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,…
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…
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…
My second stint in rehab was impactful. My first and third were, too, but the second time receiving treatment for alcoholism stands out. Mostly because of two people I met while in rehab: Sally and Troy. Both Sally and Troy were in treatment for alcoholism. Both had very different reasons for their years of heavy…
Why am I here at this support group for families? I’m not the one with the problem! Jenna’s the one staying out all night and lying to Mom and Dad — causing fights — tearing our family apart. Besides, I’ve been living on my own for years now — so why does her behavior affect…
Lily is chopping vegetables in her kitchen. Suddenly, the knife slips, and she cuts her hand. The platelets in Lily’s body immediately get to work clotting the blood to stop the bleeding. After a couple of minutes, Lily’s hand still hurts, but at least the bleeding has stopped. Kendra is playing with a kitten in…
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