Cocaethylene Explained: Why Mixing Alcohol and Cocaine Creates a New Drug
For decades, alcohol and cocaine have been two of the most widely misused substances in the world. Separately, each carries well-documented risks, but when combined, they don’t just add up; they interact inside the body to create an entirely new compound: cocaethylene. Cocaethylene forms in the liver when alcohol and cocaine are ingested together. Far […]
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Drinking during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) when the fetus and developing baby are exposed to alcohol. This condition can occur from any amount of alcohol consumed while pregnant. Moreover, understanding FASD, its effects on children, and how it can be prevented and treated can help women who are considering getting pregnant, […]
Alcohol Awareness Month 2025
Alcohol Awareness Month 2025 is currently underway. Learn more about the importance of this month, why it is necessary, and how you can participate. What is Alcohol Awareness Month? Alcohol Awareness Month is an annual observance that calls attention to the dangers of alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder (alcoholism). It also serves to educate […]
Why Does Alcohol Make Me Angry?
Your friends always seem to enjoy themselves when they’ve had a few drinks. But when you consume alcohol, your mood plummets and your actions become erratic and even threatening. To break this problematic behavior pattern, you need to start by asking yourself, “Why does alcohol make me angry, and what can I do about it?” […]
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Period?
One common question that many women ask is, “Can alcohol affect your period?” Drinking alcohol affects the body in different ways for men and women. The extent of the effects does vary based on the amount drunk, frequency, and duration. For binge drinkers, heavy drinkers, and those with alcohol use disorders (AUDs), the effects can […]
Can an Alcoholic Die From Quitting Cold Turkey?
You’ve developed an addiction to alcohol, and you want to stop drinking. Is it wise to try to quit all at once, on your own, without professional help? Could the sudden absence of alcohol actually be harmful to your body? Can an alcoholic die from quitting cold turkey? Dangers of Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey Quit […]
Can Alcohol Abuse Cause Crohn’s Disease?
Alcohol use has been linked with a wide range of health problems, some of which can be life-threatening. Does this include severe gastrointestinal damage? Can alcohol cause Crohn’s disease? What is Crohn’s Disease? Before we look into if alcohol can cause Crohn’s disease, it can be helpful to review a few basic facts about this […]
Does Alcohol Affect the Gallbladder? Gallstones & Other Problems
Discussions of alcohol-related organ damage often focus on the liver, kidneys, and heart. These aren’t the only organs that can be harmed by heavy drinking, are they? For example, can alcohol cause gallbladder attacks or otherwise affect the gallbladder? How Alcohol Affects the Gallbladder Before discussing how can alcohol affect the gallbladder, let’s take a […]
Is Alcoholism a Mental Illness?
Understanding the Definition of Mental Illness Mental illness encompasses health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. This includes disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental illness each year, with rising rates among teenagers. […]
High-Functioning Depression
It is easy to assume that when someone has depression, it is easy to know they are suffering. However, that is not always the case with high-functioning depression. It is difficult to tell when someone is depressed when they are still high-functioning. Taking the time to learn more about this mental health condition can help […]