Do you know someone who needs alcohol rehab in the New Year?

As we start the New Year, some people are probably thinking about their need for Alcohol Rehab. Many individuals with alcohol abuse problems lack insight about their condition, so it may require a dramatic event to enlighten people about their problem. Some may have recognized their problem as they entered the New Year in a jail cell because of a DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol). I'm sure we all know someone who's had a DUI in the past. Maybe it's time for us to get more involved with organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Perhaps you made a New Year's resolution to cut back on your alcohol intake. Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking? Do you frequently get annoyed when people talk to you about your alcohol use? When's the last time you needed to have a drink when you woke up in the morning? Alcohol abuse problems are so common and many people fail to recognize how alcohol can destroys lives. Many people with alcohol abuse problems look around and don't consider themselves to be an "alcoholic." What does the word "alcoholic" really mean? Does it simply mean that you require some type of Alcohol Treatment?

The American Medical Association (AMA) has many publications on the topic of alcoholism. The statistics on alcoholism are actually quite staggering. Since alcoholism can be a disabling condition, it's very important to seek treatment. Many rehabilitation centers offer Private Alcohol Rehab programs and families often see remarkable results when their loved ones enter rehab programs and receive the help they truly need. If you know someone who has an alcohol problem, do what you can to help that individual get professional help. I've seen too many lives get destroyed by alcohol and it's simply not worth facing the potential damage that alcohol may cause.

Wine, chocolate, and our health

People often pair wine with cheese. I like cheese, but I love chocolate. Now, I don't drink much wine, but I consume a fair bit of chocolate. Anyone who knows we well can attest to that! I'm eating chocolate right now as I type this blog post (Lindt Lindor dark chocolate truffles).

Let's look at these two common elements that frequently get consumed during the holiday season because they make great gift ideas:

Wine: Now wine contains alcohol and is also quite high in calories. Alcohol is a sedative and some people may be addicted to alcohol. The truth is that many people actually abuse/misuse alcohol but they don't even realize it. As a result, alcohol has become a menace to society in that it has contributed to significant health problems (cancer, cirrhosis, alcoholism, etc.) and public health concerns (drunk driving, decreased workplace productivity, etc.). However, wine appears to have some health benefits if it's consumed responsibly. Wine (in responsible moderation) may benefit the heart, lipid profiles, etc.

Chocolate: I love chocolate, but we all know that chocolate is heavy on the calories. They say, "A moment on the lips, but a lifetime on the hips" (you may as well add: waist, belly, thighs, etc.) I make it to the gym several times each week just so that I can maintain my chocolate habit. We've been uncovering more health benefits tied with dark chocolate, but it's hard to justify most of these benefits when you look at the obesity epidemic in the United States. I don't think any  physician will encourage an overweight or obese individual to consume chocolate for health benefits.

So, what are we to do about wine and chocolate this holiday season? I'm going to cut back on wine so that I can eat more chocolate. This way, I can still burn the same amount of calories each day and still enjoy my chocolate.

Farewell Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze died from pancreatic cancer at age 57. He had starred in movies such as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost." According to CNN, Swayze passed away peacefully. Dr. George Fisher, revealed in early March 2008 that Swayze had pancreatic cancer. Sometimes it's hard to believe how quickly cancer can take a life.

What's sad is that Swayze had a history of drinking heavily and smoking. Swayze had advanced pancreatic cancer that had spread to other organs. Could his pancreatic cancer been prevented had he lived a healthier lifestyle? Could he still be alive if he wasn't a drinker or a smoker? So many celebrities fall into problems with drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. We see many celebrities drinking under the influence, needing alcohol rehab, or some who kill themselves from drug overdoses.

Farewell Patrick Swayze. I hope that other people may become more educated about pancreatic cancer and the risk factors associated with this terrible disease. I sincerely hope that those (including celebrities) who can change their lifestyle habits would do so to reduce their risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Remember Fetal Alcohol Syndrome today (9/9/09)

Today is a unique day on the calendar that only happens once: 9/9/09

Since pregnancy is 9 months, remember Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) on this day. That's what the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) is doing today. This date was chosen to represent 9 months of no alcohol for women who are considering pregnancy.

Many people have misconceptions regarding alcohol and pregnancy. For instance, some people think that alcohol-related birth defects only occur if you drink alcohol heavily during your pregnancy. The fact is that many defects (including developmental problems) can occur even if you only drink very small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has a website that provides additional information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). FASDs are 100% preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Impaired physicians and alcohol rehab

We all know that there are impaired physicians in the community. We may not want to admit this reality, but it's true. Physicians fall into addictions and they often need rehab, including alcohol rehab. Whether it's inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab, these programs offer important services that can eventually protect the public from dangerous healthcare professionals who may have drinking problems.

You don't need to be a classic "alcoholic" to have a drinking problem. You don't need to fail the CAGE questionnaire to have a drinking problem. Some people have the misconception that they don't have an alcohol problem because they never need an "eye opener" and they only drink at night. Others may think they're drinking is fine because they never feel guilty about it. These people may be in desperate need of alcohol treatment, but they may simply be living in denial.

Let's hope that the statistics improve as more impaired healthcare professionals recognize their need for help. Let's also hope that co-workers are not shy to approach their impaired colleagues who may require assistance. Since physicians often hold the lives of other people in their own hands, they can't afford to be impaired. The effects of alcohol misuse or dependence may impact the lives of many patients if physicians don't get the help they need. The best way to get results may be to send our loved ones to private alcohol rehab.

Prescription Drug Rehab

Do you know of any good California Drug Rehab programs? When I was in medical school, I used to work in a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. I saw many patients who had drug and alcohol addictions. They were essentially using drugs and alcohol to cope with depression, stress, anxiety, and even PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). Drug abuse is a common problem, even among non-military veterans. The statistics can be quite staggering. Many adults struggle with anxiety and they become dependent on benzos (like Ativan, Valium, and others) to help them relax. In the United States, benzodiazepines are Schedule IV drugs under the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

There is a strong need for better Prescription Drug Rehab programs in this country. Because of the addictive potential associated with opioids, many patients now need Vicodin Rehab (I'm not picking on a single opioid, I'm just using an example). Other commonly abused opioids include: Percocet, Dilaudid, Demerol, and Fentanyl (yes, even this drug gets misused). Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include severe dysphoria, sweating, nausea, rhinorrea, depression, severe fatigue, vomiting and pain. You've seen it in the movies. Don't let your loved ones go through withdrawal alone. Make sure to find a good rehab program for them.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs

I've seen many patients who have needed some type of drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Do you know where to go to find help? It can be difficult to find a good drug rehab facility because of the social stigma associated with addiction problems. It's also very difficult for addicts to quit their addictions. I don't think that most people or family members would feel comfortable asking their friends and colleagues for referrals to rehab programs. However, it is important to find a good program that has the proper support structure and that centers around your beliefs and values.

Many celebrities fall into drug and alcohol addiction. Remember the musician Ray Charles? He was a heroin addict. The biographic movie about Ray Charles had some graphic scenes showing him go through heroin withdrawal. Heroin withdrawal can be difficult to witness at home, so it's important to have your loved one in a safe and professional environment. Ray Charles should have gone through a detox program and heroin rehab.