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ALCOHOLISM
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Alcohol Treatment
What types of treatment statistically show the highest success rate?
Alcoholism Treatment Centers
Many different treatment centers offer expert treatment of alcoholism. Their cost, duration, counseling methods, and treatment protocols vary widely and deserve careful research
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ALCOHOL FACTS
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Alcoholism Facts
30% of Americans say they have had problems with alcohol
14,000,000 U.S. adults are addicted to alcohol
500,000 U.S. children are addicted to alcohol
6 1/2 times more youth are killed each year from alcohol than all other drugs combined
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GETTING SOBER
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Alcohol Detox and Treatment
Confronting alcoholism is not easy. But keep in mind that the sooner you get help, the better your chances for a long-term, successful recovery. Learn more about where to begin and what resources you have.
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STAYING SOBER
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For long-term successful recovery, the alcoholic's work does not end with the treatment program. An ongoing commitment to stay sober is really only possible with support of one's family, friends, and social sphere. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings provide a social support network for recovering alcoholics worldwide. Many recovering alcoholics attend meetings on a regular basis for years after quitting; some for a lifetime.
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Alcoholism, Alcohol Abuse, Alcohol Dependence
Alcoholism is a disease characterized by these four behaviors:
- Craving. A strong need, or urge, to drink.
- Loss of control. Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun.
- Physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking.
- Tolerance. The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get "high."
Alcoholism IS a Disease
Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal disease that involves excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, leading to physical and psychological addiction.
People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol continue to drink it despite evidence of physical or psychological problems. It is a primary disorder and not a symptom of other diseases or emotional problems. The chemistry of alcohol allows it to affect nearly every type of cell in the body, including those in the central nervous system. After prolonged exposure to alcohol, the brain becomes dependent on it. The severity of alcoholism is influenced by factors such as genetics, psychology, culture, and response to physical pain.
The craving for alcohol that an alcoholic experiences can be as strong as the need for food or water. An alcoholic will continue to drink despite serious family, health, or legal problems. Alcoholics become obsessed with alcohol and unable to control how much they drink, even though their drinking is causing serious problems with their relationships, health, work and finances. Not only is it difficult for the addict, it is extremely hard on those around them who care about them.
Like many other diseases, alcoholism is chronic, meaning that it lasts a person's lifetime; it usually follows a predictable course; and it has symptoms. The risk for developing alcoholism is influenced both by a person's genes and by his or her lifestyle.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT ALCOHOL TREATMENT
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Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
Before seeking treatment or recovery, many people with alcoholism deny that they have a drinking problem. This is complicated by the fact that there are varying degrees of alcohol abuse and addiction. People who abuse alcohol may experience many of the same signs and symptoms as people who are dependent on alcohol. However, alcohol abusers don't feel the same compulsion to drink and usually don't experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they don't drink. A dependence on alcohol also creates a tolerance to alcohol and the inability to control your drinking. Signs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse include:
- Drinking alone or in secret
- Drinking early in the day
- Preoccupation with drinking throughout the day
- Feeling the need or compulsion to drink
- Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Hiding alcohol at home, at work or in the car
- Making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned
- Irritability when your ritual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available
- Drinking to feel good or to relax
- Needing more and more alcohol over time to get the desired effects
- Experiencing nausea, sweating, shaking, or other withdrawal symptoms if you go without alcohol for very long
- Forgetting conversations, agreements, or commitments
- Blacking out, in which you forget a significant stretch of time, even an entire evening
- A loss of interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring you enjoyment and pleasure
- Encountering legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances
- Episodes of violent or abusive incidents with your spouse or children
- A history of unexplained or frequent accidents
If you've ever wondered if your own alcohol consumption crosses the line of abuse or dependence, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you need a drink as soon as you get up?
- Do you feel guilty about your drinking?
- Do you think you need to cut back on your alcohol consumption?
- Are you annoyed when other people comment on or criticize your drinking habits?
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MORE INFORMATION ON ALCOHOLISM
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Alcohol Treatment
Treatment begins with detoxification, which safely withdraws the alcoholic from drinking. Rehabilitation then helps the alcoholic begin to develop skills for sober living.
Alcohol Treatment Centers
Many alcoholics benefit from longer-term rehabilitation programs, day treatment programs, or outpatient programs.
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DRUG ADDICTION
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Drug Addiction
Modern medicine has shown that drug addiction is, in fact, a disease. Like many diseases, addiction is treatable. Learn about the chemistry behind drug addiction cravings and what you can do about it.
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DRUG ADDICTION SIGNS
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Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Wondering if you have a drug addiction? If you are, the answer is probably yes. If you're even asking this question, it means that your symptoms are severe enough that they are getting your attention. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you have a substance abuse problem.
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DRUG DETOX & REHAB
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Drug Rehabilitation
Drug rehabilitation is a multi-phase, multi-faceted, long term process. Detoxification is only the first step on the road of addiction treatment. Physical detoxification alone is not sufficient to change the patterns of a drug addict.
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RELAPSE FACTS
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Studies indicate that 80 - 90% of people treated for alcohol or drug abuse relapse, sometimes after years of abstinence. According to one study, three factors put the recovering addict at high risk for relapse:
- Feelings of frustration and anger, especially if unexpressed
- Pressure from friends, co-workers, or family members to drink or use
- Internal temptations to escape, medicate or numb with alcohol or drugs, especially during times of stress or hardship
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BODY DETOX
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detox.fm
Information for detoxing your body: kidney cleansing, liver cleansing, colon cleansing, foods for detoxing, and more.
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