When my father died of alcoholic liver disease in 2016, I wanted to understand how this condition happened. As a former nurse, I should have known that he was sick, but the truth is we didn’t. Liver disease can be sneaky, and liver failure, especially from alcoholism, can happen quicker than you think.

However, I know my father’s medications also contributed to his rapidly failing liver because he mixed alcohol with liver-toxic medications. In the hospital, the doctors told us that doing so caused his liver disease to accelerate.

Indeed, according to research, mixing hepatotoxic medications with alcohol is highly dangerous for the liver. However, not all medications are toxic to the liver, but most people don’t realize which ones are toxic and which ones are not. Hepatotoxic drugs are metabolized in the liver and can put a lot of stress on the functions of the liver. Alcohol is also hepatotoxic, which adds even more pressure on the liver.

Medication safety warnings usually point to avoidance of alcohol when taking that specific medication but don’t explain why. Some medicines can make you more dizzy or drowsy when mixed with alcohol, but some warnings are due to the hepatotoxic nature of the medicine. But since these warnings don’t provide details, it’s hard for people to know why the warnings are there.

In writing these educational posts, my goal is to help people understand the information that is not often explained well to the general public. If people have the appropriate education, they can make better choices about their alcohol and medication use.

The following common medications are hepatotoxic, which means they put stress on the liver and shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is metabolized through the liver and can be hard on liver functions. An overdose of acetaminophen, however, can cause liver failure. Taking some Tylenol with alcohol is likely not going to cause liver failure. However, if Tylenol is mixed repeatedly with alcohol over a long period of time, it can contribute to worsening liver issues.

Narcotics

Similar to Tylenol, narcotics are toxic for the liver. Repeated use of narcotics can be hard on the liver, but it becomes a double-whammy when mixed with alcohol. For people who already have liver disease, mixing narcotics and alcohol can rapidly accelerate liver problems. This is what happened to my father — he had chronic pain from diabetes, and he used narcotic medication while drinking a lot of alcohol. Unfortunately, this combo was deadly for him.

Antibiotics and Antifungals

These are common medications that are used for bacterial and fungal infections. These medications can be very hard on the liver and digestive tract. Using alcohol with these medications can make a person quite sick, particularly for antifungal medications. Fortunately, these medications are only used periodically and not long-term.

However, people with alcohol abuse issues are sometimes prone to repeated infections because their immune system has been lowered by heavy alcohol use. This means that antibiotics or antifungals may be used more frequently in this population.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are used to treat seizures and epilepsy. However, the medications taken to treat these conditions are hard on the liver. Medications like Valproic acid (anticonvulsant but also used for bipolar disorder and migraines) can sometimes raise liver enzymes even when taken alone. However, when used with alcohol, it can put a lot of stress on the liver and increase the potential for liver damage.

Antipsychotics

Some antipsychotic medications can be difficult for the liver. Medications like chlorpromazine are metabolized through the liver and should not be mixed with alcohol. Other medications include quetiapine, seroquel, and clozapine, to name a few. Unfortunately, many people with mental illnesses like psychotic disorders also struggle with alcohol use disorder. This makes liver issues a high potential for this group of people.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

Medications like atorvastatin and simvastatin can cause problems with the liver and, as such, shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol. However, 85.6% of US citizens consume alcohol, and 25.8% binge drink. Also, 94 million US adults have high cholesterol and may require the use of medications to lower cholesterol levels.

Diabetes medicine

Insulin and metformin are both used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both these medications can be hard on the liver and therefore shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol. Interestingly, over 34.2 million people have diabetes in the US making it a relatively common condition. As such, many people with diabetes are taking medication to control their blood sugars and possibly mixing these medications with alcohol. Again, this is also what happened to my father. He had type 2 diabetes and also took medication to control his blood sugars. Unfortunately, he mixed several medications with alcohol which caused his liver disease to rapidly worsen.

These are the most commonly used medications that people may mix with alcohol. All of these medications can be toxic to the liver on their own, and when combined with alcohol, can accelerate liver disease. People who take these medications should exercise caution when drinking alcohol.

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I have been sober from alcohol for 6 years and I also have a mental health and addictions nursing background. Alcohol addiction runs in my family in a very serious way. I’d say I know a few things about alcohol addiction and how it affects our physical and mental health. I not only lived it, but I helped other people live through it as well.

One thing I repeatedly see in online discussions about alcohol abuse is that somehow, the person who abuses alcohol brought it on themselves or deserves their afflictions because they continue to drink heavily. There’s also a misconception that heavy drinking and “alcoholism” are somehow not the same. Many people who drink heavily will accuse other heavy drinkers of not being able to control their drinking. It’s a really strange manifestation of the denial often inherent in alcohol misuse. Hence, there is a lot of blame and criticism of those who are labeled an “alcoholic.”

The truth is, alcoholism and heavy drinking are not that different from each other. Often, we make ourselves believe that heavy drinking is normal if we are somehow able to function — meaning we can hold down a job, maintain a home, and look after our basic needs. The truth is, heavy drinking is still alcohol misuse which is the same as alcoholism. The difference is how entrenched the drinking becomes, which may have more serious consequences on our lives.

Some people can drink heavily and still feel confident they are managing their lives despite the many ways that their drinking proves to be problematic. Heavy drinking affects relationships, productivity, family life, physical health, and mental health. Labelling someone an “alcoholic” that can’t control their habit and thus they are a “bad” person, does nothing to further healing for alcohol addictions and misuse.

So let’s be honest shall we? Heavy drinking and alcoholism are within the same sphere and neither label makes the person who engages in alcohol misuse a “bad” person.

We’re not wrong or immoral for abusing a substance that helps us escape the horrors in our lives. The truth is, there are many ways to escape pain and horror, alcohol is just one of them. However, the difference between alcohol and things like doomscrolling, shopping, internet, or whatever we do to escape, is that alcohol can actually kill us. More so, before it kills us, it can ruin our health, mental health, relationships and anything else we care about. Alcohol can disable us and make our lives so much worse.

I advocate not just for abstinence or help for alcohol misuse, but more so, to educate people so they understand their relationship with alcohol better. Because most people have no idea at all how alcohol weaves itself into every fabric of our lives and slowly erodes it. Also, people don’t realize that the way alcohol erodes our lives is through our physical and mental health. And once alcohol has a hold on our brains and emotions, the less capable we are to make good decisions.

We’re not “bad” people for choosing to drink heavily. We just need to understand exactly what we’re getting ourselves into. We also need to know when we’re getting ruined by alcohol. Because as it stands, 107 million people worldwide have an alcohol misuse disorder — this includes everything from slight heavy drinking to very serious alcohol dependence. And while 107 million may seem like a lot, there are many more that likely chose not to report their drinking habits — such is the power of denial in alcohol misuse. Unfortunately, most people are oblivious to the ways that alcohol affects their health and mental health.

The rhetoric around “alcoholics” being bad people who can’t get their drinking under control is actually fueling more heavy drinking that leads to even more deadly consequences. Instead, maybe we can understand that all heavy drinking is designed to mitigate pain and discomfort. Many things are designed to mitigate pain and discomfort. However, not all of them will cause health and mental health issues the way alcohol can.

People in pain will always choose something to self-medicate — be it alcohol or other less dangerous things like playing online games all day. The point is, if we become more familiar with how alcohol causes even more pain, then we are in a better place to make proper decisions. And if we understand that all heavy drinking is problematic, then we can stop trying to demonize some people over others.

The facts are that alcohol causes the following:

• Damages the brain which also hinders decision-making.
• Causes and worsens mental health problems.
• Stops us from processing traumatic events which can lead to our healing.
• Creates a vicious cycle that slowly erodes everything until we are lost to ourselves.
• Can and will cause disability over time.
• Stops us from doing productive things to help our pain and discomfort.
• Doesn’t stop at our personal ruin, instead, it goes on to ruin the lives of those we care about as well.

We’re not “bad” people for drinking heavily, we just need to understand the consequences so we can make informed choices.

I am a former nurse and alcoholic in recovery. My mission is to talk about alcohol and its effect on our health, lives, and relationships. Undoubtedly, most people are aware that alcohol can cause stress and conflict in relationships. However, the general public may not understand the extent. Often, being close to alcoholics can change the relationship dynamic, and it’s essential to know how that works so families can help themselves better.

This article is not about demonizing our alcoholic loved ones, it’s about creating more understanding. I was an alcoholic loved one once, and I understand the dark trap of alcoholism. Our friends and families can’t fix us as much as they wish they could. The best thing to do is to understand the relationship dynamic and help yourself sort through the feelings that come up. This often leads to better decisions to help cope with our alcoholic loved ones.

The following are ways that heavy drinking, or alcoholic drinking, affects relationships. If you relate to these relational dynamics, I encourage you to find a therapist or a support system to help you cope. And know that you are not alone.

Silence/ Denial

Most people have heard about the denial that happens in alcoholism. Still, they rarely do family members reflect on how they are also in denial. Often we don’t want to believe what’s happening, so we block it out. Or, the denial inherent in the alcoholic can make us feel we need to cover things up for ourselves and others too.

The biggest issue that denial brings is silence. Many people feel silenced in their relationship with an alcoholic, bringing a feeling of emptiness and frustration. The relationship can often become inauthentic or tense because important things are not being said. This dynamic often leads to relationship breakdown or serious distance.

Frequent arguments or violence

The effect of alcohol on our nervous system is profound, and it can change our behavior and how we perceive things. At the least, heavy drinking causes a lot of conflicts in relationships leading to arguments. At worst, these arguments can lead to violence.

Most people who drink heavily notice some irritability in the later hours of drinking. However, irritability is most pronounced after the person stops drinking for a while. Frequent heavy drinking causes our nervous system to become very unstable, manifesting as violent behavior in some people. Since alcohol can overwhelm a person’s nervous system, it can be challenging to have a reasonable or calm conversation about complex issues.

Resentment

Unfortunately, silence and frequent arguments can cause resentment to build between the alcoholic and the person they’re in a relationship with. This often fuels more resentment and discord. In some relationships, alcohol may be clearly identified as the problem, but sometimes denial makes it difficult to see that.

It’s important to realize that things can become more challenging once resentment sets in. In this case, therapy, healthy distance, and managing your stress levels may help. Unfortunately, the only thing loved ones can do is support the alcoholic from the side, but they rarely can help them change.

Worsening mental health issues in loved ones

Alcohol is known to cause mental health issues in alcoholics. Still, most people don’t realize that the relational effects of alcoholism can affect the mental health of loved ones as well. Alcoholism can leave family and friends very drained, sad, and overwhelmed, fueling mental health problems. Since mental health issues cause a lot of emotional pain, it can further erode the relationship between the alcoholic and the loved one.

Eventually, it becomes a vicious cycle of alcoholism and mental health problems within the relationship. Once things hit this point, it’s imperative to seek help for oneself. Remember, focus on yourself as you are the only one you can help.

These are issues often seen in relationships between loved ones and their alcoholic family member or friend. Unfortunately, heavy drinking has a strong and negative effect on relationships. We ought to be talking about this more to reduce the silence and increase communication.

Again, this is not about blaming our alcoholic loved ones. Instead, it’s about taking responsibility for our own choices, feelings, reactions, and ability to ask for help. The more that family and friends of alcoholics reach out for support, the better off they will be.

You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook.

Gillian May

Former nurse turned writer. Mental health-addictions-trauma-wellness. Book coming soon! Sign up to my newsletter — https://upbeat-trader-4181.ck.page/839d0ab3f9

Alcohol and Facial Flushing

Perhaps the most commonly associated trait of a heavy drinker is facial flushing, or a red face. Among some individuals, this is just a rosiness to the cheeks, and it might just look like blushing. Among others, however, it can be a bright red complexion that looks worrying.

Alcohol causes facial flushing by dilating the blood vessels. When this happens, blood can travel closer to the surface of the skin, giving drinkers a red, rosy appearance. Over time, however, this redness can worsen because red spider veins develop on the face, hands and neck. These spider veins aren’t just unsightly, as they can be a sign of liver damage.

Alcohol Can Create Dry, Flaky Skin

Alcohol is a natural diuretic, which means that it encourages liquid to leave the body. Excessive drinking, therefore, can cause extreme dehydration. This is what, in part, leads to the discomfort of hangovers after heavy drinking.

Extreme dehydration, particularly when experienced on a regular basis, can impact the body in many ways. In terms of outward appearance, dehydration leads to dry skin. A heavy drinker might have dry skin that itches, or skin that flakes off. Although moisturizers can help to treat dehydrated, dry skin, abstaining from alcohol and consuming more non-alcoholic liquids will typically be the best form of treatment.

Nutritional Deficiencies Leading to Skin Issues

Alcoholism is often accompanied by a poor diet. Those who drink large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis are far less likely to be consuming healthy diets filled with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Even if individuals are eating a healthy diet, too much alcohol can compromise the absorption of those vitamins.

B Vitamins, for example, are depleted when the body tries to metabolize excess amounts of alcohol. Lowered B Vitamins in the body, however, mean that the circulation system may not be able to deliver the right nutrients to the skin. Similarly, alcohol interrupts the proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, impacting the appearance and suppleness of skin.

Skin Infections Resulting from Excess Alcohol Consumption

Skin infections are more common among those individuals who consume excess amounts of alcohol. This can occur because of a lowered immune system, which can allow bacterial and fungal infections to easily take hold.

A lowered immune system happens for several reasons, one of which is because the body has to work harder to metabolize large amounts of alcohol. Excess alcohol consumption also inhibits the absorption of Vitamin C and zinc, both of which are integral to the immune system and the body’s ability to resist skin infections.

How Alcohol Impacts Bruising

Those who are addicted to alcohol, or even those who are heavy drinkers, can experience an increase in bruising. This happens for several different reasons. The first is simply because accidents are more common, and reaction times slower, when under the influence.

Nutritional deficiencies like a lack of Vitamin C can also cause scurvy, which leads to extensive bruising. This can happen because the blood vessels under the skin are weaker, and blood can actually pool behind the skin and result in visible bruising. Individuals who drink large amounts of alcohol may also have a Vitamin K deficiency. This can, in turn, slow down the clotting of blood, making bruises more likely as well as more pronounced.

Alcohol and the Increased Risk of Skin Cancer

Alcoholism and cancer are closely linked, but excessive alcohol consumption tends to be tied to cancers of the digestive system or the mouth rather than skin. However, evidence clearly reveals that heavy drinking increases the likelihood of skin cancer over a lifetime. There are multiple theories about why this is the case, with the strongest relating to spending more time in the sun. Damaged skin may be more susceptible to harsh UV rays from the sun.

Premature Aging Due to Excess Alcohol Consumption

With so many serious, life-threatening side effects of excessive alcohol consumption, premature aging may not seem like a strong deterrent against drinking. However, many individuals are concerned with their appearance, and learning how alcohol can speed up the outward signs of aging might discourage them from heavy drinking in the future.

Premature aging is a direct result of dehydration, particularly over long periods of time. Why? Because dehydrated skin is far more likely to crease and wrinkle than hydrated skin. On a deeper level, excess alcohol consumption generates free radicals, causing the creation of fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants can help to fight free radicals, but it is nearly impossible to combat free radicals and premature aging when it’s caused by alcoholism or even periodic binge drinking.

Alcohol, Jaundice and Spotting it on the Skin

In modern times, jaundice is most commonly associated with newborns. However, individuals who have a history of alcohol abuse can also become victims of jaundice. The ailment is caused by alcoholic liver damage, which means that the liver is no longer able to properly metabolize alcohol.

Jaundice can lead to complete liver failure, so it’s important to seek medical attention if it’s noticed. Jaundice can often be spotted easily because it causes a yellow tinge to the skin. Heavy drinkers who notice yellowing skin need to take action right away to prevent further liver damage and health concerns.

Alcohol can affect the human body, including the skin, in many ways. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to increased bruising, yellowing skin, facial flushing, premature aging, infections to the skin, dry skin and many more problems that might serve as a deterrent against heavy drinking. In the end, it’s wise to break free from alcohol addiction in order to return your skin to a healthy condition.

Alcohol Detox

The first step in treating an alcohol addiction is typically a detox. This is a medically supervised program where patients cease all alcohol consumption. Generally, patients will experience withdrawal symptoms that range from mildly unpleasant to painful.

A detox can come in many forms, but the duration tends to be between seven and nine days for the average patient. Treatment facilities can opt to go natural for a detox, which means there are little to no pharmacological remedies offered, or they can opt for more prescribed medications and even sedatives to minimize discomfort. After the detox is complete, patients will be ready to explore their next options on the road to recovery, which will include a rehab program.

Short-Term Residential Rehab

Residential rehab, also known as inpatient rehab, is a 24/7 treatment option that includes virtually everything that a patient will need for the duration of the program. This will include accommodation in a sober environment where alcohol isn’t permitted, and it also includes meals, therapies and various treatment methods.

Although the exact duration of residential rehab can vary, short-term programs are the most common. These programs tend, on average, to last 30 days. This gives patients a foundation upon which they can create healthy habits and routines on their journey to recovery.

There are a number of different therapies and treatment methods that can be administered during a short-term residential rehab program. Individual counseling is often the bedrock of the curriculum, and it involves a one-on-one meeting between a patient struggling with addiction and a counselor, therapist or psychologist. Group therapy may also be included as a way to share experiences with others, learn from past mistakes and generally feel less isolated in the environment.

Long-Term Residential Rehab

In many ways, the format of a long-term residential rehab program will be the same as a short-term program. There will still be structure and accountability around the clock, and patients will still have all or most of their needs met right on the premises. However, long-term programs tend to last for six months or longer.

Long-term residential rehab programs can be beneficial for patients who struggle with a more severe alcohol addiction. They might also be recommended for people who have been through rehab several times in the past but need to make a serious time commitment to reshape habits, routines and perspective. Living in a controlled environment for an extended period of time can help to re-frame people’s worldviews, helping them to create coping strategies without the temptation of alcohol anywhere in the vicinity.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Patients who have a stable living situation, and the support of family or roommates, may do well in a partial hospitalization program. This type of program allows for daily treatment in a facility that offers therapy as well as medical monitoring. There’s a daily accountability at play in this type of treatment, mandating that all participants retain their sobriety throughout the process. However, patients are free to go home each night after their 4–8 hours of curriculum is complete.

Partial hospitalization programs can be ideal for patients who need medical attention and a daily routine for structure. It’s also suited to those with families who don’t want to leave their spouse, their children or their parents for weeks or even months at a time.

Outpatient or Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs for alcohol addiction are the primary alternative to residential programs. There’s no accommodation provided for patients in outpatient programs, so they spend each night independently in their own residence. During treatment, however, patients will participate in group counseling, individual therapy sessions and other treatment methods designed to help with their recovery.

The main difference between outpatient treatment and intensive outpatient treatment is the time commitment. Intensive outpatient treatment is the bigger commitment, often requiring patients to come in three or four days a week for several hours each time. Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, may only take place once or twice a week, and possibly in the evenings. Outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment may be best for those who need to take care of family during the day, attend school or maintain their careers while seeking sobriety.

Sober Living Facilities

Another option for alcohol addiction is sober living. When patients reside in sober living facilities, they are in a type of transition period between residential rehab and independent living. The environment is alcohol free, and residents are surrounded by other like-minded individuals with the goal of sobriety. Sober living facilities seek to eliminate temptations, and increase accountability, which makes it easier to stay on the right path and work toward a lifetime of sobriety.

Sober Companionship

An infrequent means of alcohol addiction treatment, but certainly an effective one, is sober companionship. This is the opportunity to have a sober counselor, or someone trained in addiction treatment and alcoholism, spend most or all of the day by your side or on call. This individual is someone that patients can talk to when they’re struggling with temptation to avoid falling into a relapse. Sober companionship can work best for those individuals who want to return to their careers quickly, but who don’t want to fall into old habits.

Alcohol addiction simply isn’t a condition that can be treated solo. Since there are so many different types of programs available, individuals struggling with an alcohol addiction can easily find a program or treatment method that fits their needs and their schedule.

Links Between Alcohol And Skin Problems That Aren’t So Serious

Drinking alcohol doesn’t always cause serious harm to the skin, but alcohol will always affect how the skin looks no matter how much a person drinks. In moderation, alcohol will have only the slightest effect on the skin and the effects will usually go away once alcohol has left the system.

The connection between alcohol and skin problems are close. In most cases, drinking alcohol will cause the skin to redden. When alcohol is introduced to the body, blood vessels will dilate and open up blood flow to underneath the skin’s surface. Moderate drinkers will have the reddening effect go away quickly. People who have problems with rosacea, a permanent redness of the skin, are going to have a harder time hiding it when they start drinking. Habitual drinkers will also start getting spider veins across their nose, cheeks, arms, chest, hands, and stomach from the continued expansion of blood vessels, which can make someone look older.

Skin also looks older with regular alcohol intake because it dries out the skin. Habitual drinking can cause dehydration, which will keep the skin from getting the moisture that it needs. Without that moisture, wrinkles are going to appear at a faster rate.

Regular drinking can also cause the skin to bruise more easily. Excessive drinking can lead to deficiencies in the vitamins C and K, both of which are necessary to prevent bruising and heal the skin correctly. While it may not make someone anemic or cause them to pick up any blood disorders, it can exacerbate those problems if a drinker were to have them.

Serious Skin Damage Linked To Alcohol Intake

Drinking alcohol on a near daily basis can cause some serious skin damage, especially if the habitual drinking has been going on for a while. This skin damage won’t disappear once alcohol leaves the system either. People who continuously drink could suffer with the toll that is taken on the skin for the rest of their lives. Some of that damage not only looks bad, but it can also cause serious health issues.

Often, people who have a heavy alcohol intake open their skin up to more infections. This is partially due to how dry the skin becomes, as dry skin is going to be more prone to cracking and breaking, which will lead to a higher likelihood of infection. In addition, drinking can decrease immune system function, so regular drinking can alter how well the system works and how the body heals itself. Since the body can’t heal properly and the skin breaks so easily, some, if not many, skin infections are likely to occur.

Regular drinking can also increase someone’s chances of developing skin cancer. Having dry, cracked skin can make the body more susceptible to the sun’s rays. Since the skin is already damaged, the sun can damage it even more and lead to cancer that otherwise wouldn’t have been there. While the increased odds of skin cancer isn’t high, it’s still something that regular drinkers need to worry about.

Yellowing skin can also happen with excessive drinking habits. If that happens, odds are that the person is developing jaundice, which means that the liver is starting to fail. Anyone noticing a yellowing of their skin needs to seek the help of a doctor immediately.

The Best Way To Deal With Alcohol-Based Skin Problems

The best way to combat current and possible skin damage caused by alcohol consumption is to stop drinking. Although that might not be a problem for some people, those who are addicted to alcohol are going to have a significant problem quitting. There are ways for those dealing with alcohol addiction to get help and move away from the damaging substance. Going through alcohol rehab is the most effective option.

People who deal with addiction often have past experiences that play a role in why they started the habit. Therapists at the treatment center can work through the pain of those past experiences and help people move on from them. As they turn away from those moments, people struggling with addiction will learn how to deal with other life stresses without relying on alcohol. That involves learning different types of coping mechanisms in order to survive day-to-day life without relapsing.

As they work through treatment, some of the skin problems are going to start clearing up. For major skin problems, however, talking with a doctor might be necessary. Not only can they assess how bad the damage has become, they can also prescribe medications that will help with bruising, redness, and other issues. While it’s possible that the damage isn’t reversible, skin problems can be managed with daily maintenance and professional care.

Even Skin That’s Been Damaged By Alcohol Abuse Can Look Good Again

The skin will look worn, dry, and tired if someone’s been addicted to alcohol for a really long time. The damage done can cause lasting health problems that could ultimately be dangerous or life-threatening. While some people can’t reverse that damage, others can make their skin look good despite the abuse with professional help. All they have to do is reach out for it.

The good news is that the skin will tell you when the body is struggling with alcohol. If individuals pay attention to those visible signs, they can take the steps they need to stop addictive habits. Then they can go back to having healthy, hydrated skin that won’t crack or cause them to become sick.

Following an alcohol recovery program requires a lot of motivation and inspiration.

It may seem hard at first but it results in a better and more positive lifestyle. Unfortunately though, there are a lot of myths that have been attached to the term recovery, treatment and the overall goal of overcoming substance abuse.

You Just Have To Say No To Overcome Alcohol Abuse

Many people believe that recovery is simply a matter of willpower. It is very difficult to say no to alcohol after saying yes to it for so many years. However, being so accepting of alcohol has led people to recovery. Allowing alcohol to become a grand part of your life leads to a lot of psychological damage that is tough to overcome. It takes a lot more than a simple two-letter word to fight the lust and temptation alcohol creates. It’s about understanding how you got to recovery, recognizing it has taken over your life and knowing that you are better than the situation it has created led you to.

You Have to Hit Rock Bottom Before You Can Win Against Alcohol Abuse

This is one of the biggest misconceptions of seeking recovery from alcohol abuse. You never have to hit rock bottom to consider recovery. In fact, people who consciously decide to seek treatment before hitting rock bottom find the most success. Recovery can begin in any point of your addiction, whether you are in its initial stages or you did hit rock bottom. The longer you deny you have a problem the harder it is for you going to get sober. Nobody wants to hit rock bottom, anybody who has been there will urge you to avoid it all costs.

Treatment Didn’t Work the First Time and You Still Abuse Alcohol So Why Try It Again?

The old cliché states that “The third time is a charm.” In recovery, it may be the fourth, fifth or even tenth until it is a charm. Recovery from alcohol abuse is a journey. You will need to take a lot of small steps to become sober. Just because people relapse it does not mean that treatment is failing. You are actively deciding to make your life better when you chose to go to a treatment center. People who go through relapse are not failures by any means. They are survivors. They repeatedly conquer temptation and discover better ways of treatment.

Hearing these myths about drug abuse should not hinder your thoughts on going through recovery. They are myths for a reason. Realizing you may need help is a great beginning and there is no myth out there that is true to stop you from gaining your life back. You are in control of your life and the decisions you make should all be positive. If you are seeking options for treatment or need help, look for the halfway house nearest you or drug treatment center near you.