Research on adolescent development has suggested that peer influence may play a major role in the willingness to drink. Alcohol consumption continues to be an issue in many countries around the world. It is also associated with other unhealthy behaviours such as drug use, and irresponsible sexual encounters. Risky drinking can also lead to a serious car accident where innocent lives could be lost.
Read moreAlcohol Addiction and Dependency. (Article 3 of 5.)
Alcohol is known to be a psycho-active substance which, when you drink, can cause changes in awareness, your moods, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. A good example is that the brain uses a number of chemicals called neuro-transmitters to carry messages to the mind and body. One of these is dopamine, which is often known as the “happy hormone.”
Read moreAlcohol Addiction and Dependency. (Article 2 of 5)
Getting together with friends on the weekends to catch-up over drinks is a very normal social activity, for a great many people. They may drink to relax after a long, hard week, or just to feel more sociable. However pleasant this might be, it is important to be aware of whether your social drinking is crossing the line into problem drinking. Studies have shown that social drinking should consist of alcohol consumption – for women – less than 7 drinks per week, and no more than 3 drinks a day. For men, it means no more than 14 per week and no more than 4 a day. If it is more than these recommendations you could be in danger of crossing the line into a problem area.
Read moreAlcohol Addiction and Dependency. (Article 1 of 5)
Both alcohol addiction and dependency are chronic diseases characterised by uncontrolled drinking and a preoccupation with all thing’s alcohol. Symptoms include repeated alcohol consumption despite possible legal and health issues. Treatments can involve counselling by a professional therapist, a potential detox program in a medical facility, as well as medications which reduce the desire for alcohol.
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