We all know the stereotypes: a middle-aged man sitting alone in the far corner of a bar with multiple empty bottles or glasses in front of him, staring off into space while nursing another drink. A woman or man in an alcoholic-induced rage destroying property, attacking people, and shouting insults and derogatory remarks at everyone around them before being hauled away by security or the police. Or perhaps, a relative or romantic partner who drinks to cope with job stress or a lack of economic opportunities, and often assaults their loved ones while in an alcohol haze. Many people assume these stereotypes are the only possible presentations of alcoholics. However, alcoholism can present itself in a variety of ways and often affects people who seem to be “normal” functioning members of society....

The holiday season is stressful for everyone. Our calendars are packed with holiday parties, family and friend get-togethers, shopping for gifts, and many more events that disrupt our normal schedules. Often these events are filled with free alcohol and everyone is encouraged to partake in the libations. If you’re recovering from an alcohol addiction, the added pressure to partake in these events and celebrate with family and friends can make it difficult to stay on-track with your recovery plan. Here are some tips to help you manage the holidays while staying sober on your recovery journey. 1. Make your sobriety the top priority Your sobriety and recovery journey are the most important things to focus on during the holiday season. While you may be tempted to prioritize attending family...

Alcoholism is one of the most prevalent forms of addiction affecting Americans. Nearly 13.8 million Americans over the age of 18 have a drinking problem; 8.1 million of those suffer from alcoholism. If you are worried that you or someone close to you might be one of the millions suffering from this affliction, it is important to recognize the stages of alcoholism. The earlier you can recognize the problem, the easier it will be to seek treatment and change your life for the better. This post discusses the four stages of alcoholism and what the things to look for if you think you or a loved one are suffering. Stage One – Pre-Alcoholic This first stage is the hardest to identify because it looks very similar to normal, social drinking habits for the casual observer. During this stage,...

The withdrawal period of substance abuse recovery is rough. Fear of intense withdrawal symptoms often deters people from seeking help or causes them to start using again. Whether you are looking to stop using opioids, cocaine, methamphetamines, or an everyday substance like alcohol, the withdrawal period is one of the most difficult parts of the recovery process. However, understanding the symptoms of withdrawal can help you prepare and take precautions against the worst of it. In this post, we are discussing the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal, what you need to look for, and when to seek medical help.             Alcohol addiction, or alcoholism is a real disease that affects people from all walks of life. Because...

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, almost 18 million people in the United States suffer from alcohol dependence and/or chronic alcohol abuse. Millions more engage in unhealthy binge drinking habits that have the potential to develop into alcoholism. If you know someone who has struggled with their alcohol use, you might know first hand how hard it can be, the problems it can create, and why seeking help is so hard. IHAT is a treatment center that helps individuals deal with alcohol addiction. More information can be found here as well as how to get started.  What makes alcohol so addictive, that people continue abusing it despite the known consequences? Let’s take a look, starting with a breakdown of both physical and psychological factors.  Physical...