What is alcohol use disorder? CONTACT ARDU Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on April 16, 2024 According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), “140,557 Americans die from the effects of alcohol in an average year.” Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol use despite detrimental effects. It’s a compulsion that can be tough to break free from on your own.  The good news is, with the right help and treatment, you can overcome AUD and reclaim your health and happiness. Table of Cont ..read more

How does heroin abuse affect the brain? CALL NOW: 801-512-0086 Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on March 21, 2024 Heroin is an extremely addictive drug that binds to the brain receptors to produce that intense, euphoric high. Findings from NIDA show that heroin abuse can change the brain’s physical structure and physiology, causing long-term effects like dependence, increased tolerance, cognitive deficits, and hormonal imbalances. Over time, repeated use destroys white matter, which can severely damage the overall health and function of your brain. Table of Co ..read more

What are the effects of heroin abuse? CONTACT ARDU Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on February 27, 2024 Heroin abuse causes negative effects in the physical, mental, social, and economic realms. Heroin abuse leads to lasting neurological damage. Findings from NIDA show that prolonged heroin use changes the brain. In the process, it impairs decision-making, and functionality and reduces the user’s ability to handle stress. But it doesn’t end there. Table of Contents With compassion and care, our drug addiction treatment center can help you fight your addic ..read more

How does alcohol affect hormones? CONTACT ARDU Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on February 20, 2024 Alcohol impairs your body’s ability to produce and regulate key hormones by interrupting pathways in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. This disrupts your body’s hormonal balance.  A 2013 study showed that chronic alcohol consumption disturbs the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems’ communication, leading to significant hormonal imbalances. The study found that 50% of women who drink moderately and 60% of those who abuse alcohol experienced rep ..read more

Can alcohol cause mouth cancer? CONTACT ARDU Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on February 13th, 2024 Regular alcohol consumption can increase the risk of mouth cancer.  A 2006 study published by Alcohol Research and Health found that approximately 80% of oral and pharyngeal cancer cases in men and about 65% of cases in women can be attributed to alcohol use.  Table of Contents Alcohol is extremely cancerous. Even moderate alcohol consumption is linked to an increased likelihood of developing several types of cancer. Research shows that worldwide ..read more

How does alcohol affect reproductive health? CONTACT ARDU Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on February 5th, 2024 Heavy drinking has been scientifically linked to reproductive health issues in both genders. For both sexes, excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to reduced fertility, sexual dysfunction, and increased risks during pregnancy. A 2017 cohort survey study revealed that women who drank heavily were more likely to seek fertility treatment.  A 2023 Vietnamese study found that alcohol consumption leads to lower testosterone, sperm count, and mot ..read more

How to stop drinking, backed by science CONTACT ARDU Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on January 24, 2024 Facing the challenge of quitting alcohol? According to NIDA, alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States—but there is hope.  Our Provo, Utah rehab center provides a clear, science-based path to sobriety.  An article published by the Psychiatric Clinics of North America shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a proven approach that teaches coping strategies and how to recognize triggers. A 2012 review showed ..read more

What is the economic impact of alcohol consumption in the US? CONTACT ARDU Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on January 22, 2024 Excessive drinking takes a heavy economic toll across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2010 economic cost of alcohol abuse was $249 billion.  Productivity losses and healthcare expenses account for 83% of the annual economic cost. While targeted policies offer the most effective means to alleviate financial stress, cost-benefit analyses consistently reveal that the costs of al ..read more

How to conduct an intervention CONTACT ARDU Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on January 18, 2024 It’s challenging to deal with a loved one’s addiction, but an intervention can be a critical step. According to NIDA, nearly 21 million Americans battled addiction disorders in 2022, while nearly 92,000 drug abusers overdosed in 2020. But there is hope. According to the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS), the success rate of interventions, defined as the individual agreeing to enter treatment, is between 80 and 90 percent. This guide will offer step-by-step ..read more

How does alcohol affect mental health? CONTACT ARDU Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on January 17, 2024 Alcohol, a powerful depressant, can severely affect mental health when consumed heavily and regularly. It alters the brain’s chemistry, leading to mood instability, depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Mental health issues can also cause you to be more susceptible to alcohol abuse. Researchers at the University of Liverpool have shown that people with mental disorders are twice as likely to report an alcohol use disorder. Table of Contents If ..read more