دسته: Sober living

Growing up in an alcoholic household predisposes the children to maladaptive behaviors. Even if a child has inherited genetic factors that predispose them to AUD, environment, lifestyle, and overall mental health all play a role. In addition to judging themselves too harshly, some adult children of people with AUD constantly seek approval from others. They can become…

Last but not least, limiting your alcohol intake can help prevent the adverse effects of alcohol-related dehydration while promoting overall health and wellness. The recommended daily limit for alcohol consumption is two drinks for men and one drink for women. It’s important to know your limits and stick to them to avoid the negative effects…

Apart from the dopamine pathways, the addiction to alcohol has also been suggested through the serotonin pathways. Serotonin is another neurotransmitter that is affected by many of the drugs of abuse, including cocaine, amphetamines, LSD and alcohol. Raphe nuclei neurons extend processes to and dump serotonin onto almost the entire brain, as well as the…

These agents include the SSRIs, SNRIs, and the serotonin partial agonist buspirone. At present, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline) and SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine and duloxetine) generally are used as first-line treatment in this area because they consistently demonstrate anxiolytic efficacy, including in patients with comorbid AUDs. For example, a direct examination of the efficacy…

One helpful cognitive strategy in the initial phase of CBT includes using the Advantage/disadvantage technique with the patient29. The therapist and patient collaboratively review the advantages/disadvantages of engaging in substance use or addictive behaviour. Following the initial introduction of the RP model in the 1980s, its widespread application largely outpaced efforts to systematically validate the…

(For more information on glutamate receptor subtypes, see the article by Gonzales and Jaworski, pp. 120–127.) Consequently, dopamine can facilitate or inhibit excitatory neurotransmission, depending on the dopamine-receptor subtype activated. Moreover, even with the same receptor affected, dopamine’s effects can vary, depending on the potential of the membrane where dopamine receptors are activated (Kitai and…

These covert antecedents include lifestyle factors, such as overall stress level, as well as cognitive factors that may serve to “set up” a relapse, such as rationalization, denial, and a desire for immediate gratification (i.e., urges and cravings) (see figure 2). These factors can increase a person’s vulnerability to relapse both by increasing his or…