Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Explained

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Family Drug Intervention

Alcohol addiction affects over 13.5 million people across the country and there is a specific timeline for both addiction and withdrawal that affects most addicts. The main component of the timeline is the time period in which a person starts drinking to when they develop full blown alcohol dependence.

There are many who will drink socially for many years and not develop an alcohol abuse problem. There are also those who start to drink alcohol and end up having to enroll in treatment for alcoholism within months of their first drink. And, there is nearly every situation in between.

There is also a condition called Alcohol Withdrawal syndrome where the alcohol abuse is so excessive or has gone on for so long that a variety of symptoms develop when someone tries to stop drinking.

Abuse Timeline

Before an alcohol withdrawal timeline can be fully developed, education about the phases of alcohol use is necessary to determine the severity of the problem before alcohol withdrawal is even an issue. The phases of alcohol abuse are as follows:

First Phase: Social Drinking

Social drinking is when an individual goes to an event like a birthday party, work get-together or another type of social event and uses alcohol. This can also be when a person starts drinking either at younger events, during or after high school events or college parties. The one point that is important about the First Phase is that alcohol provides some type of solution for the individual and that is why he or she starts to drink.

Second Phase: Alcohol Is Valuable

Because the use of alcohol worked to solve some type of problem in the First Phase it then starts to hold a value with the drinker. They may start to drink more at social events or even drink outside of events. At this point in time they will see alcohol as something valuable in their lives. They will begin to drink more and more.

Third Phase: Alcohol Abuse & Dependence

Because of the addictive qualities of alcohol the individual’s drinking will start to get out of control at this point. They will abuse alcohol and drink excessively as well as drinking more and more frequently. The person’s life will begin to deteriorate because of drinking and problems will develop such as financial difficulties, relationship issues, and possibly even legal problems.

Fourth Phase – Alcohol Withdrawal

At this point the person will attempt to quit drinking or “cut back.” Now the alcohol withdrawal timeline comes into play because they will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms which make it seem impossible to quit.

The Timeline for Alcohol Withdrawal

Once alcohol withdrawal sets in a drinker will feel a variety of symptoms physically. They are already suffering mentally from the losses and problems caused by their drinking and are most likely depressed, angry or sad because of their current circumstance.

On top of this they will go through alcohol withdrawal and experience:

•    Headaches
•    Vomiting
•    Shaking
•    Hallucinations
•    Weakness
•    Dizziness
•    Inability to eat or sleep.
•    Confusion

All of these symptoms together plus the mental drain of alcoholism causes a major problem for the user.

Narconon Rehab Explains Timeline

According to Narconon rehab, a group of organizations that specialize in treating alcoholism, the alcohol withdrawal timeline exists so that those addicted and loves ones know what to expect regarding alcoholism and recovery. Alcohol addiction is very difficult to overcome without some type of treatment through Narconon rehab or NA.

With a long term program like Narconon recovery is 100% possible no matter how severe the alcohol addiction. For more information call 888-419-9222.

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Phases Of Alcohol Addiction Including Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Family Drug Intervention

More than half of the citizens of the United States use alcohol on a semi-regular basis. While the vast majorities are considered frequent drinkers by definition, many of them do not think that they have a problem with alcohol even when the substance causes problems and negative consequences for them.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 23% of Americans have taken part in binge drinking during a one month period where they have had several drinks in a short period of time. In addition to this, 17 million people in the country meet the criteria for alcohol dependence and are in need of treatment for the problem.

A person doesn’t just start out drinking and become addicted. There are several definite phases that one goes through that contributes to them becoming dependent on alcohol.

Phases Of Alcohol Use

There are many problems that occur when a person has had too much to drink. The first phase of this is simply called a hangover. An individual may feel tired, nauseated or even irritable after drinking too much alcohol. Many new drinkers experience a hangover when they have had more to drink than their bodies can handle.

After the hangover phase, if a person continues to drink they develop something called an alcohol craving. This is when they feel like drinking or feel the need to have a drink even at a time when it seems inappropriate or unneeded. If they give into the cravings and drink, they will have more cravings and these will get more severe.

The third phase of alcohol use is the development of a tolerance. Having to drink more and more to get the same effect is the basic definition of this.

The fourth phase is alcohol withdrawal and this surprising occurs more in adults than any other age group. The symptoms usually start within a few hours of drinking and may go on for weeks in severe cases. Some may even need medical help to get through these symptoms that indicate that there is a physical addiction to alcohol.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Explained

By the time a person is experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, they are already physically addicted to the substance and are in need of help. There are several symptoms that characterize alcohol withdrawal and they include:

1.    Insomnia
2.    Cravings
3.    Anxiety
4.    Depression
5.    Vomiting & Nausea
6.    Shaking
7.    Hallucinations
8.    Anger
9.    Inability to eat.
10.    Weakness
11.    Delirium Tremens
12.    Muscle Aches
13.    Nightmares
14.    Tiredness
15.    Sweating
16.    Fevers
17.    Chills
18.    Confusion
19.    Seizures
20.    Death

Delirium tremens are characterized as symptoms brought on after drinking an excessive amount of alcohol. If someone has been using alcohol for more than 10 years, drinking extensively, then they will likely have delirium tremens. Symptoms include restlessness, anxiety and irritation as well as sensitivity to light and sound, insomnia and hallucinations. There is also shaking and confusion. Some will even have seizures as a part of delirium tremens.

Narconon Meetings To Handle Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal

For non-severe cases of alcohol use Narconon meetings, inpatient treatment and NA can help those who cannot stop drinking. In a case where the alcohol use is severe the individual likely needs a medical detoxification program followed up by Narconon meetings inpatient treatment.

Narconon achieves a 76% rate for treating alcoholism with its long term treatment. The withdrawal effects from alcohol should merely last a few days but long term care is what completely handles the addiction.

For more information on Narconon meetings or to get help for yourself or a loved one call 888-419-9222.

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Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms And The Severity Of Alcoholism

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Family Drug Intervention

When do you know that you have a problem with alcohol? For many it is when alcohol withdrawal symptoms set in and a person realizes that they are physically addicted to the substance. Many do not even realize they struggle with alcoholism when they develop a mental addiction to it; craving alcohol and drinking at times when it is not needed or appropriate. The Center for Disease Control reports that over half of those over 18 in the United States use alcohol. More than 38% use the substance frequently.

Alcohol, as one of the most abuses substances out there causes users many problems. There is addiction and withdrawal that puts many in hospitals, and rehabilitation center as well as health, financial and family related issues that come along with drinking. Even with the problems associated with use, many continue to drink. Alcohol causes liver disease, many car accidents, and domestic problems such as domestic abuse and even damages most of the major organs of the body. The total number of people losing their lives because of these problems top out at more than 40,000 per year.

Individuals will lose good jobs because of alcoholism and leave their families and relationships in ruin choosing alcohol over everything. This is the power that the addiction can have on someone and this is how so many are left with no choice but to get rehab.
Cravings, tolerance and alcohol withdrawal are the three main physical factors of why a person will not stop drinking. There are also mental factors such as depression and guilt.

Physical Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the number one reasons why a person is unable to stop drinking is because of the physical withdrawal symptoms. When an individual begins alcohol use they will start to crave alcohol. To feed the craving they will drink more and more. Soon they will have to drink more to get the same effect. This is called an alcohol tolerance. Then when they quit they have severe withdrawal problems. Some require medical intervention through a detox program.

Some major symptoms of alcohol withdrawal at its beginning stages include:

•    Hangover
•    Sensitivity to light.
•    Sensitivity to sounds; especially loud sounds.
•    Tiredness
•    Nausea
•    Headaches
•    Diarrhea
•    Weakness

When alcohol abuse is at a more advanced state, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are as follows:

•    Shaking
•    Delusions & Hallucinations
•    Depression
•    Anxiety
•    Headaches
•    Vomiting
•    Clammy Skin
•    Paleness
•    Seizures
•    Death

Several of these symptoms including hallucinations, shaking, depression, anxiety, and fever are characterized in delirium tremens.

Narconon Schools Handle Alcohol Myths

Narconon schools or drug prevention lectures given by the Narconon drug rehabilitation group help to handle myths about alcohol as many believe that it is safe because it is legal for those over 21. Unfortunately like any other addictive substance if alcohol is not used responsibly it can carry with it many dangerous side effects and consequences.

Groups like Narconon schools and NA report that those drinking underage, abusing alcohol or participating in binge drinking are the most at risk group for accidents, crimes and problems related to alcohol.

Rehabilitation centers see millions every year who need professional help for alcohol dependence just as prisons see many for alcohol dependence problems and crimes.

Narconon schools advise that if someone is abusing alcohol, they seek help right away and before they run into any severe alcohol withdrawal as the more the severe the withdrawal the harder it is to quit drinking. In addition to this the longer the treatment is for alcohol, the better the result.

For more information on alcohol prevention lectures through Narconon schools or to get help for someone that is abusing alcohol call Narconon today at 888-419-9222.

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Alcohol Abuse DSM Published To Establish Criteria For Alcoholism

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Family Drug Intervention

The DSM meaning the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual is a book published annually by the American Psychiatric Association. The publication is used across the country by the medical community, as well as drug regulators, pharmaceutical companies, and recently even those in the addiction field.

First published in 1952, the booklet is continually revised and reissued with additional criteria for diseases and how to treat them medically. The next copy is due out in May of 2013.

The DSM has created much criticism and controversy over the years because it is based on opinions of psychiatrists who vote on the disorders and the treatment. The group even votes on the names. Connect with the money lines of pharmaceutical companies there can be vested interests and financial conflicts resulting in medical advice consisting of just advising patients to buy and take more drugs. The manual alone makes the American Psychiatric Association over $5 million every year not counting throwbacks from pharmaceutical companies and any other monies paid to specific members of the organization.

Starting out by covering basic “psychiatric” or mental ills, psychiatrists have added addiction and addiction treatment into the DSM. One of the primary areas of this is the alcohol abuse DSM criteria laid out for both abuse and dependence the treatment of it.

DSM Criteria For Alcohol Abuse & Treatment

Alcohol abuse affects 17 million people in the United States. The alcohol abuse DSM has set forth a criteria for this to determine if someone is an alcoholic or alcohol dependent or just abusing alcohol.

Alcohol dependence is defined as an addiction to alcohol and is said to be more severe than alcohol abuse. The following criteria are set forth for alcohol abuse:

1.    Inability to fulfill obligations.
2.    Putting oneself in a harmful or hazardous situation in order to be able to drink.
3.    Problems such as financial or legal difficulties.
4.    Continuing to drink despite problems that alcohol is causing in one’s life.

The criteria for alcohol dependence is as follows:

1.    Continual failure to fulfill obligations after some time.
2.    Craving alcohol or feeling the need to drink at inappropriate times
3.    Development of a tolerance where a person has to drink more and more for the same effect.
4.    Physical withdrawal symptoms oncoming when one stops drinking. These can be minor to severe in nature and start several hours after stopping the use of alcohol and last a few weeks at the most heavy stage.
5.    Inability to stop drinking alcohol when one wants to.
6.    The feeling of being consumed with drinking, being that it is the primary thing that a person things about.
7.    Alcohol becoming the primary purpose in one’s life that everything else revolves around.

Alcohol abuse can very easily lead to alcohol dependence. Binge drinking and excessive alcohol use can also cause the problem to become more severe.

Narconon Schools Feel Prevention Is Key To Stop Alcohol Abuse

Narconon, a residential alcohol treatment program with a more than 76% success rate for treating alcoholism says the easiest way to stop alcohol is through prevention. The organization has set up a series of lectures on both drugs and alcohol use that are delivered to schools, communities, church and business groups across the country.

Educating those on the dangers and addictive nature of alcohol can help to prevent them from abusing the substance in the first place to drinking before they are of age, according to one Narconon California center.

Narconon schools go on to add that the problems with alcohol abuse will continue without proper education.

For more information on Narconon schools call 888-419-9222.

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A New Study Indicates That Alcohol Is Never Safe During Pregnancy

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Family Drug Intervention

Even 40 years ago women were being warned about the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy. At first, doctor’s told expectant mothers to cut down on their drinking. Then women were not supposed to drink at any point during their first trimesters. Today, a new study proves that any alcohol use during pregnancy is not acceptable for the health risks it poses to the unborn child.

The new study done by the California Teratogen Information Service Company studied the effects of alcohol with 1000 expectant mothers finding many direct links between the use of the substance and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or FAS.

A condition affecting 40,000 new babies every year, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome causes many physical and mental disorders with new children that they can have for their entire lifetime. Some of these include physical deformities, mental retardation, learning disorder, emotional problems and behavioral disorders.

Using alcohol is the leading cause of birth defects for a child. Right now 1 in 750 babies born have one of the above mentioned disorders because of alcohol use during pregnancy.

Signs of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

There are many signs that indicate that a child has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, even directly after birth. These include:

•    Birth weight that is lower than normal.
•    Difficulty thriving, breathing and living after birth.
•    Dysfunction or problems with organs.
•    Abnormalities in the face like a groove that is underdeveloped between the upper lip and nose, eye openings that are smaller than usual, and cheekbones that are slightly flattened.
•    Smaller head than usual.
As the child grows older the following problems may occur as a result of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
•    Problems with behavior such as trouble with concentration, major hyperactivity, social problems, and even anxiety.
•    Trouble with coordination.
•    Lack of motor skills.
•    Learning problems with memory, understanding concepts, and even inability to problem solve.
•    Poor imagination.
•    Difficulty fitting into groups.

Results of Latest Study

The more a woman drinks the worse the situation will become for the child. The latest study indicates that the first trimester; especially the second half is the most deadly time to do this. This is also the time where the possibility of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome occurred the most.

Other times in the pregnancy were also risk periods for the syndrome. The outcome was that soon to be mothers should completely abstain from alcohol use.

Alcohol & Pregnancy Information – Why It Is Happening

Statistics regarding alcohol use and pregnancy y indicate that it happens more than most think. Unfortunately 1 in 8 soon to be mothers engage in alcohol use. More than 17% are between the ages of 35 to 44.  Averages of 14% are college graduates and another 13% unmarried. The reasons for the drinking have not been studied but there are some who struggle with alcoholism who are unable to quit drinking during their pregnancies. There are also those who drink to handle the stress and hormone changes of pregnancy.
In addition, some women do not know they are pregnant until later in the pregnancy and drink unknowingly.

Narconon Rehab Tips For Expectant Mothers

Narconon rehab, a group of residential alcohol treatment centers with locations across the United States has the following tips for expectant mothers:

1.    If you think you could be pregnant abstain from alcohol use until you know for sure that you are not expecting.
2.    If you are pregnant stop drinking immediately and abstain from alcohol for the duration of the pregnancy in order to have a healthy child.
3.    For those pregnant mothers who have struggled with alcoholism, seek help immediately and before any damage is done to the unborn child.
There are many options for pregnant mothers for treatment including NA and Alcoholics Anonymous and several other thousand programs in the United States.

For more information on Narconon rehab call 888-419-9222.

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Drug Decriminalization Will Cause Greater Harm

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Family Drug Intervention

Drug decriminalization, also called the liberalization of drug is the process of reducing or completely eliminating laws that limit or prohibit drugs. Specific movements for this exist in the United States as well as several other countries including Canada, Mexico and even many areas in Europe. While certain laws are banned on the illegal use of all drugs like the medical use of marijuana and the limits put on some prescriptions for medical use, decriminalization takes away all bans on drugs making them legal for anyone to use for any reason at any time.

The negative impacts of drugs on life are already outlines as according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Drug Threat Assessment of 2010. Even with current drug laws, these substances continue to be abused, trafficked and cause deaths and many other negative consequences on society.

Laws to make drug illegal were put in place long ago, drug decriminalization would allow them back into society in a large way, damaging those that use them along with anyone associated with the user.

Current Drug Use Statistics

The current drug use statistics indicate that the legalization or decriminalization of drugs would only add to the epidemic we are facing with substance abuse. They are as follows:

•    The United States Department of Justice indicates that drugs affect nearly every man, woman and child in the United States.
•     Illegal drugs like marijuana are abused by more than 25 million Americans. In addition to those the non-medical use of prescription drugs or psychotherapeutics’ were used by over 15 million Americans. In addition, nearly 8,000 people are trying prescriptions every day with over 2 million first time users in one year.
•    Youth are trying drugs as young as 8 years old and by the time they are between the ages of 18 and 25, more than 33% report use in a one year period.
•    The drugs that are most abused are marijuana, prescription drugs and thirdly, cocaine.
•    Of the numbers of people abusing drugs only a little under 2 million enrolled in a drug or alcohol treatment program.

Risks of Decriminalization

There are many risks associated with taking the bans off of drugs. Drug were made legal for the reason that they did more harm than good for those using them. The main risks for allowing the use of drugs without rules or restrains are as follows:

1.    Continued increase in drug-related crime.
2.    An even higher cost of drug use and its negative consequences to society.
3.    Deaths from the use of drugs.
4.    Drug related crime.
5.    Abuse and neglect of children.

What Narconon Meetings Say About Decriminalization

Nationally run rehabilitation centers and groups like Narconon and NA or Narcotics Anonymous have seen the toll that drug addiction takes on families. Through Narconon meetings or inpatient care provided by the Narconon program, addicts are able to fully assess the damage they have done to those around them. Many of them have stolen, lied to, alienated and abused their families because of drugs.

Narconon meetings with clients and counselors indicate that some individuals feel they can never undo the damage they caused to their loved ones when under the influence of drugs.

Even with current drugs laws and thousands of choices for treatment some will not recover from addiction for an entire lifetime. Because of the addictive qualities of drugs it can seem impossible to quit.

Narconon meetings are not meetings but inpatient residential treatment that achieves a 76% success rate for permanent sobriety which is much higher than the national average. For more information on Narconon meetings call Narconon Vista Bay today at 888-419-9222.

Reference: http://www.justice/gov/ndic/pubs38/38661/drugImpact.htm

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Zohydro Super Painkiller Raises Concerns About Abuse Addiction

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Family Drug Intervention

Zohydro, a new super painkiller is raising concerns all across the country about abuse and addiction of the drug. The prescription pain pill, recently released by a pharmaceutical company named Zogenix is already being looked at in the media with warnings to consumers about the addictive nature of the drug. An article from New York Daily News states that the drug is very similar to Oxy Contin, a widely abused pharmaceutical that has taken the lives of many.

Zohydro was put on the market as a “safer” alternative to hydrocodone. However the drug is actually much stronger even with it being marketed and used as an extended-release tablet. Once Zohydro is fully approved for use, the fear is that it will become the most widely abused prescription available.

Zohydro vs Hydrocodone

Zohydro is said to mimic the effects of the painkiller hydrocodone. Here are some facts about hydrocodone, its effects and its uses [Ref: Drug Enforcement Administration]:

•    Hydrocodone is the most widely abused and prescribed opioid in the country.
•    Hydrocodone is used or orally or taken through the mouth.
•    Similar drugs to hydrocodone are morphine, oxycodone and heroin and in a much stronger form, Oxy Contin.
•    Someone under the influence of hydrocodone will have clammy skin, small or constricted pupils, and their breathing will slow down. Death can be caused from taking too much of the drug and individuals can lose consciousness easily.
•    Hydrocodone causes severe liver damage.
•    Often the drug which is supposed to be found only in pharmacies is actually found on the street and sold in high quantities.
•    Hydrocodone accounted for 2,400 deaths in a four year period and over 80,000 poisonings that required medical attention.
•    There were more than 100,000 incidents of abuse that were caught from hydrocodone.
Zohydro is said to be stronger than hydrocodone. How many deaths and addictions will it account for yearly as compared to the national averages of hydrocodone? Probably, many more.

The Existing Prescription Drug Problem

Prescription drug abuse in the United States is already an epidemic so adding more dangerous and addictive drugs only adds to the problem. Some feel that individuals cannot take these drugs responsibly. Others see how truly addictive they are when they take a good person and turn them into a drug addict.

According to statistics the number of prescriptions written every year has gone up from 75 million to more than 200 million a year. In addition to this, painkillers are the number one most abused drug with 5 million people using them non-medically in one year. Overall, prescription drugs are abused by 10 million people every year. This is inclusive of painkillers or opioids, central nervous system depressants and stimulant drugs.

The number of drug overdose deaths has tripled because of prescriptions since the year 1990 and every day 100 people lose their lives because of prescription abuse in the United States. The drug accounted for more deaths than both heroin and cocaine.

Narconon Meetings Helping Prescription Addiction

The Narconon drug and alcohol rehabilitation program and its Narconon meetings, or inpatient rehabilitation services have continually seen an increase in admissions for prescription addiction as have programs like NA and others across the country. Without proper rehabilitation an individual has a small chance of overcoming the problem; especially with all the availability of the drugs and their potential for abuse.

The Narconon program achieves a 76% success rate for prescription drug abuse. However, if the regulations on existing prescription were tighter and no more addictive drugs came onto the market, less rehabilitation would be needed for citizens across the United States.

For more information contact Narconon Vista Bat at 888-419-9222.

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Tainted Ecstasy Causing Deaths

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Family Drug Intervention

According to recent news the drug ecstasy has been the cause of many deaths across the country. The reports indicate that tainted ecstasy causing deaths across the United States and even in Canada. Reports from the Calgary Police first reported that seven deaths were caused by the drug. Further reports indicate that the drug was responsible for over 25 deaths in Canada.

In the United States it was reported by a drug enforcement web-site that ecstasy was responsible for the highest number of emergency admissions with over 5,000 people per year having to be taken into the hospitals for life threatening problems related to the use of the drug.

The primary danger with tainted ecstasy causing deaths is that it is nearly impossible to detect tainted versions of the drug because it is made using various chemicals and illicit drugs that can quite easily be a recipe for disaster.

Ecstasy Information

Ecstasy, also called MDMA is known as a psychedelic drug causing hallucinations and distorted perceptions as well as a stimulant drug. Some even report depressant symptoms when taking the drug like those experienced when taking a drug like heroin or Xanax. Research on different types of the drug has shown that other drug combinations are common in the drug such as:

•    Heroin
•    Cocaine
•    Methamphetamine
•    Ketamine
•    Cough Syrup
•    Ephedrine

Ecstasy is usually taken orally, although some will crush the tablets and snort them. Some ecstasy users will take more than one tablet at a time often taking up to 10 on a binge where they stay up for several days high on the drug. This is when the highest potential for overdose occurs.

Effects of ecstasy usually start 20 minutes to 1 hour after taking the drug and last for 4 to 6 hours.

Ecstasy Risks

There are many risks associated with using the drug ecstasy. One of the primary risks is the damage that the drug does to the brain. Ecstasy affects the natural chemical in the brain called Serotonin which is responsible for regulating an individual’s mood. Those coming off the drug can experience severe depression as well as paranoia and anxiety.
Because the drug is said to increase sexual arousal, sensations, thought and energy the user will feel as though there is a problem operating at full capacity after using the drug.

The user may feel confused when they come off the drug, unable to think strait or have anxiety.

Some other risks of taking the drug include increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, tremors, tense muscles, cramps, fainting, chills, and blurred vision. The drug can cause many health problems for users including kidney problems, liver problems, cardiovascular failures, and even death.

Narconon Schools Warns Kids About Ecstasy Abuse

Ecstasy is one of the most dangerous drugs out there for adults and teens alike. Many who get addicted end up in NA or residential treatment programs to handle their addiction. Narconon drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, in their youth drug prevention lectures makes a special point to cover the topic of ecstasy abuse and the problems associated with tainted ecstasy causing deaths.

It can only take one use of the drug to permanent end an individual’s life. Narconon schools statistics have shown a very clear change in those who are educated on the drug and they are less likely to use ecstasy.

Narconon Vista Bay also specializes in both drug education to prevention ecstasy use among youth as well as residential treatment for those already addicted. For more information or to get help for an ecstasy addiction call 888-419-9222.

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Gastric Bypass Surgery Linked To Alcoholism

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Family Drug Intervention

When someone is struggling with a weight loss problem and cannot either lose the weight with diet and exercise or continues to gain it back after repeated attempts at losing it, they are a candidate for gastric bypass surgery. The procedure, which minimizes the size of the stomach has been is done on averages of 10,000 people every year.

Like any major surgery, gastric bypass carries with it many side effects and problems for about 5% of patients and minor problems for an additional 10%. According to a new study, one side effect has sown that gastric bypass surgery linked to alcoholism is an emerging trend.

How Bypass Surgery & Alcoholism Are Linked

Gastric bypass surgery effects the body in many ways. It can reduce food intake by lessening the size of the stomach, making some feel fuller much more quickly than before the procedure. Because food is absorbed differently where less food produces more of an effect, the same can happen with alcohol intake. Alcohol users who have had bypass surgery take less alcohol to feel intoxicated and are under the influence longer than those who have not undergone the procedure.

Because alcohol has such an intense effect on the body, patients may tend to drink more leading them into alcoholism and other addiction-related problems. In addition to those who were former food addicts before the surgery can substitute this with alcohol, abusing it instead.

In the matter of other addiction related issues there was even a study done that was reported by ABC News that between 5% and 30% of women with food addition, end up with other addiction after the food addiction is seen as handled.

How a Bypass Patient Becomes Addicted

Like anyone else who has struggled with alcoholism, a bypass patient can start to use the substance to help them in day to day life to cope with some problem or issue. For some the emptiness of not being able to eat as much as they would like could be substituted with drinking. For others, problems may be things like low self-esteem, trouble fitting in, a loss such as the death of a loved one or a divorce or even something as simple as boredom.
The alcohol acts as a solution and the individual begins drinking. If it works for them they will assign the alcohol as something valuable that they need to keep doing. They drink more and more and even begin to crave the alcohol. Eventually they have to drink more to get the same effect or they develop a tolerance.

Before they know it this problem has grown into a full blown alcohol addiction and many even forget why they started drinking in the first place.
This scenario has most likely occurred in one form or another with the more than 17 million people currently addicted to alcohol.

Narconon Schools Warning About Alcoholism

Government agencies and private alcohol rehabilitation programs alike continually warn students and adults about alcoholism. The problem is very easy to fall victim too and it is very difficult to stop it without professional help. Prevention lectures through Narconon schools have shown to reduce both drug and alcohol use among youth.

Those who enroll in rehabilitation programs that are successful, whether they are bypass patients or not, face the highest success when dealing with their addiction. Programs like Narconon Vista Bay achieve a 76% success rate for permanent handling of this problem.
For more information on alcoholism treatment through Narconon Vista Bay or its negative effects on bypass patients call 888-419-9222 now.

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Alcohol Abuse Drunk Driving Higher Around Holidays

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Family Drug Intervention

More than 17 million people are current abusers of alcohol in the United States. The substance is one of the most abused in the country. However, what many don’t know is that during the holidays the abuse of alcohol as well a drunk driving increases.

Alcohol Abuse Statistics

The following are basic alcohol abuse statistics as reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

More than 50% of people over the age of 18 are current drinkers.
Only a little more than 13% of those people are infrequent drinkers meaning they had no more than 11 drinks over the last year.

Alcohol abuse was the culprit in more than 15,000 deaths involving liver disease.
Other alcohol induced deaths topped over 24,000 in one year. This did not include homicides or accidents.

Reasons Why Drunk Driving Higher Around Holidays

The holidays are a time of family, thankfulness and celebration. They are also a time where people tend to abuse alcohol more and more and incidents of drinking and driving increase as a result. The following are the primary reasons for this:

•    Added Stress – The holidays, for most are one of the most stressful times of the year. Entertaining company, seeing family, the money spent on presents and parties and even the weather can add stress to this time of year. In addition to this there can also be stressors within the family that trigger an individual to drink. A strained family relationship, family illness, the sense of loss from the death of a loved one and even divorce can add stress and cause a person to abuse alcohol.

•    Financial Problems – With the economy lagging, the stress of financial responsibilities during the holidays can been too much for some. The feeling one cannot afford a gift for a loved one or even falling ill during the holidays and not being able to make one’s expected income can start a person down the road of using alcohol to relieve this feeling.

•    More Alcohol Related Events – During the holidays there are many more events serving alcohol than during most other times of the year. Office, personal or family functions usually have at least some amount of alcohol on supply and those attending feel that they deserve to have a “good time” and tend to drink more than what they usually would.

What To Do If Someone Has Had To Much To Drink

It is usually easy to see when an individual has had too much to drink during the holidays. Often they will stagger, be slurring their words, or be loud and boisterous. The intoxication can be more pronounced if the person is starting to fall asleep or pass out or just seems completely out of it. Other physical symptoms are bloodshot eyes, the smell of alcohol on the person and a sloppy appearance.

When someone has had too much to drink around the holidays it is important that they do not get behind the wheel. Make sure their keys are taken or that there is a designated driver. If someone has had too much to drink they should be taken to a quiet place so they can sleep it off. After they have sobered up, they should be spoken to about alcohol abuse and the basic problem they are having.

It is helpful to inform those abusing alcohol of NA, or even AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) so they can attend meetings. Another resource is rehabilitation through the Narconon alcohol treatment programs. Although the facilities do not employ Narconon meetings they have a residential alcohol treatment program with 76% success rate for permanent sobriety.
For more information call 888-419-9222.

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