RIP Black Rob and DMX.
People may consume alcohol because of liking the taste, to quell anxiety or nervousness in social settings, because of feeling sadness or stress or because they feel they have to so that they don't feel "sick". I'm calling this episode AA because most alcoholics are anonymous at some point during their disease. Alcohol Abuse is regularly drinking until one is intoxicated along with some dysfunction in your life due to the alcohol use. There are other criteria to be considered as well but these are two easy ones to recognize. Alcohol Dependence includes situations such as waking up most mornings and feeling the desire to drink, or drinking when you wake up because you have to - to make yourself feel better, also things like noticing discomfort when you don't drink, or discomfort between your last drink and the next drink.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these things or feel the need to cut down, get angry when someone inquires about your alcohol use, are beginning to feel guilty about your usage, please see your primary care doctor for help, or seek the services of a mental health professional, SPECIFICALLY a PSYCHIATRIST. Call your health insurance to learn about your coverages for substance abuse.
Alcohol withdrawal can be lethal as it can lead to death if it goes unnoticed and untreated. Listen to this next episode of the Brain Love Podcast so that you can become more familiar with Alcohol use Disorder. If you would like to learn more visit the following websites:
http://SAMHSA.GOV
https://nami.org/Home
