Alcohol and Drugs

In Ireland it is estimated that one in ten people are alcoholic, and that alcoholism in one person, directly affects the lives of at least 4-5 others. Alcohol is a drug, a sedative, which depresses the central nervous system. Used consistently and long term, it can cause liver damage, brain damage, heart and other health problems, and inevitably physical dependency. Alcoholism has a devastating impact on each family member and on the family as a whole.

Alcoholism is a primary illness, which if left untreated can cause serious physical, emotional, spiritual, interpersonal and social problems for the individual involved and their families. Alcoholism is an addiction, a dependency relationship on alcohol which becomes extreme and unhealthy. Like other addictions it is progressive and ultimately, without intervention, will result in death.

Drug addiction, like alcoholism, is the use of a mood altering substance, regularly and consistently to the point of dependency, despite the impact and consequences to self or others. Drug Addiction is sometimes referred to as Chemical Dependency, because it is the chemicals in the drug, interacting with the brain and central nervous system that alter mood, making the drug addictive. Some drugs are more addictive than others, depending on their individual chemistry and the speed with which they enter the body and leave the blood stream. Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs. Drugs come in many forms and some prescriptive medications can also be addictive, particularly some anti anxiety and pain medications.

Alcohol remains the most common substance that people in Ireland become addicted to, followed by Cannabis. Both Alcohol and Cannabis abuse can act as a gateway to other drug use, and ultimately to addiction.

Features of Alcohol and Drug Addiction

• Using more at more frequent intervals
• Having to use more to get the same effect
• Broken promises to self and others to control or stop using
• Lying to cover up the amount of using alcohol / drugs
• Rationalising to cover up and explain away using
• Denying that drinking or drug taking causes probelms
• Avoiding going to places where drink/drugs is not available
• Spending excess money on alcohol/drugs
• Needing to drink or take drugs to cope with worry, anxiety, stress
• Erratic behaviour – mood changes (anxiety or depression), short-temper, personality change
• Change in personal relationships
• Employment problems

For information on our treatment programme please contact us

Links for further support: Alcoholics Anonymous & Narcotics Anonymous & Al-Anon