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Don't Panic, It's Only Panic!

Posted by: healthy editor Posted date: March 21, 2017 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Imagine driving down the road one day with your window down. You're enjoying a nice breeze and the radio is on. The songs aren't your favorite, but you like them because you know all of the words to almost all of them. Feeling happy and carefree.

Then it stops. Everything just stops.

All of the sudden you can't breathe. You're choking! Why are you choking? There is nothing to choke on! Maybe something else is happening. Maybe you're having some kind of allergic reaction! To what, though? There's nothing to be allergic to. Now your skin feels weird. One second you can't feel anything, and then the next it almost feels like your skin is about to burn off. Something is wrong! Your heart! Your heart is beating so hard! It feels like it's about to pound out of your chest. You have to find a way to pull over because you're having a heart attack.

Scared! No, not scared.

Terrified.

Slam on brakes! skid to a stop! Say your prayers!...

This is just one of the many many situations I've been through in my lifetime. I suffer from a severe case of Panic Disorder. It was brought on by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which I was diagnosed with when I was about 12 years old. You think when you're a child that things will get better when you're an adult. You think that adults are invincible and when you finally are one that everything will be OK. In truth my condition would yo-yo a bit. But the older I got the worse I got. I had a few good teenage years where it wasn't so bad and I could go out and have a little fun.

Oddly enough, the OCD is under control. It's the panic that eats me alive now.

The kind of OCD that I have is mostly obsessive; meaning that I don't feel the compulsions like most people do. I would think of something and dwell on it. I would become obsessed with it. Like, when west nile was a thing, I was terrified to go outside. I wouldn't go outside. There was no way that you were going to make me go outside.

Most people thought it was funny or silly. I felt humiliated and helpless. That's just one tiny example out of the 34 years I've been alive.

I have a hard time eating from a fresh loaf of bread because there is no safety seal. The same with certain ice cream brands. You cannot pay me to eat it. I simply will not. There are very few people who can invite me to dinner because I will not eat just anyone's cooking. When new pills are prescribed to me it takes me such a long time to get up the guts to take it. I'm afraid of taking medications because the thought of ingesting something that I cannot get out of my body is terrifying. I'm scared of Novocaine. I'm scared of hair dye because, even though I dyed my hair many times when I was younger, I may develop an allergic reaction and die. These are all things that I am scared of NOW. Which is so wonderful in comparison to the things that I used to be afraid of.

The worst part of all of it is that as soon as it hits you, you are completely and utterly alone. There is no one in the world that can help you. There is nothing that can make it better.

No one can ever understand what you're going through. In order for them to understand it they have to experience it; and you don't want anyone to experience it. You don't want your worst enemy to have to face something like this.

There are a few things that ease the symptoms, though. A rubber band on my wrist. It kinda snaps your brain out of it for a while. I used to have big swollen welts on my wrist and a pocket full of broken rubber bands. Then I would use cold. A really cold air conditioner. Ice. Going outside in the winter. It would make me so cold that all I could think about was the cold.

None of these coping mechanisms work anymore. The rubber band doesn't help me. It doesn't phase me a bit. The cold just makes me... well... cold.

When I was younger I made the very wrong assumption that people were generally "good" and would understand that I had some issues that maybe needed a little more attention. Well maybe not attention so much as a little more exception.

It turns out that people just suck. Because of their past experiences a LOT of people, including my now ex-husband, thought that I was faking it (he doesn't think that anymore, BTW). But, you can't fake terror. I even have some people that I guess I am technically related to that also do not believe me. Which is fine because, in all honesty, they have their own problems.

Something that you MUST realize if you love someone with this disorder is that they do not want attention for it. They do not want to be known for it. They do not want that to be what defines them. They just want you to acknowledge and accept it.

The people that believed that I really had a problem just felt helpless. How do you comfort your daughter who is crying in a corner in her room because she's afraid to walk out of the door? How do you tell her it's going to be OK when you don't even really know what the hell is going on? Believe me, though, even when you don't understand what's going on with someone who is suffering from something invisible, the fact that you stay there, no matter what, matters.

I was told many times by people to just stop. Just get over it. I know that they weren't aware of how inconsiderate and ignorant their words were. However, after a couple years I just learned to keep my mouth shut. I didn't mention anything about the Panic Disorder unless there was some kind of pressing reason. I knew what people would think of me. I knew the things they would say when they thought I couldn't hear them. So I just didn't say anything. I have so many friends, even now, that I've never mentioned it to. Until right now.

I honestly feel like there is a monster inside of me (mostly metaphorical, 'cept when I'm having my monthly, then it's literal). When the panic attacks were controlling me, there was nothing I could do. There was nothing that could be said. There was nowhere safe. So that's what happened to my life.

Everything became nothing. I had people who loved me but I couldn't go places with them. Because this monster would pull me back. It would remind me that it was there and that if I went somewhere that it was going to get me. Worse, it was going to get me in front of everyone. They would see.

I turned into a recluse. I couldn't be left home alone and I couldn't go anywhere alone. I would have to have a "babysitter" if anyone went anywhere. My family would cater to this because they had no idea what else to do. Mostly because I wouldn't let them out of my sight.

Terrified.

I knew I was a burden. The ones that loved me always told me that it wasn't true. But when your best friend has to change the day that she goes grocery shopping to better suit your phobia, you're being a burden.

Situations like this will show you who your real friends are. They are the ones that are there when the dust finally clears.

I was having 4 - 10 panic attacks a day. It was exhausting. Even now, I have high levels of anxiety and I'm always hyper aware of everything which seriously takes a toll on my daily stamina.

During my years of depression I had a few relationships. Because I needed to be medicated, I needed insurance. Because I needed insurance, I needed to apply for disability. For some reason there are these human men (and women) that are called "losers". These "losers" like to find women that are insecure and live off of them. Unfortunately for them, it didn't take long for me to catch on. I might have been insecure but I wasn't stupid.

But being in more than a few bad relationships did convince me that I was always going to be alone. Who would love someone that can't even stay home alone for 10 minutes? How could I ask someone to love someone like me? I'd given up. I was 32 and I didn't care anymore. I was just going to exist until I didn't have to anymore.

Skipping all of the lovey dovey stuff, I met someone who loves, believes, and supports me to no end. He has children. I now have a family. I have a reason to be better.

I wanted to be better for the first time in a long time. The monster in me was not expecting this because she'd won so long ago. I started researching coping mechanisms again. Then I realized that coping with something isn't really dealing with it. I don't want to cope with this monster! I want to kick her in the face! I need her to back off! I needed my life back!

So I started to research how others had overcome their Panic Disorder. How did they get their power back? What did they do?

I started seeing the BEST therapist. The first one that told me what was going on was OK. It was just my body doing what it's supposed to do, it was just doing it for no reason. Or the wrong reasons. He assured me that a panic attack cannot kill you. And it can't. It's almost like your brain has a short. The wiring is broken. That is NOT your fault. You can't help how you're made. I've learned not to fight it.

Don't fight your panic attacks! Yes, you read that right! I am no doctor. I haven't a degree in anything. I just know this from experience. Do not try to stop the panic. Accept that it's going to happen. Accept that it's happening. Then, know that it's not going to last.

I've found that when I tell the panic attack to "bring it on!" that it's less severe and it doesn't last as long. Every time you do this, you get a little bit of your power back. A little bit of who you really are comes back.

I am still working on it. I am not functioning like a normal human being by any standards. I am, however, staying home alone now. I can drive a couple miles down the road for things that I may need. I can take my kids (my new family) places. I can take care of them. I am getting my life back. I wish it was a faster process but my progress is unbelievable! I am so proud of me!

Below is a link to some helpful websites that may be able to help those who suffer from Panic Disorder, and those supporting sufferers, to get a better understanding of the whole process and learn to face it! It's such a wonderful feeling!
 

Four Steps to Reduce Stress

Posted by: healthy editor Posted date: September 01, 2016 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do you ever find that you have become stressed out by all the pressures of life and don't know what to do?
Have you ever wished that you could find a way to reduce stress? The good news is that you can reduce stress in your life. Follow the four steps below to reduce stress:

1. The first step to reduce stress is to consider the things that annoy you the most.

A good way of identifying your main stressors is to keep a diary for two weeks.
Each day keep a list of the things that caused you tension or anxiety. Make a note of how, when and where those situations occurred. Consider what things continue to regularly cause you stress.

To help you to get started making your list here are some to the things that experts consider are the main causes of stress in our lives:
  • Fears, anxieties and phobias cause emotional stress.
  • Making decisions such as choosing a mate or deciding on a career.
  • Environmental problems such as noise, pollution or being too hot or too cold.
  • Relationship problems such as having to speak in public or dating problems.
  • Important changes such as moving home, a new baby or a new job.
  • Family problems such as financial difficulties or coping with an unruly teenager.
  • Chemical abuse including tranquilizers, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.
  • Challenges at work such as meeting deadlines or unpredictable work colleagues.
At the end of each day consider how you handled those stressors. Make a note of how you felt physically and emotionally, and think about whether your reaction improved the situation or made it worse. Consider what action you could have taken to improve situation and determine to take that action if a similar situation arises.

2. Meditate on positive things that happen each day

Take some time to look back over everything that you were grateful for today. This could include a delicious meal, an uplifting conversation with someone, a project that you've completed or anything that made you smile or laugh. Develop an attitude of gratitude - you'll feel much better.

3. Understand yourself better as a person.

Understanding yourself better as a person will help you to find and then eliminate the root causes of your problems. This will reduce stress and reduce mood swings resulting in a happier life.

4. Determine which things give you the most joy.

The beauty of your life is you choose who you want in it and what you want to do with it. To help you get started find a pen and sheet of paper and set aside some time, at least an hour, when you're likely to be undisturbed. Quieten your mind and meditate on the things that give you the most joy. Write down whatever comes into your mind and then go through your list and put them in an order of priority. Then do them. It could include visiting somewhere that you've always wanted to see or anything else that would bring you joy.
  • Forget what others want and expect of you.
  • Find your passion and purpose.
  • Stay true to yourself.
Conclusion

You can reduce stress in your life. Follow the four steps above and you will experience less stress and more fulfillment and happiness in your life. You will be able to remove the emotional problems that you are experiencing and that are stopping you from succeeding. You will find that life is no longer controlling you but you will be free to take control of your life.

The result is that you will feel happier and more fulfilled so what are you waiting for.


Copper Deficiency Linked to Aneurysm and Stroke Risk

Posted by: healthy editor Posted date: August 14, 2016 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,




Don't underestimate the importance of copper in your diet. It's true that your body only needs it in small amounts, but having the proper copper levels in your body are critical to your long-term survival. The body needs copper for the many tasks it performs, from building the enzyme ceruloplasmin (this carries iron in the blood) to its major role in the production of collagen. But for my money, the most important thing about this little trace mineral is its ability to help produce elastin.

Elastin is found primarily in the artery walls, lungs, intestines, and skin and is a structural protein that gives your body flexibility and healthy connectivity. Copper is absolutely necessary in manufacturing elastin, helping create our elastic fiber. No copper, no elastin, right? It's easy to see that copper deficiency would lead to a loss of elasticity in the tissues found in your arteries, skin and organs. And if your body goes without normal elastin production, big problems will arise.
Copper deficiency and its link to aneurysm

As elastin production deteriorates, so does the viability, flexibility and connectivity of body tissue. So what happens when tissue in your arteries and organs are weakened? Those weakened tissues become prone to thinning. Arteries will balloon at their weakest point with the possibility of rupturing, kind of like a garden hose with a weak spot bulging in the line... pressure will eventually blow it out. In your arteries, those weak, bulging spots are called aneurysms. Of course, aneurysms can be life-threatening, especially when they blow. I don't think it's a stretch to think that weak tissue, resulting because of less elastin, will sometimes cause existing aneurysms to worsen, or new ones to develop. And as shown, less elastin is a direct result of a copper deficiency.

Copper deficiency and its link to hemorrhagic stroke

A blood vessel that leaks or breaks into the brain results in a hemorrhagic stroke, which account for twenty percent of all strokes. Again, without elastin, blood vessels lose elasticity. Tissue starts to harden, fissures form on the inside of the arterial wall, and begin to crack. These cracks are weak spots which slowly get worse, begin to leak, then break. Absence of proper copper levels means less elastin, causing tissues to harden and weaken. There appears to be a correlation here between hemorrhagic stroke and low copper levels in the body.

What other conditions does copper deficiency create?

Did you know that a doctor can tell if you have copper deficiency by looking at the color of your hair? Copper is a crucial component in the creation of hair pigment. White, gray and silver hair are quick give-aways to a trained eye. Here's something that got me thinking: isn't it interesting that Albert Einstein, famous for his white crazy hair, dropped dead of an aneurysm when he was 68? 

What are the chances that he had a copper deficiency?

Varicose veins and hemorrhoids are common conditions too, but they wouldn't be as common if people would keep a normal level of copper in their systems. These two ailments are caused by weak tissue, tissues that are struggling to maintain their elasticity, but can't because they lack the trace mineral that can help create the elastin they need. If you suffer from either of these two ailments, you might consider having your copper levels tested.

How do you maintain a proper copper balance in your body?

The body does not manufacture copper, so you must ingest it. There are many foods rich in copper, like pumpkin and sunflower seeds, garbanzo beans, lima beans and soybeans. Do you like cashews? This is one of the best copper foods you can eat, second only to sesame seeds in copper content. If you have copper plumbing, you are getting trace amounts of it in your drinking water. And of course, there are supplements to help you get your daily allowance.

Now, don't overdo it. Remember, copper is a trace mineral, and your body needs only a small amount daily to ward off any copper deficiency malady. Copper toxicity is not something you want, either, so follow the established guidelines of two milligrams daily. That's all you need. The important thing here is that your body has a consistent flow of this natural mineral. Avoid copper deficiency in your diet, and you will avoid some of life's biggest pitfalls.

COPD Life Expectancy

Posted by: healthy editor Posted date: August 14, 2016 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , ,























COPD is the abbreviation used for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also known in different names. For example, chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD), chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and chronic obstructive respiratory disease (CORD). It is a progressive disease which means it gets worse over time. It causes lungs problems and almost destructs them completely. This is one of the major causes of death in almost all the global nations. In USA, it is the fourth highest death cause disease. It is deadly and almost over than 82,000 people die every year due to this. Generally, the COPD life expectancy is very less and also it causes a large number of severe health problems in people. But, on the other hand, if it is detected early due to their early symptoms and also get it treated in its early stages, then the life expectancy can be greatly increased. If not, the sufferer's life will be greatly limited.

The most common symptom of COPD is breathing difficulty. It can be a huge disability that gets worse as this disease progresses. There are many techniques and exercises that help to decrease. Two of the most well known techniques are pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. If you ever feel short of breath and you feel like you are suffocating, it helps to remember these quick and easy breathing tips. Sit and relax in a quiet and comfortable place, breathe in and out through your mouth going as fast as you need to, lower your head and shoulders and begin to slow down your exhalations. Repeat this a few times and you will feel a great deal of comfort as these exercises have been proven to help with breathlessness.

Smoking is one of the most biggest causes of COPD. Each year, three million people are dying as the result of smoking related diseases. Exposure to lung irritants such as dust, smoke, air pollution and other chemicals can also be causes for COPD. Quitting smoking can help but as there is no current cure to COPD, getting rid of cigarettes doesn't help much. It only reduces the risk factor by a little but of course, every little action counts towards the defeat of this chronic disease.

The Pathophysiology of COPD is not very easy to understand. Pathophysiology of COPD shows the structural changes in the airways, dysfunction of Cilia and inflammatory responses. It is these three things that lead to the blockage of airways. The inflammatory response of COPD is usually caused by too much smoking. It can also be caused by the inhalation of lung irritants such as pollens, air pollutants, smoke, dust and other chemicals.

Inhalers can be used to treat chronic diseases such as the first symptom of COPD- the chronic cough. The work that the inhalers do is that they push the medicine or drugs directly into the airways when you breathe in. Some people may get some benefits from using these inhalers but some might not. Some people use inhalers regularly and that might help to reduce shortness of breath and some just use it when they are experiencing troubles of wheezing and breathlessness.

Many people die from COPD every year. as there is no current cure for this disease, it is important that it is diagnosed in it's early stages. If you ever notice a sign or symptom that might mean you or someone you know could have COPD, it is important to contact a doctor of health care provider immediately. If this disease is discovered too late, the results can be deadly.

Overcoming Anxiety Attacks - Knowing Where to Begin

Posted by: healthy editor Posted date: July 22, 2016 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , , ,


When you struggle with them, overcoming anxiety attacks are all you think about, but it is not easy to do when you do not know where to begin. There are a great number of options available these days, so finding one that works for you can be difficult.

Getting an understanding of why these attacks happen, helps to work out what to do alleviate anxiety attacks, no matter how bad they might be.There are certain tips and tricks that will help overcome anxiety attacks in a way that can make them go away and not come back.

So, why do we experience or develop anxiety attacks?

Largely, they are a result of how we live and what we do every day. They can also occur as a result of a major traumatic event especially if the person struggles to cope with it, but usually it just a result of accumulated stress.

Many people these days work too hard, stay up too late, push themselves too long, continually expect too much of themselves, and worry too much - and they do this each and every day!
And they tell themselves that it will only be for a little while, or till they have reached this goal, or have that 'thing'... until their bodies and their minds 'yell' - Enough!!

Continuing to live like that, means the body and mind are in a continual state of over-stimulation, and eventually it will lead to worrying about not getting things done, or to start fantasizing about things that may or may not happen.
Then there are other things that can happen on top of all of that, that will keep making the anxiety worse until whatever is wrong is finally confronted.

Overcoming anxiety begins with finding out what causes the anxiety to begin with. Is the cause the mind and nervous system being continually over-stimulated, or is it whatever is driving that behaviour in the first place?

There was a time when I tried to do full time study, part time work and still be a full time mother, and within eight months I had crammed so much into my mind and my day that my system could no longer take it.

My mind shut down, and I had anxiety attacks which made me feel absolutely terrible, terrified and out of control - I had what was defined as 'burn-out'. One of the best tips I received at that time was to 'ground' myself where I was. I needed to slow my thinking down and to start taking care of myself very basically.

My 'cure' was to change doing what was causing the over-stimulation and the anxiety, and just get back to basics - my body needed activity and rest and eating properly.

Relaxation and exercise were the first things I focused on, and these two are some of the most important things you can focus on in the beginning. Getting these in balance helped me cope with the anxiety more easily.

Starting to eat better and staying away from foods that did not 'feed' me, or that made things worse like caffeine, was also important in helping restore that balance.

My basic routine to begin with included - eating good food at least three times a day so that my body was not stressed by irregular intake of food and poor quality food, exercise like going for walks to stimulate blood flow and relax and release tension from my body, and rest, getting enough sleep to help my mind slow down and recover.

Some of the worst times were at night, waking up suddenly, feeling cold and shaky and my heart beating fast and feeling like I was only 'half there'. It was easy in the middle of the night for my mind to race and for feelings of panic to grip me.

One of the things I would do was tell myself where I was (grounding), I would wrap myself in something warm and comforting, and make a warm milky drink and sip that slowly. I would walk up and down the hallway to release the physical tension (fight or flight syndrome - boosts energy levels in the body and walking helped relax and release that energy) till I was calm enough to climb back into bed to sleep. (Oh, and I found for me that when I walked and prayed that helped me calm down a lot faster!)

Some of the other ways you can help yourself sleep better at night is - have a warm shower before bed, sleep in a warm bed in a cool quiet room and try some relaxation techniques before getting into bed.

I found overcoming anxiety was not easy at first, but when I finally realised that the attacks themselves could not harm me, I stopped getting them. There are things that can be done that will make it easier to overcome anxiety attacks and ensure that they never come back.

Hypertension - The Silent Killer

Posted by: healthy editor Posted date: July 21, 2016 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , , ,


Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure, that is, the blood pressure is higher than normal or at an elevated state. Hypertension tends to affect the working age group that is often associated with high-stress conditions in the workplace. If hypertension is not controlled, those suffering may become a huge burden on the health system due to serious health problems. Hypertension is classified into two types, primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that shows no specific cause. However, certain diet drugs can be suspect. Hypertension is not caused by tension or stress, even though some believe it is. Secondary hypertension may be the result of an underlying or dormant disorder. It is estimated to affect more than 50 million Americans and is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular and renal disease. It is also a leading cause of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

Hypertension can exist in several different forms and symptoms do not appear until it is severely high. It is common in older people and is widely associated with vascular dysfunction in the coronary circulation. When there is excessive pressure against the blood vessel walls and persist over several weeks to months, hypertension is diagnosed. Pressure inside the eye causes both retinopathy and ocular complications. Hypertension can be a serious condition since it can cause damage to many body organs including the kidneys, eyes and heart, among others.

Hypertension is the single most autonomous and important risk for cardiovascular disease, as well as congestive heart failure and even kidney failure. Other factors credited to hypertension are high salt intake, obesity and genetic vulnerability. It can continue for years and not be detected due to lack of symptoms, unless damage has occurred. It is a medical condition that can be a symptom of a dormant disease. The worst effects of hypertension are on the heart, kidneys, eyes and brain. Hypertension is a leading cause of deaths in adults, is a major health care problem and is the single most significant contributor to stroke, one of the biggest killer diseases known to man.

Shortness of breath upon exertion is the most common symptom of pulmonary hypertension and virtually everyone who has the condition develops it. Symptoms may include mild fatigue, dizzy spells, fainting, rapid heartbeat, ankle or leg swelling, bloating, tremors, stooped posture, slowness of movement as well as muscle rigidity. Primary pulmonary hypertension is found two times more often in women as men over age thirty-five. During pregnancy, primary hypertension may be most responsive to dietary calcium.

Diagnosis is by physical examination and renal imaging or measuring the blood pressure. Just about every physical examination includes checking the patient's blood pressure. A doctor may suspect pulmonary hypertension in people who have an underlying lung disorder. Portal hypertension is implied by the presence of known chronic liver disease such as enlarged spleen.

Treatment varies according to the stage of the disease. Hypertension is controllable with treatment, which may require periodic adjustment. The treatment is often associated with weight loss and increased exercise, but a doctor should be consulted even in cases of pre-hypertension. Hypertension is a very serious condition and should be taken seriously by both patient and doctor. It is commonly treated with drugs that decrease cardiac output and controlled with medications, dietary and lifestyle changes such as giving up smoking, lowering cholesterol and salt intake and exercising on a regular basis. Treatment of patients with primary hypertension is usually directed at the underlying disease. Treatment of high blood pressure significantly reduces the risk of heart problems and stroke. Opening the obstructed renal artery, with or without a stent, usually relieves hypertension.

Some patients may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, morning dry mouth or headaches, chronic nasal obstruction, irritability, depression or impotence. Patients with a diabetic nerve injury will improve if their diabetes is better controlled. Those patients that are overweight, have high stress levels and high intake of caffeine or alcohol, smoke or do not exercise regularly must change their lifestyles to decrease the risk for hypertension. Patients who experience extreme dips in blood pressure at night and extreme surges in the morning, as a rule, stay in the hospital overnight to quickly resume normal activities.

Alcoholism And How It Develops

Posted by: healthy editor Posted date: July 20, 2016 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , ,


Alcoholism has a number of definitions, depending on who is defining it. To those who witness it firsthand, it seems like a form of escalating madness. Even within the medical community there are differing viewpoints about alcoholism. Psychiatrists may focus on the psychological components of alcoholism and an alcoholic's interaction with life and society. Other doctors may view alcoholism purely as a physical addiction and choose to treat it with drugs. Usually both approaches are used, particularly with advanced alcoholism. Various political and religious groups may choose to view alcoholism in a different light. Due to the failure of prohibition few politicians would condone a return to it, however even today some jurisdictions do limit public drinking to maintain public order.

The abuse of alcohol is probably as old as agriculture, when human beings first made alcohol. Some people believe that alcohol production became a way of purifying water. This would have protected early humans from the risks associated with catching intestinal parasites from drinking water.

Some human genes seem to cause some individuals to fail at producing chemicals within their brains that alcohol can mimic. This is what is meant when an individual is considered to have a genetic vulnerability to alcohol addiction. There have been several genes identified that are linked to this vulnerability.

Although there may be a genetic vulnerability to alcohol abuse in some people, few experts on the subject would consider genetics to be the sole cause of alcoholism. The social groups that the individual belongs to and the culture within those groups in relation to drinking, may also have an impact on the drinker. These social groups would also include relatives. It may be difficult to separate a genetic vulnerability and a tendency in some families to drink on a variety of occasions and maybe frequently. To say it runs in the family may not be identifying much in terms of exact causes.

There seems to be ample evidence to suggest that social behaviors of some groups, as well as psychological vulnerabilities of some people, can contribute to the development of alcoholism. The vulnerability of an individual may be enhanced by poor emotional health. Emotional health can be effected both by external events in an individual's life and by their personal reaction to these events. Examples could be unhappy employment or job loss, the decay of or loss of a romantic relationship, or even health problems. Part of the issue is the problem itself, but a portion of the responsibility lies with how the individual chooses to cope with the problem.

The damage to the body, brain, social life and finances of an alcoholic can be devastating in the long run. The longer that the alcoholism goes on, the greater the resulting damage will be. With exception to drinking and driving convictions, modern societies have no mechanism to compel an alcoholic to seek treatment - regardless of how much damage they've done to their lives.

Cures for alcoholism always carry with them the potential of failure; a percentage of alcoholics will always start to drink again. Some organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, favor complete abstinence. Others recognize that some renewed drinking, as long as it is moderate, is not necessarily a failure.

Grappling with alcoholism is a life long struggle for those who suffer from it. Unfortunately those who wrestle with this illness may suffer considerable damage before summoning the resolve to attempt recovery. Science and medicine continue to make advances in coping with alcoholism, but the real effort is in the life and resolve of each alcoholic trying to get better.


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