental health
Associating drinking with emotions, such as stress or anger
Continuing to drink heavily several nights in a row

Get Help

Alcohol abuse can affect anyone, no matter what their demographic may be. If you suspect a loved one is suffering from alcohol abuse, or if you believe you have some symptoms of alcohol abuse, it is important to learn about what treatment options are out there.

Alcohol abuse is a battle no one should have to fight alone. Contact one of our treatment specialists today. All calls are 100 percent confidential.

For More Information Related to “How Common is Alcohol Abuse?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation – What is the Difference Between Alcohol Abuse and Dependence?

What Helps With Alcohol Withdrawal?

Posted on April 3, 2017July 19, 2017 by dr-admin

Regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol and binge drinking can lead to alcohol withdrawals; these can be pretty painful and uncomfortable to go through. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary, but for the most part they will be done in a few weeks. In severe cases, you might experience delirium tremens. A safe detoxification from alcohol should include a healthy diet, plenty of fluids, rest, and sometimes a medication-assisted therapy— which would be monitored by a professional.

If you’ve experienced a hangover, then you probably know what it feels like to have that throbbing headache and feeling of complete agony—and nothing… not even a huge breakfast, gallon of orange juice, and pot of coffee, seems to help. “Physical symptoms of a hangover include fatigue, headache, increased sensitivity to light and sound, redness of the eyes, muscle aches, and thirst” (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism -NIAAA).

Though hangovers are not to be confused with alcohol withdrawal—and sometimes when the previously described symptoms of a hangover carry on for several days, it is no longer a hangover but actually alcohol withdrawal. Though binge drinking and alcoholism contribute to hangovers and withdrawal; withdrawals are more than just dehydration and a headache.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Withdrawal can be extremely painful, uncomfortable, and the prolonged symptoms can go on for several weeks, but he first symptoms are usually gone within 24 to 48 hours. These can include:

Headache
Tremor
Sweating
Agitation
Anxiety
Irritability
Nausea
Vomiting
Heightened sensitivity to light and sound
Disorientation
Difficulty concentrating
Transient hallucinations (in more serious cases)
(NIAAA)

“The signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically appear between 6 and 48 hours after heavy alcohol consumption decreases” (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). In more severe cases of alcohol withdrawal, delirium tremens can occur; these are extremely hard to deal with and can be absolutely terrifying—they can actually lead to seizures.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “delirium tremens, the most intense and serious syndrome associated with alcohol withdrawal, is characterized by severe agitation; tremor; disorientation; persistent hallucinations; and large increases in heart rate, breathing rate, pulse, and blood pressure. Delirium tremens occur in approximately 5 percent of patients undergoing withdrawal and usually appear 2 to 4 days after the patient’s last use of alcohol.”

Alcohol Is A Dangerous Drug

By definition a drug is a substance which has a physiological effect when introduced into the body. Alcohol, even though it’s legal, is a drug. So dangerous, that even though alcohol isn’t listed as a schedule I drug by the DEA, alcohol poisoning is responsible for the death of 6 people every day in the United States.

That’s a 2,190 people each year, and statistically, about 76 percent of those are men. Not only is alcohol killing people by poisoning them, it’s also killing them in fatal car accidents; and “every 2-hours, three people are killed in alcohol-related highway crashes” (United States Department of Transportation).

In The United States—What’s The Total Number Of Deaths By Alcohol?

At the end of the day, alcohol is the “fourth leading cause of preventable death in the United States” (NIAAA). Alcohol was responsible for about 88,000 deaths in 2014, and because of it’s availability and potential for addiction—the statistics of withdrawals, hangovers, drunk driving deaths, alcohol poisoning, and brain damage aren’t going anywhere.

How Does Alcohol Affect The Brain?

Surely with slurred speech, stumbling, and memory loss—there has got to be something going on with the brain when a person gets drunk, right? Well this is actually confirmed by the National Institute of Health, and “alcohol not broken down by the liver goes to the rest of the body, including the brain…

Alcohol can affect parts of the brain that control movement, speech, judgment, and memory. These effects lead to the familiar signs of drunkenness: difficulty walking, slurred speech, memory lapses, and impulsive behavior.” This stuff adds up, and a brain can take a beating from a lifetime of alcohol abuse.

Treatment Of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

As alcohol is removed from the picture, your body wants more of it. Alcohol withdrawals typically happen in adults, however, in some cases it can occur in teenagers as well. “The more you drink regularly, the more likely you are to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. (Additionally) You may have more severe withdrawal symptoms if you have certain other medical problems” (U.S. Library of Medicine).

The road to recovery starts with treatment of the initial symptoms, and though it won’t be easy, thinking of the bigger picture can help. In a professional setting, treatment of alcohol withdrawals starts off with a detoxification. When a person is detoxing, they are actually pushing the drug out of their system which can lead to physical and mental withdrawal—alcohol withdrawal is actually a reaction to detoxing.

Some prefer the clean diet for detoxing, and along with a healthy amount of vitamins, a person should be drinking a significant amount of water to replace the amount of sweat they’re producing as a result of withdrawal symptoms.

Medication-Assisted Treatment For Alcohol Withdrawals

In some cases, if a person’s withdrawals are so severe that delirium tremens and hallucinations have taken over their mind, a pharmacological intervention will be necessary. Some of the different medication-assisted treatment methods for alcohol withdrawal are—benzodiazepines, antiseizure medications, and adrenergic medications; though some may get by with aspirin or ibuprofen.

Why Inpatient Treatment Is Important For Detoxing

“Inpatient detoxification provides the safest setting for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, because it ensures that patients will be carefully monitored and appropriately supported” (NIAAA). Inpatient treatment is also helpful in that it will keep a person in a drug and alcohol free environment to begin recovery. The first weeks in recovery can be pretty stressful—working with professionals at an inpatient rehab facility can help ensure that you are taking the safest route to a brighter future.

What Can Inpatient Treatment Include?

“People with moderate-to-severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may need inpatient treatment at a hospital or other facility that treats alcohol withdrawal. You will be watched closely for hallucinations and other signs of delirium tremens.

Treatment may include:

Monitoring of blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, and blood levels of different chemicals in the body
Fluids or medications given through a vein (by IV)
Sedation using medicines until withdrawal is complete”
(U.S. National Library of Medicine)

More About Alcohol Use Disorders And Alcoholism

There are millions of people in the world who suffer from alcohol use disorders and alcoholism. For them, it might be hard to understand that getting drunk on a regular basis isn’t considered normal behavior. Some people reach a certain point in their drinking career where they decide to quit—perhaps they quit because they get a new job, or because they experience health complications, or because they have had enough.

A person suffering from alcoholism doesn’t have this luxury, and they will have a had time quitting on their own. This is because alcoholism is a disease characterized by a person’s inability to stop drinking once they have started, even when a circumstance like the loss of job, illness, or divorce is on the line. It’s a mental phenomenon of craving…

How To Get Help For Alcoholism Or An Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol withdrawals are dangerous to try to defeat alone, but sometimes outpatient treatment will suffice. For the most part, if you’re at the point of fear and anxiety, don’t give up hope. Contact us today at 1-833-473-4227 to learn more about treatment for alcohol withdrawals. Alcohol doesn’t have to win the fight this time.

For More Information Related to “What Helps With Alcohol Withdrawal?” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

Sources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention – Alcohol Poisoning Deaths
Drug Enforcement Administration – Drug Scheduling
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol Facts and Statistics
National Institute of Health – Alcohol Abuse and Older Adults
United States Department of Transportation – Drunk Driving by The Numbers | Bureau of Transportation Statistics