Hide Filters

Blog

How to Support a Loved One Who Has Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe condition that can devastate an individual’s life.

It can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm to the person suffering from it and those around them.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2019, an estimated 14.3 million adults ages 18 and older (5.7 percent of this age group) had an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Of those adults, 8.6 million reported that their AUD was “severe.” Anytime someone has an alcohol use disorder or drinks excessively, they are in danger of health concerns and related risks like liver disease, depression, high blood pressure, accidents and injury, suicide attempts, and other substance abuse disorders.

Continue reading “How to Support a Loved One Who Has Alcohol Use Disorder”

Why OCD and Alcohol Don’t Mix

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors or mental acts. While OCD can be challenging to live with, it is possible to manage symptoms and improve quality of life with effective treatment. However, substance use can complicate the management of OCD symptoms and can even worsen the condition. This is particularly true when it comes to alcohol use.

Continue reading “Why OCD and Alcohol Don’t Mix”

The Dangers of Mixing Medication with Alcohol

It’s common to have a few drinks every now and then, but did you know that drinking while taking medication can be pretty dangerous? It’s true!

Combining medication with alcohol can lead to some serious health problems, including liver damage, heart problems, and even death. So if you’re taking any kind of medication, it’s really important to be careful when drinking alcohol.

Continue reading “The Dangers of Mixing Medication with Alcohol”

The dangers of Ativan and alcohol

Lorazepam (Avitan) is an extremely powerful sedative/hypnotic drug.

It is often prescribed to people who suffer from severe anxiety or panic attacks. It is also used to help patients sleep through surgery.

It works by suppressing your central nervous system enough to make you feel relaxed. In other words, it slows down your body’s functions so that you can sleep better. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, disorientation, and feeling sleepy. Alcohol affects the same neurotransmitters as Ativan does, including GABA.

This rapid onset of effect is due to Ativan’s short half-life. It’s metabolized by the body quickly and achieves peak blood level within an hour. Therefore, it is one of the fastest acting oral benzodiazepines around and arguably more addictive than other benzodiazepines.
Continue reading “The dangers of Ativan and alcohol”