In 2007, the "Archives of General Psychiatry" published a study by lead researcher Deborah S. Hasin, indicating that at some point, 30 percent of Americans have a problem with alcohol abuse or dependence. Of those with alcohol dependence,...
Cells within the brain signal to each other, causing a series of electrical pulses, which are called action potentials. Under normal conditions, the brain cells receives a signal, activates an action potential, and then stops the electrical pulse...
Several disorders can point to the need for prescription amphetamines, including Adderall. Some of those disorders include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a condition in which a patient has difficulty focusing and concentrating, and...
An estimated 27 percent of Americans meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence, according to a study published in the journal "Critical Care Nurse" by Mary G. McKinley, RN. The damaging effect alcohol has on the brain is clearly...
People who develop an addiction or dependency on alcohol may have a difficult time quitting and abstaining from drinking long-term. Physical withdrawal effects and psychological dependence symptoms such as intense cravings for alcohol can make...
Drug abuse and addiction consists of a dependence on a street drug, medication or alcohol. Not every individual who uses a drug, such as alcohol, develops a problem; however, for some, use develops into abuse and addiction, negatively affecting...
Drug treatment for cocaine addiction is a controversial topic. According to Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated there is no known drug treatment recognized for treatment of cocaine addiction. However,...
Perhaps nothing awakens maternal or paternal instincts, or evokes stronger judgments, than seeing a pregnant woman drink. Despite popular belief, however, addictions cannot be controlled by willpower alone. The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual...
Focalin (desmethylphenidate) is a medication used to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to Drugs.com, symptoms of ADHD include inattentiveness, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Focalin belongs to a class...
Tinnitus is a ringing, swishing or other type of noise that originates in the head or ear. An imbalance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the auditory cortex is the causative agent of tinnitus, primarily damaged cochlear hair...
There are no magic pills to cure alcoholism. However, medications are available to help relieve the withdrawal symptoms and cravings alcoholics experience, making treatment such as psychosocial therapy more effective.
In the last 55 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three drugs to help treat alcoholism, according to Healthy Place, a website that provides information on psychological disorders and psychiatric medications. These...
Alcohol dependence and alcoholism are other names for alcohol addiction. The initial consequences of alcohol abuse tend to be mild and intermittent. Continued alcohol exposure builds tolerance, and the alcoholic may deny that drinking is causing...
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines alcoholism as a disease characterized by cravings as strong as those felt for food and water. Alcoholism is chronic, which means that once developed, it lasts a lifetime and results in...
Drugs to treat alcohol dependence aim at keeping recovering alcoholics sober following detoxification. Sedatives and other medications may be used while an alcoholic goes through withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, confusion or hallucinations....
Alcoholism is a chronic disease that happens gradually over time. It causes a person to crave and drink alcohol despite the problems he might experience because of it, such as losing his job or relationship, according to the University of Maryland...
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 14 million Americans have problems with alcohol abuse or alcoholism. People with alcoholism have a physical...
More than 23 million Americans older than 12, according to 2007's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, needed treatment for drug or alcohol dependence. Only 2.4 million got help at a medical facility. The purpose of alcohol detoxification is to...
Alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by a person's dependence on alcohol, according to Medical News Today. Alcoholism affects physical and mental health. Depending on the level of addiction, a person might need medical supervision to...
Anxiety can arise from stressful conditions during work, at home, going to a social occasion or other situations. The anxious feelings may bring on nervousness, worry or fear. Anxiety becomes a natural reaction to stress and may help overcome...
In the summer of 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nine states had an obesity rate of 30 percent or higher. Only nine years earlier, no state had an obesity rate of 30 percent or more. With that kind of increase in...
Alcoholism is a chronic and potentially deadly disease characterized by a physical dependence on alcohol. According to Medical News Today, people with alcoholism cannot control how much they drink, regardless of the consequences and effect on...
Nearly 17.6 million American adults have an alcohol problem, the National Institutes of Health states. Alcoholism is a disease that causes a person to become dependent on alcohol and uses it despite it interfering with health and daily...
Ambien is a brand name prescription medication used to treat sleep difficulties. According to drug manufacturer Sanofi Aventis, it can be used to effectively treat insomnia for up to seven hours each night, and can be prescribed and taken as long...
Consult a licensed mental health professional if you think that your teen is abusing alcohol to determine the type of treatment she needs. Treatment is based on how much the teen is using, other medical conditions and other mental health issues.
Alcohol abuse and dependence involves drinking too much or too frequently and being addicted to alcohol. If you're suffering from alcoholism, you have several different treatment options available to you, including outpatient treatments. Talk to...
Caffeine is the primary active ingredient in Monster energy drinks. The drinks contain approximately 160 mg of caffeine in each 16 oz. serving. In comparison, the amount of caffeine in a cup of brewed coffee varies from 95 mg to 200 mg, depending...
For some people, the line between alcohol use and alcohol abuse is gray. A person can enjoy drinking alcohol in moderation with their friends, but when a person needs to drink alone just to feel happy or begins to drink large amounts of alcohol,...
Concerta is made with methylphenidate, a medication considered to be a central nervous system stimulant. This means it affects brain chemicals as well as nerves that produce symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulse control. This is why it's used...
