Relevant answers to your frequent questions...

Alcohol Addiction: Frequently Asked Questions

What is alcohol or drug addiction?

Alcohol or drug addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable alcohol or drug craving, seeking and use that persist even in the face of very negative consequences. Alcohol or drug seeking becomes compulsive in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on the brain functioning and, thus, on behavior. For many people, alcohol or drug use becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence.

What is an Alcohol Addiction Intervention?

An intervention is for someone suffering from alcohol or drug addiction . It is a planned discussion with the goal of letting your loved one know that she is an alcoholic or chronic abuser of alcohol and is hurting herself and her family. Whether you choose a formal intervention or an informal intervention, your main objective is to get your loved one into alcohol rehab immediately after the alcohol addiction intervention is complete.

What is considered an addiction to alcohol?

Addiction to alcohol is a compulsion to drink fermented liquid extracted from grain, fruit, or other natural materials. It is very pleasant to drink and in particular gives a festive flavor to special occasions. Unfortunately, it also seriously affects the brain as it can give an illusion of relaxation, freedom from cares and responsibilities, and in particular emotional pain. This is where the trap lies, and what makes it so easy to become addicted to alcohol. ...

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction (also known as alcoholism) is a condition that meets criteria that staff at Sunshine Coast Health Centre refer to as the 3 C’s: Control - individual has a hard time setting limits around how much or how often they consume alcohol (plan on having a beer and end up drinking a case) Compulsion - individual spends a lot of energy around planning and/or engaging in the consumption of alcohol (avoids places or events that limit opportunities to drink) Consequence - individual continues to drink in spite of n... ...

What is alcohol and drug addiction treatment?

Alcohol and drug addiction treatment provides alternatives to the destructive behaviors associated with alcohol and other drug addiction. New River Cove emphasizes the mind, the body, and the spirit. Treatment at New River Cove is an educational process, physical enhancement, and spiritual awakening program.

What does alcohol and/or drug addiction treatment consist of?

Treatment for alcohol and/or drug disorders varies and is customized to the needs of the individual seeking help. Treatment plans may consist of; Education programs 12-step therapy groups Individual counseling Out-patient programs Inpatient hospitalization.

What is the emotional impact of alcohol or drug addiction?

Addictive drugs produce one feeling, but as the nervous system adapts to the drug, coming off the drug produces the opposite feeling. The emotional centers of the brain then become dependent upon the drug to keep oneself “emotionally” in balance. Psychologically, one of the major functions of a drug is to chemically say “shut up” to a part of self. When this is repeated over and over again it becomes automatic. The part of self that is told to “shut up” is shamed and not respected which leads to anger and isolation. ...

Can imagery help with a drug or alcohol addiction?

Guided imagery offers a way to have instant access to our addiction, as well as the many traumas and issues that brought the addiction into our lives in the first place. Once we honor and talk to the addiction in a reasonable way, the addiction itself can give us good advice and direction on how to change our life. The objective is not to destroy the addiction, but to allow it to change. ...

Is an Alcohol Addiction Intervention Supposed to Stop Alcoholism?

An intervention will not be able to treat your loved one’s disease. It is solely designed to get your loved one to an alcohol rehab equipped to provide the medical, psychological and emotional/spiritual help necessary to forge a solid foundation in recovery. Alcoholism is a disease. There is no cure but it does requires medical treatment for any lasting remission. For some, remission lasts a lifetime. The more effective and efficient the treatment, the more lasting will be the time without alcohol. ...

What is alcohol and drug addiction recovery?

Alcohol and drug addiction recovery provides alternatives to the destructive behaviors associated with alcohol and other drug addiction. The Last Resort Pa emphasizes the mind, the body, and the spirit. The Foundation recovery process at The Last Resort Pa is an integrated approach. We believe that human beings need to be responsible for their own choices and behaviors. We will educate you and facilitate you through the foundational process of your recovery.

What causes addiction to alcohol and other drugs?

Contrary to popular belief, addiction is NOT a moral or character defect. In fact, it is a chronic disease that is characterized by uncontrollable craving for alcohol and other drugs.

Is Rehabilitation Associates of Nevada a rehab. program for drug and alcohol addiction?

No, we are not. Rehabilitation Associates of Nevada works exclusively with patients with injuries and conditions as described above in Question #1.

Can acupuncture help in cases of addiction - drugs, alcohol or even smoking?

Yes, it can help. A person who is perfectly healthy in body and in mind does not need the comfort, help, or stimulus of drugs or alcohol. Addiction to any of these is a sign of insecurity, stress, or strain, all of which are difficult to avoid in modern living. Acupuncture can correct the imbalance that has resulted, but a permanent cure depends upon the removal or resolution of the stresses that cause the addiction.

What Do I Say During an Alcohol Addiction Intervention?

It is your words, said with sincerity and love rather than judgment or anger, that are your greatest asset in an intervention for alcoholism . Here are a few tips to help you figure out what to say when it’s your turn to speak at your loved one’s intervention: Speak without judgment. It can’t be said enough: if you are angry, malicious or judgmental in tone or in word when you’re talking to your loved one, chances are, she won’t listen for long. ...

What do prisoners with drugs or alcohol addiction problems do?

Tell the healthcare workers who see them when they arrive. Treatment programmes are available in many prisons to help with these problems.

When does drug or alcohol use become an addiction?

The use of drug and/or alcohol becomes an addiction when there is a physical and/or psychological dependence on them. This may be characterized by withdrawn symptoms including physical shaking, sleeping, lack of energy, mood swings, apathy, depressive symptoms and intense cravings for the drug.

Is detox always made compulsory in alcohol addiction treatment in Washington?

That depends on the condition of the patient. Two things are taken in to account. The first is the nature and extent of the addiction. If you have been drinking since a long time, it is certain that there will be a lot of alcohol residual in your body and hence you will need to go through the detox treatment program. Second, if you have some complication that will make treatment difficult or if you already have a condition because of the alcohol in your body, you will have to undergo the detox. ...

How many laser treatments will be needed for alcohol & drug addiction?

This will depend on the severity of the addiction. We treat those with mild forms of addiction; those with severe addictions need to consult their doctors first. The program works the same way as the smoking cessation as it is similar to addiction, only we use the association of drugs and alcohol to stop the craving and pain of giving up. Like smoking for some people it may only take one session to stop the craving for others they need more, it will depend on the situation. ...

Who suffers from alcohol-drug related addiction?

Everybody knows someone who is affected by drug abuse. The effects of addiction reach across the life span, cultures, socioeconomic status, and across genders. No population group is immune to substance abuse and its damage. Alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) affects people at all levels of society, including people we may admire. Alcohol-drug abuse is an equal opportunity destroyer. Those addicted to alcohol and other drugs suffer from a compulsive drug craving and cannot quit alone. ...

Addiction to alcohol - Can a tendency be inherited?

Victims of alcohol do not always have to be hurting people who cannot cope with life’s problems. Scientists have discovered from their research that if there is an alcoholic in the family then this weakness can be passed on genetically. If it is known that there is a history of alcoholism in the family, then the members of that family would be wise to be extra careful about how much they drink. Safest of all, of course, would be a decision to avoid alcohol altogether.

Addiction to alcohol - What is the result?

When someone becomes addicted to alcohol and is constantly drunk, they will always affect the lives of others in some way. It may just be a matter of annoyance. For instance, the drunk may play loud music at night and keep their neighbors awake. Generally those who have an addiction to alcohol are unpleasant to anyone who has to have dealings with them. ...

Do the Cornerstone programs treat both alcohol and drug addiction?

Yes. We at Cornerstone believe that addiction is a disease of the brain. Every person is different, and the way each drug affects the body and the brain must be treated by a professional who understands chemical dependency.

Do you know if the water has any affect on addictions such as alcohol addiction?

Ron: We have had people that have reported to me that they have drunk less and less down to the point where they have quit drinking because they enjoy the water so much.

Do you only focus on drug and alcohol addiction? What about other issues?

All of the kids who come to Advent have issues besides drug and alcohol addiction, such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse, mental illness, neglect, poor schooling. At Advent they participate in individual and group counseling and life skills groups. They attend an on-site school that provides a quality education in a clean and sober environment.

WHAT KIND OF INQUIRY WILL BE CONDUCTED IF I HAVE HAD A HISTORY OF DRUG OR ALCOHOL ABUSE OR ADDICTION, OR TREATMENT FOR EITHER?

Because evidence of drug or alcohol dependence or abuse is one of the "relevant conduct" factors about which the Board must inquire, you should be prepared to provide treatment records, as well as other records of incidents which were associated with the addictive behavior.

Where do I get more information on what kind of alcohol addiction treatment in Washington is permissible?

The most convenient way would be to check out on the Internet. You may visit federal websites such as those of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute of Drug Abuse and the National Clearinghouse. This is where all programs that are permissible federally for treatment in Washington are listed. Also, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website has a Facility Locator where you can get the link to your state health website. ...

What do mental illness and addiction to alcohol and other drugs have in common?

They are both mental illnesses according to the American Psychiatric Association. A high percentage of people with mental illness are addicted to substances. This occurs because many people try to medicate their mental illness symptoms through the use of alcohol, illegal drugs or inappropriate use of prescription drugs. Many addicts have a mental health disorder. Use of substances can cause a variety of mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety. ...

Is addiction to alcohol and other drugs more prevalent in certain groups of individuals?

No , people who are addicted to alcohol or other drugs come from all walks of life.

How can I find out more about the effects of drug and alcohol addiction?

Please refer to our links pages or give us a call for an informal discussion

What websites could I use to help my alcohol addiction?

Here are some websites: http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/addiction/alcoholism-alcohol-addiction/treat-overview/stop-drinking-alcohol http://www.cigna.com/healthinfo/tj2649.html http://www.24houraddictionhelp.com/?pg=adult_evaluation_questionnaire There is also a 24/7 hotline - just call this toll free numer - 1-800-861-1768 Home
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