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Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

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alcohol withdrawal symptoms

By Rhea Rosier

Are you experiencing multiple hangovers? Do you drink frequently? When you stop to drink do you begin to feel worse not better? If you answered yes to any of these you may want to read on.

The definition of withdrawal is any type of separation or retraction. This case being in reference to alcohol withdrawal symptoms; it is the removal or separation of alcohol from a person’s body and mind. Alcohol is a physically addictive substance because of the way it changes the brain chemistry. Ethanol is the active ingredient in alcohol. Alcohol when ingested and then broken down in the body is the chemical ethanol which is extremely dangerous. When a person drinks alcohol it is absorbed through the stomach into the bloodstream where it then goes to the brain, and starts to release feelings of comfort, warmth and relaxation.

A sustained use of alcohol causes the body to adapt to the changes in brain chemistry and that can lessen the original effects of drinking. This is known as building a tolerance. Once the body adapts and begins to build a tolerance the person drinking begins to need to consume more, in order to achieve the desired effect; meaning the drinker can or has developed an alcohol dependence which if at any point they decide they want to stop drinking, will result in alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Usually if an alcoholic’s drinking has gotten to this point they are no longer drinking because they want to but because they have to.

There are different stages of alcohol withdrawal. Generally, when withdrawing, a person will start to feel worse and worse, hit a plateau, and then the symptoms begin to dissipate. However, alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually worsen and can end up being fatal. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can become so painful and uncomfortable that drinking again seems to be the better option rather than continuing to try and stop. This kind of behavior and these symptoms are usually seen in someone with alcoholic tendencies. If the person has alcoholic tendencies or any alcohol withdrawal symptoms a medical detox followed by alcohol treatment is most likely needed because these symptoms can be life threatening or even deadly in some cases.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin to occur up to 5-10 hours after the last drink. The alcohol withdrawal symptoms are psychological as well as physiological and can last weeks. Even, months later someone with alcoholism may have symptoms of post-acute withdrawal and this is why detox and probably a more long term or residential treatment are necessary and vital to sustain abstinence from drinking.

The most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms are:                  

  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Inability to think clearly
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Mood Swings
  • Nightmares and Insomnia
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Sweating or Clammy Skin
  • Cold and Hot Chills
  • Jumpiness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Seizures
  • Delirium Tremors (DT’s)

Delirium tremors and seizures due to alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. These alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be very frightening and without a medical detox can be very unsafe. This is why a medical detox is almost always necessary. These alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity depending on age, gender, and how long it has been since the last drink or how much the person has been drinking. If at any time you or someone you know is experiencing these alcohol withdrawal symptoms, remember they can be fatal.  It is recommended you seek medical detox immediately if you or someone you know is showing any of these alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Can You Die From A Hangover?

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Can you die from a hangover? First let’s discuss what a hangover is. The medical term for a hangover is veisalgia. A hangover is the unpleasant effects from alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol’s main ingredient is Ethanol and ethanol has a dehydrating effect that causes increased urine production, headaches, dry mouth and lethargy. Alcohol affects the brain and stomach so headaches and nausea are very common hangover symptoms.

Now, back to the original question at hand. Can you die from a hangover?

The symptoms themselves if severe enough can cause death. For example, in extreme cases dehydration can cause death. It’s also true that symptoms of a hangover can occur during alcoholic intoxication and after. If someone consumes enough alcohol to overdose then they could experience a hangover throughout their intoxication. So technically, a hangover can cause death but it might be a contributing factor more than the actual cause of death. Most of the effects of a hangover are headaches, dehydration, dry mouth, involuntary vomiting (which could be a sign of alcohol poisoning), increased body temperature and urges to use the bathroom. These symptoms alone aren’t great enough to cause death but mix in previous health issues, mixing of different alcoholic beverages, drugs, and you’ve got yourself an overdose of sorts. The severity of the hangover depends on how much alcohol a person has consumed, their height, weight, sex and overall tolerance. Some people can have 13 drinks in an 8-hour time span and wake up without a hangover while another person can have 4 drinks in an 8-hour time span and wake up with a horrible headache and diarrhea. So can you really die from a hangover? Yes and no. Like I said before a hangover occurs during and after intoxication and if you overdose then the symptoms like high fever and the amount of alcohol you consumed could have contributed to your death.

Although hangover remedies vary depending on whom you ask it’s best to rehydrate, fuel up on electrolytes, and get some food into your stomach. If you’re feeling so sick after a night of drinking that you feel like you’re dying or are asking, “Can you die from a hangover” seek medical attention as you might have alcohol poisoning or something more severe. We are all unique in body type, tolerance, and health history so do not If you are experiencing a hangover and feel like you’re dying call 911 immediately. If your hangover symptoms become severe and more than your normal dry mouth, headache, dehydration and other common hangover symptoms then call 911.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

The Top 5 Strongest Alcoholic Drinks

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The Top 5 Strongest Alcoholic Drinks

By Jenny Hunt

The strength of most alcoholic drinks is roughly the same. One shot of liquor = one beer = one glass of wine. But some alcoholic drinks stand out from the rest as far as alcohol content is concerned. Tread carefully though, these drinks are all but guaranteed to get you wickedly drunk and give you a nasty hangover. Here is a list of the top 5 strongest alcoholic drinks:

1. Everclear: Everclear takes the top spot on every list of the strongest alcoholic drinks we can find. This potent liquor is up to 95% alcohol (190 proof). It is also available in a less intoxicating form (75.5% alcohol or 151 proof) which is good because the stronger version is banned in thirteen states. Everclear is a grain alcohol manufactured by Luxco. This incredibly strong liquor can be used as an antiseptic, as a fuel in camping stoves, and as a cleaner.

2. Devil Springs Vodka: Typical vodka contains between 38 – 50% alcohol by volume (76 – 100 proof). Devil Springs Vodka contains a whopping 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof). While most vodka’s aren’t strong enough to extract much flavor and aroma, Devil Springs is perfect for creating your own flavored vodkas. It can be steeped with a number of herbs or fruits to create a unique blend.  Drinkers are cautioned to always dilute Devil Springs Vodka before consuming it.

3. Absinthe: No list of the strongest alcoholic drinks would be complete without the inclusion of Absinthe, maybe the most notorious alcoholic beverage of all time. Absinthe originated in Switzerland and was a popular drink among French artists in the 19th century.  Known as the Green Fairy, Absinthe is rumored to have hallucinogenic properties. The psychedelic properties are attributed to the trace amounts of thujone, a chemical in Absinthe that is derived from wormwood, and are likely much exaggerated. Up until 2007, Absinthe was banned in the US. It is available now, but the US versions are thujone free. Though the US version may be hallucinogenic-free, it is still a very strong drink. Absinthe contains 45-74% alcohol by volume (90 – 148 proof). Absinthe is usually diluted with water before being served over sugar cubes.

4. Bacardi 151: Most rum contains 35-40% alcohol by volume on average. Bacardi 151 contains 75.5% alcohol by volume. The liquid is flammable and is often used when creating flaming cocktails (like Flaming Dr. Peppers). Not surprisingly, Bacardi is the only manufacturer of strong rums to employ a flame arresting cap on every bottle. Definitely one of the strongest alcoholic drinks on the market!

5. Sierra Silver Tequila: Tequila is a liquor made from the blue agave plant, primarily found near the city of Tequila in Mexico. Many people believe that some tequila bottles contain worms that, when eaten, will produce a psychedelic or aphrodisiac effect. There is a worm – called a gusano, or a butterfly caterpillar – in some types of mescal, a different kind of Mexican liquor. However, there seems to be no truth in the claim that the worm has any psychoactive properties.  Tequila is most often made at 38-40 alcohol by volume. At 75% alcohol by volume (150 proof) Sierra Silver Tequila is by far the strongest tequila available for sale in the US. Only 1/2% less alcohol by volume than Bacardi 151, it comes in at number 5 on our top 5 strongest alcoholic drinks list.

 

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Too Many Hangovers May Be A Problem

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If you have ever had a hangover you know that it is truly unpleasant and a result of making poor choices the night before. 75% or more of those who drink alcoholic beverages experience hangover symptoms the next morning. Too many hangovers like this may be a problem.

Typical symptoms of a hangover are headache, upset stomach, vomiting or nausea, a bad taste in your mouth, depressed mood, lack of interest in doing normal things the next morning, and a lapse of memory regarding events from the night before. Some individuals feel a sense of guilt over behavior or events that happen during their drinking. When this happens often and you feel you have been having too many hangovers there may be a problem. There are many contributing factors to the occurrence of a hangover. The most obvious factor is the consumption of too much alcohol. Then there is the lack of sleep, drinking on an empty stomach, drinking too much in a small amount of time, having a dehydrated body, and being in poor health.

Too many hangovers may be a problem not only because of the deterioration of your health but also because of the effects it will eventually have on your work performance, school performance, and performance when it comes to life in general. Too many hangovers may also be a problem because it is a sign that you cannot control your drinking to the point that you can stop before you have a hangover. Hangovers being caused by drinking too much alcohol are a sign that you need to either stop drinking or seriously moderate your drinking. If you find that you continue to have negative symptoms due to drinking and too many hangovers then there may be a problem.

Hangovers are not a problem if they only happen once in awhile. While it is true that 75% of people who drink alcoholic beverages experience hangover symptoms that does not mean they are experiencing them frequently. Too many hangovers may be a problem if they persist, especially if you always have a hangover after you drink. A hangover is a sign that your body need to recover from the amount you were drinking and if you are drinking enough to be experiencing too many hangovers then your health, mind, body, work, school, and vocations could be in jeopardy of being hindered or lost all together.

Too many hangovers may be a problem but the way to truly find out is to try and limit your drinking or stop drinking all together and see how it goes. If you find you cannot do either of these things then your constant hangovers may be a more serious problem than you thought initially. If your hangovers turn out to be more of a problem than you expected the next step would be to seek outside help from some kind of alcohol counseling, treatment, or self-help group in your area.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Alcohol Poisoning

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Last weekend, Indiana law enforcement picked up a man with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .552, almost seven times the legal limit. James Henderson, 28, was found unconscious on the side of a road.  His level of intoxication would kill most people, or put them in a coma. Remarkably, Henderson was alive, though suffering from extreme alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol poisoning is a serious — and sometimes deadly — consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. When a person has alcohol poisoning they have consumed a toxic amount of alcohol, usually over a short period of time. Their BAC is so high it is considered toxic to their body. Alcohol poisoning can be life threatening and requires immediate medical care.

Signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:

  • Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin
  • Unconscious or unable to be roused
  • Slow or irregular breathing
  • Puking repeatedly or uncontrollably
  • Seizures

Alcohol poisoning commonly results from binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as more than five drinks in a sitting for men, and more than four for women.  Alcohol poisoning can also occur when someone drinks household products containing alcohol, either accidentally or on purpose.

Alcohol slows involuntary body responses like gag reflex and breathing. With enough alcohol, these reactions can slow to a dangerous level or stop altogether. Someone who has alcohol poisoning is at risk for decreased breathing and gag reflex. Alcohol also irritates the stomach. Many people who are suffering from alcohol poisoning vomit. If the person suffering from alcohol poisoning is unconscious when vomiting begins, they run the risk of asphyxiating on the vomit, particularly if they are lying on their back. People with alcohol poisoning may have seizures or succumb to hypothermia, since alcohol lowers your internal body temperature.

When you drink alcohol, your liver has to filter out the alcohol, a toxin, from your blood. Alcohol poisoning occurs because you are ingesting alcohol more quickly than your liver can metabolize it. In general, the liver metabolizes one drink an hour, although there are slight variations based on sex, size, and race. If you consume more than one drink per hour, the alcohol begins to build up in the blood stream and you increase your risk for alcohol poisoning. Even after a person stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. This means that your blood alcohol content continues to rise, even after you have passed out.

If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, you should immediately call 911. Stay with the person until help arrives. If the person is vomiting due to alcohol poisoning, turn them on their side. Try to keep the person suffering from alcohol poisoning conscious by talking to them. Cover them with a blanket and wait for emergency personnel.  It is important to call for medical help, because someone suffering from alcohol poisoning could seize, die, or experience permanent brain damage if they are not medically treated in a timely manner.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Prohibition Era

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Prohibition in the United States [1913 – 1933], also known as the “Prohibition Era” was the national ban on the sale, manufacturing and transportation of alcohol. [Wikipedia, 2012] This prohibition era led to rebellion, which resulted in underground criminal organizations, i.e. the American Mafia, corrupt politicians and police officers.

The prohibition era set precedence for the amount of consumption of alcohol and smuggling of illegal substances in America. Most people didn’t appreciate the prohibition of alcohol and continued to attend the thousands of bars that sold alcohol illegally. Speakeasy’s like Bill’s Gay Nineties were raided quite often and even went as far as to install secret levers at the bar that would shoot the bottles of liquor down into the basement into a pit filled with sand so that the glass would not break. Inventive stuff!  Due to the overall sentiment against prohibition, police officials had a very hard time enforcing the law. From its very inception, the law lacked legitimacy in the eyes of the public who had previously been drinkers and yet completely law-abiding citizens.

Although the prohibition era was an important part of alcohol’s history in America it was far from the first time it became a hot topic.  The prohibition era was one of the victories from many years of efforts against the consumption of alcohol that branched from the American Temperance Society. (ATS). ATS was founded in 1826 with a platform on temperance (the social movement urging the reduced use of alcohol) and also supported the abolition of slavery and expansion of women’s rights.

The marketing and sale of alcohol today in America is a billion dollar industry that doesn’t do half as much as it should to warm against the health effects alcohol has on the human body or the long-term consequences of drinking. The prohibition era was not successful but most “bans” or  “eradications” hardly go over smoothly. People are afraid of change and get stuck in their ways very quickly.  People will naturally rebel and as we know criminal activity thrives off of illegality.  Alcohol can be and is extremely dangerous and the prohibition era tried to stifle these dangers with a complete ban of alcohol which was not the right way to go about the issue of consumption and resulted in more problems than it helped. Regardless the prohibition era does not mean that alcohol is NOT dangerous.

Underage drinking, DUI, and alcohol related deaths are all topping the charts and have caused a lot of needless deaths throughout the United States. Alcohol is a drug and should not be abused. The prohibition era attempted to crack down on the use of alcohol completely but in today’s society it’s our duty to promote the safe consumption of alcohol, which includes not drinking alcohol at all, and drinking within the legal limits.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Binge Drinking Claims Another Victim

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Binge Drinking Claims Another Victim

Baylor University’s Sigma Chi fraternity is being sued in connection with a Texas teenager’s alleged binge drinking. Megan Helal, 19, attended a fraternity-sponsored party at a local bar and consumed 10-17 drinks in a 2-hour span. She was found unconscious and later died at the hospital. Helal’s parents are now suing the fraternity for negligence. The lawsuit alleges the party was reckless and irresponsible. It names several members of the fraternity, the fraternity’s national chapter, as well as the owner and employees at the bar where Helal was served liquor.

Megan Helal’s death is not uncommon among American college students. 44% of students attending 4-year colleges drink alcohol at the binge level or greater. Binge drinking is a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption. It is defined as consuming more than five drinks for men-and four drinks for women- in one sitting. Since 1993, the number of college students who binge drink and use drugs has remained largely the same, but the amount of drugs and alcohol consumed by college students has risen dramatically. The number of college students who meet the criteria for substance abuse and dependence is almost three times the national average.

The financial impact of binge drinking and blackouts is significant.  Binge drinking alcohol can cause memory loss similar to amnesia. These periods of alcohol-related amnesia are generally referred to as blackouts. A blackout — the inability to recall events without a full loss of consciousness — means sufferers can walk, talk, drive or have sex but can’t remember any of it — creating a greater risk for car crashes, other accidents, unwanted pregnancy and STDs. A recent study estimated that on a large college campus (40,000 students or more) blackout-associated emergency department visit costs would range from $469,000 to $546,000 per year.

So why do so many college students binge drink? It has to do with the fact that binge-drinking alcohol in college is socially acceptable, almost expected. Many college students binge drink as a result of peer pressure or social expectations. In pop-culture, college is portrayed as a non-stop party. When young people go off to college falsely thinking that “everybody” is drinking and bingeing, they are more likely to binge drink in order to conform.

So what’s the risk? Obviously, binge drinking risks overdose, especially when combined with other drugs. Also, many people report engaging in high-risk behavior while binge drinking and especially during a blackout. They drive while intoxicated, get into fights, or engage in unprotected sex. Blackouts are a strong predictor of alcohol related emergency room visits.

Further, recent studies have shown that the brain is still developing through age 25. Alcohol, particularly episodes of binge drinking, affects the part of the brain that handles impulse control and decision-making. Damage to the brain early can make it hard for young people to make healthy choices about acceptable alcohol use and impulse control later in life. This can lead to many difficulties, including a higher incidence of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Florida’s Hottest Spring Break Destinations

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Florida’s Hottest Spring Break Destinations

By Jenny Hunt

March, 16, 2012

It’s that time of the year when college students around the nation are putting their books away, grabbing some sunscreen and heading to Florida for Spring Break 2012. Spring Break in Florida means a lot of fun in the sun and partying at night. From the many beaches to choose from to the seemingly never-ending pool and beach parties at local hot spots Florida is on every college students list for Spring Break. Whether you are on a budget or can afford to spend a little more Florida is a great Spring Break destination.

Panama City Beach

Between the sports bars, clubs and nightlife Panama City Beach is wild. Year after year, Panama City is one of the top destinations for Spring Break in Florida. Students from nearby colleges like University of Florida, Florida State University and Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University are known to flock to the area so local hotels are student friendly. There always seems to be plenty of booze, wild contests, parties, events and MTV is usually on hand to provide plenty of entertainment.

If you want to visit Panama City for Spring Break but are on a budget, don’t fret!  The hotels, restaurants, bars, and transportation are reasonably priced. The best part is that Panama City is a “beach” town with most businesses located within walking distance of the beach, each other and vice versa. During the day you can shop at Pier Park, have a few drinks at a Tiki bar (they have drink specials all day long) or hang out at one of the many beach parties complete with DJ’s and bikini contests! At night you can party at popular Panama City Beach clubs like La Vila, Coyote Ugly, Sharky’s, Harpoon Harry’s, Spinnaker Beach Club and Margaritaville. If you want a break from the college crowd you can visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum, Gulf World Marine Park, or any number of eco-touring excursions via hover boat or helicopter.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, located on the central East coast, has long been a Spring Break hot spot. Daytona is also a great destination for those looking for a reasonably priced Spring Break trip with its affordable hotels. Daytona Beach is one of the very few places in Florida where it is still legal to drive on the beach. A sixteen-mile stretch is available for beach driving during the day.  You can really have a blast on the beach by either cruising in your car, sunbathing on the sand, hitting the waves to surf or by having some fun behind a jet ski! There are also many pool deck parties with live DJs, free concerts and parties. Daytona Beach doesn’t fall behind in nightclubs either. Daytona offers some of the wildest nightlife with venues like the Ocean Deck, Aqua Lounge, and Razzles.

The Florida Keys and Key West

Young, old, tall, short, gay, straight…the Florida Keys are as diverse as those who inhabit and visit them. Key West is one of the most exotic locations you will find in the continental United States. The atmosphere is laid back, the people are interesting, warm and inviting plus the weather is just gorgeous! Key West is also a great place to go if you are with a large group.  The island is very small (5.9 square miles), so almost everything is within walking distance. Key West hotels are a little pricier, but you can easily stay on the nearby Marathon Key and drive into Key West to party. Besides the people, Duval Street is the main attraction in Key West. Duval Street is lined with bars and clubs including Sloppy Joe’s, The Green Parrot, Willie T’s, Capt. Tony’s Saloon and Margaritaville. During the day you can tour the island on a scooter, visit Ernest Hemmingway’s house, shop in the funky, charming shops on Duval, or chow down on some amazing seafood.

 

Miami Beach

Miami’s South Beach is THE place to see and be seen in Florida for Spring Break. A popular destination for celebrities, South Beach is home to some of the hottest bars and clubs in the country. Admission and drinks at the clubs can be expensive, but you can find reasonable accommodations at South Beach hostels. Hotels on South Beach are a little pricier, starting at about $300 a night. Beach parties, great food and shopping, and amazing nightlife are all part of Spring Break in Miami Beach. The hottest South Beach clubs include Wet Willie’s, Mansion, Mango’s Tropical Café, Finnegan’s Way and the Clevelander.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

The Top 5 College Drinking Games

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The Top 5 College Drinking Games

By Jenny Hunt

March 9, 2012

 

5.            Power Hour: This game has pretty simple rules. It’s more of a drinking marathon than a game. Basically, everyone playing takes a shot of beer every minute for an hour. A more extreme version of the game is known as Century Club, where you take a shot of beer every minute for one hundred minutes. You can add rules to the game. An example is if you go to the bathroom before the end of the hour you must finish a beer.

 

4.            Flip Cup: This game requires a long table and enough plastic cups for everyone playing. Two teams should be formed with an equal number of players. The teams stand on opposite ends of the table, and a plastic cup full of beer is placed in front of them. When the game starts, the first player chugs his or her beer as fast as possible. Then they will set their empty cup on the edge of the table and then try to flip it upside down with their finger. They must keep trying to flip the cup until they succeed. Once they have flipped, the second person chugs his or her beer and tries to flip their cup. This continues down the line. The team that finishes first wins.

 

3.            Asshole: Asshole is a fun card game to play with four or more people. The object of the game is to be the first person to play all of the cards in their hand. Start by dealing out all of the cards. The person to the dealer’s left starts the play by laying down a card or cards with the same face value. The next person has to lay down the same number of cards with greater value (i.e. if the first person lays down one five, the next person has to lay down a six or above, if the first person lays down 2 tens, the next person must lay down two cards of the same value, and the value must be greater than ten.) A two, three, or four can be played at any time. A two clears the play, and it begins again with the person who cleared it. Threes are wild card. A four is a social: everyone drinks. If a player does not have any cards to play on his or her turn, they must drink. After the first hand, players are assigned a title based on the order in which they won the first game. The winner becomes the President, and he or she may make up a rule for the next hand of play (for example: no saying “drink”, “drank”, or “drunk”). Anyone who breaks the rule must drink. The President can demand that anyone take a drink at any time. The second place winner is the Vice-President and sits on the left of the President. He or she can demand that anyone except the President must drink.  The person that comes in last is the Asshole. The Asshole must shuffle and deal the cards, and plays last. The Asshole also supplies everyone else at the table with drinks, and must give his two best cards to the President in return for the President’s two worst calls at the beginning of play.

2.            Edward 40 Hands: For this game, all you need are two 40 ounce beers and duct tape for each player. You duct tape a 40 ounce beer to each hand, and you can’t take them off until you finish both beers.

 

1.            Beer Pong: For this game you need a ping pong table, plastic cups, and a ping pong ball.  Beer Pong is played with 2 teams consisting of 2 people per team. Each team is on one side of the table with 10 cups formed in the shape of a triangle and each cup filled 1/4 the way up with beer. The goal of the game is to eliminate all of your opponent’s cups before the cups on your side of the table are eliminated. You shoot the ping pong at your opponent’s cups and try to get the ping pong in one of their cups. When you make it, your opponents must remove the cup and drink the beer in the cup. First one to eliminate all their opponent’s cups wins.

 

 

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Alcohol History

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Alcohol History- The History Of Alcohol Use

By: Rhea R

March 2nd, 2012

 

The history of alcohol points to it being a product of a fermentation process. It is highly likely that it was discovered more by accident than through any rational thinking. It was probably the fermentation of stored grain, uneaten berries and grapes, or even the curdling of milk that led to this discovery, and the fact that consuming such fermented potions did have certain side effects. Mankind then applied its mind to deliberately creating such potions and these gained wide acceptance not only for religious rites but as part of the diet. The oldest known drink that is available even today is ale.

Early civilizations used alcohol as medicines and as treatment against bacteria and viruses. Many civilizations developed an expertise in producing alcohol depending on the natural products available in their areas for this purpose. This included some forms of grain, grapes and other fruits. This led to people discovering that alcohol was a salable commodity that they could sell to others or barter to them for other goods scarce in their own area. So alcohol became very much a part of early commerce and even today amphorae of wine are being discovered in sunken ships that carried these as part of trading activity. The making of alcohol became a specialized art practiced by a few for sale to others. It then became quite common for people to buy alcohol for their own consumption from such people and the serving of alcohol in taverns and bars became a practice that is prevalent even today.

The development of international commerce led to certain regions concentrating on alcohol and liquors that they alone could produce because of the natural products that grew in their area. So Scotland used peat and grain for its famous Scotch whiskey. Mexico used the agave plant to produce Tequila and Mescal. The tropics and their vast natural acreage of sugarcane led to rum being distilled, while the grape growing regions of France led to wine and brandy being their natural alcohol based products. All this was also helped by the advances in technology that allowed fermentation in special containers from which such alcohol was distilled so that the final product had no impurities.

The history of alcohol has to take into consideration that drinking it developed into a social habit that acts as a lubricant for connecting people even of diverse backgrounds. Alcohol is widely consumed at family gatherings, weddings, birthday parties and also as part of the wake of a dead person. Because of this habit, alcoholism slowly assumed the status of a social disease linked to its misuse. Social scientists and governmental authorities also tried to curb this ill by introducing prohibition and other laws. Even now the public sale and consumption of alcohol is controlled in most countries through licensing and other means. It has also given rise to rehab centers and the like to wean away addicts from the effects of alcoholism.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.