2009 June | Moderate Alcohol Use

One of my relatives is undergoing alcoholism treatment. What are the signs that a person has alcoholism?

I have a friend who drinks alcohol, and yet it doesn't seem like a problem for him. I just want to know what it is that the person must embody before he is considered as an alcoholic.

Your friend is probably not an alcoholic because he drinks moderately. Moderate drinking of alcohol is fine.
Alcoholism is characterized by the following:

tolerance- the person needs to drink more alcohol in order for him to get high
craving- the compulsion to drink
loss of control- the person cannot seem to stop drinking once he has begun
physical dependence- withdrawal symptoms already occur when the person stops drinking or drinks in lesser doses.

Where can I find information online about alcoholism and teen drinking statistics in Canada?

I need information about alcoholism and teenage drinking statistics in Canada for some research I am doing. Does anyone know of any good websites where I can find such information? I’ve tried searching for websites but that didn’t get me the results I’d hoped for. I know there has to be sites out there somewhere with this kind of information!

Try maybe statcan http://www.statcan.ca/ (though the website's annoying)

What are the negative consequences of consuming alcohol in moderation?

That would depend on the definition of "moderation", which will vary by individual.

Alcohol consumption in moderation should have no consequences, as far as health is concerned; red wine is supposed to be good for you as it is an antioxidant.

Moderate alcohol consumption while driving or at work may still have consequences, though.

Would you say this describes moderate alcohol drinking?

This is in order:

Monday - Wednesday - Drank 1 litre of Gin.
Thursday - none
Friday - drank 4 cans of super strength 9% larger
Saturday - drank a full bottle of tequilla
Sunday - Wednesday - drank 1 litre of vodka
Thursday - nil
Friday - to do a half bottle of vodka.

Do you think this is ok? Is this fairly normal for a adult drinker?

You're an alcoholic…that's not moderate. Maybe if you drank only on the weekends, that'd be ok

What is alcoholism treatment?

My husband has been an alcoholic for three years and I have found research findings proving how alcohol affects brain function. I would like to find out how alcoholism can be treated. Please help me find him a good rehab center where he can get alcoholism treatment.

You have mentioned how alcoholism affects brain function. I am glad to inform you that the initiative you took to find out the effects of alcoholism is one of the best ways to treat addiction. Education is a powerful tool. Most alcoholics have no idea how much damage they are causing because of this dangerous and 'unbreakable' habit.

I suggest that you share with your husband whatever information you might find about alcoholism especially those about how to get alcoholism treatment. Knowing how alcohol can take its toll on his body functions may also convince him to stop drinking.

Overcoming alcoholism will not only require rehab treatment but also the support and understanding of family and friends. Oftentimes, when an alcoholic fails to admit his addiction, an intervention is done between him and his loved ones. This would make the alcoholic realize his problem and eventually accept the fact that he needs treatment.

Aside from undergoing rehab treatment and joining social organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous, self-control is also an effective alcoholism treatment. It would require commitment and discipline to lessen alcohol consumption. Although it may seem difficult for an alcoholic to abstain from drinking, his very self-control may just be the most effective way to make him stay sober.

I wish you and your husband the best.

What herbs can be helpful to cure alcoholism?

I need help with a friend that is addicted to alcoholism.
I need home remedy because he wont go anywhere unless the herbs are in tea or water or something.
He wont take any tablets.
Any help?

Herbs will not cure alcoholism And you can’t cure him.

Your friend must want to quit drinking himself. Once he decides that, the best advice is for him to join AA and talk to his doctor. He may need a treatment centre as well as AA.

You can join Al Anon which is for friends and relatives of alcoholics. They help you to understand your friend’s illness and give advice on how to live with him if he won’t quit drinking and how to support him when he decides to quit.

Is there anything in Red Wine in particular that's good for you, or is any alcohol in moderation just as good?

I have long wondered about this. I know that Red Wine was historically thought to be good for you - something to do with a chemical found only in Red Wine.

Then researchers in the 1990s said it really didn't matter and that one to two standard drinks (but no more) each day provided certain health benefits.

So is there anything special about Red Wine?

Not sure but most alcoholic beverages arnt really good for you, I dont think this one is much different

Never drinking vs Moderate Careful consumption of Alcohol. Which is better?

I hear that drinking a small amount of an alcoholic beverage is actually good for you.

My question is whether I'd be healthier never drinking ever in my entire life, or by consuming a small amount everyday.

if u drink a little red wine every day it will help u

Notebook: Alcohol Moderation

Katie Couric discusses conflicting reports about alcohol use. Some say drinking is bad for you; others say there are a few health benefits. Either way, Katie says that moderation is the key. Cheers!