Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects millions of people nationwide, altering their behaviors, thoughts and lives in profound ways. The behavior of an alcoholic is often marked by patterns of compulsive alcohol consumption, denial and significant changes in mood and personality. Recognizing these behaviors early is crucial for getting help before the condition worsens. Traits of Alcohol Use Disorder: What to Look For The traits of alcohol use disorder can manifest in various ways, affecting an individual's physical health, mental state and social interactions. Common traits include: Craving and Obsession: Individuals with AUD often experience intense cravings for alcohol, leading to [...]

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition characterized by an inability to control drinking despite adverse consequences. But what causes alcohol addiction? The answer involves genetic, psychological, environmental, and social factors. The Role of Genetics: Does Alcohol Addiction Run in Families? One of the most significant factors contributing to alcohol addiction is genetics. So, does alcohol addiction run in families? Research indicates that genes play a substantial role in the risk of developing AUD. If a parent or close relative struggles with alcohol addiction, the likelihood of developing the same issue increases. This doesn’t [...]

Experiencing tremors, or shaking, after consuming alcohol can be a concerning and confusing symptom. Shaking from drinking alcohol can indicate underlying health problems or a reaction to alcohol's effects on the body. Understanding why this happens is essential for addressing the problem and seeking appropriate help. Here, we explore the reasons behind alcohol-induced tremors and what they signify. Alcohol's Impact on the Nervous System Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down brain function and neural activity. When you drink, alcohol affects the neurotransmitters in your brain, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. GABA has an inhibitory [...]

Have you ever received a new medication and needed to educate yourself on the possible side effects of the drug? Have you ever taken an antibiotic and been required to refrain from drinking alcohol while on the course of the medication? This is because most drugs do not mix well with the contents of alcohol and can cause significant damage to the body when consumed together. Lyrica (generic name pregabalin) is no exception, and medical professionals strongly discourage consuming alcohol while taking Lyrica. What is Lyrica? “Lyrica [pregabalin] was originally FDA approved as an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. [...]

Anyone who has had too much to drink one night knows that alcohol can have some significant effects on the body. You might feel disoriented, sick, and nauseated and wake up with a pounding headache the following day, reminding you of the poor choices from the night before. These short-term effects of alcohol consumption usually resolve within a couple of hours once the body has flushed the alcohol out. But for those who have slipped into a more regular pattern of drinking, the effects may last much longer. So what can you do? How can you reverse the effects of [...]

Battling addiction is not easy. Those who struggle with addiction often share how lonely, disheartening and overall hard it is to face and fight addiction. This is not because they are not interested in getting better – it is because alcohol addiction changes brain chemistry and negatively impacts the way the brain responds to and craves the substance. It is additionally hard because alcohol use disorder is not simply an addiction; it is a chronic disease, and these can take years, if not one’s whole life, to overcome. What is a chronic disease? According to the CDC, “Chronic diseases are [...]

Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by strong cravings for alcohol, loss of control over drinking and withdrawal symptoms when drinking stops. Beyond the physical health risks, alcohol dependence has profound psychological effects that can significantly impair an individual's mental well-being and overall quality of life. In this blog, we will explore the psychological effects of alcohol dependence and how Bluff Augusta can help those struggling with this condition. Psychological Effects of Alcohol Dependence Mood Disorders One of the most common psychological effects of alcohol dependence is [...]

Liver diseases, cirrhosis, and hepatitis are both significant health concerns that can bring a range of complications. Each condition has its distinct causes, characteristics and symptoms. This blog explores the nuances between liver cirrhosis and hepatitis. Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver What is Alcoholic Cirrhosis? Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver is a severe condition caused by chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. It represents the final stage of alcoholic liver disease, where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, leading to a progressive decline in liver function. This scarring disrupts the liver's ability to perform essential functions, including detoxification, metabolism [...]

The recovery world can be challenging, with many complex questions to face. Humans are habitual creatures and highly receptive to our environment, so it is very important to choose wisely when cultivating one’s surroundings while in detox or recovery from alcohol addiction. One question that many people face is whether or not to introduce non-alcoholic beverages to their social rhythm. On the one hand, there may be benefits to the comfort and familiarity provided by substituting a non-addictive substance in the place of the problematic drug. However; there can be risks involved with entering into such a gray area, particularly [...]