Tramadol and Alcohol: A Risky Combination That Can Turn Fatal

Glass of liquor with ice beside a prescription pill bottle

In 2022, nearly 12 million received a prescription for tramadol in the U.S. It is an opioid pain medication that is used to treat moderate to severe and chronic pain. While tramadol is not always the first line of treatment for pain, it is an option when others have not been as effective. Unfortunately, it […]

The Effects of Alcoholism on Families and Relationships: Coping and Healing Together

A tense moment between a couple, with one holding a drink and the other expressing concern

Living with someone who struggles with alcoholism can be incredibly challenging. It doesn’t just affect the person drinking. It shakes the very foundation of the family.  According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 10.5% of U.S. children aged 17 and younger, about 7.5 million children, live with a parent who […]

Understanding Denial in Alcoholism

Man with alcohol on couch, woman standing upset behind him

Your loved one is drinking more and more – you can see them spiraling. You are worried. But when you broach this, they simply say, “You’re overreacting,” or “It is not that big of a deal.” Sounds familiar? You are not imagining it, and you are not alone.  Denial of alcoholism is a very real […]

How Much is Too Much Alcohol?

Glasses of alcohol with ice on a wooden table.

You’ve probably seen it in movies or heard it in songs, people grabbing a drink to celebrate, unwind, or just “have a good time.” But when does casual drinking become a problem? It’s a question that’s hard to answer on your own, and it’s not just something you’ll find in entertainment. In real life, understanding […]

What’s the First Step Toward Alcohol Addiction Recovery?

A chalkboard with the handwritten message "take the first step

There is a famous song that goes, “Where do I begin?” If you resonate with this question in your journey toward alcohol addiction recovery, then you are not alone. Many with alcohol use disorder often wonder the same. While it may seem confusing to you at this point, what you are experiencing is something empowering […]

Is Alcohol Dangerous For Your Blood Pressure?

Person checking blood pressure with monitor showing elevated reading

You might be surprised to learn how alcohol affects your blood pressure, even if you don’t drink excessively.  In fact, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure, and alcohol consumption is a major contributing factor. While a drink here […]

Who is Most Likely to Develop Alcohol Use Disorder in Adulthood? Risks and Prevention

Close-up of a man holding a glass of whiskey

You’ve likely seen it before: people around you gradually increasing their alcohol consumption, whether it’s a colleague having one too many after work or a friend turning to drinks to unwind.  While occasional drinking doesn’t always raise red flags, for some, it can lead to the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). But what makes […]

Can Alcohol Trigger Seizures? Your Questions Answered

Word 'Seizure' repeated in bold black text on torn paper pieces

When we speak about the effects of alcohol, seizures rarely come up first – but they need to. While moderate drinking (up to 2 drinks per day for males and 1 for females) typically does not lead to any serious complications, this can change easily and dramatically with heavy or prolonged alcohol use. Furthermore, for […]

Signs That You’ve Become Addicted to Alcohol

Distressed man holding a glass of alcohol, surrounded by empty beer glasses

Picture this: You’re watching a movie where the main character’s life starts to spiral out of control because of their drinking.  At first, it’s just a drink to “loosen up,” but soon they’re hiding bottles, missing important events, and losing touch with everything and everyone that mattered.  While this might seem like an over-the-top plot, […]

How Long Does Alcohol Stay In Your System? Here’s A Quick Breakdown

alcohol in blood image

Alcohol is perhaps the most widely used and misused substance. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are nearly 2.3 billion alcohol users worldwide. If you are among these two odd billion users, you might be wondering how long does alcohol stay in your system? Well, we are going to break it down for […]