According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about 51.5% of Americans 18 or older are current or regular drinkers of beverages containing alcohol. This verifies that drinking is fairly commonplace in our society. Having a drink of wine or a beer once in a while can be relaxing and enjoyable, however, drinking too much can have adverse affects on your body and mind. Research shows that alcohol consumption changes the way the brain works. It enters your bloodstream and can begin to show its effects within 10 minutes. The more you drink, the higher your blood alcohol level (BAC) becomes. Short-term results are as follows:
- Poor decision making skills
- Slowing down the central nervous system
- Loss of inhibition
- Slurred speech
- Loss of memory
- Confusion
- Poor motor skills, decrease in balance and coordination
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Headache
Over time, chronic alcohol use can take a toll on you physically. First of all, it contributes to weight gain because it’s high in sugar content. If you are trying to lose or maintain your weight, going out after work for a couple of drinks can be undoing all your efforts at dieting and exercise. In fact, one glass of wine can have the same calories as a slice of cake, one pint of beer can be as much as a slice of pizza! Other long-term physical ailments include:
- Heart damage including arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy and high blood pressure
- Pancreatitis
- Weakened immune system
- Liver disease
- An increase in chances for certain types of cancers like esophagus, throat, liver and breast
- Ulcers
- Malnutrition
- Unintentional accidents like car crashes, falls, and burns
- Depression
If you suspect that you or a loved one is abusing alcohol, an easy way to start to get help is to take an alcohol awareness class. You might be reluctant to take charge of the situation because you are shy, don’t want to go public or are worried about what others might say. An online alcohol education class can be the motivation you need to kick the habit or continue to seek more intense therapy. Clients can enroll from the private and relaxed atmosphere of their own home from any web-based computer device. The course then becomes immediately available to take whenever you have free time. This alleviates the stress of trying to drive to a weekly in-person class across town and of having to explain to everyone where you are going and what you are doing.
An online alcohol drug class can satisfy court requirements as well as fulfill self-improvement goals. Clients learn all about the risk factors, how their dependency hurts those around them, how an increase in BAC levels is detrimental to driving and functioning, and how to overcome the abusive behavior through stress management, increased awareness and communication skills. Classes are designed by a licensed and practicing psychotherapist and utilize the most cutting edge research. It doesn’t have to be a completely solitary experience either. Participants can learn and gain educational support on their own time with a loved one and can also be in direct contact with Dr. Ari Novick if any questions develop while taking the course. It’s an ideal way to begin the journey back to a healthier life.