Alcohol History and Alcohol Facts

You may or may not have wondered about the history of alcohol. It is common knowledge that alcohol has been around for ages. You may be surprised to hear that some researchers argue that it has actually been around since the stone age. While alcohol was most likely accidentally discovered when berries or honey fermented, it is thought that intentional fermentation probably started as early as 10,000 B.C. As with almost all history, alcohol use went through stages or a cycle that repeats over time.

Initially, we believe, alcohol was used in moderation mainly for religious ceremonies, social occasions, or medicinal use. Binge drinking or alcohol dependency weren't a concern. During the Roman Empire, however, we know that this was not the case. Alcohol was consumed freely and was a part of nearly every meal and every social occasion. Some even believe that alcohol was a major factor in the fall of the Roman empire. As we continue through the ages we see a pattern that continues to repeat. When alcohol consumption becomes alcohol abuse and starts causing a lot of adverse effects, society tries to stop it by banning alcohol use all together. Then it comes back in popularity as a medicine or as part of ceremonies. At this point moderation is typically stressed a lot. Eventually we get back to the point where alcohol consumption is once again a problem.

How the cycle progresses or what factors influence each stage is obviously different each time. The actual makeup of alcohol has changed drastically over time as well. Around the 13th century the process of distillation was discovered. This process made the alcohol much stronger. Today, moderate alcohol use is seen as acceptable. But alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency have both been recognized as diseases for which an individual needs to undergo alcohol abuse treatment. Alcohol use has become a major problem amongst teens, even though it is illegal for them to have. More and more we find that teenagers, and many adults, that consume alcohol also abuse other addictive substances like drugs and tobacco. We are also seeing a link between alcohol abuse and teen depression, teen violence, and other serious teen issues. If someone you know or love is using alcohol inappropriately, we urge you to seek help early. Don't blow it off as a normal teenage right of passage. Once they are addicted, help is much harder to come by.

AA-Alcoholics Anonymous Review

Alcoholics Anonymous is a self sustained organization that fellowships men and women who struggle with alcohol dependence. Their establishments stand to change the way people think about alcohol and assist with the recovery from alcoholism. Operating on a 12 step program, Alcoholics Anonymous provides a spiritual awakening that motivates behavioral changes, while under the support of fellow AA members.

Participation in the Alcoholics Anonymous treatment plan is on a voluntary basis. Meeting are held in almost every town across the United States. They are generally informal and allow for open discussion. Plus, there is no charge for attending. Donations are accepted my members, but not required. The only requirement is a desire to be clean and sober.

The Alcoholics Anonymous program assists each new member with finding a sponsor, or mentor who provides emergency support and ensures that the program is followed in the proper manner. The 12 steps of recovery involve actions such as admitting the problem, accepting responsibility, apologizing to friends and loved ones, and giving back to the community.

Many people attend AA as part of a follow up program to an inpatient or residential treatment program. AA is a program that requires long term treatment and continued follow up care, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped many people overcome their problems with alcohol addiction. However, statistics show that the majority of participants drop out before treatment occurs. Only about 25% continue to attend meetings after the first year and more than 1/3 of all members drop the program within the first month. The American Psychiatric Association recommends sustained treatment in combination with outside resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Al-Anon/Alateen Review

Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) is a family support group for relatives and friends of alcoholics. Alcoholism is a disease that affects everyone, especially those who are closest to the person with the drinking problem. In fact, Al-Anon considers alcoholism to be a family illness and aims to treat everyone involved by offering support and altering the attitudes of the affected family members and friends.

As an international organization that consists of over half a million members, Al-Anon provides a 12 step program that is similar to that of AA, with slight modifications. The program aims to teach the friends and families of alcoholics about the dangers of overestimating their control over the situation, to let go of personal blame, and to accept their family members short comings. Overall, it provides an outlet for the expression of the consuming trials brought on by the family member's illness and teaches healthy boundaries in places where they may not have previously existed.

Although, Al-Anon emphasized that it is not the responsibility of the family members to fix the alcoholic, sometimes seeing concerned family members use its methods for help can encourage treatment. However, other programs have been shown more effective for this purpose than Al-Anon, which primarily focuses on the mental health of those who are being affected by the disease indirectly.

Overall, participation in Al-Anon programs has been proven effective in relieving friends and family of personal blame for the alcoholics addiction, assisted with self esteem, and helped individuals gain a better understanding of personal agency. It is highly recommended that any family that is affected by alcoholism gets help from Al-Anon, a similar organization, or other form of therapy.

Narconon Review

With 120 drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation centers around the world, Narconon is a non profit organization that provides addiction recovery programs to those who need help. As apposed to using the widely accepted psychiatric and medicinal approaches to treatment, Narconon focuses primarily on a social education model of rehabilitation. They view their clients as student who must be educated on how to regain control over their lives, as opposed to patients with an illness. Although Narconon has assisted thousands of individuals in becoming drug free, there is some controversy as to whether or not their approach is sufficiently effective.

The Narconon recovery program lasts between 4-6 months and includes a unique detox regimen, some life skills training, and a personalized plan for post rehab living. Residents of the program participate in activities and lectures that teach using a philosophical approach. Once one has graduated from the program, they are considered cured, and no aftercare treatment aids are required. Most of the curriculum provided by Narconon varies greatly form that of traditional treatment centers. However, for over 4 generations, this program has assisted individuals in retraining thought processes, understanding drugs, building self confidence, and remaining drug free.

On the other hand, under the review of a panel of mental health experts, it was determined that some of the information being presented in Narconon meetings lacks accuracy and the ability to efficiently produce a positive response. Plus, Narconon has been associated with Scientology and repeated criminal activity, causing increased scrutiny and negative views of their services.

In summation, the Narconon rehabilitation program provides services that are considered unorthodox by many. They treat addiction using some approaches that are in direct contrast with those of more traditional drug addiction centers. However, some individuals find Narconon's methods to be highly effective. A number of them attribute everything they have accomplished to the rehabilitation services they received while undergoing treatment in this program.

Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy, also known as E, X, and XTC, is a drug that is typically ingested in pill or capsule form to produce the sensation of a euphoric high. As part of the phenethylamine and amphetamine party, it triggers the release of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, diminishing anxiety and depression. Ecstasy is most commonly used by young adults and high school students at parties, bars, or night clubs, as it is easy to conceal and produces a sense of intimacy with others. Users of ecstasy describe the high as an increase in body temperature, an extreme heightening of all senses, and a mood elevator. In addition, it can sometimes produce a hallucinogenic effect.

Although ecstasy is not physically addictive, some people become rather compulsive in their use and may require psychological treatment. Plus, individuals who often use this drug to enhance physical intimacy, sometimes find they are later unable to function sexually without it. Like anything else that serves as a mood elevator, ecstasy can frequently takes on a great importance to consistent users. However, when the drug is used too frequently the effects become significantly reduced. Plus, ecstasy poses serious health risks and overdoses can be fatal.

The reality is that ecstasy exists as one of the most dangerous drugs threatening young people today. It's effects are similar to those of amphetamines and hallucinogens. However, because it is popularly distributed at social events, it is usually easier to obtain. Sold on the black market, ecstasy often consists of dangerous impurities. Plus, the actual dosage of the drug is usually unknown. Overdose of ecstasy can result in extreme body temperatures, high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, heart attack, and death. The warning signs of a potential overdose may include sweating, vomiting, difficulty urinating, confusions, tremors, headache, and confusion. Overall, the risks associated with ecstasy use never outweigh the benefits.

Sober Living – Life after Rehab

Leaving rehab to return to the real world may leave a recovering addict with unsettled anxiety. Although desires to stay sober may be strong and sincere, life after rehab poses may challenge for those who have a history of drug/alcohol abuse. Stressors and various triggers exist that will test an addicts newly formed coping skills, and threaten their sobriety. An addict may have received treatment for their problem. However, transitioning back into a drug and alcohol free lifestyle sometimes acts as the toughest part of the recovery process.

The key to sober living after rehab is after care. A recovering addict should never become relaxed about their efforts to maintain sobriety. Relapse rates are extremely high and without proper care, falling back into the habit of using is almost inevitable. After care treatment exists in a variety of forms that work effectively for a number of people.

Sober houses or half way houses are residential care centers that house addicts during their period of transition. For the most part, they accommodate guests who have completed a rehab program and are looking for assistance with staying sober. These centers provide an alcohol and drug free environment, assist individuals in finding gainful employment, offer follow up counseling, and shelter residents until they can get back on their feet. Recovering addicts who stay at sober and half way houses must adhere to certain rules, perform daily chores, and be held accountable to supervising staff members.

In addition, out-patient therapy and group meetings should be attended regularly as part of life after rehab. Recovering addicts must find a structured recovery support system that enables them to stay strong while fighting the temptations to use. Adopting a new set of friends, activities, and hang outs is essential for successful results. Plus, sober living may mean relying on a sponsor, or a person who assists with maintaining sobriety by offering encouragement and support in times of weakness.

Causes of Drug and Alcohol Relapse

Relapse is not uncommon for recovering drug and alcohol addicts. Almost all long term drug treatment facilities and rehab programs strive to give patients the tools they need to combat the urges to use again. Understanding what causes relapse is an important factor in prevention. Plus, there are certain things an addict can do to decrease the likely hood of returning to drugs and alcohol as a way of life.

Physical cravings exist with most addictions. Drugs can leave residuals in the body, even long after a person quits using. Also, alcohol and drug addictions alter a persons natural chemical balances, leaving the body seeking drugs or alcohol to even feel normal again. Physical cravings may continue for months or years after withdrawal and treatment. However, being aware of the situation helps recovering addicts to establish coping skills to stay clean.

In addition, addicts develop a pattern of behaviors and adopt a certain way of thinking while abusing drugs or alcohol. A particular lifestyle evolves from drug and alcohol abuse that revolves around getting drugs and surviving life with a drug habit. For a period of time, the addict has adopted the behavior of using drugs to cope, which has been strongly reinforced and altered their biochemical personality. Behavioral therapy and long term support are the keys for an addict to overcome the mental cravings.

Relapse can occur at anytime. An addict may be alcohol and drug free for a large number of years, then cycle back into their previous patterns of behavior. This is why receiving the right follow up care to any treatment program is critical. In treatment, addicts learn there are common triggers that promote relapse, including exhaustion, depression, frustration, dishonesty, self pity, cockiness, complacency, using mood altering chemicals, and failure to comply with aftercare treatment.

There are a great number of causes or “triggers” that may lead a recovering addict to relapse. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify those causes and adopt new coping skills to avoid future alcohol and drug abuse.