Family

Alcohol And Its Ill Effects

Drinking can become a problem for anyone at any age. It is common for family members, friends, and health care professionals to ignore their concerns about drinking problems in senior citizens. This may be because drinking problems in older people may be mistaken for conditions associated with age. Still, it is important to take note of problem drinking in senior citizens, because the process of aging changes how the body handles alcohol-the same amount of alcohol can have a larger effect as someone ages.

Alcohol and Aging Facts

  • Research has suggested that, with age, people become more sensitive to alcohol.
  • Alcohol use can worsen some medical conditions like high blood pressure, ulcers, and diabetes.
  • When mixed with alcohol, many medicines can be dangerous. Here are some examples
    • Aspirin can cause stomach and intestinal bleeding.
    • Medicines to control the symptoms of cold and allergies, called antihistamines, often cause drowsiness. When mixed with alcohol, this effect is magnified.
    • Using alcohol with large doses of acetaminophen, which is found in many painkillers such as Tylenol, increases the risk of liver damage.
    • Certain medicines, such as cough syrup and laxatives, have a high alcohol content in them.

Effects of Alcohol

Drinking even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time. These effects may lead to dangerous work and household accidents such as falls and hip fractures. Perhaps more seriously, drinking adds to the risk of car accidents.

Over time, heavy drinking can cause certain types of cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, immune system disorders, and brain damage. Alcohol causes changes in the heart and blood vessels, dulling pain that might be a warning sign for a serious medical problem such as a heart attack. Drinking can also cause confusion and forgetfulness in senior citizens, which may be mistaken for signs of Alzheimer’s disease. People with diabetes are also at a higher risk when they drink-alcohol affects blood sugar levels.People who abuse alcohol may also be increasing their risk of serious conflicts with family, friends, and coworkers.

How to Know if Someone Has a Drinking Problem

Two patterns of drinking are common: early onset and late onset. In some cases, if the person has been a heavy drinker for a long time alcohol may begin to affect his body differently, causing stronger effects with the same amount of alcohol. In other cases, a person starts to abuse alcohol later in life. Depression in older adults is often linked to alcohol abuse. In the beginning, alcohol can provide relief from stress; over time, however, over time, alcohol causes far more trouble and bodily harm than relaxation. Drinking regularly can’t be related to the drinking problems. There are a few signals that can enable you or a loved one to get help. We’ve listed them below.

Consider finding help if you or a loved one:

  • Use alcohol to calm down or to reduce worrying or depression.
  • Quickly gulp down drinks.
  • Often have more than one drink per day.
  • Cover up or lie about drinking habits.
  • Hurt yourself or others while drinking.
  • Need more alcohol than usual to feel its effects.
  • Become irritable, resentful, or unreasonable when sober.
  • Develop medical, social, or financial worries caused by drinking.

Getting Help

Studies suggest that problem drinkers of an older age are just as likely to benefit from treatment as are problem drinkers of a younger age. Your doctor can provide advice about your health, drinking, and treatment options. You may also find help at the local health department or social services agencies.

Many treatment options are available. Some have been in use for a long time, such as 12-step programs. Others involve detoxification; using prescription medications to prevent a return to drinking once you have stopped; and counseling, both group and individual. Some newer programs help people with drinking problems to learn which emotions or situations trigger the urge to drink, and they teach people to cope without alcohol. Family support is very important, so many programs work with married couples and family members as part of the treatment process.

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How to Spot Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse, or alcoholism, is a serious illness that often requires immediate treatment.  Not everyone knows what to look for in terms of alcohol abuse, but the truth is that there are very definitive signs that can quickly confirm the need for treatment.

Many alcoholics drink because they are angry or sad, but often end up feeling guilty either while they are drinking or after the effects wear off.  Emotional drinking is a very likely sign of alcohol abuse and should not be overlooked.  If the feeling of needing to reduce the level of alcohol consumption begins to occur or when friends and family start to express their concern, it is often time to seek counseling for alcohol abuse.

A large number of alcoholics find themselves lying about their behavior, which is usually an indication of shame.  This may be a clue that he/she knows their actions are excessive and they wish to hide it from those closest to them, which means that they realize their actions are unhealthy and there may be a good chance for recovery.

If alcohol becomes a way of dealing with stress, the drinker has an undeniable addiction.  Stress is a part of everyday life and, if alcohol is how a person chooses to deal with that stress, drinking too will become an everyday activity.  For this reason, anyone that drinks alcohol as a way of coping with stress should consider an alcohol abuse treatment program.

There is no universal definition for alcoholism because it masks itself in a variety of ways.  For some, it involves a physical dependency on alcohol while others lose their control over how much they drink.  For many, the use of alcohol continues with the knowledge that it harmful to their health.  There are many reasons that alcoholism may occur, including links to hereditary genes, stress, the addictive nature of alcohol and even the family environment.

The good news is that alcoholism is treatable and, once the signs of alcohol abuse are noticed, a remedy can often begin immediately.  Whether it be via an inpatient or outpatient care facility or simply the willingness to stop drinking with the support of family and friends, alcohol abuse can be a thing of the past.  Regaining the control over a life that was once consumed by alcohol is not a process that can happen overnight, but it is one that will be worth the effort.  The most important step in working toward a life that is free of alcohol is actually wanting that life.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only.  The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations regarding alcohol abuse.  Before deciding on the most effective method of treatment, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

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Help for Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Warning Children About Drug and Alcohol Abuse. When a kid starts experimenting with alcohol or drugs while they are still very young, it is a red flag that there can easily be problems in the future. Children need to be educated at an early age about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.

You as a parent should know the warning signs. You should set good examples for your kids and let them know how dangerous drugs and alcohol are, that they will drive a wedge between them and the unhealthy habits before they ever have a chance to take control of their lives. Letting kids know that they will never be able to reach their goals if they start using will keep them away from making bad choices.

If you are already being affected by drug and alcohol abuse, the best thing you can do is try to convince the person that he needs help. If you have already educated yourself about the signs of addiction, you will find it much easier to understand what is going on and if the addict is actually paying attention to what you are saying.

If you have convinced an addict that he needs drug and alcohol abuse help, it is best to get him the help he needs immediately. There is no time to sit back and wait another day; an addict can become unpredictable especially when he needs to get high, so the sooner the better when it comes to finding help for an addict.

If your family member or friend has exhausted the entire outpatient routes such as counseling, meetings, and 12-step programs, it may be time to get him into a facility that offers care on an inpatient basis. Inpatient treatment will get him the help he needs, as well as keep him away from other influences that will make him want to use. If the addict leaves or walks away from treatment, the family is notified so they can deny the addict a place to stay if he shows up at the door. Tough love is sometimes the best way to get an addict the drug and alcohol abuse help that he needs.

There is one more thing that gives advantage to the inpatient programs, and that is the drug addict is able to learn and find support in others who are suffering through the same addiction problems. Drug and alcohol abuse can be taken care of and the addict can once again be substance-free forever.

Related Help For Families Of Alcoholics Articles

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Living with an Alcoholic? Dealing with the Shame

It is important to point out up front, that there are no quick and easy answers.  Changes in the way we feel take time.  This is doubly true if we are still living with the same issues that caused these feelings in the first place.  However, if you work at it then it has been shown that around 75% of people who address the issue start to feel less depressed, more empowered and have increased self-esteem, so it does work and it is worth while.

It is also important to point out that these changes can be achieved in spite of your circumstances.  Obviously it would be great if your alcoholic decided to get treatment, become abstinent and change his ways.  However that may not happen some time soon, or even at all.  So you can’t let your feelings depend on this hoped for change.

The first thing to do to change your feelings of shame is to step back from your drinker and his behavior.  You may know deep down that his behavior is not your fault, that you are not responsible.  However as we mentioned in the previous article, this is where the – but! – comes in.  Your head tells you that it is nothing to do with you but nevertheless your emotions still seem to volunteer for the responsibility.  It is not easy but keep telling yourself – I am not responsible, I am not responsible!

The second thing to do is to break out of the isolation that you have been creating for yourself.  If you are invited somewhere, accept.  Why should you not enjoy yourself and have a life?  If the invitation is to you both and booze may be available you have a couple of choices.  You can go alone and have a more relaxed time not having to worry about whether he will get drunk, make a fool of himself and ruin your evening.  Alternately you can accept as a couple.

However instead of your usual warning or pleading to not drink too much, you can try a different approach.  Tell your alcoholic that he can drink as much or as little as he chooses, it is completely up to him.  However you will not make any excuses for him neither will you take any responsibility for his behavior.  You can then go to the party and try and do exactly as you told him.  This second strategy may take time to perfect and you may need the help and support of friends to achieve it.  Also we do need to be realistic here.  It is OK to admit to your friends that you are embarrassed for him.  That is only being honest about your feelings, but that is not the same as making excuses for him as if it was somehow your fault.

The third thing is to stop covering for him.  Don’t tell people he is unwell when he is drunk, tell them he is drunk.  (Please note we are not saying this about his work situation.  Being honest with your partner’s boss or work colleagues can cause far reaching consequences which must be carefully considered first.)  Despite all your secrecy most of your friends will probably know about the drinking anyway.  So let your friends into the situation.  You may find that it is a relief to both of you that you can talk about it openly and they can be very helpful and supportive.

These are just a couple of the strategies that you can use to reduce the shame that comes from living with an alcoholic.  The main thing is to break down the wall of secrecy and bring the problem out into the light.  It may even be a benefit to the drinker as having nowhere left to hide he may have to admit and address his problem.

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Recognizing The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse, or alcoholism, is a serious illness that often requires immediate treatment. Not everyone knows what to look for in terms of alcohol abuse, but the truth is that there are very definitive signs that can quickly confirm the need for treatment.

Many alcoholics drink because they are angry or sad, but often end up feeling guilty either while they are drinking or after the effects wear off. Emotional drinking is a very likely sign of alcohol abuse and should not be overlooked. If the feeling of needing to reduce the level of alcohol consumption begins to occur or when friends and family start to express their concern, it is often time to seek counseling for alcohol abuse.

A large number of alcoholics find themselves lying about their behavior, which is usually an indication of shame. This may be a clue that he/she knows their actions are excessive and they wish to hide it from those closest to them, which means that they realize their actions are unhealthy and there may be a good chance for recovery.

If alcohol becomes a way of dealing with stress, the drinker has an undeniable addiction. Stress is a part of everyday life and, if alcohol is how a person chooses to deal with that stress, drinking too will become an everyday activity. For this reason, anyone that drinks alcohol as a way of coping with stress should consider an alcohol abuse treatment program.

There is no universal definition for alcoholism because it masks itself in a variety of ways. For some, it involves a physical dependency on alcohol while others lose their control over how much they drink. For many, the use of alcohol continues with the knowledge that it harmful to their health. There are many reasons that alcoholism may occur, including links to hereditary genes, stress, the addictive nature of alcohol and even the family environment.

The good news is that alcoholism is treatable and, once the signs of alcohol abuse are noticed, a remedy can often begin immediately. Whether it be via an inpatient or outpatient care facility or simply the willingness to stop drinking with the support of family and friends, alcohol abuse can be a thing of the past. Regaining the control over a life that was once consumed by alcohol is not a process that can happen overnight, but it is one that will be worth the effort. The most important step in working toward a life that is free of alcohol is actually wanting that life.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations regarding alcohol abuse. Before deciding on the most effective method of treatment, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

Related Advice For Families Of Alcoholics Articles

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How Do I Find Happiness Within Myself?

Finding happiness takes practice and choice. You choose to seek happiness each day through what you do, what you do for others, how you choose to think, how you react to others. When you find yourself making bad choices or thinking negative thoughts, you consciously choose to stop this and make a higher choice, stop the negative thoughts about yourself or others and stop reacting with bitterness of feelings of betrayal about others.

Have no expectations for others to bring you happiness. Understand that this responsibility lies solely within you. When you fully embrace this, you will seek your own joy and not wait for others to bring it to you.

Love yourself, no matter what. Unconditional love is the highest form of love you can attain. Know you are more beautiful and powerful than anyone could possibly comprehend. Find a hobby, so you can develop yourself. Be creative learn a new instrument, draw, paint, become loving and have compassion for everyone and everything including yourself.

Look into meditation. Find the silence within yourself. The space in between each thought let that expand. be in the present moment, observe everything around you, observe with all 5 senses, be present. don’ be worried about the past it’s gone and it’s now only a memory which isn’t even real, and the future is not yet know. Live right now!

Be grateful first of your life situation. Know that things could be so much worse in your life and it actually isn’t so bad being who you are. You must try to break the codependency with your boyfriend and the best part is that you realize that it is not healthy. Do the little things that make you happy.

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Alcohol Addiction Support To Help Give Up Drinking

Alcohol has been the bane of many a life. From a lighthearted and fun thing to do, alcohol addiction can metamorphose into this immensely self damaging exercise, that makes life a living nightmare for the person consuming the alcohol and also to a large extent the people around them like family and friends.

How does one turn away from alcohol addiction? They say to each, his own. Everyone can devise and customize their strategy to give up alcohol consumption. Of course if you are way past the stage where you can deal with the situation yourself, it is best to seek medical assistance. You could for example draw up a sort of a balance sheet of what you would stand to gain and lose if you quit drinking alcohol. You will notice that the benefits outnumber the negatives. Your health would improve, you would perform better at your job, and probably earn more, your friends will no longer ignore you, you will confidently drive around the town and most importantly you will be happy. What do you lose in the bargain – your hangover, foul temper, risky driving and bad health. Now if you are thinking sort of a person, which side of the fence would you rather be?

One of the reasons why a lot of people turn to alcohol is that it aids one in socializing as it makes one less inhibited and more talkative. That may largely be true, but if one were to recognize that the true measure of one’s abilities and this is something which can be more fun, is to achieve the same results staying sober.

Another piece of sincere advice would be to not frequent those eateries which entice you to have a drink to wash down your food with. There is almost a conspiracy hatched jointly by the food and liquor industry to suck you into this whole lifestyle and culture thing. Do steer away from this. Do not be dictated to by someone else.

Surely you have far better things to do with your time than to spend hours every day drinking yourself silly. Reclaim your life. Play tennis or golf or do network. Grow your business. What will drinking alcohol ever get you? Think of the money you will save by not drinking. Maybe you could give yourself a holiday in the hills instead.

Remember it is in your hands to give up drinking. But you have to be committed to it. Half measures and a wavering attitude will not do. You should be able to deal with social situations or even temptation with equanimity. If you are clear in your head about what you want this will not be a problem. Learn from the example of George Bush, the onetime alcoholic who went on to become two time president of the United States.

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Alcoholism Marriage: Dealing With Shocking Alcoholism Marriage Issues

If you have found yourself dealing with alcoholism marriage issues and problems, you may be wondering where you can turn to for help, guidance and assistance. You may be married to an alcoholic, but you love your spouse and you want to make the most appropriate decisions not only for your husband and wide but also for yourself and the rest of your family.

When considering alcoholism marriage problems, one of the primary resources that is available to you today is Al-Anon. At its Internet website, Al-Anon has set out its primary purposes very succinctly:

“Al-Anon offers understanding help; support to families and friends of problem drinkers. Our program is adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous and is based upon the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.”

Today, there are active Al-Anon chapters all over the world. If you reside in a city or town that has an AA chapter, you probably also have an Al-Anon chapter. Considering and understanding all that is involved with alcoholism marriage problems and issues, AA and Al-Anon go hand in hand.

Beyond Al-Anon, if you are the spouse of a problem drinker or alcoholic who is experiencing many alcoholism marriage problems, you might also want to consider obtaining counseling for yourself. There are counselors and therapists that now deal specifically with the difficult alcoholism marriage issues.

Finally, when it comes to alcoholism marriage matters, you need to understand that you alone cannot change the life of an alcoholic partner. Your significant other is going to have to want to make changes in his or her own life. Indeed, as many experts say, a person afflicted with alcoholism may have to hit rock bottom before individual seeks assistance and changes his or her life. The key is not to let yourself get dragged down in the process.

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