Dealing with Alcohol Withdrawal

“Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) each year in the United States from 2006 – 2010, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 30 years,” as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics.

The dangers of alcoholism are many, both short and long-term. Not only does it affect an alcoholic physically and mentally, it also drains the household finances. Alcoholism is not a weakness of the mind, as most people like to believe. It is a chronic disease and with a predictable course like every other ailment. Genes also have a major part to play apart from life situation in alcoholism.

Alcoholism and withdrawal symptoms

When somebody consumes alcohol, it initially enhances the neurotransmitter level producing a feeling of relaxation and calm. But over a period of time alcohol suppresses the activity of neurotransmitter and more alcohol is required to produce the desired effects. This phenomenon is known as tolerance.

In the advent of a person quitting alcohol abruptly the neurotransmitters which were previously suppressed by alcohol are no longer suppressed. As a result of this cessation of alcohol they rebound, resulting in a phenomenon known as brain hyperexcitability, and the effects are known as withdrawal symptoms which include anxiety, irritability, agitation, tremors, seizures, and delirium tremors (DT). 

Dealing with withdrawal symptoms

One of the most problematic areas in alcohol detox is the nagging withdrawal symptoms it entails. Being unable to cope with the difficult withdrawal symptoms, people often restart drinking and relapse very often. Withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening for chronic alcoholics. Withdrawal from alcohol can range from mild anxiety and shakiness to severe complications which include seizures and delirium tremens. Since alcohol withdrawal symptoms can gradually exacerbate, it is crucial to seek doctors’ advice. Being in the midst of experts and clinical staff at drug and alcohol rehab centers, it is easier to handle the withdrawal symptoms. 

Reaching out for help

Detoxification from alcohol is very much possible. With some help and support from family and friends, one can gain long-term sobriety. Though alcoholoutpatient treatment centers may not be as effective as inpatient drug rehab centers, it depends entirely on the practitioners what kind of rehab they find more suitable for the addicts depending on the severity of the problem.

If you or a loved one is grappling with alcoholism or any other addiction, the 247 Recovery Helpline is willing to help. Call our 24/7 helpline number 855-441-4405 for immediate assistance. With expert advice and help, long-term sobriety is just a phone call away.

Tracing The Inherited Vulnerabilities of Addiction

Singling out the specific susceptibilities of drug addiction is a tricky process, especially when physical attributes are involved. Most people do not want to learn that an inherent part of their body is a vulnerable aspect of their overall well-being. However, gathering data on the unique strengths and weaknesses of various groups is an important part of improving collective health. If a person is given the knowledge of his or her possible setbacks, that person can better prevent addictive tendencies from developing.

Over the last 50 years, society has responded and adapted to a number of new drug trends and epidemics. As a result, research in the addiction field has aimed to decipher novel ways of identifying the signs of addiction before it progresses to more difficult stages. In 1983, psychology professor Alan R. Lang at Florida State University narrowed down some essential characteristics of a concept he has classified as the “addictive personality” (Lang 1983). The criteria consist of:

• Lacking impulse control, difficulty delaying gratification, having an antisocial personality and a heightened      need for sensation seeking

• Possessing a high value of standing out from the crowd in addition to a low desire of being valued by mass society

• Experiencing feelings of social alienation and an inclination for deviant behavior

• Undergoing excessive levels of stress, especially between major periods of life. These life-defining transitions are often associated with the most severe drug and alcohol problems

Over the years, layers of new research have added on to this foundation of findings. With advanced and finely detailed tools for observation, many researchers have successfully isolated the genes that have an influence on addictive pathologies. A study in 2009 identified specific neuronal receptors like CHRNB2 and CHRNA5 that play active roles in the onset of different dependencies, such as with alcohol and cocaine (Li & Burmeister 2009).

One of the newest breakthroughs has been a 2015 study that uncovered a significant association between eye color and alcohol addiction (Sulovari et. al. 2015). Researchers found that people with blue and light-colored eyes demonstrate a consistently higher likelihood to consume more drinks than populations with darker eyes. While decades of comprehensive and integrative psychological research have shown various environmental factors lead to addictive diseases, a biological element contributes to it as well.

Even today, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has compiled data that showcase the big picture of addiction for various groups of ethnicity.\ (Chartier & Caetano). While the finer details still need to be uncovered, treatment providers must be aware of the unique circumstances affecting each client they admit. Luckily, the 24/7 Recovery Helpline is a resource that connects individuals with the most proven drug addiction rehab centers in their area. If you or a loved one needs help with an addictive problem, please contact an admissions consultant online or call 855-441-4405.