Celebrations, parties and social events can be challenging times for a recovering alcoholic. Many social gatherings and celebrations will involve alcohol. Well-meaning people who are not aware of your addiction and your ongoing efforts to remain sober may encourage you to drink or question your decision not to. If you are new to recovery and have not been faced with refusing alcohol in public, celebrations can be a time of stress. Even if you have been in recovery for years, parties can provide unexpected pressures and temptations. Knowing how to avoid drinking at social events can let you stay sober and still celebrate.

Strategies for Avoiding Drinking at Parties

The most obvious way to avoid drinking at parties is not to go to parties, but alcohol addiction recovery shouldn’t limit your life, and you can’t always avoid social gatherings. The party might be work-related and important to your job security or advancement. It might be important to a family member that you attend. It might just be a great party and you don’t want to miss it. Alcohol is prevalent in our society and you will encounter it unless you choose to isolate yourself socially. If you want to live a full life, you need to be prepared to be around alcohol and be able to avoid the temptation to relapse. The following are some strategies to help you avoid drinking at parties:

• If you feel comfortable doing so, be up front about your alcoholism, your recovery and your ongoing efforts to remain sober
• Attend the event with someone who supports your recovery
• Make up your mind in advance that you are not going to drink
• Anticipate that people will offer you alcohol or question your decision not to drink, and have responses ready
• Have a glass of something non-alcoholic in your hand, as people are less likely to offer you a drink if you already have one
• Remember that you don’t need to drink to have fun at a party and will often have more fun if you are sober and clear headed and have more energy
• Participate in activities that don’t involve alcohol such as dancing, singing karaoke or joining conversations

Coping with the Temptation to Drink

If you fear that you may relapse or drink if you attend a celebration, do the following:

• Contact a trusted loved one or recovery professional and tell them you are concerned for your recovery
• Remind yourself of the work you have done to get this far in your recovery
• Remind yourself why you want to remain sober
• Recommit to your continued sobriety
• Don’t go to the party, if you don’t trust your sobriety

Support for Continued Alcohol Addiction Recovery

If you are ready to stop drinking or need help remaining sober, call our toll-free helpline. We are here for you 24 hours a day, so there is no wrong time to call. We can provide tips for avoiding drinking, listen to your concerns or recommend the best professional resources for you. Please call now.

A functional alcoholic is someone who is physically addicted to alcohol but still manages to lead a somewhat normal life. Functional alcoholics will work, pay their bills and complete personal and professional obligations. Friends and relatives may not notice any problematic behavior. Employers may be satisfied with the person’s work. Even if the functional alcoholic is aware that his or her drinking may be excessive, he or she will still believe that alcohol consumption is under control.

Alcoholism Is Unhealthy

Even if your drinking has not caused any obvious problems like an arrest for driving under the influence or loss of a job, chronic alcohol consumption causes health problems. Cirrhosis of the liver is common among alcoholics, and alcohol consumption is linked to certain types of cancer. You are also at risk for causing motor vehicle or in-home accidents. No one is immune from the consequences of long-term alcohol abuse.

Signs of Alcoholism

Common signs of alcoholism include the following:

• Drinking every day
• Starting the day with a drink
• Drinking continually throughout the day
• Trying unsuccessfully to stop drinking
• Trying to cut back alcohol intake but finding it difficult to do
• Having trouble stopping after one or two drinks
• Friends or family members express concern about your drinking
• A doctor has expressed concern about your drinking
• Medical problems caused by drinking
• Experiencing blackouts or periods of memory loss
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability or delirium tremens if you stop drinking

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped is a sure sign of addiction to any drug, and should be seen as a red flag that you do indeed have a problem.

Ending Functional Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a serious life threatening disease that requires professional treatment. Just because you can hold down a job and have never been arrested for DUI does not mean that your addiction is not damaging your health. Even if your drinking seems manageable now, it will only lead to greater drinking and related issues in the future.

Professional treatment for alcoholism offers your best chance at a healthy and happy life. A good treatment program will include medically supervised detox services to make you as comfortable as possible during this process. It will also include counseling to address root causes of addiction as well as behavioral issues associated with alcoholism and any co-occurring mental health issues, and long term therapy to teach methods for achieving and maintaining sobriety.

Need Help with Drinking?

If you are concerned about your drinking, call our toll-free helpline. We can help you identify functional alcoholism or find services to address alcohol abuse problems. If you are interested in getting sober, we can help. We are here 24 hours a day, so please call now.

Alcohol is a depressant which is a class of drugs that inhibit the function of the central nervous system (CNS). In doing so both physical and psychological activity are impaired. CNS depressants like alcohol reduce brain activity and awareness by blocking messages from nerve receptors to the brain; this changes a person’s judgments, perceptions, movements, emotions, and senses. When depressants are abused a person is vulnerable to many health risks, as well as accidental injury and death. Other drugs that fit into the depressant category are sedatives, tranquillizers and anesthetics.

Do Depressants Make You Feel Depressed?

Mostly due to the name, many people believe depressants cause people to feel depressed. While depressants “depress” the central nervous system, they do not cause a person to be depressed while under the influence. Depressants can initially make a person feel quite pleasant; alcohol relaxes its users and puts them at ease. However, depressants are rarely used in limited form. When alcohol is misused, the consequences can be life-threatening. Alcohol is extremely addictive, and when abused long-term the drug can eventually lead to symptoms of depression.

What Are the Side Effects of Alcohol and Other Depressants?

When used as directed, or in limited quantities, alcohol and other depressants can provide feelings of relaxation and reduce the symptoms of anxiety. However, when alcohol and other depressants are abused a person can become intoxicated very quickly. Common side effects of alcohol and other depressants include the following:

• Impaired motor skills and coordination
• Mental cloudiness and confusion
• Slurred speech
• Cognitive and memory impairment
• Lowered blood pressure
• Slowed or stopped heart rate
• Slowed or depressed breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Emotional instability and severe mood swings
• Euphoria
• Sleepiness, unconsciousness
• Seizures

What Are the Dangers of Alcohol and Other Depressants?

While intoxicated, alcohol can lead to a number of damaging consequences. Alcohol causes people to lose their inhibitions, which can result in people taking greater risks and making poor decisions that they would never make sober. While intoxicated, people are also vulnerable to unintentional accidents and injury. Lack of physical and mental coordination due to alcohol intoxication can cause bodily harm to the person drinking and also people nearby.

Other implications of alcohol and other depressants are overdose and death. Alcohol overdose results in alcohol poisoning, and the results can be deadly. Because alcohol impairs one’s emotions and awareness, people under the influence are known to get into fights and arguments. They may say things they do not mean, and will regret them the next day. Alcohol abuse can destroy families, marriages, friendships and careers.

Alcoholism Help

Sobriety provides an infinite amount of benefits. People are blessed with social, relational, occupational, and financial opportunities each and every day. Unfortunately, many people miss out on these opportunities because of a problem with alcohol or drugs. If substance abuse has become a problem in your life, decide to get help today. Please call our toll-free helpline to speak with a rehab professional about the treatment options that can help you find true sobriety. We are here 24 hours a day to assist you in your search for a better life. Please call now.

If you have been arrested or are facing sentencing for driving under the influence, there is a chance you may be able to avoid jail time for a DUI. While you must contact your lawyer to find out the best solutions for your particular situation, there are alternative sentencing options you may want to discuss with your legal team.

The following are some possible alternative sentences for DUI that may relieve you from jail time or cut back on your jail time.

Rehabilitation or Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment for DUI

Rehab is a popular option for avoiding DUI sentencing. There is an incredible difference between your quality of life in jail or prison compared to the quality of life in luxury rehab. It goes without saying that you will experience more support, more comfort, better food and a better recovery result if you attend a 30, 60 or 90 day rehab. You can get help in a number of areas during rehab that you would not find during a jail sentence, including the following:

• One-on-one counseling for a number of life issues
• Emotional support through group therapy, family outreach sessions, activities and more
• Ongoing support even after you leave treatment
• A warm and caring environment that allows for personal growth and healing
• The possibility to enjoy luxury surroundings
• Help with emotional and mental health issues

SCRAM Devices as an Alternative DUI Sentence

SCRAM, otherwise known as Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor, monitors your blood alcohol level at all times and insures that you do not consume alcohol while wearing the device. This device is bulky and is tamper resistant. The SCRAM device records any incidents of tampering and will alert the court system if you do not comply. SCRAM devices may keep you out of jail but they do not help you find supportive care or counseling.

Community Labor and Community Service as an Alternative to DUI

If you don’t mind a lot of hard work, community service may be an option for you. This option often does involve a few days of jail time followed by service work such as roadside clean-up, working with homeless shelters or soup kitchens or performing basic labor. Like the SCRAM device, this does not provide any supportive services or care. Community service is offered at the discretion of the judge.

Attendance at Meetings to Avoid Jail for DUI

Often, attendance at meetings is already included in DUI sentencing. It is often included in jail time, and meetings are also provided in rehab facilities. Meetings might include Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholic Anonymous meetings. Attendance at meetings can be a great way to overcome an addiction or substance abuse issue, but they do not provide one-on-one treatment, family support or detox services.

Help Finding Treatment and Avoiding Jail Time for DUI

You may be able to avoid jail time. If you or your legal team has more questions, please call our toll-free helpline. Our experienced counselors can guide you through these options and more. Make sure you have all of the information you need before your court date. Let us help you. All of our calls are confidential and we are available 24 hours a day.

You may have found that you are more depressed when you drink alcohol. In fact, many people experience greater depression after drinking alcohol, while other people drink because they are depressed. There is a link between drinking and depression. If you are considering seeking help for drinking or depression, you might want to learn more about integrated treatment and the link between mental health and alcoholism.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression is more than just sadness. The National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov) describes the following as symptoms of depression:

• Fatigue, feelings of sleepiness and decreased amounts of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt and a lack of control
• Problems concentrating or thinking clearly
• Restlessness and irritability
• Sleep changes such as insomnia or oversleeping
• Body aches or pains
• Problems with appetite or digestion
• Weight changes, loss of appetite or overeating
• Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
• Anxiety and anxious feelings
• Feeling sad or “empty”
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you are feeling any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from depression. It may be time to seek help. If you are feeling suicidal, please call for immediate help.

The Link between Drinking, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Depression

Alcohol is a depressant drug. It slow your body processes down and has a definite effect on mood in the following ways:

• Alcohol depresses the body systems and processes
• Alcohol use leads to dehydration and prevents the body from receiving proper nutrients
• Alcohol can cause you to do things you later regret, causing feelings of shame or guilt
• Depression and anxiety can cause a person to drink more alcohol

No one plans to have a problem with alcohol. People often drink because they feel anxious in social situations or because their friends are also drinking. Over time, many people become dependent on alcohol to feel comfortable or relaxed. This can lead to a spiraling situation of anxiety, depression and drinking.

Alcohol Tolerance, Dependence and Addiction Treatment

Over time the body adapts to the presence of alcohol, and the person will feel withdrawal symptoms without alcohol. A hangover is one type of withdrawal from alcohol. Other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include craving more alcohol, feeling tired or ill without alcohol, getting the “shakes” or sweating during drinking, building a tolerance to alcohol and more. Once your body has become dependent on alcohol, you will continue to crave it until you put a stop to drinking for good. Depression and alcoholism creates a vicious cycle, and it requires treatment to overcome this cycle. Without treatment alcoholism and depression will take over your life. There are new treatments being developed every day to treat depression, alcoholism, anxiety and trauma.

Find Alcohol Addiction and Depression Help Today

We can work with you to help you or your loved one find the best help available. We can help you learn more about alcoholism, depression, integrated treatment and wellness. We can help break you out of the cycle of depression and alcohol use for good. We work with some of the nation’s best treatment programs. We take time to review each program and help you find a reliable and licensed rehab or wellness program that meets your needs. We help families every day to do the following:

• Find rehab and counseling services
• Find insurance coverage for rehab
• Arrange insurance coverage for alcohol treatment
• Plan family interventions
• Help with depression and mental health care needs

Call us now, and speak to one of our experienced admissions counselors to learn more. All of our calls are completely confidential and free to you.

Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. The liver breaks it down, and it is eventually released out of the body. The more alcohol someone drinks the more it slows down the brain’s reaction times, muscle coordination and reflexes. Alcohol is addictive, and it creates dependence within the brain and body. Alcohol is also a poison and will gradually erode health and even lead to death.

High Functioning Alcoholics

There is a fine line between controlling your alcohol consumption and having alcohol control you. Many alcoholics don’t realize they have an addiction. Alcohol use has not yet affected their job, family or social life. Because of this feeling of self-control, there is no reason to get help. There is no reason to stop drinking excessively on the weekends, because it rarely becomes dangerous or serious enough. These types of alcoholics are called high functioning alcoholics. If you are a high functioning alcoholic then you have a drinking problem. Signs of a high functioning alcoholic include the following:

• Never leaving a drink unfinished
• Setting drink limits but never sticking to them
• Tending to hang around friends with the same drinking habits
• Having a few close calls with the law, their health, or even endangering others
• Feeling guilty about the evening before
• Drinking almost every night of the week
• Constantly making plans with friends and co-workers about the next outing

High functioning alcoholics think that their life is under control and tend to forget about the health ramifications that are inevitable. They tend to think that getting a DUI will never happen to them. They also don’t realize that others around them actually notice. Co-workers and friends are likely to know or suspect you have a drinking problem before you do.

What Is the Line between Drinking and Problem Drinking?

You may feel like you have a problem with alcohol but aren’t sure. The following are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine whether or not you have a drinking problem:

• Do I spend more money on alcohol now than I did just a few years ago?
• Do I spend money on alcohol that doesn’t fit into my budget?
• Do I think about drinking more than I think about my family, friends or job?
• Do I ever go out of my way to get alcohol?
• Do I ever need my friends to take care of me while drinking?

Answering yes to any of these questions may be a strong indication that you have a drinking problem. It may seem like there is a grey area to alcohol addiction, but the issue is more delineated than it seems. If you question whether or not you have a drinking problem, there is a good chance you need to seek help.

Do You Need Help Recovering from Alcohol Addiction?

Do you or anyone you know have a drinking problem? Or are you curious as to whether or not you have a problem? Call our toll-free helpline today. We are standing by 24 hours a day to take your call. All calls are toll free, and we will even help determine your insurance coverage for treatment. We are here to help from the first call until the end. Don’t do this alone. Call us today.

Alcohol addiction treatment is not easy and few go to a California alcohol rehab with excitement. It will take work, be uncomfortable physically and emotionally and demand a great deal of time and honesty in order to be effective. Many hope that breaking free from alcoholism is as simple as making the decision not to drink and sticking to it. If it were that easy, then there would be no need for alcohol rehab treatment programs in California.

Is It Possible to Overcome Alcoholism on My Own?

Is it physically possible to stop drinking at home alone? Yes, absolutely. Is it the safest way to do it, especially if you have alcohol withdrawal symptoms? No. Is it the most effective way to do it if your goal is to change your life and not just stop drinking for a few days? No. The reason why alcohol rehabs exist is because they provide a medical and psychological service that is tailored to your personal needs. No one is capable of giving themselves the medical treatment, peer support and psychological treatment necessary to retrain their brains and begin a new life without alcohol.

Should I Overcome Alcoholism on My Own?

Perhaps this is the better question. If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop drinking, then no, it is not recommended that you try to overcome alcoholism on your own. The risk of medical complications if you have underlying health problems is too great; you should always have a physician or medical team supervising you during alcohol detox at an inpatient alcohol treatment facility.

What Are the Alternatives to Overcoming Alcoholism on My Own?

There are so many different options for alcohol addiction treatment in California. For those who seek only assistance in getting through the withdrawal symptoms as quickly as possible, an inpatient alcohol detox is recommended. For those who don’t struggle with withdrawal symptoms, psychological addiction treatment can be found at outpatient treatment services like group sessions, personal alcohol addiction counseling, 12-step meetings and holistic treatments like acupressure and acupuncture, bodywork and massage. If you’re looking for a comprehensive program that provides medical treatment and psychological assistance, there are a number of inpatient alcohol rehabs in California that range from simple and traditional to luxury, holistic treatment.

Get Help for Alcoholism

If you would like help finding a California alcohol rehab rather than attempt to overcome alcoholism alone, we can help. Contact us at (888) 371-5720. We can match you with the right alcoholism treatment facility whether you live in San Francisco or the San Fernando Valley – or anywhere in between. Call now.

You can buy alcohol in California at every liquor store, grocery store, restaurant and drug store that has a license to sell it. It’s served at dinner, after dinner, at sporting events, at parties and clubs. You can even buy a beer at children’s restaurants. All this means that it can be difficult to tell when you’re drinking too much and when it’s time to get alcohol addiction help.

When It’s Time for Alcohol Addiction Help: Signs You Need Treatment

• High tolerance. Those who have to drink large amounts of alcohol before they feel the effects have a high tolerance. This is often a sign that alcohol rehab is necessary because it takes time and large amounts of alcohol to build up a tolerance to the substance.
• Cravings. Alcohol addiction is both physical and psychological and one of the biggest psychological symptoms of addiction is craving for the substance when you’re not using it. Wanting it when your focus should be elsewhere is a sign that your attachment to alcohol may need to be addressed in a therapeutic setting.
• Compulsive behavior. Cravings that are often quickly followed by compulsive drinking show that it’s time to get help for alcohol addiction. Stopping for a drink when you know you shouldn’t or staying for more than a few drinks long after you should have gone home on a regular basis can be a sign that it’s time to seek alcohol addiction treatment.
• Lying about drinking. Those who are drinking too much know it on some level. It’s why they lie when asked how many drinks they had that evening or downplay how often they indulge when asked. They may hide alcohol around the house or stop off to drink alone in order to better hide their alcohol abuse.
• Choosing activities based on alcohol. Many may refuse to attend events that won’t have alcohol or gatherings where they can’t be under the influence. Those who need alcohol addiction treatment often isolate from those who don’t drink and spend time only with those who drink as much as they do.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It’s a sure sign that alcohol rehab is necessary when you stop drinking for a day or two and experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms as a result.
• Trying to quit drinking…without success. Those who recognize that they need to stop drinking will usually first try to stop drinking on their own. For those with serious drinking problems, this is never successful. If you or someone you love has tried multiple times to quit drinking alone and just can’t seem to make it stick, then it’s time to get help.

Are You Ready to Get Help?

If you are ready to seek alcohol addiction treatment help at a California rehab, we can help. Our rehab experts are standing by to match you with the right California addiction treatment service. Call now.