Even when the the difference in body weight is taken into account, a woman’s body has less water than a man’s body does.  When alcohol is consumed it mixes with the water in the body and because there is less water to mix with in a woman’s body, this creates a higher level of alcohol concentration.  In addition to this, and for the same reason, a woman is more likely to suffer from a worse hangover.

Fact #2 - Alcohol can affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant.

Alcohol can impair the release of hormones in a women’s body which can cause serious medical problems.  One such problem is reproduction.  Chronic heavy drinking can cause a women to stop menstruating, have irregular menstrual cycles, menstruate but not ovulate or bring on early menopause.  Most reproductive problems were found in women who drank alcohol heavily, but this problem has also been found in social drinkers as well.

Fact #3 - Use of alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer.

British researchers have found that as little as one drink of alcohol a day can increase the risk of breast cancer by 7%.  Furthermore, it is estimated that alcohol is responsible for 4% of all breast cancer cases.  This may be a small percentage but is still a fact to be aware of.  The reason for this link between breast cancer and alcohol use is not yet known, but it is suspected that it has something to do with the effects that alcohol has on a woman’s hormones.

Reduce your alcohol intake and reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Fact #4 - Treatment is more successful when an alcohol problem is detected early

Getting sober and staying sober has a higher success rate the earlier it is detected.  If you or someone you know is showing signs of alcohol dependence, take the first step toward recovery.  Read my review on “The Forgotten Five Steps” and how it can help to become addiction free.

Fact #5 - Many health-related diseases cause by alcoholism affect women more than men.

Alcoholic liver disease, brain disease and heart disease are all linked to and can be caused from alcoholism.  Research suggests that women who abuse alcohol or have an alcohol dependence are more likely to develop liver inflammation and die from cirrhosis.  Women are more vulnerable to alcohol-related brain damage and are more susceptible to heart disease caused from alcoholism.

How Can I Detox Myself from Alcohol?

The first hurdle is to stop drinking. After which the first symptoms of detoxification can begin 5-10 hours after the last drink. This is that shaky feeling that most alcoholics feel every morning which explains why the first drink is so important. Once the symptoms start, they can last typically from 7 to 10 days. It’s important to follow a good nutritional plan during this time as it plays an important role in speeding up recovery.

Should you try Alcohol Detox at home?

There can be many bad side affects to alcohol addiction withdrawal symptoms, and alcohol detox at home might not be such a great idea if you are likely to suffer some of the more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

However, if you have not severely abused alcohol and expect that you will only experience the minor symptoms, then it may be possible to try alcohol detox at home, but you always need to consult the advise of your doctor first. Your doctor will also be able to provide medicine that can help ease detox symptoms such as anxiety. Other medications can also be available to lessen more severe detox symptoms. Most doctors will also recommend that an alcoholic going through detoxification also take vitamin B supplements and Thiamin as well.

The following is a list of minor to severe symptoms that can be experienced by someone with an alcohol dependence when quitting alcohol. Minor symptoms can very likely be handled if you try alcohol detox at home, however most moderate and all severe symptoms need to be monitored closely by medical professionals as a problem could occur. A rehab program will help to support and treat more severe symptoms. This is strictly information provided for this article and must not be taken as medical advice.

Minor Alcoholism Detox Withdrawal Symptoms:

• headaches
• shakes
• inability to sleep
• fatigue
• sweats
• nightmares
• anxiety
• irregular heartbeat

Moderate Alcoholism Detox Withdrawal Symptoms:

• severe agitation
• vomiting
• trembling
• loss of appetite
• mild hallucinations

Severe Alcoholism Detox Withdrawal Symptoms:

• delirium
• psychosis
• seizures

Detoxification can be the most feared part of alcoholism treatment and the thoughts of experiencing the withdrawal symptoms can be reason enough for someone to continue drinking. However, it is part of the recovery process and one must accept the consequences that come with alcohol dependence.

Seek medical advise before you attempt to detox for alcohol.

A panic disorder is usually coupled with agoraphobia, which is a fear of being in a place where escape may be difficult or embarrassing (such as an elevator) and a brief attack of intense fear or discomfort that comes on suddenly and usually it is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Palpitations or accelerated heart rate
• Sweating
• Sleep disorders
• Trembling or shaking
• A feeling that you are short of breath
• Problems with nausea or abdominal distress
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Intense fear of losing control, going crazy or even dying

Panic attacks occur in many different situations and for different reasons. Panic attacks alcohol related can be confused with medical illness so physical health problems should be ruled out. When people have recurrent panic attacks with anticipated anxiety and phobic avoidance this may represent panic disorder.

The relationship between alcohol and panic attacks can double-fold. Using alcohol can be a trigger for panic/anxiety, but, at the same time, people will use alcohol to treat mental anxiety. A doctor will probably recommend that you discontinue drinking alcohol as there is usually a link with the panic attacks.

If you find this difficult, there may be a question of whether you have a problem with alcohol. In any event, you should have a physical exam to rule out medical illness and if your problem persists without explanation, you should be evaluated further by a psychiatrist.

However, it’s important to know that there’s a physiological reason for panic attacks alcohol related. When you drink alcohol, you deplete your body’s stores of vitamin B, B-12 and several other related vitamins. These are vitamins that regulate your mood to some extent. In other words, you’re eliminating that which makes you a stable, functional human being.

The counter (but not the cure) to this is is to either drink alcohol that’s loaded with vitamin B (unfiltered beer is one example; anything mixed with Red Bull is another), or just pop a vitamin B supplement before bedtime.

Regardless, if alcohol is the cause of the panic attacks, then you really should stop drinking and see a doctor to discuss possible therapy for panic attacks that are alcohol related.

Drug and alcohol abuse can be devastating to victims and people close to them. It’s unfortunate that it is so common throughout North America. There are a number of negative consequences that result from drug and alcohol abuse—it can deteriorate health, damage relationships, cost a fortune, and overall prevent individuals from living a healthy and fulfilling life. Drug abuse and alcohol abuse do differ, but they often go hand in hand, which is why they are commonly grouped together.

Drug abuse involves the overuse of prescription and/or illegal drugs. Abused drugs can include marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, crystal meth, acid, heroin, depressants and more. Addicts may often abuse drugs to experience a “high” and to cope with emotional problems and stress, which can lead to drug dependence or addiction. Drugs in North America are so easier to access than a substance abuse treatment program.

Drug addiction develops when someone needs to feel high all the time just to be able to cope. An addict unlearns how to cope with life when they are in a regular frame of mind. Trying to function when an addict is not high then becomes a stressful situation and the need to get high seems like the solution to the problem.

Drug dependency can be physical or psychological—with physical drug addiction, the body has become accustomed to having a higher level of a substance and it experiences withdrawal when the level is lower than usual and with psychological drug addiction, people are emotionally dependent on a substance and feel like they need it to function. As with alcohol dependency, those suffering from drug addiction are usually aware of the negative impact that drug abuse has on their life and health, but do not have the coping mechanisms to quit.

Alcohol abuse involves drinking copious amounts of alcohol, either consistently or during binge drinking sessions. As with drug abuse, people who frequently abuse alcohol can end up with an alcohol dependence. Those that suffer from alcoholism are also likely to engage in risky behaviours such as drinking and driving, high risk sex and using illegal drugs. Using drugs will worsen the effects of alcohol abuse, which are already significantly harmful. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver, heart, brain, and nervous system, and other physical problems like stomach ache, cancer, sexual dysfunction and osteoporosis. In addition to the medical dangers, behavioral problems such as violence can also destroy friends and family relationships and work and home situations.

Alcohol and drug abuse doesn’t only affect those that use. It can be heartbreaking for family and friends to witness someone they love experience drug and/or alcohol addiction. It’s common for people close to the victim to feel blame or guilt for not having prevented, recognized the signs or sought an appropriate treatment program.

Family and friends play a huge supporting role in getting drug abusers on the road to recovery. Drug and alcohol abuse is very dangerous, and it’s an issue that requires immediate intervention and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, unless the user get’s in trouble with the law and a treatment program is mandated, intervention doesn’t happen until the user has a desire to change. It can be difficult to recover from substance abuse, but treatment is available and addiction recovery is possible.

Timothy Welch disagrees with the disease model for alcoholism. Timothy, a clinical counselor in the addiction field, and author of eBook “The Forgotten Five Steps” is far from alone in his belief that addiction is a choice. Although he doesn’t deny that some are more prone to abuse alcohol or drugs more than others, he does say that everyone has a responsibility to change. An alcoholic may have used alcohol for so long that they don’t realize that they have a choice.

Timothy bases his theory on the premise that there is no study or medical literature that absolutely proves there to be any biological disease with chemical dependence or addiction. Timothy goes on to explain how damaging the disease model of alcoholism and drug use can be to the user’s recovery. He states that “You are what you think – if you think that you are diseased, then you are diseased”. Furthermore, if one feels that the cause of their addiction is disease, they blame the disease which strips them of all responsibility and choice. Timothy goes on to say that considering addiction as a disease makes sense to people because no one can figure out why else would someone choose to ruin their life with drugs or alcohol?

Best described the “Forgotten Five Steps” presents a compelling alternative view that replaces the fear of disease with the empowerment of choice. Timothy’s book is a welcome change to some of the treatment theory’s that I have read. He has recognized the need to provide a healthy alternative to traditional treatment approaches such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the 12-step program. These treatments can work for some, but there are still many who don’t subscribe to the same philosophy as AA, 12-step or the concept of addiction as a disease.

In the “Forgotten Five Steps”, Timothy dispels the myth that when alcohol or drugs are present the addict will lose all independent decision making capabilities, choices and free will. To the contrary, Timothy teaches that once you change your values and your focus, alcohol will no longer have the power that it once did.

Throughout his book, Timothy reminds the reader several times that the alcoholic or drug user has to have a desire for change. They have to believe that their life will be improved by stopping their addictive behavior or no change will take place.

Timothy offers 5 steps or principles that outline alternative coping skills. The steps are not complicated in theory but Timothy reminds us that by just reading them and agreeing with them will not change you. The key lies in practicing and living these principles. I can’t tell you what these steps are because obviously you will need to get a copy of the eBook to learn them yourself. But what I can tell you is that they are solid principles that will help you in taking control, making choices and replacing alcohol and/or drugs with a clear purpose and vision in your life.

Teaching the five steps is the heart of the book, but the “Forgotten Five Steps” offers much more. One of the chapters that I consider of enormous value is the section for family and friends. This was some of the best practical advice I’ve read on how to help an alcoholic or drug user. If you are living in this situation, it would be well worth getting a copy of the “Forgotten Five Steps” as it provides such helpful advice on managing your own life plus at the same time being able to help your loved one in their quest to be addiction-free. Timothy reminds us again that someone who is trying to stop alcohol or drug use must have the desire to change. But if family and friends can understand the dynamics at the core of the addictive behavior, this puts them in a better position to help.

Another significant chapter of the eBook was the one dedicated to relapse. Timothy argues that the concept of relapse is associated with the idea that alcoholism is a disease. He notes the differences in beliefs surrounding the possibilities of using again. Again, in this chapter, he gives valuable advice and resources on what to do when and if a “slip up” occurs.

Considering what one pays for treatment programs, “The Forgotten Five Steps” is a deal $35.00 as it offers so much more than that in value. Throughout the book, worksheets have also been provided which help the reader through soul searching and pulling on their strengths as they dig deep for answers that will assist you in discovering the reasons for change.

Read more on the author’s site about “The Forgotten Five Steps”

The theory that alcoholism is a disease is the accepted view within the medical and scientific communities. However, the disease concept does not rest quietly as there are many voices that do not agree that alcoholism is a disease. I presented some facts on the argument that surrounds alcoholism being a choice in the last article - Is Alcoholism a Choice. Now let’s have a look at the disease model for alcoholism.

Alcoholism is termed as a disease of the brain causes altered brain function. Is is said that alcoholism is genetic, however having a genetic predisposition is not necessary to develop alcoholism. The problem that alcoholism causes for those that are pre-disposed to it, are the cravings that one has for alcohol.

Genetic research into alcoholism suggests that an addiction stimulation (THIQ) is produced during the metabolism of alcohol. This stimulant stays in the system much longer than the alcohol does and triggers addictive cravings. Studies show that these abnormalities in the brain function are present in those with an alcohol dependence.

These cravings for alcohol can be as strong as the need for food or water. This is one of the reasons that an alcoholic drinks despite serious health, family, job, or legal problems. Compounding the problem is how progressive the disease is. In the beginning, one or two drinks will stop the cravings. But soon, one or two drinks aren’t enough and ultimately the problem drinker will continue to drink to satisfy the never ending cravings. All the while the alcoholic is unaware that the disease has progressed to the the point at which he lost control and alcohol has gained control.

Disease or no disease, the alcoholic must have the desire to stop drinking to gain back the control over their life. Treatment programs, support groups and reinforcement from family and friends can also play a large role in successful recovery.

 Alcoholism defined by Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary is a “a complex chronic psychological and nutritional disorder associated with excessive and compulsive use of alcohol”. This definition doesn’t give us any solid conclusions on whether alcoholism is a choice or a disease, but what a massive debate.

Research found from a Gallop poll revealed that 90% of the population surveyed believed that alcoholism is a disease. Although from my own personal research, I would say that more than 10% believe that alcoholism is a choice.  Those that advocate for the “choice model” also believe that by applying the “disease mode” strips alcoholics of their choice and responsibility which causes a threat to the health of the alcoholic.

It has also been argued that alcoholism starts with choice. The choice to drink. After which, if the individual has the underlying disease, then they will continue their use of alcohol which will escalate to alcohol abuse, at which time the problem drinker gets diagnosed.  Keeping in mind that diagnosis is usually only a guess. What physical signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence actually get measured?  You have to wonder whether a disease is measurable by excessive use of alcohol which natural consequences can cause dangerous behaviors and ailing health due to alcohol consumption.

Other diseases are an entity of their own. If alcoholism is a disease, then how do we know that the disease is present? One needs to consume copious amounts of alcohol (by choice) before a diagnosis can be made. It’s fair to say that one must choose to create the condition before it can be diagnosed.

There is also much of controversy over the facts that surround the disease concept. It has been said that those involved in conducting the studies that supported alcoholism as a disease had their own personal agenda.  Interestingly enough, they also admitted to these studies being fraudulent. Surveys that supported evidence against the “disease model” where thrown out along with all the surveys that were completed by women.

Today the treatment industry is a multi-billion dollar industry with medical insurance paying the bulk of the money. Medical insurance would only pay for the treatment programs if alcoholism was a medical problem. All the same, medical professionals and American culture love to embrace the disease concept and quickly apply it to every possible deviant behavior from alcohol dependence to compulsive eating. The benefits are far greater with alcoholism as a disease.

In order to treat drug and alcohol addiction doctors need to be able to make an accurate diagnosis of alcoholism. This can be very difficult because alcoholics are generally in denial about their alcohol problem and whether or not they actually need help or treatment. The alcoholic will often lie about their use of alcohol as they don’t want to divulge that information to a medical professional.

To initiate an attempt at diagnosis, the medical professional will generally ask, amongst other health questions, how much alcohol the patient drinks and whether they have any heavy drinking days in the past year. They may remind them of the maximum limits of alcohol which is:

• Healthy men under age 65 - up to 4 drinks/day and 14/week
• Healthy women (and men over 65 years old) - up to 3 drinks/day and 7/week

The criteria for diagnosis of alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse that the medical profession in the United States uses is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria. This criteria comes from research that has been done on behavior patterns or physiological characteristics that make up the symptoms of alcoholism. The criteria has changed and been updated over time as alcohol addiction has evolved.

The DSM-IV (4th edition) criteria for alcohol dependence is as follows:

• Not been able to stick to drinking limits - a need for increased amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop
• Shown tolerance - diminished effect with the same amount of alcohol
• Shown signs of withdrawal that is relieved or avoided by more alcohol
• Kept drinking despite problems with family or work
• Spent a lot of time drinking or recovering from the effects of alcohol
• Spent less time on other activities that don’t include drinking

If a patients exhibits 3 or more of these symptoms within a 12-month period, then a problem with alcohol dependence is very likely and the patient should be referred onto an addiction specialist or treatment center.

The early 12 step program associated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was heavily focused on religion. If you read through a copy of the AA ‘big book’ (a clear reference to the Bible) you’ll see that it’s filled with religious wording and references to God, the Father. The religion associated with the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 steps was of course Christianity, and the model itself is loosely based on a Christian fellowship called the Oxford Group.

What Are The 12 Steps for Alcoholism?

1. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character
7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs

The view of the twelve step program suggests a process, which includes, of course, taking nothing, following the twelve steps, and getting a sponsor.

Today there are 12 step programs to help people struggling from addictions of any kind you can imagine, eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, as well as many other mental illnesses and traumatic experiences. Tried and tested, the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 steps is a good place to start if you need help to recover from addiction.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) conduct their meetings in a group setting which enables support from all members who are at different levels of recovery. This is especially helpful for newer members to see that recovery is possible and there is a life after alcohol.

AA also offers two very valuable resources to their support system and that is:

• the availability of group member’s telephone numbers
• the sponsor program

At each meeting there is a list of members and their contact information of those that are available for help day or night. The resources on the list are those that have already completed the 12 steps of AA.

Once the alcoholic feels comfortable with the AA program, they have the option to obtain a sponsor. A sponsor will help a recovering alcoholic throughout their healing. Sponsors are also alcoholics that have also completed the 12 steps of AA. The sponsor will get to know and understand the person they are sponsoring and this will help them to be able to assist with any problems or cravings to drink.

One of the most important foundations of AA is the 12 step program. The 12 step program is a set of goals and milestones that allows the recovering alcoholic to feel a sense of accomplishment when each step is completed. The 12 steps provide the foundation on what future sobriety will be based upon.

The 12 step method that Bill and Bob put together was largely influenced by the Oxford Group which involves self-reflection, surrender to God, admission of character defects, and compensation for harm done to other people in order to recover from behavioral illnesses including addictions.

There are many 12 step programs for all kinds of addiction which usually encourage religion or at least spirituality. For this reason, atheists, agnostics, and non-Christians are often turned off from 12 step programs due to their strong Christian roots. However, a sense of spirituality greatly aids the recovery process.

Although there is treatment for alcoholism, there is no cure, which makes recovery is a life long process. The alcoholic could relapse and drink again at any time and this is why the support of groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous is so vital. They help the alcoholic realize that there is a life to live without alcohol