Because it is widely available and socially acceptable, it’s easy to overlook the increased risk even moderate alcohol consumption can pose for disease, injury, and mortality. Yet, alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of death in the United States! A November 2022 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) brief alarmingly reported that alcohol-induced deaths jumped a whopping 26% between 2019 and 2020.
The truth is alcohol kills, sometimes quickly, but more often slowly – in the following ways.
The truth is alcohol kills, sometimes quickly, but more often slowly.
Most of us know that heavy drinking is not good for our hearts. Indeed, the CDC reports that heavy drinking can cause heart disease, but what if you enjoy a glass of wine several times a week?
It now appears that all types of drinking alcohol, even moderate drinking, may be associated with an increased risk for heart disease, according to a study from 2022 on habitual alcohol use and cardiovascular disease risk published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network. This finding counters the idea that moderate drinking provides heart health benefits, a conclusion that came from observational studies that many researchers now believe to be faulty.
The World Heart Federation also warns against any alcohol consumption in its 2022 Policy Brief due to its ill effects on health, especially heart health, referencing research that found moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk for stroke, heart failure, fatal hypertension, fatal aortic aneurysm, and coronary heart disease.
2. Increases Cancer Risk
Consuming alcohol is strongly associated with an increased risk of cancer and cancer mortality. In fact, the American Cancer Society recently updated its Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention stating it’s best “not to drink alcohol at all.”
The change in policy recommendation came from a study published in Cancer Epidemiology that found alcohol plays a role in a significant amount of cancer diagnoses and deaths among Americans. Specifically, alcohol consumption was most strongly linked to cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, and breasts.
3. Compromises Your Brain
Although alcohol may increase brain chemicals that make you feel good, it is not good for the brain! A 2016 review indicates that those who abuse alcohol regularly show evidence of damage in certain areas of the brain—such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), involved in decision-making and controlling impulses, and the hippocampus, which plays an important role in memory, learning, and mood.
Heavy drinking may also lower neurogenesis—the generation of new brain cells, according to animal research showing a dramatic decline (58%) in the formation and survival rate of new brain cells associated with alcohol consumption. Some of these ill effects may be due, in part, to decreased blood flow to the brain, which is a consequence of heavy drinking, brain scans have shown. Alcohol inhibits the healthy blood flow your brain needs to work optimally.
Research shows that alcohol, even in moderate amounts (1-7 drinks a week), is associated with lower total brain volume. The more you drink, the greater the brain volume shrinkage. This has been reflected in brain SPECT imaging at Amen Clinics as well. It’s not surprising that compared with non-drinkers and light drinkers, moderate (more than a drink a day) to heavy drinkers have a 57% higher risk of dementia, according to a population-based study.
4. Greater Risk of Mental Health Disorders
While a little alcohol can take the edge off temporarily, research shows it to be more of a detriment to mental health long-term. Regular, heavy drinking interferes with certain brain chemicals that are critical to good mental health. Indeed, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) reports that alcohol abuse and or dependence can lead to a host of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Alcohol abuse is also associated with higher suicide risk due to its disinhibition, impulsiveness, and impaired judgment effects. Research conducted on completed suicides shows that alcoholics account for roughly 20–40% of all suicides.
5. Increases in Infectious Diseases
Most people know that drinking too much alcohol can make you sick to your stomach, but fewer people are aware of how much more susceptible drinking makes you to communicable diseases, research shows.
Drinking excessively stokes inflammation and impairs the immune response, making you more vulnerable to both bacterial and viral infections, and decreases response to vaccination. For some heavy drinkers during the COVID pandemic, this alcohol-driven hit to the immune system was deadly. Additionally, losing your inhibitions while inebriated can put you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including life-threatening ones like HIV, through condomless sex.
6. More Vulnerable to Injury
Moderate alcohol consumption has been observed to negatively impact balance, ability to focus visually, reaction time, good judgment, and behavior, which increases the risk of injury.
According to world statistics, 28.7% of all deaths attributed to alcohol consumption were due to injuries in 2016 (the most recent year of recorded stats). Alcohol consumption is linked to a greater risk of car accidents, drownings, injuries from violence, and falls, according to the NIAA. It also increases your risk of head injury in the form of concussions.
7. Higher Incidence of Digestive Disease
Heavy drinking can lead to stomach inflammation—and that causes acid reflux and heartburn, and in some cases, even long-term esophageal issues. In your gut, alcohol can damage the lining and disrupt your microbiome, causing an imbalance in favor of the bad bacteria. Moderate and heavy drinking both increase the risk of colon cancer, compared to no alcohol consumption.
A review study in Alcohol Research found that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with intestinal inflammation, altered intestinal microbiota composition and function, and increased intestinal lining permeability (leaky gut). What’s more, researchers believe that this alcohol-induced intestinal inflammation may drive a number of alcohol-related organ dysfunctions and chronic disorders, such as chronic liver disease, neurological health issues, GI cancers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
8. Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (also called alcohol dependence, addiction, or alcoholism) increases your risk of every health issue mentioned above. Imagine slowly poisoning a plant with small amounts of a toxic liquid substance. That’s akin to what chronic alcohol abuse does to your body. It slowly erodes multiple areas of health and takes years off your life.
The CDC reports that more than 140,000 people die from excessive alcohol use in the U.S. each year, and those people’s lives were shortened by an average of 26 years!
9. Kills Your Liver Function
Any time you drink more alcohol than your liver can process, it causes problems. If you consume a large amount of alcohol, even for just a few days, it can lead to a build-up of fats in the liver, which is called alcoholic fatty liver disease. While it is usually heavy drinking that harms the liver, moderate drinking can cause some degree of fatty liver.
Long-term alcohol abuse seen in alcoholics may cause swelling and inflammation (hepatitis) of the liver. Over time, this can lead to permanent damage and scarring, which is called cirrhosis of the liver—known as the final phase of alcoholic liver disease. Roughly 43% of liver disease deaths in the U.S. are related to alcohol consumption.
Alcohol problems and mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Are you struggling with an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, prescription medications, or street drugs? Most likely, you assume your addiction is due to weakness, a character flaw, or a lack of self-control. This is not surprising, considering this is probably the overarching message you’re hearing from your friends and family.
“Why are you such a screw-up?” “Why are you always letting me down?”“Why can’t you be more reliable?”
When you finally make the decision to seek help for a drinking or drug use problem, you probably feel like you’ve let yourself down and let your loved ones down too. Even worse, you may believe it’s your fault or that you deserve a life of misery. Brain imaging changes these inaccurate and harmful beliefs.
If you’re struggling with addiction, you may believe it’s your fault or that you deserve a life of misery. Brain imaging changes these inaccurate and harmful beliefs.
In working with thousands of substance abusers, we have found that brain SPECT imaging helps people realize that addiction is clearly a brain disease, not the result of a character flaw or personal weakness that can never be treated. SPECT is a brain imaging technology that measures blood flow and activity in the brain. It shows areas of the brain with healthy activity, too little activity, and too much activity.
Brain imaging helps people to think of addiction in the same way you would think of any other disease. Take diabetes, for example, which is a disease of the pancreas that leads to problems with insulin and blood sugar. Diabetes can lead to medical and behavioral consequences. With the proper treatment, it can often be controlled so that diabetics can live a satisfying life.
Similarly, addiction is a disease that can lead to problems with physical health and behavioral issues. With a brain-based approach to treatment, addiction can often be controlled so you can regain control of your life.
HOW BRAIN IMAGING HELPS ALLEVIATE ADDICTION STIGMA
Realizing that addiction is a brain disease can be very powerful because it alleviates some of the stigma attached to substance abuse and bad behaviors. No longer do you have to feel like you’re a bad person for having addictions or that the questionable behaviors you engage in while high or drunk define who you are as a person.
Take Nadine, 17, for example. When this teenager entered a drug program, she admitted that she felt like a loser because she would get drunk and then have sex with anyone. She was quick to label herself by saying, “I’m a slut.” But when she was asked if she was also promiscuous when she was sober, she said no. She had never had sex with anyone when she was sober.
After looking at SPECT scans of brains damaged by alcohol and drug use compared to healthy brains, Nadine began to understand that her problems were not due to a character flaw, but to a brain problem. This helped her stop thinking of herself in such a negative and damaging way and gave her hope that she could change.
BRAIN IMAGING INCREASES UNDERSTANDING AND FORGIVENESS IN FAMILIES
Realizing that addiction and substance abuse are brain diseases can also help parents understand that it isn’t your fault if your child has an addiction. Including the entire family in treatment plans is important. Many parents of substance abusers mercilessly beat themselves up over their child’s problems.
“If only I had taken him to that Giants baseball game when he was seven instead of working, this wouldn’t have happened. It’s all my fault.” “If I had paid more attention to who she was hanging around with, I could have prevented this.”“I should have made him transfer to another school.”
Parents often play the blame game with each other too.
“If you would have been home more often, you would have seen what was happening.”“You were always too lenient with her, letting her do whatever she wanted.”“You were so strict, you alienated him.”
These thinking patterns are so detrimental to treatment and recovery. By contrast, focusing on addiction as a brain disease helps the entire family look at the brain as the organ that needs to be treated in order for the person with the addiction to get better.
Note that the concept of addiction as a brain disease does not relieve you of taking responsibility for your actions and behaviors. It gives you a better understanding of how your brain plays the central role in your addiction and how taking care of your brain is the key to breaking free from those addictions and behaviors.
BRAIN IMAGING HELPS IDENTIFY COMORBID CONDITIONS
People with addictions often have co-existing conditions, such as anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and ADD/ADHD. Brain imaging helps identify these co-occurring disorders, as well as past head injuries, which are also associated with increased risk for addictions.
We once treated a 42-year-old woman who had failed 6 alcohol treatment programs. She desperately wanted to stop drinking alcohol, but she couldn’t follow through with any of the programs because she was so impulsive. She just couldn’t say no whenever alcohol was around.
Her brain scans showed severe damage to the prefrontal cortex (PFC)—a brain region involved in impulse control, judgment, and learning from one’s mistakes—due to a head injury. It turned out that she had been kicked in the head by a horse when she was 10 years old. She had no supervisor in her head.
The PFC acts like the brain’s brake, telling you to stop before engaging in detrimental behaviors. Without this internal supervisor, she constantly gave in to her cravings for alcohol. If we didn’t address the damaged PFC, she would never be able to recover. Giving her a treatment plan to enhance PFC function was very helpful to her and allowed her to follow through on an alcohol treatment program.
Comorbid conditions, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, or head injuries, all need to be treated in addition to treating the addiction. You can have the greatest addiction treatment plan available or enter the most well-respected treatment center, but if you have underlying brain dysfunction, chances are you won’t be able to follow through with the program. For lasting success, the brain problems must be treated in addition to the addiction.
BRAIN IMAGING HELPS SHOW PROGRESS
There is no better way to find out if a treatment program is working than to see before-and-after images of the brain. Scans clearly show when a treatment plan is effectively healing the brain or when it needs to be adjusted. Thanks to imaging, small adjustments can be made to a person’s program to promote even faster healing, so it will be easier for you to break free from the addictions that steal your life.
For patients, seeing the progress they have made can be a tremendous motivator to continue on the road to freedom from addiction. Even the slightest improvements in brain health can encourage you to stay on the right track.
Substance abuse disorders, alcohol use disorders, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. Cali sober, or California sober, is a “newish” term that refers to the benefits of semi-sobriety, or leading a more sober lifestyle than you had before. Followers say they have started drinking less, or swapping out their glass of wine in favor of marijuana or psychedelics like mushrooms.
But is a Cali sober lifestyle safe, or does it still harm your brain, mood, and cognitive function?
“I’m California sober,” crooned Lovato, who came close to dying from a drug overdose in 2018. “It doesn’t have to mean the growing part is over.”
Used to live in fear of always slippingBut living for perfection isn’t living, I ran a little slower, now I’m tripping, A beautiful and magical beginning.
By consuming fewer, or supposedly less-harmful intoxicants, Cali sober adherents claim they are cleaning up their acts, at least a bit, and are the better for it.
While it’s both logical, and scientifically supported, that reducing consumption of mind-altering substances corresponds to a reduction in physical harm, it does not eliminate it. Far from it, in fact. Mounting research shows that strikingly low levels of alcohol, and other substances, can have far more negative consequences for a person’s brain health—both right away and over the long-term—than is commonly believed.
CALI SOBER AND THE DANGEROUS ALLURE OF ‘JUST ONE DRINK’
One new study, published in Science Daily in August, found that even one drink a day can reduce a person’s brain size. That solo drink can permanently impact the brain’s neurons, the way they interact and the way their mitochondria operate, the study found.
“These results suggest that even a single consumption event can lay the foundation for alcohol addiction,” according to the authors of the study.
The authors used a large data set, scrutinizing brain MRIs from more than 36,000 middle-aged to older adults in the United Kingdom. The scans showed that the white and gray matter in the study participants’ brains shrunk with even light-to-moderate alcohol use. In another finding that supports the central Cali sober idea, the study did reveal that the heaviest alcohol users benefited greatly from cutting back from three glasses to two glasses a night.
But while this is true, it does not address the damage done by such seemingly moderate alcohol consumption.
The news isn’t much better when it comes to embracing marijuana or psychedelics as “healthier” substitutes for drinking.
CALI SOBER AND MARIJUANA: NOT SO INNOCUOUS AFTER ALL
Even using marijuana temporarily can impair the creation of memories and expose people to the risk of cognitive dysfunction as they age, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. The researchers followed more than 5,000 people for more than 25 years beginning in 1986 through 2011. For every additional five years of marijuana use, participants remembered one fewer word from a list of 15 words.
Adolescents who use cannabis run a higher risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts, according to a 2019 review in JAMA Psychiatry. Equally worrisome, as many as 10% of new cases of psychosis—the temporary inability to distinguish what is real from what isn’t—may be associated with taking high-potency cannabis, according to research in The Lancet Psychiatry.
When it comes to the greatest contributing risk factors in speeding up how quickly a brain ages, the use of cannabis came in second, after schizophrenia, according to an Amen Clinics brain imaging study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. The study involved a review of 62,454 brain SPECT scans, in a collaboration between Amen Clinics, Google, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of California in both Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The study found that while alcohol abuse represented 0.6 years of accelerated aging, cannabis abuse was even worse, representing 2.8 years of accelerated aging. At number one on the list, schizophrenia represented 4 years.
“The cannabis abuse finding was especially important, as our culture is starting to see marijuana as an innocuous substance,” Dr. Daniel Amen said of the investigation. “This study should give us pause about it.
FROM MUSHROOMS TO MOLLY—MORE CAUSE FOR CONCERN IF YOU’RE CALI SOBER
When it comes to psilocybin, the psychoactive chemical in magic mushrooms, more research needs to be done, but early findings suggest people should approach them with caution.
A 2020 brain imaging study in the journal NeuroImage found that psilocybin drug lowers activity in a part of the brain called the claustrum by studying brain scans of people before and after they took the drug.
Although people who take mushrooms famously report effects that range from seeing colors more vividly, to thinking unusual thoughts and feelings of euphoria, it’s not the case for everybody. Some people report nausea, numbness, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, fear, and feeling depressed.
And while MDMA, also known by the street drug names Ecstasy or Molly, releases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—all neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and well-being—there can be downsides. Levels of serotonin, for example, can be depleted following the use of MDMA, prompting adverse psychological impacts. Regions of the brain associated with impulse control and attention, working memory, and visual information processing can be impacted by long-term MDMA use.
IS CALI SOBER HEALTHY?
Let’s return to the allure of that single glass of wine.
At Amen Clinics, the evidence from brain imaging studies demonstrates that even one glass of beer or wine per day can be directly toxic to brain function. The SPECT scans of people who drink excessively—more than three drinks a week—appear toxic. More generally, alcohol can harm the brain and body in numerous ways. It is associated with:
Sleep disruption
Peripheral neuropathies (pain and tingling in hands, legs, and feet). This refers to damage to neurons, especially those in the cerebellum, which is involved in physical and thought coordination, and mood.
Fatty liver disease
Malabsorption of vitamin B1, which predisposes people to serious cognitive problems.
Decreased firing in the prefrontal cortex, the seat of our personalities, and the part of the brain that oversees cognitive decision-making.
Increased sugar abuse
Over-stimulated appetite, by keeping a person seated at the table and continuing to eat past the point of feeling full.
Increased insulin production, which can lower blood sugar levels, impairing decision-making.
Increased risk of cancer and physical injuries. A known carcinogen, alcohol is associated with 5.8% of all cancer deaths.
Traffic fatalities. Just under a third of all traffic-related deaths involve alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).
It should come as no surprise that the state of California itself—while associated in name with the Cali sober movement—is under no illusions about the risks of semi-sobriety. Electronic signs on California freeways, as elsewhere in the country, continue to flash an unequivocal message: “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.”
To put it simply, no matter all the ways our culture relentlessly romanticizes it, alcohol is not a health food. The only truly healthy relationship with it is entire abstinence, aka a fully sober life, not a semi-sober one.
Given the evidence about the dangers posed by even moderate alcohol consumption, perhaps the fad should be renamed—far more realistically—Cali buzzed. Today, that’s an idea that even Demi Lovato might agree with. Less than a year after their “California Sober” song came out, the singer changed their tune.
“I no longer support my California sober ways,” Lovato said on Instagram in December 2021, sparking widespread headlines regarding the about-face. “Sober sober is the only way to be.”
Substance abuse and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
In the health-damaging confines of the standard American diet, much of what is classified as “comfort food” is anything but, especially when we examine the impacts it can have on our bodies. Sadly, those foods we so often reach for when we’re stressed might actually be worsening the problem—and, in more serious cases, even affecting our mental health.
Anxiety in particular—the most common mental health issue in the United States, affecting 40 million-plus adults every year—has been closely linked with unhealthy dietary choices. In an animal study from 2018, researchers noted increased symptoms of anxiety and depressive behavior in mice that were fed a diet high in refined carbohydrates. Another study from 2019, which looked at more than 1,100 Greek adults over age 50, found that consuming higher levels of saturated fats and added sugars was associated with higher anxiety levels.
While many foods can contribute to anxiousness, let’s look at some of the most common culprits and why they’re best avoided by those who struggle with everyday nervousness or who have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder—and by anyone who wants to avoid experiencing these symptoms.
In the health-damaging confines of the standard American diet, much of what is classified as “comfort food” is anything but, especially when we examine the impacts it can have on our bodies and mental health.
If you’re one of the millions of people who reach for candy or desserts when feeling anxious, understand that these kinds of sugar-packed foods should never be considered treats. On the contrary, they create disturbance inside the body by causing a spike in blood sugar, which then leads to a quick crash. It’s this up-and-down roller coaster that worsens levels of anxiety in those who already struggle with it (even leading to symptoms that feel like a panic attack). Diets high in sugar are also linked to a range of additional anxiety-increasing side effects, such as inflammation, fatigue, and erratic brain cell activity that has been implicated in aggression, according to one 2021 study—while also leading to cravings for more, perpetuating an addiction-like cycle.
Remember that added sugar can assume many forms on a food label, from high-fructose corn syrup and dextrose to honey and molasses. And sugar can be hiding in a variety of store-bought foods that are definitely not viewed as desserts. Check the labels on packaged foods before you buy, including fruit juice, salad dressings, nondairy milk, yogurt, condiments, soups, cereals, marinades, and sauces—you might be surprised at the added-sugar counts. If you tend to feel anxious, nervous, jittery, or tense, avoid blood sugar spikes and dips by eating balanced meals instead. Aim for a mix of protein, carbs, fat, and fiber to keep moods steadier throughout the day.
2. Processed meats
If you’re thinking of arranging a charcuterie plate for guests at your next gathering, think again. Due to their high saturated fat content, cured meats, like salami, bacon, and jerky—just like red meats in general—have been linked to inflammation in the body, which fuels anxiety. Cured meats have an additional strike against them, as they are prepared with sky-high amounts of salt. High sodium intake raises blood pressure and puts extra strain on the heart, causing the body to release adrenaline into the bloodstream, which leads to feelings of anxiety.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to consume less meat, processed or otherwise, be careful also to avoid highly processed meat alternatives. Protein replacements can be a healthier choice if they’re made up of whole grains and vegetables, but make sure to read the labels for the ingredients list, as well as nutritional information like sodium counts.
3. Artificial sugar substitutes
We already know that artificial sweeteners, like the ones used in diet sodas, won’t help you lose weight. But, since they’re harmful to the brain, they can also be destructive to mental health. One 2018 study noted that aspartame (as found in NutraSweet or Equal) has been associated with anxiety and irritable moods, along with depression, insomnia, and a host of other neurophysiological issues. That’s because these fake sugars are known as neurotoxins that disrupt the functioning of the nervous system, which leads to increased symptoms of anxiety.
One study, which focused on nutritional interventions as possible treatments for anxiety, suggested that the increased anxious feelings associated with artificial sweeteners may result from the adverse effects they have on the body, such as causing inflammation and disrupting the microbiome. Another study suggested that aspartame can inhibit the transport of dopamine and serotonin precursors to the brain and may increase the levels of excitatory neurotransmitters—changes that alter brain chemistry for a more anxiety-prone effect.
4. Caffeinated beverages
With so many Americans coping with improper sleep, hectic schedules, and a lack of energy-boosting diet and exercise plans, it’s no wonder they feel tired on a daily basis. In an effort to push themselves toward better performance, highly caffeinated beverages such as coffee and energy drinks have become more popular standards in our diets, and in larger serving sizes than ever.
Unfortunately, in addition to these drinks often being loaded with sugar, they can also wreak havoc on those with anxiety—or create symptoms in those who add these beverages to their diet. One study found that consuming more than 250 mg of caffeine per day “can lead to physical symptoms including restlessness, nervousness, psychomotor agitation, tremulousness, and insomnia.” Another, from 2020, studied the consumption of energy drinks among young adults who were 20 and older, to examine its effects on mental health symptoms—and found that participants who added these drinks to their routines registered an increase in stress scores after the 2-year study.
Similarly, a Cambridge study that tracked the coffee consumption of college students found that those who had high caffeine intake were more prone to headaches, anxiety, and psychological distress. Even moderate intake, as little as 1½ cups of coffee (equal to 150 mg of caffeine), may lead to increased anxiousness among those who have certain sensitivities, including those with markers associated with panic disorder, according to a different study.
5. Cocktails
Cocktails serve up a double-whammy of anxiety-increasing elements. First, alcohol (our country’s most dangerous drug, killing more than 140,000 Americans each year, according to the CDC) has been shown to be linked with anxiety. In fact, alcohol use disorder and anxiety co-occur at notable rates—about 2-3 times as often as would be expected by chance alone, say researchers. Others have noted that 1 out of every 3 alcoholics “has experienced episodes of intense depression and/or severe anxiety,” the latter generally occurring after the drinking period (for example, in the hangover stage), which often leads them to drink more to quell that anxiety. This dangerous cycle can lead, ultimately, to addiction.
But even for drinkers who do not imbibe to addictive levels, many cocktails pile on to existing anxiety through the element of added sugar—heaps of it. Sugary drinks such as Pimm’s Cups, piña coladas, margaritas, and fruity martinis pack a shocking amount of added sugar. This is often due to ingredients like flavored spirits, fruit juice, sodas, and mixers. The USDA estimates more than 33 grams of sugar in a daiquiri and more than 36 in a margarita. Stats like this put the “toxic” in intoxicated.
MAKE SMALL CHANGES TO IMPROVE ANXIETY
If all of this feels overwhelming—or if you’re a consumer of many or all of the culprits listed above—don’t panic. Making healthier choices can start with small changes. Swap out cured meats for lean proteins, exchange sugary cocktails for a club soda with fresh lime juice, or try drinking antioxidant-rich green tea versus coffee to start your day. Being armed with this information and choosing anti-anxiety foods instead will help calm busy brains and lower stress levels over the long haul. In the meantime, those with anxiety disorders can also consult with a mental health professional to determine a targeted treatment plan and improve symptoms in conjunction with a better diet.
Anxiety, panic disorders, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. We know that alcohol can damage the brain, disrupt sleep, and lead to addiction. Cannabis, too, can create dependence, while inhibiting blood flow to the brain and impairing short- and long-term memory. But both of these popular drugs have additional serious side effects that you might not have heard about—including the risk of delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), psychosis describes “a break with reality,” and 3 in 100 people may experience an episode at some point in their lives, with about 100,000 young people affected every year. Psychosis itself is a symptom, not an illness, and may include delusions and hallucinations—two types of responses that may occur as a result of psychotic disorders.
Alcohol and marijuana both have additional serious side effects that you might not have heard about—including the risk of delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis.
One point to note, according to American Addiction Centers, is that while hallucinogenic drugs may cause users to see, hear, or feel things that aren’t there, these side effects are not the same as psychosis (though having an adverse reaction to, or taking too much of, these types of drugs can lead to disturbing symptoms like delusions and paranoia). Findings from a study in Experimental Neurobiology show that substances like PCP and LSD are known for causing short-term or long-term effects on the experience of reality, but drugs considered “less harmful” and often legalized (such as alcohol and marijuana) are also associated with psychosis—either while on the drug, or when attempting to stop taking it after prolonged use.
DELUSIONS, HALLUCINATIONS, AND OTHER PSYCHOSIS SYMPTOMS
NAMI notes that psychosis, overall, is “characterized as disruptions to a person’s thoughts and perceptions that make it difficult for them to recognize what is real and what isn’t.” One manifestation of this kind of skewed experience among drug users is having delusions, which involves clinging to beliefs that have no basis in reality. For example, a person may believe that the federal government has installed surveillance to spy on them, even though no evidence of this exists. Hallucinations, on the other hand, involve seeing or hearing things that aren’t there or having unusual bodily sensations, such as the feeling that bugs are crawling on the skin.
Other psychotic symptoms include disorganized thinking and incoherent speech; abnormal or disorganized movements, including catatonia, or lack of movement; diminished emotional expression; and “negative symptoms” (lack of engagement in activities, speaking, socializing, etc.). In general, psychotic symptoms can range from mild to severe, causing levels of impairment that can affect an individual’s ability to function, leading them to struggle with basic tasks like maintaining interpersonal relationships, attending work or school, and keeping up with basic self-care.
CANNABIS, ALCOHOL, AND PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS
Substance-induced psychotic disorder is the term used for a person experiencing any of the above symptoms as a result of taking or withdrawing from a drug (and, as a reminder, alcohol is a drug that can damage the brain). Cannabis-induced psychosis seems to occur even more commonly today, as new and stronger strains of the drug circulate, and as legalization efforts increase their usage and acceptance. Research shows that marijuana increases the risk for psychosis, and the findings of a 2019 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggest that 10% of new cases of psychosis may be linked to high-potency cannabis. The study also found that daily users of high-potency strains were 5 times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder. Other research has shown that using marijuana at an early age, such as during the teen or tween years, is associated with an increased risk of psychosis.
A 2021 medical review noted that psychosis due to substance abuse is now a common issue observed in medical settings, and the likelihood of developing psychosis “seems to be associated with the severity of use and dependence.” Additionally, with new substances now frequently emerging, it can be difficult to track everything that is available through illicit markets, along with fully studying their long-term effects. “The variety of substances able to provoke an episode of acute psychosis is rapidly increasing,” the report stated.
Alcohol, on the other hand, is more often associated with hallucinations in someone who has abused alcohol for a time and/or has ingested heavier quantities—often when they are trying to quit. This is called alcoholic hallucinosis, and it’s an alarming side effect of chronic alcohol abuse. Research has noted this issue usually involves “acoustic verbal hallucinations, delusions, and mood disturbances arising in clear consciousness and sometimes may progress to a chronic form, mimicking schizophrenia.” Another term for this issue is alcohol-related psychosis, and substance abuse researchers explain that it can also occur as a result of acute intoxication after an episode of heavy intake—creating symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, and fear.
RISK FACTORS FOR PSYCHOSIS
American Addiction Centers notes that using substances like marijuana can increase the risk of psychosis among those who are already vulnerable based on other factors. These factors include:
Genetics
Traumatic events (such as wartime military service or sexual assault)
The nature of psychotic disorders—such as ongoing thought disturbances and the failure to accurately perceive reality—means that they are considered among the most challenging psychiatric conditions to address. Treatment is possible and may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and other methods of management, so someone who suffers from psychotic conditions can take steps to manage symptoms.
Still, especially if there are pre-existing vulnerabilities, it’s best to avoid the chances of these episodes occurring to begin with. Steer clear of dangerous and addictive substances like marijuana and alcohol, which can lead to the frightening, reality-twisting symptoms of psychosis. Unfortunately, most people with addictions or dependencies on drugs like marijuana and alcohol do not receive treatment, such as entering residential programs. But if you or someone you love is affected by addiction, be proactive and seek help, not only for the addiction but also for the underlying factors that contribute to the problem. It is crucial to address these issues before they lead to the possible lasting damage associated with psychosis.
Psychotic symptoms, addiction, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Entrepreneur and author Billy Carson didn’t grow up having it all. In fact, his upbringing was filled with stress and trauma—the stuff that can negatively impact your brain and contribute to depression, resentment, and anxiety. He experienced the type of trauma that can cause changes in the brain that make you more likely to turn to alcohol, drugs, sex, or video games for relief from painful memories. But not Carson. He used the childhood trauma he faced to fuel his ambitions and turned his pain into purpose. But even though he’s reached a high level of success, he wanted to know if he could be performing at an even higher level if improved his brain health. That’s why he visited Amen Clinics to get a brain SPECT scan.
Entrepreneur and author Billy Carson used the childhood trauma he faced to fuel his ambitions and turned his pain into purpose.
When you grow up with childhood trauma or in a stressful environment, it can play a major role in shaping your mental health as an adult. In many cases, adverse childhood experiences have a negative impact on brain function and mental health.
For Carson, the odds seemed to be stacked against him. His dad was an alcoholic and drug addict. In an effort to get away from that negative influence, his mom moved the family to a town in Florida that, unfortunately, turned out to be so crime-ridden the police wouldn’t even go there. “They called it the Bermuda Triangle,” Carson says in an episode of Scan My Brain.
By age 6, Carson was seeing people getting stabbed or being killed in the neighborhood. “It was a normal everyday event,” he says. At night, he would grab a butcher knife, push over the dinette table, put his siblings behind it, then stand guard all night to protect them. The town was so tough the school crossing guards would try to rob the kids on the way to school. The junior high school he attended got closed down because kids were murdering each other.
With that start in life, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Carson had fallen into the same negative behaviors as the other neighbor kids. But something about Carson was different. He told his mother, “I don’t belong here.” And he started looking for a way out.
FROM TRAUMA SURVIVOR TO ENTREPRENEUR
Carson’s entry into the world of entrepreneurship came at age 7 courtesy of an ice cream truck. As a youngster, he desperately wanted something from the ice cream truck but didn’t have any money. He decided to sell his toys door-to-door and ended up with a handful of cash that he used to buy some Bazooka bubble gum. Success! At that moment, he came to a life-changing realization: “Nobody’s coming to save me. I’m gonna have to save myself.”
With this understanding, he knew he was going to be okay in life. And that simple yet powerful shift in mindset changed everything. From that point on, he worked to build his own success, which now includes books, music, a television network called 4biddenKnowledge, and more.
However, like many successful people, he wondered if his brain could be better.
HIDDEN BRAIN ISSUES THAT CAN HOLD YOU BACK
As an entrepreneur, business owner, or executive, your brain is your greatest asset. Some high achievers manage to excel in business despite challenges involving brain function that can affect focus, moods, anxiety, memory, and more.
When Carson saw his brain scan, he could clearly see evidence of a mild traumatic brain injury stemming from a car accident that occurred at age 22. Carson was in the passenger seat when his friend who was driving fell asleep while going about 75 mph. The impact from the accident jettisoned Carson through the window, leaving him with nerve damage around his right eye. He also says his memory isn’t as good as it could be.
On his brain SPECT scan, which measures blood flow and activity in the brain, Carson could see damage to the left temporal lobe, a brain region involved in memory.
Another finding on his SPECT scan was too much activity in the brain’s emotional centers in a pattern that is commonly seen in people who have experienced trauma. In some people with this diamond pattern, it leads to negativity and blaming others for their lot in life. But not for Carson. With a positive, optimistic attitude, he exhibits resilience and focuses on problem-solving, which provides him with a sense of peace.
This is something Daniel Amen, MD, refers to as posttraumatic growth, a process that occurs in some people that allows them to turn pain into purpose. For Carson, that comes in the form of helping others live more fulfilling lives.
OPTIMIZING BRAINPOWER FOR BETTER SUCCESS
For Carson, there is still some room for improvement in terms of brain health. To help optimize his brain, Dr. Amen’s recommendations include:
Play table tennis to improve brain activity in some brain regions
By following a brain optimization plan, Carson is hoping to see increments of improvement in certain areas of his life. For any entrepreneur, achieving peak performance requires optimal brain function. Getting a brain scan to assess and identify brain regions that could benefit from optimization can be the key to reaching the next level of success.
Optimizing brain health for peak performance can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. Do you have a few too many glasses of wine? Crack open a 6-pack of beer every time you watch a game on TV? Do you smoke weed or take prescription medications, like benzodiazepines, to help you get through your day? Or did you overdo it with alcohol or drugs in the past? It’s no surprise that substance use is harmful to your brain. But is that harm permanent? Or can you heal your brain even if you’ve been bad to it?
It’s no surprise that substance use is harmful to your brain. But is that harm permanent? Or can you heal your brain even if you’ve been bad to it?
That’s a question actor, singer, dancer Frankie Grande had when he visited Amen Clinics for a brain SPECT scan for an episode of Scan My Brain. By the time he was 24 years old, he had already been dealing with an addiction to alcohol, but he also started “dabbling in other substances.” According to the entertainer, “It was a very slow ramp-up to where it was out of control,” he says to Dr. Daniel Amen in the episode.
It got to a point where the entertainer thought, “It’s time to make a change, otherwise you’re going to be dead.” Fortunately, he chose life. After 4 years of sobriety, he wondered if his SPECT scan would reveal a brain ravaged by his past substance abuse. The results surprised him.
DRINKING, DRUGS, AND THE BRAIN
Brain SPECT imaging studies of people with addictions show markedly unhealthy patterns of blood flow and brain activity. On SPECT, drugs and alcohol lead to a pattern called scalloping, or overall decreased blood flow and activity. Low blood flow on SPECT scans has also been associated with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADD/ADHD, and more. Low blood flow is also the #1 brain imaging predictor that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, research shows that people who drink every day have smaller brains. When it comes to the brain, size matters! Scientific evidence also shows that heavy alcohol use can interfere with hormonal systems and neurotransmitters, which play an important role in mood disorders and anxiety disorders. That’s not all. Moderate-to-heavy drinkers increase their risk of dementia by 57% and develop it earlier compared to nondrinkers and light drinkers, according to a 2015 study.
Even supposedly “harmless” drugs like marijuana can have a negative impact on the brain. In 2016, the Amen Clinics published the largest brain imaging study on 982 marijuana users showing overall decreased blood flow compared to a healthy group. The most pronounced decrease in blood flow was seen in the right hippocampus, a brain region commonly involved with memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
Using cannabis as an adolescent increases the risk of developing depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adulthood, according to a 2019 review. Other findings on marijuana point to impaired short-term memory, problems with learning and attention problems, reductions in focus and coordination, and increases in the risk for psychosis. In fact, results of a 2019 study in The Lancet Psychiatry show that potent cannabis may be associated with 10% of new cases of psychosis.
SPECT scans show that other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are also damaging to the brain. But is it possible to heal that damage?
HEALING THE BRAIN AFTER SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Brain SPECT imaging shows that it is possible to improve brain health even if you’ve been a heavy drinker or been addicted to drugs or alcohol. At Amen Clinics, before-and-after SPECT scans of patients who have overcome addictions show some of the most dramatic improvements in cerebral blood flow and brain activity.
To Frankie Grande’s surprise, his brain scans looked healthier than he anticipated. Being sober for 4 years and adopting brain healthy habits during that time likely helped repair some of the harm typically seen from excessive drinking and drug use.
Interventions that can help heal the brain if you have had a drinking problem or have used drugs include the following:
Eliminate alcohol or drugs.
If you’re already sober, congratulations! That is a huge step to healing your brain. If you’re still using and need help to stop, look into a brain-centered treatment program.
Investigate the underlying causes of why you use alcohol and/or drugs.
Determine if something such as past emotional trauma, anxiety, or depression is leading you to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol and seek treatment for those issues.
Adopt brain-healthy habits.
Avoid things that hurt your brain and engage in things that help it.
Try hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
HBOT is a simple, non-invasive, painless treatment with minimal side effects that use the power of oxygen to enhance the healing process and reduce inflammation. Before-and-after SPECT scans of patients who have undergone HBOT show remarkable improvements in blood flow.
Take nutritional supplements and medications (if needed).
Support your brain health with targeted nutraceuticals as well as any prescription medications you need.
Addictions and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. To protect your brain against cognitive decline, you might typically consider cultivating brain healthy habits such as continued learning to keep your mind sharp. Or you might focus on lifestyle factors like consuming a healthy whole-food diet, getting regular exercise, pursuing hobbies and interests, or ensuring you consistently get quality sleep.
You might also avoid potentially harmful behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption or participating in high-risk sports activities like skiing or sky diving. Here’s another, unexpected risk factor for cognitive impairment to consider: surgery.
Research indicates that 25% of patients over 75 undergoing a major surgery will experience significant cognitive decline—and half will suffer lasting brain damage.
That’s right, surgery. When you go under the knife and are anesthetized, you are putting your brain function at risk. This is especially true for senior populations. Research published in Clinical Interventions in Aging indicates that 25% of patients over 75 undergoing major surgery will experience significant cognitive decline—and half will suffer lasting brain damage, There’s even a name for this phenomenon: postoperative cognitive dysfunction, also called postoperative cognitive decline (POCD).
Here’s what you need to know about how “going under” affects your brain, and what you can do to protect against POCD.
ABOUT POSTOPERATIVE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
Adverse impacts to the brain post-surgery is not exactly new. Evidence of what we call POCD today dates back to 1887 when the BMJ published a piece about cases of delirium following surgery and anesthesia. While separate conditions, researchers see a close relationship between postoperative delirium and POCD resulting from surgery and anesthesia.
Today, research has a much clearer understanding of postsurgical cognitive decline, although many questions remain. A patient is diagnosed with POCD when deficits are observed in one or more areas of cognition, such as attention, focus/concentration, executive function, memory, visuospatial ability, and psychomotor speed. This condition will usually develop over a period of more than a week or month and lasts for an extended period—sometimes permanently. The consequences can be great. Patients with POCD are at risk of losing their jobs, their independence, and their basic quality of life.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR POSTOPERATIVE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION?
Serious Implications for Seniors: Considering that there are more than 230 million operations performed using anesthesia worldwide each year, and seniors (over 65) make up a majority of those requiring surgeries, millions of elderly patients are potentially at risk.
Affects Young Children: POCD can affect young children as well. A study published in Pediatrics found that children who underwent general anesthesia under the age of 4 later showed lower IQ scores, diminished language comprehension, and lower gray matter volume in their brains.
Higher Incidence Among Cardiac Surgery Patients: While scientists are still struggling to understand why, there’s clearly a higher incidence of COPD among patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Cognitive decline lasting up to 6 months post-surgery occurs in 20–30% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and lasting POCD of 12 months or more occurs in 15–25% of cardiac patients, according to a 2019 review study.Other Risk Factors: In addition to old age and cardiac disease being risk factors, those with pre-existing cognitive health issues, alcohol abuse, vascular disease, low level of education, and postsurgical complications are all at greater risk of developing POCD, studies have found.
Interestingly, the education level risk factor has to do with cognitive reserve, which is the term used for the known linkage between a lower education level and increased risk of cognitive impairment in older age. Those with more education have greater cognitive reserve and a more cognitively resilient post-surgery.
Diminished Blood Flow: A pre-and post-op SPECT study of patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery showed that 68% had diminished blood flow, which was linked to cognitive dysfunction—specifically, decreased verbal and visual memory six months later.
Of course, low blood flow is a risk factor for a number of brain health issues. Reduced blood flow on SPECT scans has been associated with depression, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, and more. Decreased cerebral blood flow is the #1 brain imaging predictor that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease.
WHAT CAUSES POSTSURGICAL COGNITIVE DECLINE?
Scientists are still trying to understand what factors into the cognitive decline that some patients experience after surgery with anesthesia. Currently, experts believe that POCD is the result of the stress and inflammation triggered by surgery and anesthesia on sensitive, high-risk brains.
Major surgeries can unleash a firestorm of inflammation. The brain contains the largest density of inflammatory receptors in the body, which makes it especially vulnerable to the effects of inflammation. When there is neuroinflammation, sensitive regions can get damaged. Studies involving brain-imaging scans have shown that the hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory, had reduced volume in some patients with POCD.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO AVOID POCD
If you are anticipating surgery, discuss your POCD concerns with your medical doctor.
A shorter duration of exposure to anesthesia can also diminish the risk of POCD, as can reduce exposure to certain medications.
Of course, one of the best things you can do is to develop brain-healthy habits before and after surgery, such as:
Eat plenty of brain healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Avoid inflammatory foods such as refined carbohydrates, sugar, fried foods, and excessive alcohol.
Ensure you get plenty of restorative sleep, which your brain needs to function optimally.
Exercise regularly (only when you are able to post-surgery), especially brain-boosting exercise.
Engage in some type of stress-reducing activity like meditation or yoga.
Practice new learning to keep your brain strong.
What you do each day has a huge impact on your brain, and a strong brain is your best insurance against lasting post-surgical cognitive dysfunction.
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction and other brain health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. When influencer and musician Stephen Hilton posted a video about how alcohol is the only drug you have to explain why you’re not using it, he couldn’t have been more right. Have you ever been at a social gathering and had somebody try to force you to have a drink even though you said, “No, thank you” more than once? Why do drinkers feel the need to ask why you aren’t having wine, beer, or a hard seltzer as if there must be something wrong with you for not wanting to consume alcohol? Buzzed people often wrongly assume that non-drinkers must be boring, incapable of letting loose, too sheltered, or just no fun.
Now think about other addictive substances. Has anyone ever grilled you about not smoking cigarettes or questioned why you don’t want to use drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, or heroin? Of course not. But when it comes to alcohol, people are routinely subjected to pressure to drink even when they’ve already said no. This kind of peer pressure can push you to drink excessively to the detriment of your own mental health, cognitive function, and physical well-being. It’s time to fight back with some effective strategies to resist the booze pushers.
When it comes to alcohol, people are routinely subjected to pressure to drink even when they’ve already said no.
Feeling pressured to drink is common. One study out of Finland found that in the previous 12 months, roughly 50% of people had felt pressured to drink. Social drinkers and heavy drinkers are more likely to say they have been pressured to drink, according to research in Drug and Alcohol Review. The researchers suggest this may be due in part to a “collective aspect” of alcohol consumption as imbibers tend to associate with others who have the same drinking habits.
A 2020 systematic review in BMC Public Health looked at 13 studies on peer pressure and alcohol consumption. The review shows that peer pressure may lead to excessive drinking, which comes with consequences for mental health and physical well-being. And that peer pressure can come in many forms, including:
Direct influences: This is when someone offers you a drink and doesn’t want to take no for an answer. They may question why you said no or make you feel like you aren’t any fun or that you’re an outsider if you refuse to join them in drinking. In addition, someone may buy you a drink, hand you one at a party, or fill (or refill) your glass even though you’ve said you don’t want one. This may also include being pressured to participate in drinking games, which increase overconsumption of alcohol. According to the BMC Public Health study mentioned above, people who drink little to no alcohol are more commonly confronted with direct pressure to imbibe more.
Indirect influences: Merely being in a social setting where you are observing others who are consuming alcohol can make you feel tempted to join in even when you don’t want to.
Societal influences: Our society encourages drinking in so many ways. Images and scenes involving alcohol are commonplace in TV shows and movies; at sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment events; and on social media. In addition, drinking is part of our culture and an accepted aspect of many traditions—just think of the typical wedding toast with champagne, for example.
If you want to rethink your drinking, you need to learn how to say no.
18 WAYS TO SAY NO TO ALCOHOL
If you’re going to be in a situation where you’re likely to be offered alcohol, arm yourself with statements you can use to make it crystal clear that you don’t want to drink. This is especially important when simply saying, “No, thank you” isn’t enough. Here are some examples you can try:
“Because I love my brain and want to keep it healthy.”“I have an allergy to alcohol.”“Alcohol kills gut bugs, and I love my gut bugs.”“When I drink, I act like an @$$.”“I prefer to save my calories for food.”“I want to be fully present and take everything in.”“I never drink when I have to drive.”“I’ve already had my limit for the night.”“At this age, I’ve decided to prioritize my health, so I don’t drink anymore.”“Since I stopped drinking, I love that I wake up feeling refreshed every day.”“I have an early day tomorrow, and I want to be my best.”“I’m in training.” (If they ask what you’re training for, you can say you’re training for a 5K race, a tennis table tournament, or simply your best life.)“I’m taking a medication that doesn’t mix well with alcohol.”“We are what we drink, so I’ve decided to skip the booze—and my head is so much clearer!”“When I learned that alcohol is implicated in about 8 types of cancer, I gave it up.”“I’m in a program.” (If they ask you what kind of program, you can say a brain health program.)“I’m sober.”“I’m trying to cut down, and I would really appreciate your support.”
PRACTICE SAYING NO TO ALCOHOL
At first, you may find it difficult or uncomfortable to refuse a drink when someone offers. For this reason, practice your responses with a friend or loved one. Be firm, yet respectful. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel. Soon, your responses will become automatic. If you state your case and someone still keeps pushing you to drink, use the broken-record technique and just keep repeating your statement until they back down.
Learning that you’re in charge of your own alcohol consumption and that you don’t have to give in to social pressure can be so empowering. It’s a potent reminder that you’re in control of your own brain health and physical well-being. Don’t let others steal your health from you.
Excessive alcohol consumption and other mental health disorders can’t wait.At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Alcohol problems creep up slowly. A phenomenon called denial—the refusal to admit the truth or reality of something—allows people to ignore the signs of growing dependence. For example, you may tell yourself you don’t have a problem because you don’t typically get falling-down drunk or because your friends drink a lot more than you do. Or maybe you tell yourself that you don’t have a problem because you only drink beer or wine. Meanwhile, as you continue drinking regularly, your brain is essentially rewiring itself, driving you to drink more, regardless of the shame, guilt, or repercussions.
You may tell yourself you don’t have a problem because you don’t typically get falling-down drunk or because your friends drink a lot more than you do.
The truth is that an alcohol use disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe. Most people with a problem will show signs in several or all of these areas: physical health, mental health, social (work, family, and friendships) connections, or spiritual well-being. There are many clinical tools—such as the CAGE Assessment—to gauge whether a person has an addiction, but below are typical scenarios that may indicate you have or on your way to having a problem with alcohol.
12 WARNING SIGNS YOU HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM
1. You have more drinks than planned.
You are headed out to meet some colleagues for drinks, but you intend to have only one drink and plan to return home at a reasonable hour as you need to be fresh in the morning for work. You meet them at a Mexican restaurant where there are endless pitchers of margaritas served. You have one and decide an extra one can’t hurt. Then someone buys a round of tequila shots, and you end up partaking. It becomes a heavy night of drinking. You get home late. You feel horrible the next morning and fail to do your best work.
2. Alcohol occupies a featured role in your life, and you spend a lot of time thinking about drinking, obtaining alcohol, drinking alcohol, or recovering from drinking (hangover).
You are the social planner amongst your hard-drinking friends. You come up with exciting new social activities always involving alcohol. You spend time and money procuring fine wine or a particular brand of hard liquor for poker night, a chili cook-off, a boating trip, or game day. Your Sundays are often a wash as you can pretty much guarantee you’ll have a hangover.
3. The day after drinking you feel bad and experience brain fog, irritability, tiredness, or low motivation.
You meet your friends for a couple of beers on a Friday night, and you wake up feeling horrible on Saturday. You cancel plans, stay home, get nothing done on your to-do list, and isolate.
4. It’s causing conflict in your relationships.
You fight with your spouse every time you go out and have wine with dinner. Or perhaps you come home every Thursday evening from an evening out with boys, perhaps too late and having had one too many. Your partner won’t talk to you the next day because they are disgusted by your lack of responsibility and failure to care about your own well-being.
5. You’re getting into trouble at work, at school, with your money, or with the law.
You don’t answer the phone because the credit card company is calling you asking for payment for the bill that’s two months late. You missed another day of work due to a hangover and you are afraid of being fired. You’re in danger of being kicked out of college because you failed to maintain a passing average last semester because you blew off too many papers and exams due to your partying lifestyle. You can’t drive because you had a second DUI citation.
6. You’re getting sick physically or psychologically.
Your doctor tells you your blood pressure is too high, or you drink to cope with uncomfortable emotions like anxiousness, emptiness, or hopelessness. But when you stop drinking you feel even more anxious and depressed and do not want to face work on Monday.
7. You withdraw from life and from hobbies you normally enjoy.
You’ve stopped showing up to play tennis on the weekend with your friends. You do not socialize outside of work and instead choose to stay home alone, sometimes drinking.
8. You take dangerous risks while drinking that could harm yourself or others such as driving, skiing, or swimming.
It’s Saturday morning, you can’t quite remember how you got home the night before. Then you remember you drove your friends home after a night of drinking, knowing you put yourself and others at risk.
9. When you drink, your behavior is out of character, and you say or do things that make you feel ashamed, guilty, and remorseful.
You went out with your girlfriends to a party. You abandoned them during the party to cozy up to a guy. You leave the party to spend the night at this man’s house and awake the next day, embarrassed and ashamed that you abandoned your friends and had sex with a stranger.
10. You’ve developed a tolerance and need more alcohol to get the same effect.
You used to get a happy buzz from drinking one glass of wine, but now you need to finish an entire bottle to achieve that same feeling.
11. You’ve tried unsuccessfully to reduce your drinking.
You decide you are only going to drink a beer or glass of wine on special occasions, but somehow you end up drinking every day. When you try to quit completely, you get the shakes or feel nauseous.
12. You keep drinking despite negative consequences.
Even though your drinking is causing real problems, you keep doing it. Alcohol has become more important to you than other aspects of your life.
YOU THINK YOU HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM, NOW WHAT?
First, recognize that an alcohol problem is not a moral failing, but a brain disorder that needs treatment. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that brain dysfunction is the primary reason why people drink too much. Finding the root causes—such as past emotional trauma, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, or head injuries—that are driving your need to drink is an important step in the process. Treating any such underlying issues is key to overcoming an alcohol use disorder.
Problems with alcohol, drug addictions, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
