Now, a https://ecosoberhouse.com/ new study suggests that any amount of alcohol — even just one drink per day — may raise rather than lower a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease. The evidence for moderate alcohol use in healthy adults is still being studied. But good evidence shows that drinking high amounts of alcohol are clearly linked to health problems. When you ask whether people with alcoholism can go days without drinking, you may get an unexpected answer.

Mental Health and Psychological Effects

Unfortunately, if either of these drinkers suffers from AUD, it is unlikely that either will get treatment for their alcoholism. According to research, only about 10% of problem drinkers get treatment. They (and we) believe that animals are essential in providing emotional support. They are an important part of the holistic approach at ATR to make everyone feel loved and comfortable as they walk through their recovery journey. Stephanie Behrens is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, who earned her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Alcohol use: Weighing risks and benefits

• She furthered her education by completing a master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling from Capella University.
• That feeling of desperately needing water to help with a dry mouth after waking up from a night of drinking is due to dehydration.
• Kathleen was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, but spent half of her life in California.
• According to the World Health Organization, it contributes to three million deaths globally each year.

If she weren’t so damn good at her job, she says she would probably be an electrical engineer. During pregnancy, Alcoholics Anonymous drinking may cause the unborn baby to have brain damage and other problems. If they go even a few hours without a drink, severe withdrawal symptoms can set in for the person. However, someone with a drinking problem will not experience symptoms such as tremors, excessive sweating, insomnia, or anxiety after they haven’t had a drink in a few hours.

Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal

Alongside my work as a group facilitator, I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer, sharing my love for fitness and wellness as an integral part of recovery. As a registered drug and alcohol technician, I am committed to providing the highest quality care and staying informed about the latest advancements in addiction treatment. I am honored to be part of the Anchored Tides Recovery team, empowering individuals to embrace sobriety, rebuild their lives, and create a future filled with hope and purpose. Karlie is originally from Dayton, Ohio, and began her education in psychology at the University of Cincinnati. She participated in research studying ADHD in children, mindfulness and anxiety, and embodied cognition.

Moderate and Excessive Drinking Defined

Our comprehensive approach to recovery goes beyond just quitting alcohol. We provide the tools and support you need to make a complete lifestyle change. Our programs are designed to help you discover new directions in life, focusing on long-term sobriety and personal growth. The real question for deciding if you have a drinking problem has more to do with how and why someone drinks rather than how many days a week someone drinks.

You could be more susceptible to weight gain

• Her expertise encompasses group and individual work, with a particular focus on trauma.
• Even drinking a little too much (binge drinking) on occasion can set off a chain reaction that affects your well-being.
• While everyone may experience this progression differently, there are four common stages people go through when becoming a functional alcoholic.
• In fact, alcohol can make sleep worse and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats more pronounced.

Stephanie has been working in the treatment industry since 2014 and joined the Anchored Tides Recovery team as Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor in 2024. She also enjoys working as a therapist and specializes in substance abuse, complex trauma, co-dependency, and anxiety/depressive disorders. Stephanie also has an interest in animal-assisted psychotherapy where she and her dog are certified as an official therapy dog team. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and her Golden Retriever. If you drink often or you experience adverse outcomes because of drinking, this puts you at a greater risk of eventually developing alcoholism. Alcohol dependence is a progressive, chronic illness that worsens over time with more exposure to heavy alcohol.

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This will include healthy eating, movement, meditation, mindfulness and spirituality. Outside of work, she’s a devotee of Krishna, and her friends call her Karunya Shakti, which means compassionate energy. She enjoys singing and dancing in kirtan and reading ancient Vedic literature like the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam.

• Acetaldehyde is a toxin that can damage the body’s organs and tissues before it is further broken down into acetate.
• Alcohol can be especially problematic in older adults because it can conflict with medications and worsen the symptoms of other health problems that are common among older people.
• Talk to a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your drinking or that of a loved one.
• It’s important to be aware that alcohol doesn’t have to be a part of those things, Dr. Oesterle says.
• Yes, you can be an alcoholic or have a mild substance use disorder and not drink daily.

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By Lindsay CurtisCurtis is a writer with over 20 years of experience focused on mental health, sexual health, cancer care, and spinal health. Over time, your brain’s structure and function change, leading to tolerance, meaning you can you be an alcoholic and not drink everyday may require higher amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effects. These brain changes contribute to the compulsive nature of addiction, making it difficult to abstain from alcohol. In people assigned male at birth, alcohol consumption can decrease testosterone production and sperm quality. In people assigned female at birth, alcohol use can interfere with regular ovulation and menstrual cycles and make it difficult to get pregnant.

• Beyond her clinical practice at AspenRidge, Courtney finds solace in outdoor activities, sports, reading, and cherishing quality time with her family and beloved dog.
• Alcohol dependence is a progressive, chronic illness that worsens over time with more exposure to heavy alcohol.

If you struggle to regulate your drinking, it may indicate a deeper issue requiring professional help. When it comes to sleep, eating, and any kind of substance, “anything that disrupts your normal routine is going to put you on edge, but that’s not an indication you have a use disorder,” Koob adds. And the same goes for driving or if you need to be alert and able to react to changing situations. Heavy drinking also has been linked to intentional injuries, such as suicide, as well as accidental injury and death.