Tag Archives: Alcohol Abuse

Cumberland Heights September 18, 2019No CommentsTags: Alcohol Abuse, alcoholism, Loved One’s Addiction

The negative psychological, biological, and physical effects of alcohol abuse are well documented. But the adverse effects of abusing alcohol don’t start and stop with the individual who’s doing the drinking.

On an annual basis in the U.S., over 20% of adults are negatively affected by someone else’s choice to drink. This translates to more than 50 million people, and a recent study called this trend, “a significant public health issue.”

The study from Rutgers University was backed by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and analyzed information from nearly 9,000 subjects.

Over 15% of participants reported having a harmful experience as a result of another person’s drinking. In the study, “harm” was described as physical aggression, threats and/or harassment, financial or family problems, property damage, injuries related to driving and vandalism.

Threats or harassment were the most commonly reported type of harm overall. Additionally, men reported more instances of physical aggression, vandalism and damaged property, while women reported more monetary or family problems.

Female subjects were more likely to experience harm by a drinker within their household, while men had an increased risk of harm by drinkers from outside of their household.

Responsibility Over Privilege

On the basis of these alarming findings, Dr. Timothy Naimi of the Boston Medical Center, stated, “The freedom to drink alcohol must be counter-balanced by the freedom from being afflicted by others’ drinking in ways manifested by homicide, alcohol-related sexual assault, car crashes, domestic abuse, lost household wages and child neglect.”

The study went on to find that overall, individuals younger than 25 were more likely to experience some form of harm due to someone else’s drunk actions. Significantly, almost half of the study’s participants reported being a heavy drinker as well as having been harmed by another person’s drinking.

Also of concern, it was revealed that casual drinkers have a two- to three-fold risk of experiencing driving-related harm or threats as compared to individuals who do not drink at all.

Recovery is possible—recover your unique, purposeful, sober life by reaching out to the dedicated experts at Cumberland Heights.

Addiction is a chronic, progressive and potentially fatal disease. For over 50 years we have carefully provided the highest quality of care for adults, adolescents and families who suffer from, or are affected by this devastating disease.

Our nonprofit alcohol and drug addiction treatment center is located on a peaceful, pastoral 177-acre campus on the banks of the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee. We provide a continuum of services through two 12-Step immersion campuses, 12 outpatient recovery centers and 4 sober living homes.

At Cumberland Heights, we always put the patient first, and value the importance of family participation in the recovery process. Take the first step toward healing by calling us at (866) 899-5231 today.

Cumberland HeightsAugust 23, 2019No CommentsTags: Alcohol Abuse, Children, Consequences, Drug Abuse, Foster Care, News Channel 4, Parenting, Parents, Video

Story By: Rebecca Cardenas, WSMV News Channel 4
Posted On: Aug 21, 2019

Since 2000, the number of children being placed in foster care because their parents use drugs has more than doubled, according to new research by JAMA Pediatrics.

“It just really hurts when the two people that are supposed to love you and care about you can’t really do that because they have a disease,” Brittany Hines, who knows that statistic firsthand, said. “I remember calling hospitals and jails and praying to God that she was in the hospital or in jail instead of just out using drugs and leaving us again,” she recalled. Her parents were both addicts. She lived with six families before she turned 18, when she got custody of her younger brother.

“I did not ever want to be split up from my brothers or sisters. I was fearful they would be taken away,” she said, calling many of her childhood memories traumatic.

The CEO of Cumberland Heights Jay Crosson said they’ve watched this trend with their own eyes. “It’s a consequence of untreated addiction,” he explained. “We see grandparents raising their own grandkids a lot.”

He said the alarming rise of kids in foster care is largely due to the opioid crisis, and more broadly an addiction crisis. “There’s an overall increase in acceptance of drug use overall by people.”

“Every patient that we see wants to be a good dad and a good mom. The insanity of this disease is that despite knowing these consequences that are out there they still can’t stop,” Crosson added.

“I never ever once doubted that my mom and dad loved me,” Hines said. She is a mother herself now, a role she’s taken on since she was a child. One of her sisters is still in her custody and now, her brother’s daughter. She works full time at an addiction treatment center

“Drug addicts are not bad people they’re just really sick,” she said. “My dad may not have been able to make it or get sober, but I hope somebody else’s dad is able to get sober and they’re able to get their dad back or their mom back.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, you can go to cumberlandheights.org.

Cumberland HeightsJanuary 1, 2019No CommentsTags: Alcohol Abuse, ARCH Academy, Holidays, new years, Recovery, Teens, Treatment

New Year’s is a holiday that sparks a lot of anxiety for parents, as holiday celebrations mean easier access to substances for teens. Most parents want to have that conversation with their kids on the dangerous effects of alcohol and drug abuse, but they aren’t quite sure what to say. As a subject that’s difficult to discuss, you still don’t want to skip it. Previous research has shown that parents who express their view on drugs – in particular, that they don’t want their kids using them – are more likely to warrant more favorable responses from their teens when the time comes that they’re approached with it. As a parent, you want to make sure that you’re telling your teen exactly what they need to make an informed decision – so what do you say?

Your Teen Mag gives some excellent pointers:

Have a discussion and set expectations but don’t lecture your teen
Express steps for being safe if they do decide to drink – because the reality is that while we cannot control what our teens decide to do, we can suggest ways they can be safe if they do move forward with it
Emphasize just how dangerous it is to drive under the influence or to be in the car with someone who is under the influence

Adolescents and teens are likely going to face experimentation and peer pressure, but maintaining a respectful, open dialogue with your teen is most likely going to give you the most favorable outcomes. As your teen is in a stage where their brain is still developing, they want explanations – not commands – for why they shouldn’t drink or use substances. Make it a collaborative effort and they’ll be much more likely to refrain from use (or at least take safety precautions if they do).

Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit alcohol and drug-addiction treatment center located on the banks of the Cumberland river in Nashville, Tennessee. On a sprawling 177-acre campus, we are made up of 2 12-Step immersion campuses, 12 outpatient recovery centers and 4 sober living homes. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first.

Call us today at 1-800-646-9998 to take the next step towards your happiness and health.

Cumberland HeightsJuly 9, 2018No CommentsTags: alcohol, Alcohol Abuse, alcoholism, Drinking

It’s a typical day — you’ve arrived home from work, and you’re ready to settle in for a comfortable evening. You drop your keys on the counter and head for the kitchen, thinking about the bottle of wine or the six-pack of beer waiting for you. But it’s not there. You forgot; you’d meant to stop at the store, and then on your way out your manager asked you to cover for a coworker next week, and you were distracted. How do you feel?

Maybe a little bummed out; you were looking forward to having a drink with dinner, and it’s just the icing on the cake of a hectic week — but speaking of cake, that ice cream in your freezer will probably get your mind off things just fine.

Or maybe there’s a twinge of something else — a deeper level of anxiety, a headache coming on, a surge of unexplainable frustration. You really needed that drink; it’s part of your routine and you know you won’t be able to relax or sleep well without at least a buzz. You can’t stop thinking about it. Maybe you’ll go to the bar down the street for dinner instead of cooking as you’d planned.

If your drinking has become a regular habit that you rely on to feel calm, happy or comfortable, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate whether your relationship with alcohol is a healthy one. Alcoholism doesn’t always look the same; not everyone fits the stereotype of an alcoholic who is always drunk and spends every cent they earn on plastic bottles of liquor. Alcoholism can affect people of all backgrounds, ages and genders, and can be difficult to identify because drinking alcohol is so common. If at any point you start to worry about the drinking habits of yourself or a loved one, you should consider learning more about the signs of alcoholism, or think about reaching out to an alcohol addiction treatment center for help.

To determine if you or a loved one has a drinking problem, we encourage you to learn more below.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also called alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic illness marked by a psychological and physical dependence on alcohol. People who struggle with alcoholism may drink excessively and uncontrollably, typically continuing to drink despite serious negative consequences. Alcoholism usually emerges slowly over time, starting with regular drinking and progressing to a point where the affected individual feels they can no longer function without alcohol.

Four main symptoms mark the difference between alcoholism and normal alcohol use:

Craving – a strong need, or compulsion, to drink
Loss of control – the inability to limit drinking on any given occasion
Physical dependence – alcohol withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, sweating, shakiness, anxiety) occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking
Tolerance – the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get high

People who are not suffering from alcoholism may not understand why someone who is addicted to alcohol can’t just use willpower to stop drinking. But in reality, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Those suffering from alcoholism experience an uncontrollable need for alcohol — a craving that can be as strong and deeply ingrained as the need for food or water. These cravings override an individual’s ability to stop drinking; they aren’t able to say no to alcohol, no matter the consequences.

Who Does Alcoholism Affect?

Alcohol dependence is the most common substance addiction. In the U.S., nearly twice as many people have an alcohol use disorder than all other substance use disorders combined — according to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 14.5 million Americans over the age of 12 struggle with an alcohol use disorder, compared to 7.8 million illicit drug users.

While alcoholism can happen to anyone regardless of gender, race or socioeconomic status, certain groups have a higher risk of developing alcohol dependence. Statistics show that men, for example, are nearly twice as likely to become addicted to alcohol as women, and that Native American and Hispanic communities have higher rates of alcoholism relative to other ethnic groups. Some other factors may contribute to an individual’s likelihood of developing alcoholism, including those described below.

Genetics

Studies have shown that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely you may develop alcoholism if you choose to drink. However, the mechanisms behind this are much more complicated than they sound. Scientists have identified many different genes that play a role in how your body processes alcohol, how alcohol affects your mood and whether you have other health concerns that might increase your risk. There is no genetic guarantee that you will or will not develop alcoholism, but you can use genetics to understand if you might be at a higher risk for abusing alcohol than other people.

Other Mental Health Disorders

It’s very common for individuals with a different mental health disorder, like severe depression or anxiety, a personality disorder or a compulsive disorder, to develop alcoholism. In these cases, people who struggle with a mental health disorder turn to alcohol to self-medicate; in other words, they drink to help themselves feel calmer, happier or more stable instead of seeking professional help. Once they start to rely on alcohol to avoid their symptoms, they become addicted. If you or your loved one is showing signs of a mental health disorder, you should never ignore symptoms or try to “tough it out.”

Environment

Alcoholism risk can increase based on the person’s environment, including where and how he or she lives; family, friends and culture; peer pressure; and how easy it is to obtain alcohol. If your friends or family are heavy drinkers, if many of the activities you participate in involve drinking or if you started drinking at an early age, it is more likely that you will develop alcohol addiction simply because you are drinking heavily or drinking often. If you are frequently around people who drink alcohol, it’s important to be aware of the signs of problematic drinking and to be supportive if someone expresses concern about their drinking habits.

What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?

There are many signs of alcoholism that you can look for in others or identify in yourself, but the best way to be sure that your drinking has become alcohol dependence or alcoholism is to talk to a doctor or counselor. If you are worried about yourself or a loved one, consider the following signs and make an appointment with a professional for further help.

You can begin by answering the four following questions:

Have you ever felt or been told that you should cut down on your drinking?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

If you answered yes to one of these questions, you might have an alcohol problem. If you answered yes to multiple questions, it is likely that a problem exists. In addition, some of the top signs of problematic drinking can include:

Drinking frequently — every day, or multiple times per day
Drinking alone or at inappropriate times (e.g., in the morning or at work)
Often drinking to the point of intoxication or “blacking out”
Spending too much money on alcohol
Allowing their alcohol use to interfere with important things like work, school or family
Acting erratically, irrationally or violently when drunk
Continuing to drink despite consequences like losing a job or getting in legal trouble

Whether you are worried about yourself or someone else, you should consult your healthcare provider or contact the recovery experts at Cumberland Heights. We can help determine whether you have a drinking problem and, if so, recommend the best course of action for recovery.

What is Alcoholism Recovery Like?

If you are beginning to think — or maybe you already know — that you need professional help for your drinking, you might be feeling overwhelmed. It can seem like there are too many options and steps to take before you can find a recovery center that feels safe and supportive. Perhaps you have been in alcohol rehab before, and you feel like nothing will ever work. But there are many resources to help you find the treatment that’s right for you. Your primary care doctor will be able to provide professional referrals; your insurance company may help identify cost-effective options; and, there are several government tools and hotlines that can help you find providers that meet your needs.

For most people who are struggling with alcoholism, a residential treatment program is the first step. There are also options for outpatient alcohol addiction treatment if an individual is unable to commit to living away from home. Sometimes, medically monitored detox is necessary to help an individual safely get through alcohol withdrawal symptoms without relapsing or harming themselves. Many treatment centers, Cumberland Heights included, offer detox treatment on-site so clients can transition directly into full-time recovery.

Most people spend about a month in residential care, though some programs — like the Extended Care Program at Cumberland Heights — offer longer stays if needed. During residential recovery, you will participate in a variety of therapeutic activities to help you adjust to sobriety, learn how to cope with your addiction in daily life and build healthy habits that don’t involve drinking. You will be living full-time in your treatment center, so you will have plenty of access to your care team and you will be in a safe, structured and substance-free environment where you can focus on getting better.

Once your time in a treatment program is complete, you will begin your transition back to everyday life. You’ll know you’re making progress toward lifelong recovery when you:

Disassociate from people who use alcohol
Open yourself to self-improvement and growth
Actively work to improve personal relationships damaged by alcoholism

It’s important to remember that recovery from alcoholism is an ongoing process. You’ll need to work at staying sober, especially in times of stress or difficulty when you might be tempted to turn to alcohol to help. But with the tools you learn in addiction treatment, you’ll know what to do if you start to feel like you need a drink.

Cumberland Heights offers treatment programs based on the principles of the 12 Steps to help you maintain your sobriety. Abstinence is a lifelong process that usually requires ongoing support. There is no cure for the disease of addiction, and although medication can be a useful management tool, it is no substitute for a spiritual program of recovery. Focusing on healing your mind and spirit offers you a road to recovery that you can sustain on your own, making it possible for you to achieve long-term sobriety in independent life.

Brandon Antoskow, LPC-MHSP January 11, 20181 CommentTags: addiction, Alcohol Abuse, Drinking, Recover Life, Recovery, Treatment

On July 28, 2012, I was at a complete loss. Despite years of trying to control my drinking, I had yet again approached a social situation with intentions to “just have one,” only to wake up that morning with no recollection from the night before. All I knew was things had not gone well. My girlfriend (now wife) made a simple ultimatum – alcohol or her, but I couldn’t have both. It was an ultimatum I’d heard many times before, in various forms, but something about this time was different. I was done trying to keep up the illusion I had any semblance of control with my drinking. Despite my very best efforts and sincere intentions, I simply could not predict how much I would drink once I had the first sip of alcohol. I was finally willing to admit I was powerless over this disease.

The 12 Steps are the solution which continues to show me there is a better life I can live if I am willing to be humble, take action and trust my Higher Power.

For years, I’d used alcohol to fill a deep void in my life. I spent a lot of time and energy trying to convince others I didn’t have a problem, and I could quit any time. The problems with these statements were they were completely false, and deep down I knew it. I knew I was lying to myself, but I was terrified to come out and actually admit I was powerless when it came to drinking. It terrified me to think I might be perceived as weak by my friends and family. The great paradox of admitting I was powerless over my drinking was it created an opportunity to allow something else in, and for me that something else was God. My Higher Power gave me the strength to forge ahead during some difficult times in my recovery, and continues to do so today.

After that moment of surrender, I was able to admit I needed help. I made my best effort to stay humble and to listen to the wisdom of others who had gone before me. They showed me there was a better life waiting for me, but only if I was willing to trust to the process and go to any lengths to get it. In essence, my admission to being powerless and understanding my life was unmanageable led me to identify the problem, which was Step 1. Once I identified the problem, I could then work towards the solution.

After five years in recovery the one thing I remind myself each day is powerlessness is not the same as helplessness. I admit I am powerless over my disease to create an opportunity for something bigger than me (my Higher Power) to lead me through my sobriety. What is essential about this admission is I take action each day to maintain the spiritual condition that allows me to remain sober. Once I take Step One, and I’ve admitted I am powerless and my life has become unmanageable, I’ve identified the problem. Next, I then have to take the necessary steps towards the solution. The 12 Steps are the solution which continues to show me there is a better life I can live if I am willing to be humble, take action and trust my Higher Power.

Brandon Antoskow, LPC-MHSP is the clinical coordinator in the Men’s Program at Cumberland Heights. He has been at Cumberland Heights for over three years, and enjoys watching the miracle of recovery take form each and every day. Brandon lives in Franklin, TN with his wife Kelsey and dog Cash.

Cumberland HeightsSeptember 29, 2017No CommentsTags: Adolescents, Alcohol Abuse, Drinking, Drug Abuse Treatment, Drugs, In the News, Recovery, Teens, The Adolescent Program, Treatment

By: Brett Martin
WKRN New Channel 2, Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Addiction is sweeping the country and impacting young people every day. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 25 percent of teenagers who use drugs become addicted before they turn 18.

cumberland-heights-youth-counselor-alcohol-marijuana-sending-teens-to-rehab-at-faster-rate

“Drug addiction is chaotic,” said a former addict at Cumberland Heights in northwest Davidson County. Addiction is becoming far too normal for people, including teenagers. “Not all of them have gotten to that point, especially the youth, where they could be addicted, but they are definitely on a path,” said Dean Porterfield, Director of Adolescent and Young Adult Services.

There is no doubt in Alex Booth’s mind that he is a recovering addict. Booth is 28 years old now and once was hooked on pain pills. “Drinking on the weekends, partying, having fun was all that I really cared about, and it’s not realistic to have that kind of lifestyle,” said Booth. Booth came to Cumberland Heights years ago. He said without their help, he might not be alive today.

“I was on death’s door when I got to Cumberland Heights. I had a very low heart beat from being on so many depressants for so long,” said Booth. That is a scary reality for many teenagers and young adults. “I had pretty much given up and I said, ‘Do whatever.’ I’d follow any suggestion,” Booth told News 2.

A report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse says 50 percent of teens have tried alcohol and 40 percent have used some kind of illegal drug by their senior year in high school.

Porterfield said most of the teenagers coming to them are addicted to alcohol and marijuana and headed down a dark path with prescription pain pills. “We are starting to see teenagers and young adults getting into substances at a faster rate and a more lethal rate,” said Porterfield. Porterfield said the biggest challenge is making sure teenagers understand the disease and want to get help. “It’s not uncommon for someone to get to us and have the drug history, substance abuse history of someone that is much older,” explained Porterfield.

That is something Booth said was a huge hurdle for him and others who have hit rock bottom.

“I remember being a teenager and thinking that I had the entire world figured out,” Booth said.

Recovery is Possible

Recover Life.

Secure Contact: Confidential Email Form

Call Today: 800-646-9998

Begin Your Recovery

Stay in the Know