News.Life

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 If consuming alcohol has had a detrimental impact on your life, it's not unusual that it took you some time to make the decision to address this issue since in the UK, enjoying drinks is quite common. "Alcohol acts as a social facilitator and is deeply ingrained in our culture," explains Sally Marlow, who specializes in public understanding of mental health research at King’s College London.


 numerous individuals experience some of life's most enjoyable moments while drinking alcohol. However, to embrace this reality, we must also consider
 keep in mind the damage it might lead to
 "Dependence occurs when your alcohol consumption becomes so normalized that your body cannot operate without it," she explains.


 For individuals who have resolved to stop smoking, an increasing number of British people are also taking this step. According to surveys conducted in 2023, 30 percent of men and 26 percent of women expressed their desire to quit.
 cut down on their alcohol consumption
 this year according to
 Alcohol Change UK
 Here’s how you can accomplish this safely.

<ul>
 <li>
 Understanding alcohol dependence
 </li>
 <li>
 Prepare to quit alcohol
 </li>
 <li>
 Determine what suits you best
 </li>
 <li>
 Understanding withdrawal
 </li>
 <li>
 Dealing with withdrawal symptoms
 </li>
 <li>
 Maintaining sobriety
 </li>
 <li>
 Where can I obtain assistance?
 </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 1. Recognize your dependency on alcohol
</h2>

 According to
 Drinkaware
 About 6 percent of UK adults engage in high-risk drinking or show signs of possible dependence on alcohol. Additionally, 27 percent of drinkers in the UK participate in binge drinking—consuming five or more drinks within roughly two hours for men, or four or more drinks within two hours for women, as stated by the data.
 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism


 Signs you could possibly have an alcohol dependency:

<ul>
 <li>
 It's challenging for you to abstain from alcohol momentarily.
 </li>
 <li>
 "If you're wondering whether you might have an issue with drinking, the likely answer is probably yes," states Professor Marlow.
 </li>
 <li>
 You have to drink more potent beverages to get the desired impact.
 </li>
 <li>
 The issues caused by your drinking exceed the social advantages you gain from alcohol.
 </li>
 <li>
 You can't perform your duties correctly because of drinking, or you might have been fired as a result of alcohol consumption.
 </li>
 <li>
 You're spending more on beverages than your budget allows.
 </li>
 <li>
 You sense that alcohol has power over you.
 </li>
 <li>
 Your ability to manage impulses weakens. "Each neuron in your brain interacts with alcohol, and this impacts how your brain influences your behavior," according to Professor Marlow.
 </li>
 <li>
 You seek reasons to head out for drinks and hang around with individuals you dislike just so they can join you in having a good time.
 </li>
 <li>
 Your sleep gets interrupted frequently, causing irritability.
 </li>
 <li>
 People close to you suggest cutting back on what you consume.
 </li>
</ul>

 
 Recommended
 


 Alcohol unit calculator: Track your drinking habits


 Read more

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 2. Get ready to stop
</h2>

 Based on the degree of dependency, Professor Marlow recommends beginning with resources provided by organizations like Club Soda, which promotes conscious alcohol consumption. Additionally, he suggests looking into information offered by Alcohol Change UK.
 website
 It also provides guidance, assistance, and interactive resources for individuals looking to reduce consumption or quit altogether.


 Individuals with greater dependency should reach out to their general practitioner for guidance and potential referrals if they require medical assistance. Meetings held by Alcoholics Anonymous are open to all; thus, joining one might serve as your initial step.


 Professor Marlow recommends using either sick leave or vacation for some time away from your job. She clarifies, "This condition qualifies as an ailment, and distancing oneself represents a phase of poor health. You shall recover eventually but must prioritize self-care."


 It’s wise to keep non-alcoholic options on hand for social gatherings where you might feel tempted to drink. For instance, Sentia Spirits is an uplifting beverage made from plant-derived components that have been scientifically shown to stimulate 'GABA' in your brain—a chemical linked with feelings of friendliness and openness.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 3. Determine the most effective approaches to cease alcohol consumption
</h2>

 If you rely on alcohol to get through the day, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for assistance in handling your withdrawal symptoms.


 Certain individuals might be given medications to aid in maintaining sobriety. Additionally, you could opt for joining support groups, receiving prolonged counseling sessions, collaborating with an advisor specialized in alcohol dependency, or engaging in therapeutic conversations like
 cognitive behavioural therapy
 Although private rehabilitation services exist, they generally attract fewer people.


 Each person is unique, and various paths can be effective for different individuals based on numerous elements such as the degree of dependence, surroundings, availability of resources, and interpersonal connections.

<ul>
 <li>
 ‘
 
 Brief intervention.
 
 You might receive this from the NHS. It’s a brief counseling session lasting approximately five to ten minutes. The discussion includes the risks linked to your drinking habits, guidance on decreasing consumption, information about alcohol support resources, and an exploration of any emotional concerns related to your drinking behavior.
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Group therapy
 
 . A 2021
 review
 Of studies focusing on group therapy for substance use disorders, featured in the journal
 
 Substance Use, Therapy, Prevention, and Policy
 
 , found that individuals undergoing group therapy for substance use disorders showed greater progress in standard metrics like abstinence and usage rates when contrasted with approaches that didn’t incorporate group sessions.
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Motivational interviewing
 
 This therapeutic approach seeks to promote behavior modification by addressing ambivalence concerning alcohol abstinence. Certain therapists provide this technique.
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
 
 This aims at questioning and altering distorted thinking patterns and detrimental behaviors, enhancing emotional management skills, and establishing individualized coping mechanisms.
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Mindfulness
 
 . A systematic
 review
 Of the 11 studies reviewed, mindfulness proved effective in addressing alcohol use disorders when compared to no treatment or control conditions.
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Medication
 
 Common medications utilized include disulfiram (Antabuse), which discourages drinking by inducing illness upon consumption of alcohol; naltrexone and acamprosate, these assist in decreasing alcohol cravings and making the withdrawal process easier.
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Peer-to-peer support networks
 
 And mentorship programs like SMART Recovery and Alcoholics Anonymous.
 </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 4. Understand withdrawal
</h2>

 People with an alcohol dependence who cease consuming alcohol might encounter withdrawal symptoms varying from intense cravings and migraines to more severe conditions such as convulsions, visual or auditory hallucinations, and disorientation, based on how reliant they were on alcohol.


 Professor Marlow elucidates: "Alcohol interferes with neurotransmitters. When someone has consumed large amounts over many years, they essentially constrict the electrical activity within their brain. Removing alcohol abruptly leaves these systems akin to tightly wound springs brimming with excessive electrical impulses. This is why doctors advise against quitting 'cold turkey' for those who are severely reliant on alcohol; attempting this could result in fits—specifically, alcohol withdrawal seizures—and potentially lead to deadly consequences."


 A 2008
 paper
 published in the journal
 
 Alcohol Research and Health
 
 outlines the mechanisms involved in dependency, cessation, and recurrence. It enumerates common characteristics of alcohol withdrawal symptoms as:

<ul>
 <li>
 Indicators of increased activity in the autonomic nervous system include a quickened heart rate, raised blood pressure, profuse perspiration, and trembling.
 </li>
 <li>
 Overactivity of the central nervous system (CNS) can lead to symptoms such as muscle jerks and stiffness, along with potential hallucinations and delirium tremens (a sudden state of disorientation and confusion), which represent the most extreme cases during withdrawal.
 </li>
 <li>
 A condition marked by distress and mental unease, potentially involving symptoms like irritation, restlessness, worry, and dissatisfaction, along with disruptions in sleeping patterns and an incapacity to derive joy from experiences.
 </li>
</ul>

 Professor Nutt points out that an individual consuming two daily units of alcohol might encounter mild withdrawal effects like disrupted sleep patterns and heightened anxiety. Therefore, abstaining from alcohol could be simpler for this person compared to someone with higher tolerance levels, who would likely face more intense withdrawal reactions.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 5. Manage withdrawal symptoms
</h2>

 Once you cease consuming alcohol, your body undergoes a phase of detoxification during which withdrawal symptoms typically peak. The method and setting for this detox process depend on the severity of your alcohol dependence.


 If the case is minor, you might manage the detox process from home without needing medications since your withdrawal symptoms ought to be relatively light. Before stopping alcohol consumption, always consult with an expert if dependency exists.


 If you consume large amounts of alcohol (over
 20 units per day
 If you've had previous experiences with withdrawal symptoms, you might also consider detoxing at home using medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Typically, a sedative known as chlordiazepoxide is utilized for this process.

<ul>
 <li>
 While undergoing the detox process, ensure you consume ample liquids (approximately 3 liters daily). Nonetheless, refrain from ingesting significant quantities of beverages containing caffeine as they might exacerbate your sleeping difficulties and induce feelings of anxiousness.
 </li>
 <li>
 Have your meals at normal times regularly, even if appetite eludes you.
 </li>
 <li>
 Reduce stress through activities like reading, enjoying music, going for a stroll, and soaking in a bath.
 </li>
 <li>
 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests several drugs to address alcohol misuse; consult with your general practitioner regarding them.
 </li>
 <li>
 It's crucial to steer clear of every source of alcohol since these can lead to an uncomfortable response too. Items potentially containing alcohol encompass items like aftershaves, mouthwashes, certain vinegars, and perfumes. Additionally, you ought to dodge materials emitting alcoholic vapors, including things like paint thinners and solvents.
 </li>
</ul>

 In cases of severe dependence, you might have to undergo detoxification at a hospital or clinic.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-colour">
 How lengthy is the withdrawal period?
</h2>

 The peak of your withdrawal symptoms will occur within the initial 48 hours. Over time, these symptoms ought to progressively get better as your system adapts to functioning without alcohol. Typically, this adjustment period lasts between three to seven days since you had your final alcoholic beverage.

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 6. Maintain sobriety
</h2>

 Leaving substances behind and going through detoxification are initial steps; however, typically more extensive therapy and ongoing support are necessary for sustained abstinence.


 Professor Marlow suggests: "Pinpoint your specific triggers and steer clear of individuals who might tempt you to consume alcohol or those with their own unhealthy drinking habits. Physical activity can make a difference. Stay active and connect with a group of people you can talk to for support. This could involve encouraging relatives and friends or participating in online forums."

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 7. Seek assistance if required
</h2>

 If you're finding things tough, remember you're not the only one going through this. Here are some organizations that can provide assistance as you embark on your path to recovery:

<ul>
 <li>
 Alcoholics Anonymous
 </li>
 <li>
 NHS
 </li>
 <li>
 Alcohol Change UK
 </li>
 <li>
 Drinkaware
 </li>
 <li>
 Sobersistas
 </li>
</ul>

 
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7 Simple Steps to Quit Alcohol for Good

Unknown addictions, alcohol, alcohol consumption, food and drink, habit change

If consuming alcohol has had a detrimental impact on your life, it's not unusual that it took you some time to make the decision to address this issue since in the UK, enjoying drinks is quite commo…

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1tg6nO" data-reference="video"/>

 It isn’t just
 humans
 who like to
 drink alcohol
 As a review of published evidence has revealed, animals also partake in consuming the substance.


 “The evidence is mounting that humans are not drinking alone,” the writers noted in their work.
 Trends in Ecology & Evolution
 .


 This occurs due to the natural presence of alcohol in every ecosystem out there.
 planet
 , so it’s likely that many animals consume plant-based foods like sweet fruits.


 Similar to us, different species have varying abilities when it comes to dealing with alcohol’s impact. Some creatures can safeguard themselves and even derive energy from consuming alcoholic substances, whereas others struggle more with handling its effects.


 "We're shifting our perspective from the human-centered idea that only people consume alcohol, towards recognizing that ethanol is surprisingly common in nature," stated Anna Bowland, a member of the research team at the University of Exeter.


 In this study, researchers found a "varied group" of species that incorporate ethanol into their diets due to feeding on fermented fruits, sap, and nectar.

<h3>
 When was ethanol initially introduced?
</h3>

 Large quantities of this substance first appeared on Earth a very long time ago (to be precise, 100 million years back).


 This substance might be discovered in flowering plants that yield sweet fruit and nectar, both of which can undergo fermentation by yeasts. The alcoholic content varies based on how ripe the fruit is. Typically, it ranges from about 1% to 2% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, when the fruit becomes overly ripe, the alcohol level could rise dramatically to around 10% ABV.

<h3>
 Can you provide some instances of wildlife known to ingest alcohol naturally in their environment?
</h3>

 Spider monkeys in Panama feed on yellow mombin fruits containing between 1% and 2.5% alcohol, according to research findings. Meanwhile, wild chimpanzees observed in southeastern Guinea have been spotted consuming the fermented sap of raffia palm trees.

<h3>
 Can animals get drunk?
</h3>

 Stories abound about intoxicated creatures, like "elephants and baboons getting tipsy from marula fruit in Botswana, or a moose discovered with its head trapped in a tree in Sweden following an encounter with fermenting apples."


 Nevertheless, the level of alcohol detected was not present in the animals or the fruits in these specific cases.


 It might shock you to know that many creatures can handle the substance rather well.


 Experts discovered no proof that pen-tailed treeshrews get intoxicated despite their "substantial ethanol intake," yet it remains unclear how one might observe the behavior of an inebriated treeshrew.

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 Researchers found that creatures capable of processing alcohol swiftly usually consume fermented edibles; however, this speedy metabolism might come with certain drawbacks.


 Consider the Cedar waxwings, which feast on the fermented berries of the Brazilian pepper tree. As they process the alcohol from these fruits, they become disoriented and end up crashing into barriers like fences, leading to their deaths—what one might call avian drunken flight.


 Bowland pointed out that intoxication does not serve well when you're struggling to stay alive,


 When people face rejection from someone they're interested in romantically, many might turn to alcohol – much like how male fruit flies respond to being refused as mates. Who would have thought?


 When under the influence, females from a similar species become less selective regarding partners and engage in sexual activity with multiple males.


 One of the most notable impacts of alcohol can be observed in insect behavior. When male fruit flies get turned down as partners, they seek out alcoholic substances. Conversely, female fruit flies from a similar species tend to lower their standards for mating choices and engage with multiple males post-drinking. Additionally, fruit flies choose to deposit their eggs in food sources rich in ethanol, which helps shield the larvae from parasitic infestations.

<h3>
 So now, the genuine query arises... Which type of creature has the highest tolerance for liquor?
</h3>

 It was found that Oriental hornets are the most adept at handling such conditions, since researchers under Eran Levin from Tel Aviv University revealed last month that these insects might be the sole species capable of consuming limitless amounts of alcohol without experiencing any adverse effects (in contrast to human beings).


 “They can ingest up to 80 per cent ethanol solution without any negative effects on their mortality or behaviour,” said Dr Sophia Bouchebti, a co-author of the study.


 “Besides the fruit fly, aye-aye, and slow loris, it remains uncertain whether animals have a preference for foods containing ethanol,” stated Matthew Carrigan from the College of Central Florida, who was also involved in the review.


 He mentioned that among the "subsequent steps" for this study is to investigate whether "wild animals opt for foods containing ethanol or consume them solely when ethanol concentrations are too minimal to be detected, or when unfermented fruits become scarce."


 One of our upcoming tasks is to determine if animals in their natural habitat show a preference for foods containing ethanol, or if they consume such foods solely when ethanol levels are undetectable or when non-fermented fruits are scarce.


 
 
 How to join
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South African Scientists Reveal: Animals Share Our Love for Alcohol!

Unknown alcohol, alcohol consumption, animal behavior, animals, food and drink

It isn’t just humans who like to drink alcohol As a review of published evidence has revealed, animals also partake in consuming the substance. “The evidence is mounting that humans are not dri…