Substance Abuse

Alcoholism: the alarms that tell you to ask for help

This article, we will determine if the presence of alcohol in your life and surrounding could be a threat. Where you should ask for help.

Drinking alcoholic beverages regularly during adulthood is not dangerous for our health. However, it is estimated that 18 million US residents have problems with the abuse of this substance.

Probably you know someone who suffers from alcoholism, personally or inside their intimate circle. You may also tell that alcoholism carries different situations that prevent that person from working, keeping track of his children or couple, and having a healthy relationship with friends. Alcohol creates fights, inadequate treatment, and even family violence.

Many traffic accidents are produced by those who abuse alcoholic drinks. When someone is drunk, that person is not in his right mind, so the worst can happen.

Although men tend to be the ones who get drunk, women are becoming victims too, and the numbers are increasing fast. They should also be more careful because the concentration of alcohol in the blood is reached sooner.

According to the Director of the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholics, George Koob, Ph.D., “this is only an average, it can vary according to the person’s metabolism, size and weight. Those who are petite, for example, tend to reach the limit with fewer drinks”.

Below we leave a test to know if you are in trouble (if most of the answers are affirmative, help may be needed).

Last year, did the person:
Ended up drinking more or for a longer time than expected?
Tried to reduce his alcohol intake or stop drinking and couldn’t?
Spent most of his time drinking or recovering from this act?
Put himself in a dangerous situation while or after drinking? Some examples are drunk driving or high-risk sex.
Kept drinking, although this fact made him feel depressed, anxious, or aggravated a health problem?
Kept drinking and drinking to feel the effects of alcohol?
Had an urge to drink?
Found that drinking or feeling bad for it interfered with his family, work, or school?
Kept drinking, although it caused trouble with his family or friends?
Abandoned activities that he enjoyed for a drink?

Had withdrawal symptoms when the alcohol was wearing off? Trouble sleeping, tremors, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, and sweating are some symptoms. Those cases that are more severe include fever, seizures, and hallucinations.

Where the affected one should seek help:

Online:
CA Hispanic Commission Alcohol and Drug abuse. You may visit their website| CHCADA
Exodus Recovery Inc, Marengo | Their website is Exodus Recovery Inc

Telephone:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357) | SAMHSA

Personally:
BHS-Boyle Heights Recovery Center
3421 East Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90023
323-262-1786

 

You can also find more trusted local services in your community at http://www.boyleheightsresources.org or download the app Boyle Heights Resources.