Addiction: Alcohol, Drugs, Smoking Archives - Healthhype

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – Alcohol and the Unborn Baby

Dr. Chris — Fri, 27 May 2011 00:05:13 +0000

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is not a single disease but a range of disorders which include numerous physical and mental problems, as well as various developmental defects, that may occur as a result of alcohol consumption by the mother while pregnant. No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy since alcohol passes easily through the placenta to reach the fetus, where it may also affect the fetal brain. Consuming even a small amount of alcohol carries the potential danger of irreversible birth defects in the baby. However, the risk may be lower with occasional drinking than with regular heavy drinking. The whole spectrum of disorders associated with alcohol use and its effect on the unborn baby is known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which may range from mild learning disorders to severe birth defects. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the extreme form of FASD and may include features such as facial abnormalities, small head (microcephaly), growth disorders, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation. Other Terms for Alcohol Related Symptoms in Babies Other terms that may be used to describe related symptoms are : Fetal alcohol effects [...]

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Alcohol Poisoning and Toxicity with Different Types of Alcohols

Dr. Chris — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:42:58 +0000

What is alcohol poisoning? Alcohol poisoning is a serious problem that can occur with drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages in a short period of time. The quantity of the alcohol consumed and its byproducts after being metabolized may be toxic to the body. It can therefore result in several systems in the body shutting down and eventually failing, sometimes even leading to death. There are several different types of alcohol which should be differentiated from each other as some are not fit for human consumption. These other types of alcohol can be toxic in even small doses. Types of Alcohol The term alcohol can sometimes be confusing because it is a group of substances that are chemically similar. Ethanol is one type of alcohol and is usually found in alcoholic beverages. Although humans can consume ethanol, in large doses especially if this is ingested over a short period of time, it can be toxic. The other types of alcohol may not be meant to be consumed, but may be ingested accidentally or intentionally. The more common types of alcohol that may be consumed by humans, other than ethanol, is methanol, isopropanol or ethyl glycol. Alcoholic beverages (above) and ethyl [...]

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7 Signs Of Drug Misuse And Intoxication (‘High’)

Dr. Chris — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 23:53:56 +0000

Substance abuse can refer to a number of different substances that alters mental and physical abilities, induces euphoria and there is some degree of addiction to the substance. Addiction means that a person will actively seek out the substance often at the cost of other aspects of their life, experience withdrawal symptoms without using it and constant use has negative social/financial/personal impact on the user’s life. It is not only about illicit drugs (street drugs) like marijuana, cocaine, crack, ecstasy (MDMA) and heroin. It can also involve legal substances like alcohol, prescription medication and even tobacco although the latter may not have the same degree of psychosocial effects as abuse of the other substances. How do you know if a person is high? It is not always obvious to say when a person is misusing drugs, addicted to these substances or even intoxicated. Most of us think that we can spot a person who is drunk or high but this is not always the case. You may not even know when your spouse or children are misusing drugs. Often people are ignorant or sometimes in denial about their loved ones abusing substances. Identifying drug misuse as early as possible and [...]

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Ways That Alcohol Misuse And Alcoholism Can Kill You

Dr. Chris — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 21:59:07 +0000

Moderate consumption of alcohol is not considered to be risky. In fact alcohol use is widespread across the world and is the norm in many cultures. However, alcohol and its byroducts are known to be toxic. The body can handle this toxicity in small amounts and rapidly eliminate it before there is any serious damager. However, excessive alcohol consumption in the way of daily drinking of amounts higher than the safe limit and binge drinking is dangerous. Sometimes the potentially deadly effects can occur with hours or days as is the case in alcohol poisoning. But for many it is the long term consequences of alcohol misuse that can lead to life-threatening conditions. High Blood Pressure Alcohol is known to contribute to high blood pressure (hypertension). Prolonged drinking can affect the way your sympathetic nervous system functions which controls the contractility of your heart and the diameter of your blood vessels. Alcohol misuse can also affect the kidneys – another organ that plays an important role in regulating your blood pressure. Over time, the elevation in blood pressure will increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. These conditions are are among the main killers across the [...]

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How to Overcome a Hangover After Alcohol Excess

Dr. Chris — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 23:06:53 +0000

A hangover is the result of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. What constitutes an excess varies from person to person. For this reason, some people may have just a few drinks and experience a hangover while others can binge heavily and be relatively unaffected the next day. If you are experiencing a hangover, your focus is on getting over it as soon as possible. Time is a major factor in overcoming a hangover but there are several ways that you can help the process along. First it is important to understand why a hangover occurs. Reason for a Hangover The word “hangover” is a common term to describe the unpleasant feeling after excesses of alcohol. It is a consequence of several changes that occur in the body during and shortly after consuming alcohol. Alcohol and the products formed when it is broken down in the body are toxic. It also causes : Changes in the brain hormones Dehydration – loss of water and electrolytes Alterations in blood glucose levels Muscle spasm Exhaustion may also play an important role in the overall hangover, especially if a person had been very active while drinking and not slept for a sufficient period of [...]

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Cocaine-Induced Heart Problems

Dr. Chris — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:14:47 +0000

Cocaine and the Heart Cocaine is a potent illicit stimulant produced from the leaves of the coca plant. It is widely used in the powder form which is inhaled or in the chunky form which is smoked (crack cocaine). Cocaine is often mixed with other substances to ‘cut’ the pure drug, thereby diluting it. Sometimes these fillers or bulking agents are inert substances while at other time it can be toxic compounds. Cocaine may also be mixed with other drugs like amphetamines, heroin and morphine for a more potent narcotic effect. Cocaine induces a sense of euphoria due to stimulating a massive release of brain hormones (neurotransmitters) like dopamine which acts on the pleasure and reward center in the brain. It also has a host of other effects on almost every organ and system in the body. The heart is in constant action throughout life. Sometimes it pumps harder during physical activity and at other times slower when a person is at rest or asleep. The wall of the heart is made up of three layers and the thickest section is smooth muscle known as the myocardium. It has an extensive blood supply through the coronary arteries to ensure an [...]

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Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment – Alcohol Detox

Dr. Chris — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:31:51 +0000

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease that requires a multi-pronged approach to treatment. Unlike other medical diseases, alcoholism is not only a physiological disease but has psychological and social contributing factors. Therefore alcohol treatment has to target all aspects of the alcoholic’s physical, mental and emotional health as well as their social circumstances. The first step for treatment of alcoholism is for the alcoholic to realize and identify the problem and admit that they need help. Attempting any alcohol detox or treatment without the voluntary participation of the sufferer is pointless and a recovering alcoholic will quickly relapse. The treatment process usually involves the following steps : Detoxification (alcohol detox) Psychiatric and drug treatment Counseling which may start prior, during or after the detox process. Continuing support Treatment for alcoholism usually depends on the level of dependence and health status of the sufferer. If an alcoholic is able to stop consuming alcohol without suffering from alcohol withdrawal signs and symptoms or affecting their health, they may be able to avoid the detoxification (alcohol detox) stage. This however is rare in alcohol addiction although it may be seen in alcohol abusers and binge drinkers. Detoxification (Alcohol Detox) Alcohol detoxification is the [...]

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Treating Alcoholism – Alcohol Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms

Dr. Chris — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:24:27 +0000

Alcohol withdrawal sign and symptoms may vary depending on the level of alcohol dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may not be present in every case of alcohol addiction and is usually not present in alcohol abusers and binge drinkers. Alcohol withdrawal sign and symptoms may last between 7 to 10 days during the alcohol detox phase but has been known to continue up until 3 weeks to a month although it is usually less severe after 10 days. However the intensity and duration of alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary among individual recovering alcoholics. In severe presentation of alcohol withdrawal signs and symptoms, the alcoholism treatment protocol may require certain drugs to ease these signs and symptoms but this decision should be undertaken by a medical doctor after consultation with the patient. What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal? Anxiety, irritability or nervousness Loss of appetite Nausea or vomiting Fatigue (tiredness) Fevers with chills Shakiness of the body or convulsions Lack of coordination or hand tremors Pale appearance with cold, clammy skin and sweating Difficulty sleeping, insomnia, nightmares or night terrors Incoherent speech and irrational behavior Aggressive or violent behavior Blood pressure fluctuations or palpitations Delirium tremens (also referred to as DT’s [...]

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Alcoholism – Alcohol Addiction & Alcohol Abuse

Dr. Chris — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:48:04 +0000

Alcoholism is not a clearly defined condition as the presentation differs among alcohol users. From alcohol abuse to alcohol addiction, the broad term of ‘alcoholism’ depends on the extent that alcohol usage is affecting a person’s health and social functioning. Definition of Alcoholism Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by a dependence on alcohol failing which the user may display a range of physiological and psychological signs and symptoms. Criteria to Define Alcoholism The criteria for defining alcoholism may be useful in differentiating alcohol abuse from alcohol addiction (alcoholism) and the point at which intervention and treatment should be sought. Addiction, compulsion or a need to consume alcohol despite health risks and social consequences. Increasing tolerance to alcohol – needs more alcohol to achieve desired effect. Inability to limit one’s alcohol consumption – ‘drink till you drop’ mentality or until displaying rowdy, drunken behavior. Craving for alcohol – displays withdrawal symptoms if craving is not satisfied with alcohol consumption. It is important to identify different behaviors exhibited by alcohol consumers as not all can be labeled as alcoholism. Types of Alcohol Abuse Binge drinkers may drink occasionally but usually drink in excess and do not limit their intake. This [...]

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Drug (Medication), Supplement and Home Remedy

Jan Modric — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:34:54 +0000

What Is a Drug? Broadly speaking, a drug is any substance other than food intended to affect the structure or any function of the body (1). Drug As a Medication According to the United States Federal Drug Agency (FDA), a drug is an article (substance) intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation (lessening), treatment or prevention of disease, recognized in the official United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) (2), Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or official National Formulary (1). In United States, every product has to get FDA approval before it is allowed to be marketed as a drug. Terms medication or medicine are commonly used for drugs used in medicine to prevent confusion with illegal drugs. NOTE: A term drug is also used for personal hygienic items, like toothpaste or shampoo, available in drug stores, which, obviously, are not the same as pharmacies – shops that sell medications. 1. Prescription Drugs Prescription drugs can be obtained in a doctor’s office, hospital or pharmacy, only when prescribed by a doctor (physician). Example: tetracycline, an antibiotic, available as capsules. 2. Non-Prescription, Over The Counter (OCT) Drugs Non-prescription, over the counter (OCT) drugs are available in pharmacies and food stores without prescription. [...]

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