Archive for September, 2010
CA Governor Signs Bill That Could Save Underage Drinkers’ Lives
After 17-year-old Shelby Lyn Allen of Redding, California, died of alcohol poisoning in December of 2008, her family fought for a bill that would grant limited immunity from prosecution to underage drinkers seeking medical treatment for themselves or their peers. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger just signed the legislation, known as Assembly Bill 1999.
Disulfiram Makes Drinking Alcohol Extremely Unpleasant; May Help Curb Cravings
For people with the motivation to break the cycle of addiction to alcohol, help may come in the form of a pill. Disulfiram changes the way the body reacts to and digests alcohol, making drinking an undesirable experience marked by vomiting, headaches and bouts of nausea. Though not a cure-all, disulfiram can be helpful for recovering alcohol addicts when combined with other therapies, like counseling.
How Do You Know If You Have a Problem With Alcohol?
Many people feel they have their drinking under control, that they couldn’t possibly have a problem because they’ve never gotten into serious trouble because of drinking. While for some people who drink regularly that may be true, for the vast number of drinkers, it’s just a matter of time. If they haven’t suffered negative consequences yet, they more than likely will soon. So, how do you know if you have a problem with alcohol? Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at the issue.
Research Points to Hormone Levels and Stress as Indicators for Relapse in Abstaining Alcoholics
Engaging in unhealthy levels of alcohol consumption can easily be detrimental. Even worse, when an individual withdraws from chronic drinking, problems can emerge that are different to resolve or have devastating consequences.
Binge Drinking in the Young Can Lead to Disaster
Binge drinking is often an activity selected for fun, yet those who partake are not always aware of the risks involved. And, as college students are back on campus and getting involved in the social aspect of the experience, underage and excessive drinking are coming together with devastating results.
Study Finds That Just Two Alcoholic Drinks Slow Seniors’ Reactions
New research finds that just two drinks were enough to make seniors have difficulty avoiding obstacles while walking, suggesting that blood alcohol levels below the legal limit for driving have a significant effect on dexterity.
Australian Study Finds Closing Pubs and Clubs Earlier Reduces Violence
A new study from researchers at the University of Newcastle in Australia has found that restricting closing hours of pubs in the city of Newcastle in 2008 reduced the rate of assault by 37 percent. The number of assaults in the Central Business District decreased from 33 per month to 22 per month.
Am I an Alcoholic?
This may be a tough topic to read, but if you are wondering whether you or a loved one is in fact an alcoholic, it may be one of the most important self-assessment or assessment you make. Look through the following questions and answer honestly.
Gastric Bypass Surgery and Alcoholism
Each year over 100,000 people turn to gastric bypass surgery to drastically reduce their weight. Typically the surgery is performed on individuals who have struggled with their weight for years, have unsuccessfully tried many diets and weight loss programs, and are overweight to a point that their overall health is at risk.
Common Misconceptions about Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Alcohol use is so prevalent in our society that notions about its abuse are bound to occur. In fact, we may harbor some misconceptions ourselves about alcohol abuse. It’s time to set the record straight.