Addiction, depression, and suicide are all very closely related. People who suffer from severe depression and other mental health issues often engage in risky behaviors or turn to drugs and alcohol to numb their negative feelings. However, chronic alcohol or drug abuse also produces toxic side effects, including mental health issues like anxiety and depression. As a person continues to use alcohol or drugs to cope with depression, they’re likely to experience depressive episodes more often, increasing feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Category: alcohol abuse
The 5 Types of Alcoholics
Alcoholism is a complex disease that is difficult to understand fully. When you hear the word “alcoholic,” it may conjure a specific image in your brain based on stereotypes commonly associated with alcohol abuse and addiction. However, things aren’t so cut and dry.
Why Do I Need Alcohol Abuse Counseling?
According to a national survey, about 14.1 million adults had alcohol use disorder in 2019.1 Despite how common the disease is and the havoc it wreaks on people’s lives, alcoholism is a treatable disorder. With the right kind of support and treatment, people of all backgrounds recover from alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol Abuse In the Military
According to a recent analysis of survey data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), military members drink more than workers in any other job.1 These results aren’t all that surprising, as the evidence reports what has already been known for years: the military culture is one of alcohol abuse and members struggling with alcohol use disorder is nothing new.
Alcohol Use Has Increased During the COVID-19 Pandemic, According to Study
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open in September of 2020 shows alcohol consumption among Americans (and particularly women) has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.1 This suggests more people may be turning to alcohol to cope with the lingering effects of the pandemic, such as job loss, mental health problems, and stress. A recent […]
Stadium-Wide Alcohol Sales at SEC Football Games: A Bad Idea?
As of August 1st, the SEC officially lifted its ban on stadium-wide alcohol sales with some restrictions. With just a few weeks of the 2019-20 college football season behind us, we have yet to see the consequences of the SEC’s decision to loosen restrictions on alcohol sales.
How to Overcome Dry Drunk Syndrome
Many sober people find themselves depressed, anxious, and lonely as they struggle to find happiness in a life of sobriety. Sure, they might not be drinking or using drugs anymore, but everyday life is dull and meaningless. These are typical symptoms of an issue called dry drunk syndrome, and it’s much more common than you […]
What is Wet Brain? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and cardiovascular disease are some of the more common damaging effects of chronic alcohol abuse, but wet brain is also one of the lesser-known effects of alcohol addiction. Wet brain in aslcoholics is less common than some of the other side effects of alcohol abuse, but it can still occur. Here are the […]
Are Your Summer Drinking Habits Cause for Concern?
Many people view the summertime as a time to kick back, relax a little bit, and enjoy the warm weather. That mindset also often sets the stage for overconsumption of alcohol. From block parties, float trips, weddings, and lazy days at the beach, these activities can easily become alcohol-fueled events.
How to Overcome Being a High-Functioning Alcoholic
Millions of Americans can drink socially without encountering too many negative consequences, other than the occasional hangover and acting like a fool on the rare occasions they imbibe too much. Some, however, consider drinking so much a part of their life that they automatically think of ordering a drink when in a social situation or unwinding after a day at work or school. While they haven’t crossed the line into full-scale alcohol addiction, they may be well on their way. They may, in fact, be high-functioning alcoholics.