Addiction Blog | The Raleigh House of Hope

Low to moderate occasional consumption of alcohol usually does not cause substantial harm to one's health. However,

excessive, repetitive alcohol ingestion can lead to severe body and mental health damage. Alcohol is classified as a sedative substance, meaning that it temporarily inhibits the brain and induces a transient state of calm and relaxation, but also impairs normal speech and body coordination. However, alcohol can cause disinhibition and aggression in certain individuals, can alter normal sleep patterns, and cause anxiety and insomnia in the long run. Alcohol abuse may lead to significant changes in behavior and work productivity, which may result in problems at work and in the family, unless the individuals are not treated in a specialized rehab center.

Alcohol Abuse May Cause Dysfunction In Several Body Systems

The liver is the organ that attempts to remove alcohol from the bloodstream by neutralizing it. However, in heavy drinkers, the capacity of the liver to eliminate alcohol is progressively diminished. Moreover, people who abuse alcohol may exceed the capacity of the liver to neutralize alcohol, meaning that free-circulating alcohol can exert its toxic effects on the brain. Alcohol abuse can lead to malnutrition. There are two reasons for that. Alcohol causes damage to the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes to facilitate the digestion and absorption of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Alcohol also directly slows down the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the gut. These two combined negative effects create enough conditions for a poor nutrition of brain cells, which further aggravates brain damage and mental effects. Because the brain becomes addicted to the "calming" properties of alcohol, alcoholics start experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not available. They may include restlessness and agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability and moodiness, poor mental concentration and low productivity. At the Raleigh House Of Hope, a specialized rehab center, highly skilled rehabilitation medical specialists can help reduce the impact of alcohol on one's health, efficiently manage withdrawal symptoms and cure alcohol addiction completely through a gentle and professional approach.

Alcoholics Experience Degrading Social Functioning And Family Problems

People abusing alcohol become addicted to the temporary stress-relief, brain-inhibiting properties of alcohol and try to obtain it whenever they can. It may cause serious financial problems in the family and can ruin one's career and social functioning. Medical experts at the Raleigh House Of Hope employ efficient counseling and psychological techniques to achieve functional and social recovery of the individual suffering from alcohol abuse. If one of your family members or friends struggles with alcohol addiction, don't hesitate to contact the Raleigh House Of Hope and schedule an appointment for a thorough evaluation and safe treatment.

Being a teenager is difficult, and today there are more dangers than ever that threaten the emotional well-being of adolescents. Low self esteem can express itself in many different ways in the life of a teenage boy or girl, and one of these ways is through the use of drugs. Many teenagers experiment with the use of illegal and prescription drugs, and this can have serious and far reaching consequences. If you have a teenage child, it is important to be aware of the signs of low self esteem so that you can recognize them in your child. It is also important to watch for signs of drug abuse so that you can help your child stay safe. If you believe that low self esteem may be a factor in your teenager's drug use, The Raleigh House Of Hope may be able to help you and your family get through this difficult period.

How Teenagers Cope With Change

Studies show that there is a correlation between emotional problems such as low self esteem and anxiety and drug use in teenagers. In fact, many adults who are in recovery for drug and alcohol issues report that low self esteem was a significant problem in their lives. When a n individual suffers from low self esteem, they feel isolated and may turn to drugs to ease that sense of isolation. This is why it is so important to let your teenager know that you are there for them.

If you have noticed that your teenager does not seem to be happy, or exhibits symptoms of low self esteem, it is vital to talk with them about the situation. Often, teenagers are difficult to talk to and they may deny that anything is wrong and they may even become angry when you broach the subject of drug use. If you have tried to talk to your teenager but are finding difficult, remember that help is available at The Raleigh House Of Hope. We have trained experts available who can help you open the lines of communication and get help for your teenager.

Everyone has their own definition of hitting rock bottom. Sebastian had many. From a young age, addiction was all he knew. I'm happy to say The Raleigh House is helping him write a new definition for sober living.

Opal's voice is one of many who feel trapped by their addiction. After 30 days at The Raleigh House the transformation is amazing. I'm so proud and would like to share her story. It proves a "prison break" is possible!

The only voices that matter are those of our sober clients. Here's a wonderful story from a young man who feels his life was transformed by his time at The Raleigh House.