Rob’s doctor broke the news to him yesterday: he has high blood pressure. Rob wasn’t surprised. It runs in his family, and his health habits aren’t spectacular. What did surprise Rob was one of his doctor’s recommendations: cut alcohol out of his diet. He could only wonder- does alcohol really raise blood pressure? Rob isn’t…
Alcoholism (now called alcohol use disorder) affects a staggering number of Americans. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2022), 29.5 million adults aged 12 and older struggle with this condition. However, not many people understand the addictive nature of alcohol, what constitutes alcohol abuse, and many wonder if alcoholism is a…
Will’s dad struggles with alcoholism. His grandfather was also addicted to alcohol. His uncle seems to have the same issues. Naturally, Will is worried about the genetic risks of alcoholism. Is he destined to inherit his dad’s alcoholism – the same way he shares his jet-black hair and deep brown eyes? Have genetics determined Will’s…
She couldn’t take it anymore. Liz and Dave have been married for 15 years, but for the past eight, Dave’s drinking dominated the marriage. It felt like his addiction finally destroyed their relationship. There was no marriage left – only substance abuse and the fights it causes. A friend recommended that Liz see a counselor,…
People in recovery know that it requires consistent effort to maintain their sobriety, even if it’s been years since they last took a drug or drink. However, just as life has its ups and downs, so too does recovery. The important thing is to acknowledge the relapse warning signs you can’t afford to ignore and…
Will saw his parents fight…a lot. On the nights when he didn’t see them argue, he could hear them from his bedroom. This went on for a few years, until they eventually got divorced. Now, Will is all grown up and has a family of his own. He also has a substance use disorder. Is…
It’s hard to recognize yourself. After all, you just wanted to help them, right? But lately, helping has been hurting both them and you. It’s called enabling. Your support now goes beyond what’s helpful and healthy. Your “help” is now allowing your loved one to continue their addictive behavior. And for you? Your enabling has…
You’ve probably heard people say that rehab is the first step in a long journey of recovery. They’re right. But what will your social life will look like after treatment for alcoholism? Here’s the truth: After what feels like a lifetime of alcohol addiction, rehab is really just the beginning of a new life. When…
Day 342. John hadn’t touched a drop in almost a year. Then his cousin came to visit. In the past, John always drank and frequented local bars with his cousin. And that trigger was too much. Before he knew it, John had a beer in his hand. John’s story isn’t unique. Between 40 and 60…
Jeff didn’t remember feeling like this in college. He had hangovers back in his fraternity days, but not like this. In his 20s, Jeff had the usual headaches and nausea, but he was able to function (somewhat) as he recovered from a hangover. Not now. Now Jeff is in his 40s, and even a small…
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