How to Help an Alcoholic – It can be horrible to watch someone you love suffering from the chronic disease of addiction. Whether you’re struggling with alcoholism yourself or watching it unfold in another, over time, you may begin to lose hope that there is any way to overcome this devastating condition.

As someone close to the alcoholic, you also have a significant influence over his or her life. Although you cannot save them yourself, you can encourage them to seek help and support them on their journey to recovery. The following are tips on how to help an alcoholic admit they have a problem and find solace in recovery.

When it Is Time for a Confrontation

People outside of the healthcare industry have many preconceived notions about how to help those suffering from addiction. For example, you may have been told that your loved one needs to hit “rock bottom” to motivate them enough to change. Others may adhere to the archaic idea that addiction is a moral failing or matter of willpower, and unless the person decides to “just say no,” there is nothing you can really do but pray.

However, it is often the case that these individuals have not personally experienced or witnessed addiction firsthand. The reality is that many people have had great success in recovery programs, even if they were resistant to it initially or they never hit what might be considered to be the lowest point in this disease.

Most people intuitively know when the negative effects of alcoholism have become evident in a person’s life. These consequences often include mental and physical health problems, relationship conflicts, poor performance at work or school, and financial or legal issues.

How to Confront an Alcoholic

Confronting an alcoholic about their addiction will be a very sensitive conversation. When preparing for the discussion, there are several vital elements to consider:

Use a Careful Approach

Before facing your loved one, remember to keep your attitude in check. As frustrating as the person can be, you have to consider where they’re coming from. Addiction is a complex, chronic disease that often accompanies other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.

Negative talk about their failures may only push them away. Instead, you should focus on expressing love and concern. Let them know that you and others are there to support them and that you are doing this because you care deeply about their mental and physical well-being.

Research Treatment Options

If they seem unmotivated to confront their addiction, it’s up to you and other loved ones to begin researching treatment options for them. Alcohol recovery often begins with detox, but this process can be risky to do at home. If someone has been drinking heavily for a prolonged period, withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. Therefore, it’s safest to detox in a clinical environment that is capable of monitoring the person’s health during the alcohol withdrawal process.

After an individual has completed a detox program, he or she should be immediately transferred into addiction treatment. Ideally, this would be an inpatient or partial-hospitalization program, but, in some cases, outpatient treatment may be appropriate.

When researching options, you should look for an accredited facility that offers comprehensive, customized treatment and evidence-based services that include psychotherapy, counseling, group support, and aftercare planning.

Stage an Intervention

An intervention is sometimes a last-ditch effort for the alcoholic who refuses to recognize or deal with the problem. During an intervention, the person’s closest friends and family gather together in an attempt to persuade him or her to seek help.

The thought of staging an intervention can be frightening. You may be understandably worried that the person will react with anger and the relationship will become even more strained. While this is certainly a possibility, you cannot let it be your primary concern. Instead, you should use that fear as inspiration to put as much thought and care into preparation as possible.

Interventions can be extremely effective when they are approached and planned correctly. It is a very good idea to work with a therapist or counselor who specializes in interventions to help you prepare for and facilitate the conversation. Interventionists are experts at managing these gatherings, ensuring that the dialog is appropriate and that the conversation goes smoothly and is constructive and beneficial.

Understand Your Role And, If Necessary, Step Back

It can be easy to get swept up in the turmoil of your loved one’s alcoholism, but you must remember to take good care of yourself as well. You can support your friend or family member throughout their recovery process while also understanding that it is not your job to save them. You can encourage him or her and provide some tough love, but, in the end, they must take responsibility for their own lives.

And, no matter what has contributed to their addiction, remember that it’s not your fault. Every person makes their own choices—you are not responsible for their actions, and you should not feel guilty or blame yourself.

If you feel it might be beneficial, consider speaking to a therapist or counselor to help you or other loved ones process the trauma. Alcoholism can be difficult and sometimes devastating for everyone involved, and it’s okay for the friends and family members of those suffering from addiction to reach out and seek support for themselves.

Educate Yourself

One of the best things you can do is learn about alcoholism. Read all you can and share articles, books, and information with friends and family members. You should also consider attending open meetings of Al-Anon—these meetings serve as support for family and friends who are coping with a loved one’s alcoholism.

Keep Your Emotions in Check

Alcoholism is associated with intense emotions in both the alcoholic and among his or her loved ones. Some interactions can be very destructive and encourage the individual to continue their addiction.

Watching a loved one continuing to suffer is a powerless feeling. However, when talking to the person, you can not let your personal pain direct the conversation. Emotional appeals as to how much they’ve hurt you or others can exacerbate their own negative feelings, possibly increasing their desire to drink and escape overwhelming emotions.

Don’t Cover for the Alcoholic

Every person, even those with addiction, must take responsibility for their own behavior and decisions. Making excuses to a boss or teacher, doing work for them, and paying their bills only helps to enable their addiction. Unless it’s a life-threatening situation, you should never lend money to someone with alcoholism.

Pick Your Battles

If you confront an alcoholic every time he or she misbehaves, soon you might find your words falling on deaf ears. This possibility is especially likely if you try to have a conversation with them when they are still intoxicated. Instead, wait until they can have a rational conversation (and preferably not severely hungover) before confronting them.

Never Drink with an Alcoholic

Sometimes it might feel like it’s okay to drink with a loved one who is an alcoholic. This behavior is never acceptable, however, regardless of the situation, and it will only serve to condone drinking and encourage the person to continue their habit.

You Don’t Have to Do it Alone

Harmony Treatment and Wellness treats and supports patients in recovery through the use of a comprehensive approach that customizes treatment to the individual. Call us today to learn about our treatment options and how we can help your loved one break free from addiction and get a new lease on life!

Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means that it reduces activity and functions in the brain and body. Alcohol can impair vision, coordination, judgment, the ability to multitask, reaction time, sleep, and decision-making skills. Because of the decreased reaction time from excessive alcohol consumption, many people are unable to perform everyday tasks safely, such as operating a motor vehicle.

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol

A blood alcohol concentration of .08% or above can result in the following short-term effects:

Very high blood alcohol levels can induce even more dangerous complications, including the following:

Even a small amount of alcohol can impair a person’s brain function and the ability to concentrate. A moderate amount of alcohol can cause slurred speech, poor vision, and the increased need to urinate or sleep.

A very excessive amount of alcohol can induce breathing difficulties, alcohol poisoning, coma, and death. Alcohol poisoning causes the body to shut down completely and is a life-threatening medical emergency.

The short-term effects of alcohol consumption can appear after just a few drinks. However, people who have low tolerance levels may be affected after having only one or two drinks. Some of these effects might appear harmless, but they are signs that alcohol is having a serious impact on the body.

The short-term effects of alcohol abuse also include the following:

Blackouts and Lapses in Memory – These side effects of excessive alcohol use are common among heavy drinkers. Binge drinkers often have sparse or no memories of their behavior and are surprised to discover activities they were involved in the next day.

Loss of Inhibitions – Neural impairment caused by drinking can result in reduced inhibitions, distorted perception and the inability to think clearly and rationally. This effect can result in risky, impulsive, and dangerous behavior, which may be entirely out of character for many people.

Mood Swings – The initial effects of drinking include the release of the feel-good chemical dopamine in the brain, but this effect is temporary, and dopamine levels will eventually crash. This crash can cause a rapid mood shift from happy to depressed, anxious, or angry, and, in extreme cases, can result in suicidal thoughts or aggressive behavior.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can have devastating effects on one’s health and well-being. Liver disease, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, pancreatitis, and several forms of cancer are all linked to the long-term abuse of alcohol.

Moreover, repeatedly drinking above the recommended daily allowance (1 or 2 drinks for women and men, respectively) can lead to the development of at least sixty different diseases and significantly impact one’s emotional well-being.

Dependence

Abusing alcohol for a prolonged period can lead to a condition known as dependence. Dependence occurs when the brain grows accustomed to the presence of a substance, such as alcohol, and becomes unable to work correctly without it. This condition results in unpleasant and, in extreme cases, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms when the person attempts to quit drinking, often driving him or her to relapse to avoid these effects.

Tolerance

Tolerance also develops over time as a result of the brain’s propensity to diminish the effects of an intoxicating substance following repeated exposure. As tolerance occurs, the user is compelled to consume increasing amounts of alcohol to feel the desired effects.

Tolerance is dangerous and not conducive to a healthy life—consuming alcohol in higher and higher amounts becomes correspondingly riskier regarding health, emotional, financial, legal, and social effects. Along with behavior comes an increased risk of death due to acute alcohol poisoning.

Liver Cirrhosis

The liver is possibly the most essential organ needed for the process of alcohol metabolism. Repeated excessive use of alcohol can result in the liver’s normal cells becoming damaged and being replaced by scar tissue. Over time, the liver may become less able to heal itself or perform its normal functions. Ultimately, liver disease can lead to life-threatening problems and end-stage liver disease.

Cancer

Consuming alcohol at high levels is the second leading cause of cancer after smoking tobacco. Exceeding the daily limit of alcohol on a regular basis, even by just a small amount, can result in a higher risk of developing the following forms of cancer:

Hypertension

Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks per session raises blood pressure temporarily, but repeated binge drinking can result in chronic increases.

Injuries

Intoxicating effects of alcohol can result in injuries from falls or misadventure, such as bruising, broken bones, etc. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is related to as many as 30% of adult hospital admissions, especially those to emergency departments.

Mental Effects

Alcohol is a depressant and therefore using alcohol as a means to self-medicate often leads to the opposite effect of what a person initially intended. Alcoholism can cause depression, anxiety, and exacerbate symptoms of pre-existing mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder.

What’s more, alcohol use interferes with medications such as antidepressants that are used to treat mood disorders. Alcohol is also especially dangerous when used in combination with other central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates.

Brain Damage

People who drink large amounts of alcohol for a prolonged period have an increased risk of incurring severe and persistent changes in the brain. For example, people who suffer from chronic alcoholism often have a deficiency of thiamine (B1), a vital nutrient required by all tissues in the body, including the brain.

Some of these persons will go on to develop a serious brain disorder known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), a condition characterized by two separate conditions. First, there is a relatively short-lived but severe condition called Wernicke’s encephalopathy, and following is a long-lasting and highly-debilitating disease called Korsakoff’s psychosis. The symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy includes confusion, paralysis of the nerves that move the eyes, and impaired muscle coordination.

Social Effects

When alcohol becomes a persistent aspect of a person’s life, it’s not just the person drinking that feels the effects. Those close to him or her are impacted as well. Drinking habits and related problematic behaviors tend to become a source of arguments and often result in relationship strain and conflicts.

Financial and legal consequences among alcoholics are also common. And these, in turn, can result in seemingly insurmountable debt, unemployment, license suspension, and even incarceration. Alcoholism also contributes to aggression and violence, including physical and sexual assaults.

Treatment for Alcoholism

Alcoholism is most effectively treated using an integrated, evidence-based approach designed specifically for each individual. Such an approach should include services such as psychotherapy, counseling, group support, health and wellness programs, and aftercare planning.

Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers these services in both partial-hospitalization and intensive outpatient formats. Outpatient treatment is particularly beneficial for those who have already completed an inpatient stay or partial-hospitalization while they transition back to society, or need more flexibility to attend to important life responsibilities.

We employ highly-skilled addiction specialists to facilitate services and to provide our clients with the essential tools, resources, education, and support they need to recover and sustain long-term wellness and sobriety.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, contact us today. Discover how we help people free themselves from the chains of addiction and go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives!

Alcohol is an intoxicating substance classified as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This classification means that heavy consumption inhibits activity in the CNS, eventually leading to slurred speech, impaired coordination, and delayed reaction time. As for alcohol’s effect on the mind, it’s a drug that impairs a person’s ability to reason and enact proper judgment.

Although alcohol is considered to be a depressant due to its action on the CNS, the effects of consumption may initially feel stimulating, and for this reason, it’s often used as a social lubricant. The temporary mood elevation is a result of alcohol’s ability to increase dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain associated with feelings of euphoria and reward.

After several drinks, however, a person will begin experiencing alcohol’s depressant effects, which can result in slowed reaction time, memory loss, pain desensitization, and cognitive and mobility impairments. CNS depression can ensure to the point of unconsciousness, coma, and even death. Unfortunately, in the U.S. around 2,200 people die each year from complications that arise from severe alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol is a substance that, when abused, wreaks havoc on the health, well-being, and lives of people in many ways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that excessive alcohol use in the U.S. led to an estimated 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost each year from 2006-2010.

The Definition of “Drug”

The term “drug” refers to something, often a substance, that causes addiction, habituation, or a marked change in consciousness. Alcohol is a depressant drug, just like benzodiazepines, hypnotics, and muscle relaxers. Other classes of drugs include stimulants (e.g., cocaine and meth), hallucinogens (e.g., LSD and psilocybin mushrooms), and painkillers or opioids (e.g., heroin and oxycodone).

Alcohol is often thought of a bit differently than other drugs, however, because alcohol is legal in most regions worldwide, unlike heroin and cocaine. But, because alcohol is an intoxicant, it can be just as dangerous as other illicit drugs.

In fact, one could argue that alcohol is potentially more harmful than many other psychoactive substances, such as marijuana and LSD. Furthermore, alcohol is legal and culturally-accepted, making it particularly insidious.

How Is Alcohol Made?

Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is the primary ingredient in beer, wine, and liquor that causes the intoxicating effects experienced by those who consume them. Alcohol is produced from yeasts and sugar through a process known as fermentation.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “A standard drink equals 0.6 ounces of pure ethanol, or 12 ounces of beer; 8 ounces of malt liquor; 5 ounces of wine; or 1.5 ounces (a “shot”) of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey).”

Fermented drinks can contain anywhere from 2% to 20% alcohol, and these typically include beer and wine. Distilled drinks (liquor) contain around 40-50% alcohol (or more) and include vodka, rum, whiskey, and gin.

The typical alcohol content for each kind of drink is:

How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?

Following consumption, a relatively small percentage of alcohol absorbs into the bloodstream through the stomach (about 20%) and the remainder through the small intestine (about 80%) until it enters the brain and begins to depress the CNS. As the body proceeds to break down alcohol in the liver, eventually it will be unable to keep pace because it can process only so much alcohol at a time.

When a person is drinking excessively, this produces a high alcohol concentration in the blood that then circulates throughout the body and leads to intoxication. Eventually, the depressant effects of alcohol can overwhelm the person’s system, hindering his or her ability to think or talk coherently, move with proper coordination, or, in severe cases, respond to external stimuli.

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol

Furthermore, long-term alcohol use increases the risk of several forms of cancer, including that of the mouth, stomach, esophagus, breast, and colon.

Getting Treatment

Alcohol dependence is a common disorder that affects millions of Americans and can be devastating to a person’s life and family. If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol addiction, help is available. Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that includes behavioral therapy, individual and group counseling, health and wellness programs, aftercare planning, and more.

We employ caring addiction professionals who are trained to provide clients with the tools and support they need to achieve abstinence, prevent relapse, and maintain long-term sobriety and wellness.

Please give us a call as soon as possible to learn more about our alcohol treatment options and how we can provide you with the resources you need to begin your journey to recovery!

Dry drunk syndrome is characterized by a set of emotional impairments experienced by some people who are in recovery from alcoholism, which impedes a person’s ability to leave their addiction behind, despite being abstinent. As a result, dry drunk syndrome causes those who are suffering to remain ensnared in a day-to-day life much less fulfilling or happy than it otherwise could be.

Basically, a person who suffers from dry drunk syndrome has quit drinking alcohol but has not effectively addressed nor resolved past trauma, resentments, or hurt, and has not advanced to mental and emotional stability.

What Is a Dry Drunk?

The term “dry drunk” is believed to have originated from 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and describes someone who, their sober status notwithstanding, continues to behave as if she or he were still caught in the grip of addiction.

Who Becomes a Dry Drunk?

There are many reasons why a person in recovery would continue to encounter many of the same emotional symptoms they did when actively using. Factors that contribute to dry drunk syndrome may include the following:

The person in recovery…

…has a co-occurring mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder that has not been effectively addressed or treated.

…assumed that the mere act of engaging in sobriety would be enough to resolve most or all of their issues, and did not develop coping skills beyond their previous dysfunction solutions.

…failed to put forth enough effort into their mental and emotional well-being and has, therefore, become trapped in a less-than-optimal way of life.

…did not to take full advantage of therapy, counseling, and or external support such as family, friends, peer group meetings, etc.

…is spiritually empty. A lack of mindfulness or self-awareness has less to do with actual religion, but rather, reflects a fundamental belief that obtaining inner peace is not necessary or possible.

…are resentful about the fact that they cannot drink “normally” as others do, and consider sobriety as a sort of life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Dry Drunk Syndrome vs. Healthy Recovery

If you have wondered if you or a loved one in recovery has characteristics of a dry drunk, there is a good chance this may be true. People in recovery still have ups and downs and often must struggle against obstacles. But the place and the attitude from which they derive their worldview and how they cope with challenges is what is different between these emotionally measured people and dry drunks.

For example, dry drunks…

…exhibit bitterness and anger, and have a low stress tolerance.

…exhibit few changes in behavior and lifestyle other than abstinence, and at times continue to withdraw despite feelings of loneliness.

…are criticized by family and friends who regard the person as equally unpleasant to be around as when actively drinking.

…may believe that their lives are not much better than before they stopped drinking, and in fact, some things are regarded as worse.

…hold onto the belief that their dysfunctional coping skills somehow improved their lives.

…act as if they were forced into abstinence rather than going willingly, and continue to romanticize drinking.

…continue to ignore life’s difficulties in the same way they did when they were drinking.

…continue to engage in self-pity.

On the other hand, people who experience a healthy recovery…

…exhibit resilience, forgiveness, and have respect for oneself and others.

…exhibit healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes such as the employment of effective coping mechanisms and reengage in a positive and active social life.

…are noticeably and positively different in their mood and behavior to others close to them.

…find more enjoyment in life than when they were actively drinking, and accept that their previous means of coping was unhealthy compared to their newly-adopted skills and attitude.

…recognize that in recovery, life should not regress back to “before” addiction, and rather, be founded in a new paradigm of existence.

…may not have engaged in sobriety willingly, but at some point, readily adopted the new lifestyle and continue to do so.

…confront life’s challenges constructively, bounce back in spite of setbacks, and internalize the fact that life can be challenging with or without alcohol use.

…exhibit self-assurance.

Dry Drunk Prevention

Those in early recovery are often still at risk for falling into the aforementioned emotional and behavioral pitfalls that are indicative of dry drunk syndrome.

A person can avoid these traps by active engagement in an emotional self-recovery process and…

…becoming able to identify the signs of dry drunk syndrome vs. healthy recovery.

…be willing to revisit early recovery, identify where things went wrong, and seek solutions for them.

…be fully committed to recovery and routinely monitor progress on a long-term basis.

…recognizing that recovery is a lifelong process that requires permanent changes, a formidable will, and continuous effort.

…refusing to “romance the drink” or consider the idea that previous dysfunctional coping mechanisms can ever take the place of healthy ones.

…continuing to seek a meaningful connection between oneself and others.

…taking it seriously if, over time, life is still unsatisfying and immediately seek mental health care and emotional support from others.

Treatment for Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a chronic, devastating disease that adversely impacts the lives of those who suffer as well as everyone close to them. Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers comprehensive, evidence-based programs that include services vital to the recovery process, such as counseling, psychotherapy, group support, and more.

If you or someone you love is dependent on alcohol, please contact us as soon as possible and discover how we help people reclaim their lives, prevent relapse, and free themselves from the grips of addiction!

End-Stage Alcoholism – Alcoholism is a common chronic disease that affects over 18 million adults in the United States alone. Like all diseases, there are different stages. When a person reaches end-stage alcoholism, he or she has come to a point that is far different from earlier stages.

During the initial stages of the disease, the alcoholic drinks excessively, and in between drinking episodes, they experience hangovers like everyone else. During end-stage alcoholism, however, addiction has complete control over the person, and drinking impulses are left unrestrained.

Stages of Alcoholism

There are four major stages of alcoholism – pre-alcoholism, early alcoholism, middle alcoholism, and late alcoholism (also known as end-stage alcoholism).

Stage One: Pre-Alcoholism

During the pre-alcoholism stage, there is scant evidence of a drinking problem, and much of the behavior during this stage would look normal to an outsider. Drinking has a primarily social function at the beginning of this stage, but as things progress, drinking is used more and more often as a means to reduce stress.

The main physical characteristic of this stage is that the person begins to develop a tolerance, meaning he or she can drink ever larger amounts of alcohol while continuing to function. Eventually, it takes a significant amount of alcohol to result in intoxication.

Stage Two: Early-Stage Alcoholism

Early-stage alcoholism marks the beginning of the person’s chronic alcohol consumption. The disease also begins to feed itself, because unlike most other diseases, the alcoholic finds the experience to be positive rather than negative. Externally, the alcoholic does not seem to be sick, and they appear to be relatively normal to those around them except for they are drinking a bit more.

Early-stage alcoholics typically have a high tolerance for alcohol and go unnoticed by many around them. When most people drink to their level of tolerance, they begin to exhibit the signs of being inebriated. Those signs include problems with speech and impaired motor skills, often marked by a loss of balance or coordination.

When social drinkers move into early-stage alcoholism, their tolerance begins to increase. This can allow them to overcome some of these signs that casual drinkers present. They may become able to hold conversations while intoxicated without slurring or having difficulty with coordination or motor skills.

Counterintuitively, the alcoholic begins to feel that they function better while under the influence because they only deal with the adverse effects when they quit drinking. The early stage alcoholic adjusts their drinking behavior as needed, and this often goes unrecognized.

As time passes by, however, assuming they maintain or increase their alcohol use, their body becomes progressively dependent on alcohol as the cells in their body begin to require it to function normally. Once the early stage progresses far enough, the disease reaches a tipping point where it advances into the middle stage of alcoholism.

Stage Three: Middle-Stage Alcoholism

In the middle stage of alcoholism, alcoholic behaviors manifest. Signs that there is a serious issue usually become evident to friends and family members. The person may begin missing work or social gatherings due to drinking or recovering from hangovers. He or she might drink at dangerous or inappropriate times, such as when caring for children, while driving, or at work.

The person may become increasingly irritable and argumentative. He or she may develop facial redness, bloating, sluggishness, and experience weight loss or weight gain. In this stage, the person might make several attempts to quit drinking, seek professional treatment, and join support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

During middle-stage alcoholism, organs in the body are actively being damaged, and this problem is only going to get worse. The person is really starting to feel the negative effects that his or her drinking has had on their body. The pleasant effects of the next drink often serve to help the person forget the unpleasant effects of the last drinking episode, and this cycle repeats daily.

When an adequate level of alcohol isn’t present in the person’s system, they feel terrible, both physically and mentally. Only after they have been drinking do they feel well again. As the alcoholism advances, the cells in the body grow more and more resistant to alcohol’s effects, and tolerance continues to increase.

Visible signs that someone is in the grip of alcoholism are apparent. The individual begins to lose the ability to refrain from drinking due to the strong physiological compulsions their body produces to consume alcohol. When they do try to quit drinking, they experience highly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, tremors, and irritability.

Common middle-stage alcoholism behaviors also include the following:

• Habitual drinking in non-social settings
• Strained interpersonal relationships
• A reduction in social activity
• Erratic behavior
• Withdrawal symptoms when not consuming alcohol

Stage Four: Late- or End-Stage Alcoholism

Late- or end-stage alcoholism is full-blown addiction that requires alcohol detox and comprehensive, long-term treatment for recovery. The person suffering now spends the majority of their time in service to the disease by drinking.

In this last stage, the person experiences both physical and mental health issues. Malnutrition may be present, and their physical condition is noticeably weakened. The addict no longer cares about the damage the disease is causing them or the many adverse consequences that occur as a result. At this point, the alcoholic’s mind and body are deteriorating at an accelerated rate.

Weakened cells are impaired in their ability to create bone, tissue, and blood as a healthy system normally would. Compounding upon the body’s challenges is that the cells lack the capability to repair themselves properly. The liver works overtime to gather nutrients and supply them to the body.

Nutritional deficiencies produce mental health issues including emotional instability, decreased alertness and mental confusion. End-stage alcoholics often develop liver, heart, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. The list of conditions is extensive, and includes, but is not limited to the following:

Is Recovery from End Stage Alcoholism Possible?

Importantly, end-stage alcoholism is not like other end-stage diseases in that it’s not an automatic death sentence. But, the longer it continues, the greater the chance that a person will indeed die from causes or complications related to alcohol use.

Alcoholism’s progression is relative to the challenges of long-term sobriety, but recovery is possible at any stage. There are no quick fixes to addiction or disease, and the safest course of action is to seek treatment in a secure environment catered to each patient’s individual needs. This treatment should employ a holistic treatment approach that includes psychotherapy, counseling, group support, and aftercare planning.

We encourage you to learn more about our approach to health and well-being during drug or alcohol treatment and to seek help immediately, especially if end-stage alcoholism is upon you. If you are reading this, you probably already know that alcoholism is a major problem in your life or the life of a loved one.

You know that more alcohol is not the way to restore your sanity. You don’t need temporary relief – you need complete healing. You don’t have to feel afraid, ashamed, or alone anymore.

Contact us today and discover how we can help you reclaim your life and begin to experience the happiness and harmony you deserve!

Identifying Alcoholic Behavior – Nearly all alcoholics find it difficult to quit drinking on their own, and this is one primary reason why professional alcohol treatment is usually the most effective approach to achieving sobriety. But how can you identify addiction behaviors in yourself or a loved one and intervene and seek treatment early?

Alcohol abuse can, and often does, result in several problems, including a strain on family, relationships, finances, as well as health and legal issues. Recognizing and treating alcohol addiction early on can prevent many of these problems or minimize their harm.

Identifying alcoholic behavior and problematic drinking in others is often easier than recognizing these behaviors and problems in oneself. For this reason, if you suspect a loved one has an alcohol use disorder, you must approach this subject cautiously. Most alcoholics are not ready to accept that they have a problem, even if drinking is causing adverse consequences in their lives.

Hallmark Signs of a Drinking Problem

If you are reading this, chances are good you probably already suspect that someone you know – or even you yourself – may have a drinking problem. The following list includes classic alcoholic behaviors that may help confirm suspicions.

A drinking problem may exist if the person in question has exhibited or experienced the following:

• A history of attempts to quit drinking that have been unsuccessful
• Blackouts or memory lapses while drinking
• Continuing to consume alcohol despite problems with relationships, profession, or academics
• Drinking a greater amount of alcohol or for a longer period than intended
• Finding or making excuses to drink
• Developing an increased tolerance for alcohol
• Developing a physiological dependence and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is discontinued
• Legal and/or financial troubles related to drinking
• Neglecting personal responsibilities or activities in place of drinking
• Being deceptive and secretive to hide alcohol and drinking habits

So, once you recognize an alcohol problem, you may be able to confirm it by consulting a doctor, psychiatrist, or licensed psychologist for diagnosis. To do so, the person will need to undergo a comprehensive physical and psychological assessment, as well as answer a number of questions relating to their history of substance use, family genetics, and developmental environment.

Alcoholic Behavior Should Not Be Overlooked

When alcoholic behavior becomes apparent, it’s likely that the problem has existed for some time. Problematic drinkers can put a great deal of effort into hiding their alcoholism, and therefore, it’s not always easy to identify them right away. In the early stages, there may be very few signs that would indicate a significant problem.

The clear signs of alcoholism may not become evident until peak use is occurring. This peak or “tipping point” between drinking and full-blown alcoholism may take years or even decades to evolve to the point where it’s undeniable. For example, high-functioning alcoholics can often maintain a normal life with minimal or no signs at all.

There are some common behaviors of a drinker that can indicate the presence of alcoholism at an early stage. If you perceive that your loved one copes with life’s challenges by drinking, this could be a red flag. As the disease advances, so do the more prominent signs of problem drinking.

What is Alcoholic Behavior?

Typical behavior of alcoholics includes actions that people take when drinking has gotten out of control. While alcohol use can drive many of us to engage in risky or impulsive behaviors, it is when this becomes an everyday event for the problematic drinker that it requires further investigation.

Drinking behaviors include both things that people do while intoxicated as well as those things that a person will do to obtain alcohol and avoid detection and/or confrontation about drinking habits. Alcohol use alters how the brain functions, so people have known to commit harmful, abusive, or illicit acts unintentionally while intoxicated.

These behaviors include:

• Abusive acts such as emotional, physical, and verbal abuse
• Drinking in secret
• Neglecting important responsibilities regarding family, work, or school
• Instigating fights or physically assaulting others
• Acting irrationally and saying hurtful things to others, and having no recollection of these events
• the following day
• Driving drunk or riding in a car with someone who is also impaired
• Engaging in irresponsible sexual activity such as unprotected sex
• Risking the safety of themselves and others
• Unlawful activity that may result in legal consequences

Indeed, there is a pronounced effect of alcoholism on behavior. It can alter the way someone acts and elicit personality changes. In fact, statistics regularly suggest that many crimes are related to alcohol abuse.

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), offenders in more than one-third (37 percent) of sexual assaults are intoxicated. The reports also reveal that 27 percent of aggravated assaults, 25 percent of simple assaults, and 15 percent of robberies involved alcohol use by the person offending.

Moreover, even those who are usually calm and stable can become aggressive and violent when drinking heavily. Alcohol can negatively affect someone’s personality, motivations, priorities, mental health, and ability to respond appropriately to stress.

It’s important to highlight the fact that some people can maintain a relatively “normal” life as a high-functioning alcoholic. The signs of alcoholism may be mostly mild in someone such as this, and that’s why it’s so vitally important to be aware. These people are often able to engage in their daily lives as if there were no problem at all.

Many high-functioning alcoholics and alcohol abusers can hold down jobs of some importance, such as those in law enforcement or the medical field. The problem is, however, these individuals still face significant risks to their health. They may be flying under the radar regarding familial, financial, or legal effects, but they are still damaging their kidneys and liver with chronic, excessive drinking.

Alcoholic Behavior Identified: The Next Steps

Realizing that you or someone close to you is suffering from alcohol abuse problems can be very alarming, and rightfully so. The good news, however, is that alcoholism, like any chronic disease, can be treated and managed.

The following steps should be taken once a substance use disorder has been identified:

1. Communicate with family and close friends as soon as possible, and make them aware of the situation. Many alcoholics find that the support of loved ones makes the recovery process much easier.

2. The alcoholic, ideally with help from others, should then take steps to enroll in an alcohol recovery program. This process may start with a meeting with an addiction specialist or calling and making reservations at a treatment center. Treatment is crucial for curbing alcoholic behavior.

3. If the individual is not ready to acknowledge that he or she has an alcohol problem and needs treatment, a staged intervention may be the next best step. During an intervention, a person’s loved ones gather together and confront the individual about their disorder and how it impacts him or her as well as loved ones. A licensed addiction counselor may be present during an intervention to help keep the discussion on an appropriate course and persuade the person to seek help.

Getting Help For Alcohol Abuse

Recognizing the dangerous effects of excessive drinking is the first step toward recovery. Those who routinely engage in alcoholic behavior are encouraged to seek professional, comprehensive treatment for alcohol abuse.

Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers an evidence-based approach that includes therapeutic services vital to recovery, such as psychotherapy, individual and family counseling, education, and group support. Please don’t allow alcohol addiction to continue leading you down a path of self-destruction.

Our addiction specialists can provide clients with the resources and tools they need to recover, prevent relapse, and enjoy long-lasting well-being and sobriety! Call us today to find out how we can help!

Many individuals with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) do not at first realize that their drinking has gotten out of control. It is critical to be conscious of how much you are drinking and how your alcohol use may impact your life and those you care about around you.

Identifying a Drinking Problem

To determine a patient’s likelihood and severity of alcohol use disorder, doctors may ask any of the following questions:

1. Have there have been times when you ended up drinking more alcohol or for longer than you originally intended?

2. On multiple occasions, have you tried to decrease or stop drinking but found that you could not?

3. Have you spent a considerable amount of time drinking or recovering from drinking (hangovers)?

4. Have you wanted a drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?

5. Have you found that drinking or recovering from drinking has often interfered with work, family, or school obligations?

6. Have you continued to drink alcohol even though it was having a negative effect on your relationships (e.g., family or friends)?

7. Have you neglected or cut back on activities that were once important, interesting, or pleasurable to you in favor of drinking?

8. Have you gotten into situations during or after drinking alcohol that increased your risk of getting hurt (e.g., swimming, driving, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area or having unsafe sex), on multiple occasions?

9. Have you continued to drink alcohol although it was making you feel depressed, anxious, contributing to another health problem, or after experiencing a memory blackout?

10. Do you need to drink more than you once did to achieve the effect you desire or found that consuming the typical number of drinks has had a diminished effect?

11. Have you found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you experienced withdrawal symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea and vomiting, sweating, racing heart, or a seizure?

The preceding questions are based on criteria put forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

The number of “yes” answers determines the severity of an AUD. According to the DSM-5, if a patient answers “yes” to two or three of these questions, they likely have a mild alcohol use disorder. Those who affirm four to five are moderate cases. Those who identify six criteria or more are believed to be severely impacted by their alcohol consumption.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Diagnostic criteria aside, much of the time a person doesn’t need a doctor to identify the presence of a drinking problem, but they do need to ask themselves some questions, answer them honestly, and give them serious consideration.

If you are completely honest with yourself, you might be able to think back and recognize that you were considering the possibility that your drinking was problematic for some time. You may have justified certain behaviors, such as blacking out and constant hangovers, by telling yourself that they happen to everyone – as if that were a good enough excuse.

If you’ve had even a passing thought that you might have a drinking problem, you should look deeper. Consider your relationship with alcohol, and ask yourself whether or not anything has really changed. People who don’t have a drinking problem don’t normally entertain these thoughts.

If you’ve experienced a day where you feel sick and hungover after drinking, such as feeling fatigued, encountering anxiety or depression, having stomach or liver pains, having a headache, or regretting things you did while intoxicated, this could be a red flag that should alert you to examine your relationship with alcohol. People who truly drink in moderation do not typically experience these symptoms the day after.

These events may be closely related to feeling physically different after a night of heavy drinking. If you’ve experienced negative consequences such as injuring yourself or someone else, having brushes with the law, breaking or losing your cell phone, having a purse stolen, or not remembering what exactly happened, you might have a drinking problem.

Other consequences may include fighting with your partner, being late to work or calling in sick, and experiencing strained relationships with friends and family. Due to alcohol’s antagonizing nature, it could be that most people who have consumed alcohol have experienced one or more of these consequences. When they start to accumulate, however, is when you should become very concerned.

Moreover, ask yourself if these adverse consequences would have happened if you hadn’t been drinking.

If you’ve attempted several times to achieve moderation while drinking but always revert to drinking in a way that is unhealthy, it’s safe to say that you are misusing alcohol. Indeed, this is one of the classic signs that someone needs to get sober.

Many people who have a drinking problem have felt the desire to find a balanced relationship with alcohol for a long time. They try to regulate their drinking but fail over and over, and ultimately feel desperate, hopeless, and unhappy. But for these people, achieving such a balance can be very challenging, and may seem impossible.

If you are feeling bad about yourself for not being able to find that balance, you are not alone. It’s inconceivable for many people who suffer from alcohol use disorders, and sobriety helps to alleviate that pressure.

Another question you might find yourself asking during your drinking periods is what life would be like without alcohol. You may have wondered if it is possible to quit, and if you could, what kind of life would you have.

Would it be more fun, exciting, or interesting? Would you still meet fun people and have good times? Would you ever be able to eliminate your feelings of shame and guilt?

If you’re wondering about any of this for yourself, you might want to consider giving sobriety a real shot and see how it works out. You might be pleasantly surprised.

These are just five indicators that you might have a drinking problem. There are many others, but for those who struggle with knowing whether or not they need to quit, these critical questions and feelings can be the catalyst to seeking and receiving help for your alcohol use disorder.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

Depending on the severity, persons who are suffering from alcohol use disorders and find themselves unable to quit should seek treatment in a partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or regular outpatient program.

Harmony Treatment and Wellness center offers these integrated programs, which include therapeutic modalities essential to addiction recovery such as behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, individual and family counseling, and group support.

We employ compassionate medical and mental health staff who provide clients with the resources and support they so direly need to achieve abstinence and sustain long-term wellness and sobriety.

You can experience the fulfilling life you deserve, free from substance use! Contact us today to find out how we can help!

Many people drink alcohol every day, and a surprising number of Americans consume too much in general. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 2,200 alcohol poisoning deaths occur each year, which equals around six per day. Because few people understand the limits of alcohol tolerance in the body, alcohol poisoning can occur rapidly and with little warning.

Alcohol poisoning occurs after a person has abused alcohol and consumed too much, which accumulates in the bloodstream and begins to impact areas of the brain that control vital bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate. Depressed or labored breathing, severely reduced body temperature, and seizures are all possible signs of alcohol poisoning.

The liver can process only about one serving of alcohol per hour, with one serving being:

• 12 ounces of beer
• 5 ounces of wine
• 8 ounces of malt liquor
• 1.5 ounces of distilled liquor, including whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, or vodka

Binge drinking is a significant cause of alcohol poisoning in the U.S. “Binge drinking” technically means consuming four or more drinks in a two-hour period for women, and five or more drinks in the same period for men.

Although binge drinking is predominantly associated with college students, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the group who suffered from alcohol poisoning the most often was middle-aged adults.

Moreover, people aged 35-64 suffer from alcohol poisoning more often than young adults. This could be due, in part, to changes in body chemistry as people age, the number of prescription drugs that could compound the effects of alcohol, and changes in drug preferences between the two demographics.

White, middle-aged males were the most likely to fall fatally ill from alcohol poisoning when compared to other groups. Startlingly, 90% of binge drinkers who suffered from alcohol poisoning were not reported as being dependent on alcohol.

Effects of Alcohol Poisoning

Because the liver can process only about one serving of alcohol per hour, if a person drinks two or more servings, there will be one or more extra units in the person’s system, which takes a longer time to process.

Alcohol is typically consumed in liquid form, so it enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain through digestion in the stomach and intestines. Oral consumption is one of the slower processes for administering an intoxicating substance, meaning that the number of drinks a person has ingested may not have fully reached the bloodstream when the person begins exhibiting signs of alcohol poisoning or extreme intoxication.

Alcohol poisoning affects the body by:

• Impairing brain functions, starting with balance and coordination and eventually affecting other systems in the body
• Irritating the stomach and causing nausea and vomiting
• Impeding the gag reflex as muscles lose sensitivity and coordination, which can result in the person choking on their own vomit
• Affecting the nerves that regulate heartbeat and breathing, which can cause these functions to decelerate, become irregular, or stop altogether
• Drastically reducing blood sugar, leading to seizures
• Decreasing body temperature, which can lead to hypothermia
• Dehydration, which can cause brain damage

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Signs of alcohol poisoning include:

How to Help Someone Experiencing Alcohol Poisoning

If someone is showing signs of alcohol poisoning, immediately call 911. Remain close to the individual to prevent accidental self-harm or choking if unconscious. It is critically important to seek emergency medical help as soon as possible, even if the person is conscious and communicating because there is probably more alcohol in the person’s stomach that will be processed that could soon further increase alcohol levels in the bloodstream.

After calling 911, there are other steps you can take to help a person who is showing signs of alcohol poisoning, including the following:

• Keep the person awake, alert, and sitting if possible.
• Let the person know beforehand if you are going to touch them or perform any action on them, as some people may become aggressive.
• Give a warm blanket to the person, as alcohol poisoning will likely make them feel cold.
• If the person can still swallow and is conscious, encourage them to sip on water slowly.
• If the person is unconscious and resting, roll them onto their side with their arms over their head to ensure that they do not aspirate their own vomit.

Do not do any of the following:

• Do not offer the person coffee, because caffeine can lead to further dehydration.
• Do not attempt to give the person any food, because he or she may choke on the food due to an impaired gag reflex or ability to swallow.
• Do not allow the person to have any other medications or drugs, because combining alcohol and other substances can make alcohol poisoning worse.
• Do not make the person vomit to get alcohol out of the stomach, because their gag reflex may not work and they could choke.
• Do not try to get the person to “walk it off,” because their impaired physical coordination could result in falls or other accidents.
• Do not attempt to give the person a cold shower, because this could increase the risk of hypothermia.
• Do not let the person simply “sleep it off” because alcohol is probably still digesting into their bloodstream and symptoms could get much worse.
• Do not leave the person by themselves.
• Do not allow the person to consume more alcohol.

Once the person is at the hospital, they will receive medical treatment and be monitored until doctors are sure the alcohol has been processed out of their system and no residual damage is present that should be addressed.

Medical assistance for alcohol poisoning may include:

How to Avoid Alcohol Poisoning

There are a handful of steps that everyone can take to prevent alcohol poisoning, including the following:

• Drink in moderation and stick to one drink per hour.
• Drink water after or with every drink, if possible.
• Do not drink on an empty stomach.
• Avoid drinking games or situations where there will be pressure to drink excessively.
• Do not combine alcohol with other substances, including prescription medications.

Getting Help After Alcohol Poisoning

If a person seems to be suffering and has signs of alcohol poisoning, it does not necessarily mean that alcoholism is present. However, people struggling with an alcohol use disorder do have an increased risk of experiencing alcohol poisoning.

Rehab programs, such as those offered by Harmony Treatment and Wellness, can help those in need to recover from alcohol abuse fully. Using an integrated approach to addiction, we employ evidence-based services essential to recovery, including psychotherapy, counseling, and group support.

Our compassionate medical and mental health providers deliver these services to clients with care and expertise. We can help you reclaim the fulfilling life you deserve! Contact us today to find out how!

Korsakoff syndrome is a dementia-like disease that affects the brain that is often caused by the excessive abuse of alcohol for a prolonged period. Alcohol impedes the body’s ability to produce vitamin B1 (thiamine) because alcohol contains sulfites, which break apart thiamine’s chemical structure and make absorption impossible.

Thiamine increases the brain’s ability to synthesize energy from the body’s sugars (carbohydrates). A lack of thiamine means the brain cannot produce enough energy to generate new memories and learn new skills. Other common results include fatigue, weakness, psychosis, and, eventually, nerve damage.

This terrible condition is most common among alcoholic males who are over age forty. While science cannot precisely explain why alcohol causes Korsakoff disease, the causal association between the two has been well-established through research. Another problematic condition known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy (described below) often, but not always, precipitates Korsakoff syndrome.

Recovery statistics following a diagnosis of Korsakoff syndrome are as follows:

• 25% of sufferers make a full recovery
• 50% make a partial recovery but require assisted living for the remainder of their lives
• The remaining 25% of sufferers, unfortunately, experience little or no improvement and therefore need institutional living

Symptoms of Korsakoff Syndrome

Korsakoff syndrome (also known as Korsakoff psychosis) damages the heart, blood vessels, and nervous system. This condition is the cognitive deterioration that manifests itself as dementia in late-stage alcoholics through the following symptoms and impairments:

• Disorientation
• Delirium (confusion and hallucinations)
• Attention deficits
• Inability to learn new skills
• Memory loss
• Confabulation

Memory impairments can come in the form of retrograde amnesia (recalling details from the past) or anterograde amnesia (obtaining recent information). Confabulation is a term that means a person attempts to fill in missing memories with fabricated or “borrowed experiences,” but believes them to be genuine recollections. It very unhelpful in these instances to accuse the sufferer of lying, as he or she will truly believe what they say.

People with this disease are often easily frustrated, agitated, and aggressive. At other times they may appear dazed or in a trance-like state. Normal daily activities such as walking, grasping objects, eating, drinking, and grooming become very difficult.

While a Korsakoff patient suffers from a virtually non-existent short-term memory and confusion, patients can still discuss past events or experiences in detail.

Diagnosis

Korsakoff syndrome is a clinical diagnosis that reflects a physician’s best judgment about the etiology of a person’s symptoms. There are no specific neuroimaging procedures or lab tests that will confirm a person has this condition. The syndrome can be hard to identify because it may be masked by symptoms of other conditions common among those who abuse alcohol, including intoxication, withdrawal, infection, or head injury.

Experts recommend that a medical assessment for memory loss or other cognitive changes should always include questions about an individual’s alcohol use.

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy

Encephalopathy is a medical term that means “disease of the brain.” In this case, the injury involves a myriad of nerves in the brain and spinal cord and nerve endings throughout the body.

Wernicke’s encephalopathy symptoms may include:

• Vision impairment
• Sluggish pupil reflexes and uneven pupil size
• Involuntary eye movement (nystagmus)
• Eye paralysis (ophthalmoplegia)
• Mental confusion or stupor
• Loss of coordination (ataxia)
• Low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Without treatment, Wernicke’s encephalopathy develops into Korsakoff psychosis or results in coma and death.

Some researchers posit that Wernicke and Korsakoff syndromes are separate but closely related disorders. Others believe, however, that they are essentially different stages of one disorder, or acute and chronic components of the same disease, respectively. Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis are the acute and chronic phases, respectively, of the same disease.

Treatment for Korsakoff’s Syndrome and Addiction

Korsakoff’s Syndrome

Korsakoff’s syndrome can be treated and sometimes yield positive results. To counteract this deficiency, a doctor will often inject raw thiamine into the body of the person suffering from Korsakoff syndrome. Since the disease primarily impacts short-term memory, those memories relating to the period before the development of the condition are usually left intact.

Treatment may also consist of thiamine supplements, adequate nutrition, hydration, and long-term abstinence from alcohol. Most signs of the deficiency are reversible if caught early.

For some, however, the return of memory and cognitive function falls somewhere between irregular and absent altogether. Some alcoholics experience permanent brain damage and require assistance with basic daily living activities (custodial care) due to lack of treatment.

Alcoholism

Those who suffer from alcoholism put themselves at risk for a host of medical conditions and nutritional deficits. In some cases, the nutritional deficiencies from chronic alcoholism have long-term consequences, such as Korsakoff’s psychosis and Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that is not curable but treatable. Our center uses an integrated approach to addiction that includes research-based therapeutic services such as psychotherapy, psychoeducation, group support, and individual and family counseling.

These services are delivered by compassionate addiction professionals who provide clients with the resources and knowledge they need to recover and experience long-lasting wellness and sobriety.

Coping with addiction is a life-long process, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call us today and discover how we can help you achieve the life you deserve!

Related: Liver Pain After Drinking Alcohol?