Alcohol & Alcoholism
is the most widely used and abused drug in the United States. Alcoholism is one of the most preventable illnesses. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that slows down body functions such as heart rate respiration. Small quantities of alcohol may induce feelings of well-being and relaxation; but in larger amounts,
alcohol can cause intoxication, sedation,unconsciousness, and even death.

When consumed, alcohol goes to the stomach and passes through to the small intestine, where it is absorbed into ~ bloodstream. When the blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches .10, the legal limit in most states, the average drinker will experience blurred vision, slurred) speech, poor muscle coordination, and a lack of rational judgment. A BAC of ~.4O to .50 will induce coma. Breathing is likely to stop with a BAC of .60.

Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug, use of the drug despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.

A drinker is physically dependent if withdrawal symptoms are experienced when alcohol use is discontinued abruptly. Symptoms vary but include delirium tremors (DT5), cramps, vomiting, elevated blood pressure, sweating, dilated pupils, sleep problems, irritability, and convulsions. Most of these symptoms will subside in two or three days, though irritability and insomnia may last two to three weeks.

Psychological dependence occurs when the drinker becomes so preoccupied with alcohol that it is difficult to do without it. Short- term memory loss and blackouts are common among heavy drinkers. A blackout, which is an amnesia-like period often confused with passing out or losing consciousness, results when the drinker appears normal and may function normally; however, the person has no memory of what has taken place.

Alcohol acts as an irritant of the gastrointestinal system and increases the hydrochloric acid production in the lining of the stomach. Alcohol also causes numerous liver disorders including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver. Alcohol is also associated with heart disease and reproduction and pregnancy problems.

info@800soberLife.com

When an alcoholic enjoys her drinking she can not control it, when an alcoholic controls her drinking, she cant control it. Is that you?

Wake Up Today - Rather Than Coming To...

Journey Rehabilitation Centers of California
are here to assist you in learning how to live without alcohol or drugs. The tme is now, don't suffer needlessly one more minute.

We can help.
Call 800SoberLife Today!
1•800•762•3754