Did you know drinking heavily only a few times can still be a danger to you? If you tend to binge drink this can lead to alcohol poisoning. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning are confusion, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, unconsciousness, memory loss about events that happened earlier, and seizures. It is very important to call 911 if a person is experiencing alcohol poisoning, medical attention is important for their survival. These are the short-term effects of alcohol. Long-term medical effects of heavy alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Alcohol can ruin lives in many ways these are just a few ways.
New Hampshire Alcohol Dependency Rates
New Hampshire had 1,638 people admitted for alcohol treatment and an additional 1,166 people were admitted for alcohol addiction treatment for using alcohol combined with a secondary substance in 2010. New Hampshire also remained among one of the highest states in the country for alcohol consumption since 2002. The latest reports from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations, the amount of Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation programs has declined from 1992 to 2006. The number of people admitted for drugs and alcohol increased by 6,234 in 2010.
Signs You Are Struggling With Alcoholism
The most common signs of alcohol abuse are poor coordination, Slurred speech, impaired thinking, memory impairment, wanting to stop drinking but not managing to do so, being secretive about the extent of the alcohol abuse in order to protect it, risky behavior such as driving while under the influence, denial of the alcohol abuse problem, and being distressed at the thought of not having access to alcohol.
A person who regularly abuses alcohol will start to show symptoms of withdrawal after they stop drinking or reduce intake. Symptoms can begin as soon as two hours after the last drink and can continue for weeks. These symptoms are shaking, anxiety, and a painful desire to drink. A severe withdrawal symptom is called Delirium Tremens it can include confusion, fever, and rapid heartbeat. Alcohol withdrawal should occur under the care of a doctor specialized in a residential treatment center, some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. Now those are the physical symptoms of alcohol abuse.
The behavioral signs are increasing legal trouble, showing up intoxicated to important events, overreacting to any criticism of their drinking level, increasing financial problems, stealing, risky activities such as unprotected sex. A very troubling behavioral sign is drunk driving which causes about 27 fatalities per day. Most people dealing with an alcohol use disorder who experience brain or cognitive troubles can recover with treatment within a year of sobriety, in some cases, it can take much longer.
Best Ways to Support An Alcoholic
The first step is to start a conversation with them, telling them how worried you are and how their actions may have affected you or other people. Do your best to come across worried and not judgemental. It also helps to reach out to other friends or family members to be apart of the discussion. Also, be sure that it is the correct time and place to make sure they are not drinking or too stressed out. The best time is usually in the morning but it varies for some alcoholics.
The next step as stated above alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous without medical attention. So get them into a detox if they are willing to. Most addicts need to hit their “rock bottom” before they are ready for a detox. So if they haven’t hit that point yet you may have to let them hit their rock bottom. Be sure to be mindful of your mental and physical health. There are groups for families struggling with an alcoholic. If they do go to detox this is only the first step to their recovery. You want to do your best to avoid relapse for them.
Alcoholic addiction treatment therapies and structured sober living facilities like BonFire are great ways to reduce the chance of relapse. Remember that recovery is for life once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. Another important way to keep them from relapsing is being involved in a lot of activities such as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, community service work, and fun activities. Make sure they avoid nonalcoholic beer as it increases the chance of relapse. Helping an alcoholic is a group effort so you may have to change your own habits to ensure their recovery.
