Drinking to excess doesn’t just affect the person doing it. Just ask me, a convicted drunk driver. In 2009, I crashed into a car waiting at a stoplight after leaving a happy hour, causing serious injury to two of its passengers. My decision to get behind the wheel after having too many glasses of wine had far-reaching effects, not only for myself, but also for the innocent families I’d hurt.
The Secondhand Harms of Drinking…
Unfortunately, the people I’d injured weren’t the only ones to experience the harms of someone else’s drinking. According to a recent study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, about one-fifth of adults in the United States have been negatively impacted by someone else’s behavior while drinking. More specifically, it found that an estimated 53 million adults in 2015 – or nearly 1 in 5 – said they’d experienced at least one harm attributable to someone else’s drinking in the past year.
8,750 adults were interviewed as part of the study, with each being asked whether they had experienced any of 10 different types of harm in the past 12 months caused by “someone who had been drinking.” The types of harms included harassment, feeling threatened or afraid, having belongings ruined, having property vandalized, being pushed, hit or assaulted, being physically harmed, being in a traffic accident, being a passenger in a vehicle with a drunk driver, having family or marital problems, and having financial trouble. The researchers found that 21% of women and 23% of men in the study reported experiencing at least one of the above harms, with harassment being the most prevalent type.
The study also revealed interesting results from a gender perspective. For women, the most prevalent types of harm they experienced, besides harassment, were family and financial problems due to someone else’s drinking, as well as driving-related harms, such as being a passenger in a car crashed by a drunk driver. For men, however, the driving-related harms were the most common, followed by property damage and vandalism. Additionally, the data showed that women were more likely than men to report harm by someone they knew, such as a spouse, partner or family member. Men, on the other hand, were more likely to report harm because of a stranger’s drinking.
A Call for Further Research
The study had some limitations, however. One was that the data was self-reported, which has the tendency to lead to bias if the respondents weren’t answering the survey questions honestly. Secondly, the study was limited to a year’s timespan, which rules out those who’ve been harmed by someone else’s drinking at other times in their life. As a result, the researchers believed that the negative impacts of alcohol on people other than the drinker might be underestimated. As such, more research is needed to determine whether similar findings would emerge for other years, since the data was collected in 2014 and 2015.
By: Natalie Baker
Title: New Study Finds Secondhand Harms of Drinking Affect 1 in 5 Adults
Sourced From: www.recovery.org/secondhand-harms-of-drinking/
Published Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2019 15:31:07 +0000
At New Horizon Drug Rehab, we understand addiction. If you or a family member are afflicted with addiction or substance abuse we can help. We work with the top centers throughout the US to provide the best detox and addiction treatments available.
Call Now: (877) 747-9974
This month is Recovery Month. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Recovery Month aims to increase awareness of mental health and substance abuse issues nationwide every September, as well as celebrate the millions of Americans who are in recovery.
2019 Recovery Theme
The 2019 Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger,” emphasizes the need to share resources and build networks across the country to support recovery. From community members to first responders, emerging leaders to the healthcare community, this observance reminds us that mental illness and substance abuse affects us all, and that we are all part of the solution.
Recovery Month began in 1989 as Treatment Works! Month, which honored the work of substance use treatment professionals in the field. It then evolved into National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in 1998, when it expanded to include celebrating the accomplishment of individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. The observance evolved once again in 2011 to National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) to also include mental illness.
Now in its 30th year, Recovery Month highlights inspiring stories of those in recovery to show people facing mental and substance use disorders that hope, help and support are available, and that one can find the healing and personal growth needed to recover. The Recovery Month observance also helps raise awareness of those who struggle with these two disorders, as well as reduces the stigma and misconceptions that cloud public understanding of them, which can discourage others from seeking help.
Looking Forward to Recovery
Over the years, Recovery Month has inspired millions of people to share their stories of recovery and encouraged others, who are still in need of services and support, to reach out for help. It has also increased awareness of mental illness and substance use disorders, which is important since their effects are being felt all around the country and in our communities. In 2017, an estimated 35.4 million adults (14.3 percent) in U.S. households had mental illness in the past year and 18.7 million had a substance use disorder, according to a recent SAMHSA study. Approximately 8.5 million had both a mental and substance use disorder (co-occurring disorders), proving that these are very significant public health issues that are worthy of help and support from the community.
For more information on this year’s Recovery Month, please visit https://recoverymonth.gov/.
By: Natalie Baker
Title: Observing Recovery Month in September
Sourced From: www.recovery.org/observing-recovery-month-in-september/
Published Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2019 14:00:29 +0000
At New Horizon Drug Rehab, we understand addiction. If you or a family member are afflicted with addiction or substance abuse we can help. We work with the top centers throughout the US to provide the best detox and addiction treatments available.
Call Now: (877) 747-9974
If you’ve ever had to ask yourself “what happened last night?” after drinking or had to piece the night together with a limited memory, chances are you’ve experienced a blackout. And trust me, it’s not a fun experience to have.
The Science of Blackouts
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, blackouts are gaps in recall caused by impairments in memory consolidation while intoxicated. They happen when a person drinks enough alcohol to prevent the hippocampus area in the brain from forming new memories. As a result, a gap occurs in the brain’s record-keeping system, thereby leaving the person unable to recall all that transpired.
A blackout isn’t the same as passing out – quite different, actually. When a person passes out, they lose consciousness in a state similar to being asleep, although they are not likely to respond to stimuli like being poked or spoken to. When a person blacks out, on the other hand, they remain conscious and may continue to make decisions, hold conversations and even continue to drink. Yet, they will not remember what happened. This can be extremely dangerous, as the person could get behind the wheel and drive recklessly, have unwanted or unprotected sex, use drugs or perform other risky behaviors that could lead to permanent harm to themselves or others.
Two Types of Blackout
Generally, there are two forms of blackouts: partial/fragmentary and complete. The most common form is the fragmentary blackout, which means that the person may not immediately remember what happened, but certain cues can trigger memories to return. En bloc or complete blackouts, however, are more serious. These occur when memory is totally disabled, feeling like entire chunks of time are erased or never even happened. It’s often referred to as “time traveling,” because no matter how hard a person tries, they will never be able to recall these periods of time. The memories were never formed, and thus, simply don’t exist.
While there is no specific type of person who will have a blackout, research indicates that one is more likely to occur when alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly, causing the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to rise rapidly. This could happen if someone drinks on an empty stomach or consumes an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time. Factors, such as your weight and the type of alcohol consumed, also come into play. Finally, women are more likely to have blackouts than men, due to their tendency to reach higher peak BAC levels with each drink.
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Photos Courtesy of Shutterstock
By: Natalie Baker
Title: What Happens During a Blackout – and Why They are Dangerous
Sourced From: www.recovery.org/what-happens-during-a-blackout-and-why-they-are-dangerous/
Published Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2019 14:00:09 +0000
At New Horizon Drug Rehab, we understand addiction. If you or a family member are afflicted with addiction or substance abuse we can help. We work with the top centers throughout the US to provide the best detox and addiction treatments available.
Call Now: (877) 747-9974
From Coffee to Wine
Not too long ago, I went to dinner with a friend who’s a new mom. Still on Maternity Leave, she joked that her days consisted of pounding cups of coffee during the day and then winding down with wine in the evenings. As a mom myself, I remember a little too well how exhausted I was those first few months, but thankfully I hadn’t felt the need to chase my cups of coffee with glasses of wine. It made me think, though – how many others were doing the same thing? According to Dr. Robin Berzin in a recent Well+Good article, it’s not just new moms falling into this pattern. A variety of people rely on coffee to fuel their day, and then turn to alcohol at night to unwind.
Unfortunately, however, this pattern can come at a price. Coffee, a stimulant, triggers hormones like cortisol, which increase blood pressure and blood sugar, says Berzin, yet ultimately doesn’t sustain a person’s energy. Instead, the caffeine can cause that person to feel dehydrated, drained or on edge by the end of the day. “To compensate, many people turn to alcohol in the evenings, which stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain and is a natural depressant,” she went on to explain. This can help calm your nerves, but it can also disrupt your sleep – leading to next-day exhaustion and more caffeine consumption.
If you find yourself in a co-dependent relationship with coffee and wine, Berzin suggests the following tips:
Get Enough Sleep
Though this could be easier said than done if you’re a new mom, getting quality sleep each night is crucial for breaking free from the coffee-to-wine cycle. Berzin suggests incorporating magnesium tablets in order to achieve deeper sleep, avoiding processed and spicy foods at night, and sleeping in the next morning if you’ve had a late night.
Eat a Sustainable Diet
In order to maintain energy throughout the day, Berzin advises to avoid simple carbs and sugar in the mornings, as well as at lunch. By eating a balanced diet – a mix of protein, simple carbs, veggies and little processed sugar, you will find yourself with sustained energy and a reduced need for a pick-me-up through caffeine.
Find New Ways to Unwind at Night
Instead of helping yourself to another glass of Cabernet, learn new ways to find some relief. Alternatives include taking a walk, soaking in a bath, meditating, reading a book or taking a yoga class – all which can help curb cravings.
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Photos Courtesy of Shutterstock
By: Natalie Baker
Title: Breaking the Coffee-to-Wine Cycle
Sourced From: www.recovery.org/breaking-the-coffee-to-wine-cycle/
Published Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2019 18:16:00 +0000
At New Horizon Drug Rehab, we understand addiction. If you or a family member are afflicted with addiction or substance abuse we can help. We work with the top centers throughout the US to provide the best detox and addiction treatments available.
Call Now: (877) 747-9974
In 2017, retail pharmacies dispensed more than 191 million opioid prescriptions to almost 60 million patients, according to a press release by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And as many as 90% of these patients reported not finishing what was prescribed to them – potentially leaving millions of unused prescription opioids in medicine cabinets and elsewhere in US homes. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 47,600 people died from an overdose involving opioids that same year.
“Far too many Americans, both teens and adults, are gaining access to opioids for the first time from the medicine cabinets of their parents, relatives and friends,” said Douglas Throckmorton, M.D., deputy director of regulatory programs in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Millions of unused opioid pills should not be readily available and easily accessible in our homes.”
New Campaigns For Drug Safety
As such, the FDA has launched a new public education campaign, “Remove the Risk,” to encourage proper disposal of prescription opioids and educate Americans about easy ways to get rid of these unused drugs. The campaign is geared toward women ages 35-64 who are more likely to take part in the household health care decisions and handle the medications in the home, including removal or disposal. It includes materials for television, radio and print, as well as an “outreach toolkit” – public service announcements, social media images and posts, and more – for talking with others about safe opioid disposal. All materials are free of charge for any organization working to combat the opioid crisis, including the media, healthcare providers and consumer groups.
“The epidemic of opioid addiction and overdose is one of the greatest public health tragedies we’re facing as a nation, and no community is immune,” said Amy Abernethy, M.D., principal deputy commissioner at the FDA. “We know that many people who misuse prescription opioids report getting them from a friend or family member. If every household removed prescription opioids once they’re no longer medically needed for their prescribed purpose, it would have a major impact on the opioid crisis’ hold on American families and communities.”
Drug Take-Back Operations
So, what is the best method to remove these medications? The agency promotes medicine take-back options, which is its preferred method in properly disposing of unneeded medicines safely and effectively. Authorized locations may be in retail pharmacies; hospital or clinic pharmacies, as well as law enforcement facilities. In addition, some of these authorized collection sites may also offer mail-back programs or “drop-boxes” to assist patients in safe disposal of their unused medicines.
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Photos Courtesy of Shutterstock
By: Natalie Baker
Title: FDA Launches “Remove the Risk” Campaign for Safe Opioid Removal
Sourced From: www.recovery.org/fda-launches-remove-the-risk-campaign-for-safe-opioid-removal/
Published Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2019 14:00:18 +0000
At New Horizon Drug Rehab, we understand addiction. If you or a family member are afflicted with addiction or substance abuse we can help. We work with the top centers throughout the US to provide the best detox and addiction treatments available.
Call Now: (877) 747-9974
We all want to be happy, but happiness doesn’t always come easy – especially when we’ve relied on drugs and alcohol for that perceived “happiness” in the past. Leaving behind a life we’re familiar with can be scary and challenging at first, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be satisfied and fulfilled with a new, sober lifestyle. Just ask Justin Kan, a 35-year-old entrepreneur who recently gave up alcohol completely and has never been happier. Here, we share some of his tips, as well as some of ours.
Meditate
Upon becoming sober, we’re faced with dozens of thoughts and emotions that we don’t know how to handle, especially since we’ve resorted to numbing them with drugs and alcohol in the past. Meditation is an excellent practice to clear the mind and focus. After a few minutes of practice each day, you’ll have a clearer idea of what you want to achieve, without feeling like your mind is muddled. Plus, you’ll feel like you have more control over your thoughts and actions, which is great for someone new to recovery.
Have an Attitude of Gratitude
Research shows that gratitude is consistently associated with greater happiness. This is because it helps people feel more positive emotions, build strong relationships and relish good experiences. To practice gratitude, Kan uses an app called The Five Minute Journal, which asks you every morning to name three things you are grateful for, as well as three things you are going to do that day to make it great. Focusing on all the positive things in your life, rather than the negative, helps you keep everything in perspective when you’re hit with a setback or obstacle.
Sweat it Out
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which create a natural high. Doing so regularly gives you more energy and enhanced feelings of well-being – all which make life much more enjoyable and manageable. As you reach certain exercise milestones, you’ll feel more accomplished, which will empower you to believe that long-term sobriety, too, is attainable.
Forgive
This one’s a big one, and one that can be very difficult for some people to do. But the truth is, holding onto grudges only hurts yourself. Letting go of pain and resentment towards yourself and others lifts a weight off your shoulders and makes way for happiness to settle into your heart.
Talk it Through
Bottling your emotions can have negative effects on your emotional and physical health, but unfortunately, some people don’t have a close, impartial person they can confide in. A therapist is a great way to talk things through, release buried emotions, bounce ideas off of and learn some tips geared at self-improvement.
Put Down the Phone
Technology has found its way into every aspect of our lives, and although this can be a good thing, it can also be overwhelming to keep up with. 
The endless stream of notifications, texts and emails we receive daily keeps the mind on high alert, so much so that you can never truly relax. Stepping away from your phone, then, can really give you a chance to be present in whatever situation you’re in and be actively engaged in everything around you.
We know – change is hard. But personal change happens one day at a time, so if you’re looking to get happier, make that first step. It’s all about progress, not perfection.
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Photos Courtesy of Shutterstock
By: Natalie Baker
Title: Finding Happiness in Recovery
Sourced From: www.recovery.org/finding-happiness-in-recovery/
Published Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2019 16:49:31 +0000
At New Horizon Drug Rehab, we understand addiction. If you or a family member are afflicted with addiction or substance abuse we can help. We work with the top centers throughout the US to provide the best detox and addiction treatments available.
Call Now: (877) 747-9974
