The effects of alcohol addiction are grave and far-reaching. While some people can overcome this addiction on their own, most people need assistance.Substance abuse treatment programscan help end the grips of alcohol on you or a loved one. Women develop what is drug addiction long-term complications of alcohol dependence more rapidly than do men, women also have a higher mortality rate from alcoholism than men. Examples of long-term complications include brain, heart, and liver damage and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Additionally, heavy drinking over time has been found to have a negative effect on reproductive functioning in women. This results in reproductive dysfunction such as anovulation, decreased ovarian mass, problems or irregularity of the menstrual cycle, and early menopause. Alcoholic ketoacidosis can occur in individuals who chronically misuse alcohol and have a recent history of binge drinking.

Marijuana, hashish and other cannabis-containing substances

That can mean making adjustments with or changing treatment. When you take a drug, your brain releases a flood of dopamine, much more than it would when you’re eating your favorite pie. Your brain overreacts and cuts back on dopamine production to bring it down to a normal level.

Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them. Contact a treatment provider today who can help you understand your treatment options.

Trusted & Approved Addiction Treatment Center

Try taking a class, joining a church or a civic group, volunteering, or attending events in your community. Usually the first step is to purge your body of drugs and manage withdrawal symptoms. The National Institute of Mental Health conducts research and clinical trials on many mental health issues. Locate a health center near you to make an appointment for mental health services. If you don’t have access to a health care professional, call for help with mental health problems.

In treatment, clients will find joy and purpose in unexpected places. It may also increase the likelihood of accidents such as falls and fractures. Many people drink a moderate amount of alcohol without harmful consequences, while for others, just one drink can lead down a dangerous path. Problem drinking is not defined only by how often or even how much a person drinks.

Effect on Your Brain

It doesn’t matter what the goals are, just that they are important to you. Once you’re sober, the negative feelings that you dampened with drugs will resurface. For treatment to be successful, you’ll first need to resolve your underlying issues. Join a 12-step recovery support group, such as Narcotics Anonymous , and attend meetings regularly. Spending time with people who understand exactly what you’re going through can be very healing. You can also benefit from the shared experiences of the group members and learn what others have done to stay sober. Residential treatment – Residential treatment involves living at a facility and getting away from work, school, family, friends, and addiction triggers while undergoing intensive treatment.

• The addition of phenobarbital improves outcomes if benzodiazepine administration lacks the usually efficacy, and phenobarbital alone might be an effective treatment.
• For example, a patient suffering from untreated or inadequately treated pain may exaggerate his or her use of opiates in order to obtain methadone or buprenorphine to alleviate that pain.
• If you try to quit using substances, your brain tries to protect you from the pain and intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
• If you or a loved one is ready to overcome an alcohol addiction, reach out today.