Exploring Alcohol and Alcoholism

For many, beer, wine, and spirits conjure up thoughts of social gatherings and tipsy fun. But alcohol, a depressant, is also associated with damaging behavior and the emotional pain and physical ruin of addiction. Experts debate the benefits and risks of drinking and passionately argue over whether moderation or abstinence is the best option for alcoholics.

Recent posts on Alcoholism

Age-Related Mortality Associated with Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder is associated with a 5.8-fold increase in mortality rates. The reasons for this increase differ for younger and older individuals.

Dietary Changes Reduce Relapse Risk in Alcoholics

If you have a drinking problem you may not be getting essential nutrients because of toxic effects of alcohol on your digestive system. Simple dietary changes can help.

Amino Acids reduce Alcohol Use, Intoxication and Withdrawal

Are you having problems cutting down drinking, resisting the urge to drink or managing unpleasant symptoms of alcohol withdrawal? Taking amino acids can help.
Alec Bourne/Flickkr

Give Gratitude a Go

By Fran Simone Ph.D. on January 06, 2017 in A Family Affair
Developing an attitude of gratitude can help family and friends deal with the challenges of addiction.

2017 Awareness Calendar

It only takes one person to make a difference - just think of what thousands can do.
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Talk to Your Family about Drinking This New Year’s Eve

By Richard Taite on December 30, 2016 in Ending Addiction for Good
Make sure you take a moment to talk with your loved ones about responsible alcohol use this New Year’s Eve.

5 Lessons Carrie Fisher Taught Us

By Kristen Lee Ed.D., LICSW on December 28, 2016 in Reset 24/7
Do you ever feel like you're stuck on the dark side? Help isn't far away.

Cutting Down on Drinking or Drugs the Natural Way

Is your drinking or drug use getting out of control? Natural supplements and other non-medication approaches can help.

Holiday Drinking and Depression

Many tend to overindulge during the holiday season. This may have more unintended consequences than some might realize.

"You're an Addict!"

By Sam Louie MA, LMHC on December 21, 2016 in Minority Report
The term "addict" conjures up many negative connotations yet it can also be the most useful term to break one's denial in their journey towards recovery.

Alcohol and Adolescence: A Cocktail for Disaster

Teach your teens that you don’t have to drink to have a good time because one thing is certain, alcoholic consumption and adolescence is a cocktail for disaster.
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Here’s How Stress Recalibrates Your Brain

Stress creates feelings that we sometimes deal with in maladaptive ways.

Why Drinking When You're Stressed Is Risky Business

By David DiSalvo on December 08, 2016 in Neuronarrative
Here’s something to keep in mind as the holidays unfold: If you drink alcohol when you’re stressed, you may be flipping a switch that makes heavier drinking all the more likely.

Two of the Most Dangerous Words of the Season: “Hosted Bar”

By Wendy L. Patrick Ph.D. on December 06, 2016 in Why Bad Looks Good
At your holiday party, keep the focus on your host instead of the hosted bar.

Embracing the Cs and More

By Fran Simone Ph.D. on December 03, 2016 in A Family Affair
Is your loved one breaking your heart? Courage, compassion, and community can help you cope.

Addiction, Recovery, and Loss

By Dan Mager MSW on November 23, 2016 in Some Assembly Required
Loss is a natural part of the process of recovery that is generally under recognized and inadequately addressed by addiction treatment programs and professionals.

A Wine-y Time of Year (Conclusion)

The conclusion of wine and health primer 101!

Ancient Wisdom Can Help Loved Ones Deal With Addiction

By Fran Simone Ph.D. on October 31, 2016 in A Family Affair
Do your thoughts, words, and actions harm your relationship with your loved ones? Changing can help you and your loved one better navigate the addiction journey.

Beyond the College Drinking Game

By Deborah J. Cohan, Ph.D. on October 30, 2016 in Social Lights
How parents can address new disturbing trends and dangerous behavior.

Behind the Mask: Drunk on Halloween

By Adi Jaffe Ph.D. on October 30, 2016 in All About Addiction
e all know that Halloween can be a lot of fun, but how do we get to enjoy it without being part of the alcohol, drug and violence problems that seem to go with this holiday?
Source: David Wiss

Nutrition in Recovery from Addiction

By Nicole Avena Ph.D. on October 26, 2016 in Food Junkie
From a public health perspective, the addiction problem appears to be relentless with substances of abuse increasing in potency. Meanwhile highly accessible and highly palatable fo

"I Feel Your Pain" (Literally)

In 1992, Bill Clinton said to a protester at a campaign rally, "I feel your pain." New research indicates that the now famous expression might not just be a figure of speech.

Promising to Stop Addictive Behavior Is a Very Bad Idea

By Lance Dodes M.D. on October 24, 2016 in The Heart of Addiction
It's common for people suffering with an addiction to tell others, or even themselves, "I promise I'll stop (my addictive behavior)." But it's a disaster waiting to happen.

Misuse of Stimulants by College Students

Nonmedical use of prescription stimulants by college students is common. Students who misuse these drugs have a higher prevalence of alcohol use disorder and conduct disorder.

Six Reasons Teens Turn to Drugs

There comes a time in a teen’s life where he or she is faced with the decision to take a drug. The power of that one decision is oftentimes underestimated.

Do Shame & "Rock Bottom" Decrease Dysregulated Behavior? No!

Do shaming and "rock bottom" help decrease dysregulated behavior? No! In fact, they can actually do the opposite.

What Is the Link Between Alcohol and Creative Genius?

By Tom Shroder on October 05, 2016 in Acid Test
My author grandfather said he couldn't write when he wasn't drinking. It might have won him a Pulitzer Prize. It definitely killed him.
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How Compassion Can Help You Support an Addicted Loved One

By Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on October 03, 2016 in The Compassion Chronicles
Compassion: The Best Way to Support a Partner or Family Member with an Addiction.

What Leads Us to See Our Addictions for What They Are?

What experiences shape the moment of recognition that addiction is bondage and that freedom is worth clawing towards with every molecule of strength and courage that we possess?