Signs that your Partner may have a Drinking Problem

When a partner is showing signs of a drinking problem, at first, it’s natural to exhibit self-doubt. It’s truly difficult to come to such terms knowing someone may be an abuser of alcohol. 

Generally, when approaching a loved one about a possible alcohol problem, more times than not, a partner will deny it. Other times, the discussion may escalate, followed by casting blame.

If an argument arises from the topic of alcohol, this may very well be a sign that alcohol is a problem in the family.

Here are some signs which may offer guidance on whether a loved one has an alcohol addiction. Please note that a healthcare professional can and should make the final determination.

These signs are in no particular order - they are tools to help leverage knowledge on alcohol abuse.

Dishonesty

In order to avoid a red flag, partners who have an alcohol problem usually minimize how much they drink when discussing this issue.

Examples of this may include:

·         An abuser will hide alcohol around different areas of the home such as the closet, garage, and various cabinets. These hiding areas will not be the norm for storing alcohol.

·         Hiding empty bottles and not placing them in recycle bins. 

·         Sneaking drinks or adding alcohol to a non-alcoholic beverage such as coffee, soda, or club soda.

·         In order to hide the smell of alcohol on their breath, mints or gum will be consumed often. Yet, a hit of an alcohol scent may still linger.

·         They drink to a point where physical and mental impairment is challenged.

·         When asked if they have been drinking, they say “No” and/or become angry with the question.

Changes In Drinking Habits

There is a noticeable increase in alcohol consumption.

Examples of this may include:

·         They drink more in the evenings or at social gatherings.

·         Drinking for longer stretches of time during the day, evening or weekend.

·         They may start drinking earlier in the day.

·         Frequent morning hangovers (headaches, nausea and/or vomiting).

·         Becomes irritable, but after a drink, is less irritable; and, mood swings are also common.

·         They come home with obvious signs of previously drinking.

·         They are more willing to pick fights.

Other Characteristics To Watch Out For

Other behaviors may manifest from a partner who is beginning to abuse alcohol.

They won’t appear all at once, but instead, trickle into their daily life.

·         They would rather have a drink or remain in a “drink setting” rather than spending quality time with their partner.

·         Libido has decreased.

·         They exhibit forgetfulness regarding responsibilities and appointment times.

·         They start to miss work or academic courses; and, their performance declines.

·         They become easily fatigued during the day and want to sleep at odd hours.

·         May frequently show up late for dinner or not show up at all with excuses.

·         May blame their friend or business client who forced them to have a “drink” for their lateness.

If alcohol abuse is suspected, do seek the help of a medical professional for guidance and assistance.  There is enormous support not only for the addict to help them with a drinking problem, but for the whole family.

8 Myths about Alcohol Abuse

When false-truths about alcohol are learned, a better understanding on this drug is revealed.
Myth #1: "Alcohol boosts energy and stamina." 
Truth: Considered a drug, alcohol is actually a depressant. This means it has the ability to decrease your energy levels and impairs physical movement, speaking, and cognitive levels.

Myth #2: "When an alcohol abuser tells others they can stop drinking at any time, they will."
Truth: Perhaps they can, but this is usually not the case. Those who have a historical drinking pattern may use variations of this phrase to continue drinking. In essence, it's their denial dealing mechanism. They will continue to drink while subconsciously telling themselves they are in control and can stop at any time. When an abuser of alcohol wants to stop drinking, they will reach out for help.

Myth #3: "When a drinker switches from wine, beer, then to liquor, they are less likely to feel the effects of alcohol."
Truth: It's all the same. Be it drinking liquor, beer or wine, it's the blood alcohol concentration percentage (BAC) which determines the level of alcohol in the bloodstream.

Myth #4: "Drinking alcohol is nothing compared to taking drugs - alcohol causes less damage to the body."
Truth: Alcohol is a drug; and, it is considered dangerous in terms of injury and death to oneself and others in motor vehicle accidents, alcohol-related health illnesses, and challenges at home, school and work.

Myth #5: "Alcoholism begins in the adult years and not younger than that."
Truth: Alcohol abusers can begin as early as teenagers due to the amount and length of time they have been consuming alcohol. Age has nothing to do with it.

Myth #6: "If someone doesn't drink alcohol every single day then they are not an alcoholic."
Truth: An abuser of alcohol is not determined by how often they drink or what they drink, like beer. A person with a drinking problem is defined on how their alcohol habit affects their personal, professional, school or home life. If alcohol is creating a problem in these areas then it is a problem. An abuser may drink in the evening, weekends, or every day - and the drinking amount can vary. People are different. Once again, it's how alcohol affects every aspect of their life.

Myth #7: "If someone goes to work or school regularly then they are not an alcohol abuser."
Truth: There are a considerable amount of alcohol abusers who are retaining steady jobs and finishing up their coursework at school. Yet, high-functioning alcoholics are still putting themselves and others at risk. The side-effects of alcohol will rear its head one day.

Myth #8: "Consuming a large meal before drinking alcohol will help keep someone sober and in better control."
Truth: It may take longer for the alcohol to get into the bloodstream, but it will get there. And those blood alcohol concentration percentages will end up being the same. Despite having a full meal, impaired physical and mental capabilities will be present.

These popular myths, along with others, can be sidetracking. The truth of the matter is that alcohol isn't self-targeting - it affects everyone who knows and cares about someone abusing alcohol.

For more information about california drug rehab and alcohol addiction visit Miramar Laguna Beach

Learning More about Opioid Dependency

Many Americans deal with chronic pain each and every day. It can be so debilitating that being active in their daily activities is unattainable. Yes, the discomfort can be that bad.

Opioids are a narcotic pain medication to help give patients relief so they can return to some of their activities.

While opioids can help, physicians need to monitor their patients’ intake.  While it’s important that patients are treated with the right pain level medications, it’s equally important to learn more about this prescription drug.

A level of awareness has been raised regarding the possibility of opioid dependency.    

Opioid Medication and Lingering Concerns:

Recent research has shown that those who suffer from chronic pain and take opioids for a long period of time can become physically dependent on them. A physical dependency is when the body becomes accustomed to a drug. This happens when a person takes a medication on a regular basis. 

As mentioned before, those who live with chronic pain take opioids in order to live each day with less pain and discomfort. When their pain levels drop, they are able to take part in work and family activities.

Although many of these opioid taking patients will not become addicts, there is a serious concern about these painkillers.

For starters, some patients may be more prone to addiction if there is a family history of drug or alcohol abuse.

There is also a worry regarding prescription painkillers misuse. Emergency room visits in this country have risen due to the abuse of prescription drugs, climbing to more than 500,000 visits per year.

It’s estimated that over 12 million Americans have used prescription painkillers for nonmedical purposes. 

These numbers are causing both alarm and awareness when it comes to opioids. 

Signs of Opioid Addiction: 

Those who are addicted to opioids generally experience an “exhilarating high.” In order to maintain this feeling of euphoria, users will begin to increase their opioid dosage. As the opioid medication starts to deplete, addicts will show compulsive signs to search for more of this narcotic drug either by legal or illegal means.  

Some addictive behaviors include: 

•           Lying about losing an opioid prescription in order to get another one

•           Using opioids in various forms such as injecting or snorting

•           Taking more opioids and lying about the daily dosage

•           Seeking different doctors for a new prescription

•           Going to several pharmacies for refills to avoid a red flag alert  

This type of drug addiction can be extremely powerful – but remember, there is always help to break free from it. 

Understanding Opioid Addiction:

Opioid addiction is best understood as a neurobiological disease. This disease consists of the following components:

•           Genetic

•           Psychosocial

•           Environmental 

A craving, compulsive, and high dosage use highlights the addiction.

This type of substance abuse can cause harm and problems at home, work, and school.

For the user, accepting that there is an addiction is the first important step in the healing journey. There is nothing to be ashamed of – help is available. The right rehabilitation program can help a person break free from their addiction so they can begin to live their life to the fullest.  

An Overview on Meth Facts

Methamphetamine, also known as meth and crystal meth, is an extremely additive drug. Although it is a widely popular street drug, many are unaware of its past history, current history, and serious addiction potential.

The alarming part about meth is that it’s relatively cheap in price which makes it more readily available to a larger group of users. 

The History

The history of methamphetamine goes back to its chemical relative, amphetamine. Although their chemical compounds and structure is alike, meth is far more aggressive on the central nervous system.

According to historical documentation, amphetamines were created in the late 1800s while methamphetamines were made around 1919. These drugs were used to treat a variety of health issues, such as: 

1. Depression
2. Narcolepsy 
3.  Obesity 
4.  Inhaler ingredient for breathing difficulties 
5.  Alcoholism

It was just a matter of time before the medical community realized that these drugs were addictive and also caused extreme euphoria. 

When the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act were approved by Congress in 1971, it placed amphetamines and methamphetamines in a Schedule II Drugs class. This classification made them restrictive prescription drugs.Because of this serious limitation, the black market emerged, particularly for methamphetamines.

Meth User Population

Although meth abusers are of all ages and races, statistics show that highest numbers are in North America; and, the average meth user falls into the category of Caucasian males ranging from 30 to 40 years of age.  

Although this is the median age of users, unfortunately, recent statistics is showing a sharp increase in teenagers abusing this drug for the following reasons:

1. Gives users a longer stretch of high than marijuana or cocaine 
2. Meth is cheap in price 
3.  Easily available and accessible

There are various ways that meth users take the drug. While consuming an oral pill is one way, it’s not the typical method addicts would use since it does not produce the intense, “high” feeling. 

Instead, they generally take the drug via injecting, smoking or snorting. Some even use a suppository method, as well.  

According to healthcare professionals, the quicker meth enters the bloodstream the higher rate of addiction will occur.

Methamphetamine Monikers

Meth has an array of names which include crystal meth, go, tweak, and snap, crackle and pop. In Japan, the street drug is known as shabu. In the states, the Japanese street name is also used.

When Meth Enters The Central Nervous System

When meth enters the brain, it affects the dopamine portion of the central nervous system. A large flow of dopamine is released intensifying this euphoric feeling.  

Once the meth begins to work its way out of the body, the brain is starved of its dopamine levels which will jumpstart: 

1. Depression and sadness 
2.  Irritability 
3.  Increased appetite 
4.  Paranoia 
5. Tiredness 
6.  Psychosis

These side effects are likely to jumpstart another meth dose.

The effects of meth abuse can be extremely dangerous to one’s health and wellness, financial status, educational standing, legal ramifications, and homelessness.

With the right treatment, there is hope for an abuser of meth. The road to recovery takes optimal treatment, counselling, and patience. But remember, there is a helping hand out there.