Tolerance, as it relates to alcohol dependence and drug addiction, is often misunderstood by many in the general public.  In the manner that drug and alcohol tolerance functions, it can be a safety mechanism to the body and, at the same time, deadly.  This makes awareness of the subject critical for anyone who engages in alcohol abuse or drug abuse, as well as those in recovery.

It can easily be assumed that tolerance means that an individual can drink more alcohol without getting drunk, or handle drug use in a seemingly controlled manner.  With this assumption comes the belief that these “abilities” are an example of the natural differences that exist from one individual to another.  While this is partially true, the nature of alcohol and drug tolerance is much more complicated.

Alcohol tolerance is the example with which most people can relate.  Consider the amount of alcohol you need to drink before you feel the effects, or “buzzed”.  Let’s say this is 2 beers.  If you drink 2 beers every day, over time you will feel less of an effect.  If you want to feel the same effect, you must drink more alcohol.  The amount of alcohol needed for the same feeling will continue to increase as you add more alcohol.  

The same concept works with drugs.  Alcohol abuse or drug abuse can result from tolerance since individuals will chase that feeling by drinking or using more on each occasion.  If the cycle continues with regular daily alcohol or drug intake, the body can become physically dependent and alcoholism or drug addiction is the result.  

On this road to addiction that we just followed, the brain has protected the body from overdose, with tolerance, by adjusting to the higher levels of substance use.  This benefit of drug tolerance can become a dangerous consequence, though, for recovering individuals who relapse.  The addicted brain still needs a large amount of drugs for an effect, but the body returns to a lower tolerance of what is essentially a poison.

At the time of first use on a relapse, the brain will dictate the most recent amount of drugs used to get a desired effect.  If the formerly recovering addict is not careful, this amount can easily cause a drug overdose or even be fatal.  Many drug addicts are not aware of this fact, and will even ignore warnings from fellow drug users because they don’t realize the consequences they face.

While alcoholics are less likely to overdose on alcohol during first use on a relapse, they may experience what is known as a lack of tolerance.  At this point, a drunken feeling may result from only 1 drink.  Lack of tolerance can actually occur with anyone who drinks alcohol, but it is typically coupled with alcohol dependence.  Of course, that 1 drink will still not be enough to satisfy alcoholics and they can become a danger to themselves through inebriation and alcohol’s effect on the body.

This information is good to share with teens, friends in recovery, or anyone you may know who engages in alcohol abuse or drug abuse.  Too many see tolerance as a benefit both early in substance use and in addiction.  Tolerance is explained in effective alcohol and drug treatment as part of addiction education groups to prevent accidental overdoses among those who may relapse.  Bringing this awareness to the general public may save even more lives.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides youth alcohol and drug treatment and addiction education.  We specialize in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and have two primary medical care clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

Senior alcohol abuse is often more difficult to correct than with any other group in America.  By age 60, most individuals are set in their ways and don’t feel the need to change anything.  In fact, many seniors are aware of the risks they face with heavy drinking and continue seemingly without care.  Loved ones may feel helpless, but solutions exist.

About 40% of those over 60 say they drink alcohol, with almost one-third of them admitting to binge drinking and heavy drinking, or alcohol dependence.  These statistics come from a 2007 report at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies website.  This means that about 1 in 10 seniors at least binge drink on occasion, which can be very dangerous to their health and that of others.  

Many external changes happen with individuals when they reach age 60.  Retirement is imminent if it has not already occurred, friends begin to move away or pass away, and family members may even suggest a change of residence.  Worst of all, the mind and body begin to show signs of aging, meaning that doctor visits become common and more medications need to be taken.  All of these can be terribly stressful on anyone when they are grouped into a few short years.

Boredom, loneliness, and a sense of powerlessness can each lead anyone to drink alcohol.  Whether it is a time-filler or an escape from negative feelings doesn’t matter.  The end result is that it works and leads to earlier drinking times and less time outside the home.  Senior alcohol abuse may even be a purposeful celebration of the golden years.  The daily party begins with joy, but can quickly turn to injury or a fatality.

This can all be very harmful for seniors due to interactions with medications, a higher risk of falling, and aging major organs.  If alcohol dependence sets in, the effects on the body and brain are more detrimental to seniors than anyone else.  The celebrators, in freedom, usually drive under the influence.  Yet most seniors who abuse alcohol either hide it or justify it, and accept the risks.

Family members who see the alcohol abuse will often accept the behavior as a rite of passage.  Considering the years they have lived, why would a loved one deny what seems well deserved? And if nobody gets hurt, all is okay.  That is, until somebody gets hurt or health problems develop.  Some seniors will stop the behavior at this point, but most will continue to drink heavily and probably more.

There are 2 things that loved ones can do at this point.  The first is to strongly suggest alcohol detox and alcohol treatment.  But most people in their 60’s today will see that as a sign of weakness and refuse, and family members generally won’t force the issue.  Doing so may get the elderly alcoholic into treatment, but he or she will only benefit if self-motivated.  So keep suggesting, with love, and let them make the decision.

Second, you can set boundaries and stick to them.  If they refuse to quit drinking or cut down, suggest accompanying them to the doctor so you can discuss medication interactions.  Let them know you understand that they are not concerned with their own health, but you are concerned with the health of others including yourself and younger members of the family.  It may be hard, but you must be firm, with love, and continue to suggest alcohol treatment.

To the younger generations, seniors who refuse to change these behaviors seem stubborn.  However, like any other individual who engages in alcohol abuse, the bottom line is that they are escaping from emotions.  Instead of arguing and treating them like children, it is best to discuss feelings as much as possible.  Avoid forcing the issue of senior alcohol treatment, and use gentle, loving nudges.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides alcohol and drug treatment for seniors in a culturally sensitive manner.  We specialize in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and have two primary medical care clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

Arguably, the story of Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, is the most heartwarming to those in recovery from alcohol dependence or drug addiction.  His wife, Lois Wilson, has always been equally memorialized in that her life experience led to the founding of Al-Anon.  Now a made-for-TV movie will chronicle her life, and how her own tragedy led to a life-saving program for millions.

The CBS Network will air the Hallmark Hall of Fame story, When Love Is Not Enough – The Lois Wilson Story on Sunday, April 25th at 9/8c pm.  No doubt, many individuals in recovery will watch this show along with their families.  We are using our web space to promote this important TV movie with the hope that many others will watch, as well.  It is an opportunity to spread awareness of the disease of addiction through entertainment.

View the movie trailer here:
http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/article|10001|10051|/HallmarkSite/HallmarkHallOfFame/HHOF_TOP

Read more about the movie and Lois Wilson here:
http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/article|10001|10051|/HallmarkSite/HallmarkHallOfFame/HHOF_SCENES

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides alcohol and drug treatment for adults and youth.  We specialize in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and have two primary medical care clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

A comprehensive alcohol screening tool released by the Boston University School of Public Health is available for public use.  This short questionnaire does more than simply determine whether or not individuals suffer from alcohol dependence.  It goes beyond that to assist those who may want to simply alter their drinking habits.

Most alcohol screening tools will assess users for alcohol dependence first, and then, if they are not, point them to informative content about alcohol abuse and dependence.  It seems more effective that a screening tool would assess for a range of problems from alcohol abuse to alcoholism, since there is a difference.

Alcohol abuse can cause legal, financial, and relationship problems even if it only occurs once, for example.  If someone who normally doesn’t drink heavily decides to drink in celebration one night and gets arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), it could also cause problems at work and home.  While this scenario is rare, it does happen.  There are individuals who suffer alcohol related problems every day that result from a range of occasional abuse to alcohol dependence.

The alcohol screening tool by jointogether.org provides tailored information for anyone dealing with alcohol related problems in all ranges of use.  It will tell you if your problems are minor and what you can do to resolve them, or if you need to contact an alcohol treatment center immediately.  Then it provides a directory of local providers in your area.  The link below will bring you to the page so you can get started.


Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides alcohol detox and alcohol treatment.  We specialize in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and have two primary medical care clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

California has designated the month of April as Multi-Cultural Health Month.  The focus for 2010 is on heart disease in men, the number one killer in the state.  Alcoholism and drug addiction can lead to heart disease in those who suffer.  Since the disease of addiction crosses cultural boundaries, Tarzana Treatment Centers is happy to participate in bringing awareness to the public about multi-cultural health care.

Any discussion about multi-cultural issues can be extended to include what are known as subcultures.  A subculture can be any group that shares concerns, values, traditions, and other areas of interest.  Effective alcohol and drug treatment requires knowledge of and specialization for certain subcultures because, even though addiction is the same for everyone, leading individuals to recovery requires empathy.

Focusing on subcultures is not about pigeonholing individuals.  The point is to be aware of cultural beliefs that come from being a part of a subculture, and to treat patients with sensitivity to those beliefs.  This helps to keep patients in treatment when relapse interventions are needed, and connects existing positive beliefs with the benefits of long-term recovery.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles focuses on cultural sensitivity among staff in many ways.  Even though we only hire direct patient staff that has completed courses in treating patients from subcultures, we provide staff trainings on the subject.  There are rarely any language barriers, as well, since we have many staff members who speak various foreign languages.  Best of all, we provide specialized services for some cultures and subcultures.

Our highly regarded HIV services program has evolved over the past two decades.  The needs of gay and transgender patients in HIV treatment require special focus, especially when alcohol dependence or drug addiction is a factor.  Because of this, both staff and other patients attend education groups so HIV positive patients can feel comfortable and their privacy remains intact.

We also have a Native American alcohol and drug treatment track that brings culture and tradition into treatment.  Native American men still suffer a high incidence of alcoholism, which is often responsible for heart disease.  The program includes traditional sweat lodge ceremonies and in-house Wellbriety groups.

Other individuals who may require special attention are undocumented persons, women with children, veterans with mental health needs, those with hepatitis C or Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and senior citizens.  There are too many subcultures in America for anyone to relate to them all.  But since our staff is so culturally diverse, it is likely that all subcultures can feel comfortable with us.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides all of the services listed above and more.  We specialize in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and have two primary medical care clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

Alcohol Awareness Month is more important to the general population than alcohol and drug treatment professionals.  The problem is as prevalent in our society today as ever.  So it is part of our duty to bring awareness to those who suffer, their loved ones, and to change stigmas that still exist.

In working with individuals who suffer from alcohol dependence, the disease can seem normalized.  The affect is a thought that the public as a whole understands the disease.  We, in treatment, are reminded this is not so when we meet new friends who show curiosity in the work we do.  It is often amazing that decades-old, yet false, beliefs still exist.  We must maintain the ability to convey the truth credibly throughout our careers.

While it would be nice if we could convince everyone that alcoholism is a treatable disease, especially alcoholics and their loved ones, we come to see it as an unattainable dream.  But that does not mean we should give up.  Providing facts plants a seed of information that eventually is confirmed when others know someone who suffers from alcohol dependence.

Continuing education helps alcohol and drug treatment professionals to more effectively treat clients.  That same education can be used to bring awareness to others, in most cases using less clinical terminology.  When professionals convey information in an educated manner, they are more credible to an audience.

 April is a good time for Alcohol Awareness Month being that it is spring, and a time of renewal.  It is a chance to bring awareness to the public, in an organized fashion, which will hopefully lead to saved lives.  But since alcoholism is a year-round issue we should always be ready and available to share facts, on and off the job.

This is one area where it is okay to take work home as a professional in alcohol dependence treatment.  The benefits are great.  Not only might a life be saved by one conversation, but a troubled loved one may find comfort and freedom.  And even if your audience has no life connection with alcoholism, lifting the stigma of alcoholism, one person by one, helps to advance our cause.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides education to professionals and through our Youth Alcohol and Drug Treatment Services to prevent teen alcohol abuse.  It is part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence or drug addiction, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

Women, by percentage, enter alcohol treatment with more physical and emotional problems than men.  Gender differences in physiology can speed up the damaging effects of alcohol.  So alcohol and drug treatment centers should include gender-specific treatment, along with services for primary medical care and mental health.

Women with alcohol dependence tend to reach the decision to enter treatment sooner than men.  At first glance, one might think this means they suffer fewer problems due to the shorter time frame of alcohol abuse.  But other factors come into play in the development of physical and mental health issues for women.

In the female body, the entire process to metabolize alcohol is different.  Because of this, major organs like the liver, heart, kidneys and even the brain work harder to dispense alcohol from the body.  The human body sees alcohol as a poison and seeks to expel it as a top priority.  At the same time it expels or ignores many nutrients a woman needs.

Alcohol dependence also can place women in abusive relationships or unsafe settings where they are vulnerable to rape and other crimes.  In mere minutes, emotional damage can be caused that could distract from effective alcohol treatment.  The presence of mental health professionals, as well as addiction counselors in medical detoxification units, is important in treating these co-occurring disorders.

Under these circumstances, women may benefit from alcohol treatment that is for women only.  This removes distractions and provides for a safe environment.  The recovery process, and physical and emotional healing, can progress faster and there is a better opportunity for long-term recovery.

The excerpt below is from a report posted on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website that details the physical issues noted above.    

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Compared with male substance abusers, female substance abusers may have more physical problems, and females appear to be more vulnerable than males to the physiological effects of substance use. For example, in a study of alcohol problems among trauma center patients, women were significantly more likely than men to have liver disease (Gentilello et al., 2000). Differences in the way women absorb, distribute, eliminate, and metabolize alcohol may increase their vulnerability to alcohol-related problems (Mumenthaler, Taylor, O'Hara, & Yesavage, 1999; Wasilow-Mueller & Erickson, 2001). The female liver appears to be more sensitive to the toxic effect of chronic alcohol intake than the male liver (Colantoni et al., 2003; Mandayam, Jamal & Morgan, 2004; Mann, Smart, & Govoni, 2003). Females develop alcoholic liver disease (i.e., cirrhosis and hepatitis) after comparatively shorter periods and less intense drinking than do males. Although males have higher rates of cirrhosis mortality than women, proportionately, more alcohol-dependent females die from cirrhosis than do alcohol-dependent males (Fuchs et al., 1995; Lieber, 1993; Mann et al., 2003; NIAAA, 1999). One of the reasons for gender differences in alcoholic liver disease is that females achieve higher concentrations of alcohol in the blood than males after drinking equivalent amounts of alcohol (Bradley, Badrinath, Bush, Boyd-Wickizer, & Anawalt, 1998; Frezza et al., 1990; Redgrave, Swartz, & Romanoski, 2003). In a cohort study of over 13,000 men and women in Europe, for example, the relative risk of developing alcohol-related liver disease was significantly higher among women than men for any given level of alcohol intake (Becker et al., 1996). An additional reason for gender differences in alcoholic liver disease is that the level of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme associated with alcohol metabolism, may be lower in females than in males (Baraona et al., 2001; Thomasson, 1995). Estrogen has also been associated with alcohol-related liver disease (Moshage, 2001; Yin et al., 2000).

-- Source: http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/WomenTX/WomenTX.htm#1.1.8 –

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides primary medical care, mental health treatment, and women-only treatment at our Long Beach location as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare in alcohol and drug treatment.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence or drug addiction, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

The holidays are a happy time for most.  But for those suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction this time can be challenging, stressful, and downright depressing.  Thus it is important for loved ones to be aware of how the holidays affect those who suffer, but to enjoy the celebrations and family gatherings just the same.

Parties and gatherings can be a challenge for individuals in recovery.  Alcohol seems to be everywhere in the eyes of an alcoholic, from television to the glass in the hand of those that don’t normally drink.  Fond memories can overshadow the misery alcohol brought to their lives, and open the door to relapse.

It is also a time of year when distant friends and relatives are reunited.  This can bring stress in several ways.  An old drinking or drug using friend may call for a visit.  Since the damage of alcoholism and addiction has a wide reach, someone who has been harmed in the past may show up at a gathering.  Recovering individuals may find a reason to drink or use, and those not in recovery might go on a heavy binge.    

Holiday festivities, movies, and music can conjure up memories of lost friends and better times for alcoholics and drug addicts.  It is common for them to dwell on these memories rather than just move on, causing a feeling of “if only…” and a form of self-loathing.  Using the tools of recovery when these feelings arise will often help.

Some degree of depression, from “the blahs” to major depression, is bound to set in for those who believe they are bad people due to the feeling of self-loathing.  This is a common reason for relapse, increased alcohol or drug abuse, or for some folks in recovery to simply stay away from social situations.

Loved ones may become angry with alcoholics and drug addicts, join them in their misery, or even offer them a drink, drug, or tobacco to feel better.  The healthy response is in fact to let them be and enjoy the festive holiday season.  Loved ones have no control in dealing with the sufferer’s state of mind.  It may not be easy, so attending a support group like Al-Anon can help.

There are many resources on the internet for dealing with alcoholism and drug addiction during the holidays.  The excerpt below is from a discussion transcript posted on The Washington Post website.  The full Q & A session contains a wide variety of good advice for those who suffer and their loved ones.

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Arlington, Va.: My dad is an alcoholic, sober for about about five years now. Prior to this, we had thought he was still on the wagon, but he was hiding alcohol all around the house in flavored water bottles. Both my brother (28) and I (26) live away from home, and during the holidays, when we get together, it's tough because we always wonder if he has fallen off the wagon again, and we snoop the house inconspicuously. Will there ever be a time when we trust him again? We feel guilty traipsing around the house. My mom is at home, and she wonders/snoops too. FWIW, he was sober from basically my birth until I was 14/15, and that's when he fell off the wagon unbeknownst to us until five years ago.

Dr. Harris Stratyner: Alcoholism is a disease. It's primary, progressive, chronic and, if untreated, fatal. It makes liars of those people who fall victim to the disease unless they actively work on staying sober -- treatment, 12-step programs, etc. Instead of going behind your dad's back, realize that relapse is often part of this disease and speak to your dad about your concerns.

-- Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/12/05/DI2008120502603.html --

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides family services as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare in alcohol and drug treatment.  If you or a loved one needs help for alcohol dependence or drug addiction, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases that are typically driven by fear.  This is true whether these individuals are using their substance of choice or are in recovery.  Understanding this may help those in recovery, and help the loved ones of those still suffering to cope.

Fear paralyzes alcoholics and drug addicts.  Worry about the effect current actions will have on the future or how past actions have affected the present can cause great indecision.  Many thoughts flow through the mind at these times, and it stops individuals from even leaving point A to start toward point B.  

Without a program of recovery, alcoholics and drug addicts will reach for their substance of choice for relief.  The common reason will be to “clear their heads”, but it is really an attempt to escape from reality.  So, at its core, alcohol dependence and drug addiction drives sufferers to drink and use drugs by instilling fear in them.  It can be a deadly cycle.

This can seem foreign to those who don’t suffer from alcoholism or drug addiction because fear is often a motivator for them.  When it doesn’t motivate, fear is seen as irrational and forgotten.  This makes communication with addicted loved ones difficult because there is no natural way to relate.  Understanding the addict mind may help loved ones, but addicts need recovery to change.

Individuals learn tools in recovery to stop the fear before it starts.  12 Step programs teach individuals to “Let it go”, and take life “One day at a time”.  Sayings like these are repeated over and over because fear is deep-seated in newcomers to recovery.  When put into practice, these concepts slowly reduce fear, allowing individuals to face life instead of escape from it.

Knowing that fear drives alcohol dependence and drug addiction can help those in recovery to understand the usefulness of the 12 Steps and other programs.  It gives meaning to the words they hear and read, making a vital connection between the program and their lives.  And they must remember this every day of their lives.

Understanding the fear problem is just the beginning for loved ones of alcoholics and drug addicts.  Support groups, like Al-Anon, can help family members and close friends to start living their own lives.  Addiction is a family disease that drags everyone into a co-dependent, fear-based way of thinking, and they all need to recover.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides family services as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare in alcohol and drug treatment.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcoholism or drug addiction, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.

As if a study was needed, San Diego State University Center for Alcohol and Drug Studies has learned that college students drink more alcoholic beverages when they are priced lower.  While not everyone will engage in alcohol abuse on a regular basis just because it is cheap, this study provides an opportunity to explain one aspect of alcoholism.

Alcoholism is marked by the tendency of one to continue with heavy alcohol consumption in the face of resulting problems.  This is a loose clinical definition that can bring more questions than answers to the non-alcoholic.  To understand, alcoholics in recovery define the disease in different ways to help them, as well as others.

One that is clear goes as follows: Social drinkers stop drinking when they begin to feel “tipsy”, but an alcoholic is just getting started drinking with that feeling.  It means that once alcoholics start drinking, the desire is to continue for as long as they can pay for it or remain conscious.

Alcoholics will fit as many drinks as they can into their budgets while social drinkers can simply enjoy one drink.  Knowing that their dollars need to be stretched well, alcoholics will by beer and drink specials.  It is a matter of forethought when planning a night, or day, of drinking.

The study can be considered supportive of this definition.  College students typically have tight budgets to work with, so alcohol consumption can only be relative to the amount of money they have.  An alcoholic with $5.00 would choose five $1.00 beers over the one $5.00 cocktail that the non-alcoholic would buy.

Planning ahead for a drinking binge is a sign of alcohol obsession, even if it is just a budget consideration.  Social drinkers can take it or leave it.  Alcoholics need to know that they will get past the “tipsy” point.

An article about this study has been posted by the Addiction Technology Transfer Center.  An excerpt is below, followed by a link to the full article.  While the study may seem to show obvious results at first glance, the data is actually very interesting.

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“It may seem intuitive that cheaper alcohol can lead to higher intoxication levels and related consequences – such as fighting, drunk driving, sexual victimization, injury, even death – especially among the vulnerable college student population,” said Ryan J. O’Mara, a graduate research fellow at the University of Florida and corresponding author for the study.  “Nonetheless, ‘drink specials’ and other alcohol discounts and promotions remain a common feature of college bars in campus communities in the United States.  This study’s results challenge assertions sometimes made by the management of these establishments that drink discounts are innocuous marketing practices intended only to attract customers to better bargains than those provided elsewhere.”

“What makes this study unique,” added John D. Clapp, professor and director of the San Diego State University Center for Alcohol and Drug Studies, “is that it was one of the first to examine this relationship at the bar-patron level using methods that carefully examined price – that is, what people actually spent – and biologically measured intoxication.”

 -- Source: http://www.attcnetwork.org/explore/priorityareas/science/tools/asmeDetails.asp?ID=630 –

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides alcohol detox as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare in alcohol and drug treatment.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.