Summer may be coming to an end, but the social activities are not going anywhere. As seasons change, one constant remains: spending time with your friends and family. Whether that...
Like most things, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. But there is a fine line between a couple of drinks to blow off steam and a potential alcohol abuse problem. How can you tell if your alcohol consumption is a problem? Dr. Troy Madsen shares the research-backed method that physicians use to quickly and accurately assess if a patient is experiencing an alcohol misuse disorder. Learn about the CAGE questionnaire and how four questions and 30 seconds may help provide insight into your drinking habits.
Have you felt like you need to cut down on your drinking, get annoyed when people bring it up, feel guilty about how much you drink, or need a drink first thing in the morning to get on with your day? If so, those are signs of an alcohol use disorder. Getting help now if you drink too much is one of the best investments you can make in your physical and mental health. Troy talks about finding the line between low-risk drinking and when you should seek help.
A common thought is 'a few drinks during times of stress can help a person relax and sleep.' However, drinking too much alcohol can have the opposite effect, as well as other mental health repercussions. Psychiatry Dr. Andrew Smith says moderation is the key and talks about ways to scale back the consumption of alcohol.
Sales of alcoholic beverages in the United States have increased 55% compared to this time last year. Our lives are stressful and alcohol consumption can be a common way to self-medicate those stresses. Women, especially, are more likely to use alcohol to cope with depression and anxiety. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about the effects of stress drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Choosing to enter recovery for alcohol addiction is a difficult decision that requires a lot of support. Psychiatrist Dr. Jason Hunziker discusses how to support a friend or family member without accidentally causing offense.
Many of the causes, reasons and risks of addiction are hidden deep within the brain. The brains of those with serious addictions change over time, along with the ability to make decisions about substance abuse. Psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Howell explores the many levels of addiction and sheds light on the psychology of those with addictions. Find out who is most at risk for addiction to alcohol and other drugs and how to get the right treatment.
More than 65 percent of Americans say they occasionally drink, and that number is increasing. Is there a fine line between drinking responsibly and drinking too much? Dr. Jason Hunziker talks about the connection between mental health and alcohol addiction, and why some people don’t realize they have an addiction.
