Quit Drinking, Don't Let "Blacking Out" Become "Blacking Out for Good": Understanding Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal - sunscreen for preventing wrinkles

Quit Drinking, Don't Let "Blacking Out" Become "Blacking Out for Good": Understanding Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal"Doctor, my father's hands are shaking so badly he can't even hold chopsticks. Last night he was yelling and sweating profusely, it felt like he was possessed

Quit Drinking, Don't Let "Blacking Out" Become "Blacking Out for Good": Understanding Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal

"Doctor, my father's hands are shaking so badly he can't even hold chopsticks. Last night he was yelling and sweating profusely, it felt like he was possessed. Could this be from quitting alcohol?" Chen Da-ye's son anxiously asked. 72-year-old Chen Da-ye had been drinking for over 40 years, with a severe drinking problem in his younger days. Every morning, he would start drinking, with his peak consumption being half to a full liter of baijiu (Chinese liquor). It wasn't until he was in his 50s, when he was diagnosed with severe fatty liver, that he began to slowly reduce his drinking. A month ago, Chen Da-ye celebrated his grandson's wedding, with relatives and friends coming and going. He couldn't resist the social pressure and his own cravings, so he resumed drinking despite his family's pleas. After the festivities ended, Chen Da-ye became worried about his fatty liver again and decided to quit drinking at home. Less than three days later, he experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, leading to the scene described earlier.

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There are common sayings that suggest older individuals who have been drinking for a long time may develop health problems if they suddenly quit. Is this truly the case?

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Chen Da-ye's situation is not unique. Alcohol dependence and withdrawal are significant challenges faced by many individuals. While some may think that occasional drinking won't lead to addiction or serious consequences, the truth is that alcohol's harm is far more profound than we initially perceive. Long-term drinking not only causes irreversible damage to the body but also traps individuals in the quagmire of alcohol dependence, ultimately leading to various health issues.

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I. The "Gentle Trap" of Alcohol: Do You Really Understand It?

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Alcohol, seemingly an indispensable part of social gatherings, harbors immense hidden dangers, posing serious threats to our physical health and mental wellbeing.

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1. Long-term Drinking's Damage to the Body: A Cup of "Happy Water" Becomes a "Health Killer"

Alcohol is not the mythical "health elixir" it's often portrayed to be. On the contrary, it inflicts a series of serious injuries upon our bodies. Regardless of whether you drink baijiu, beer, or red wine, any beverage containing alcohol will inevitably negatively impact your health.

• Liver Damage: The primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol is the liver. Long-term excessive drinking puts a strain on the liver, leading to conditions like fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Alcohol damages heart muscle cells, increases heart rate and blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure.

• Digestive System Diseases: Alcohol irritates the digestive tract lining, causing gastritis, peptic ulcers, esophagitis, and even increasing the risk of esophageal and gastric cancer.

• Nervous System Diseases: Long-term excessive drinking can damage the nervous system, resulting in memory loss, slowed thinking, cognitive decline, mental disorders, and in severe cases, alcoholic dementia.

• Decreased Immunity: Long-term drinking suppresses the immune system, lowering resistance and making individuals more susceptible to various diseases.

• Other Diseases: Alcohol also increases the risk of developing pancreatitis, kidney diseases, osteoporosis, and certain cancers (such as breast cancer and colon cancer).

2. Alcohol Dependence: From "An Occasional Drink" to Being "Trapped"

Many believe that occasional drinking won't lead to addiction. However, alcohol's "gentle trap" often catches individuals off guard, gradually invading their lives and pushing them into a quagmire they can't escape.

• Alcohol Tolerance: As the frequency and quantity of drinking increase, the body's tolerance to alcohol gradually rises, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same level of intoxication.

• Alcohol Dependence: When the body develops a dependence on alcohol, even stopping drinking can lead to various withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, tremors, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, etc. These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, forcing individuals to continue drinking.

• Alcohol Abuse: To overcome withdrawal symptoms, those with alcohol dependence continuously increase their drinking, even going to extreme lengths to find alcohol, ultimately leading to alcohol abuse that severely impacts their normal lives and work.

II. Quitting Drinking, Don't Let "Blacking Out" Become "Blacking Out for Good": Being Vigilant of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Chen Da-ye's son, witnessing his father's symptoms, could not help but feel concerned. This is the "alcohol withdrawal syndrome" that many long-term drinkers encounter while quitting.

1. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: The Body's "SOS" Signal

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome refers to a series of physical and mental symptoms experienced by chronic alcoholics when they suddenly stop drinking, due to the rapid decrease in alcohol concentration in the body, leading to disruptions in nervous system function.

• Symptoms: Common symptoms include hand tremors, sweating, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, depression, hallucinations, delusions, etc.

• Severity: The severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome varies based on factors such as the individual's drinking quantity, duration, and overall physical condition. Some may experience mild symptoms, while others may face life-threatening complications.

2. The Specificity of Quitting Drinking for Older Adults: Need for Extra Attention

Older adults experience a decline in bodily functions and lowered alcohol tolerance, making them more susceptible to alcohol dependence and withdrawal. Abruptly quitting drinking can further strain their bodies and even trigger other illnesses.

• Risks of Quitting Drinking for Older Adults: Older adults quitting drinking are more likely to experience complications like cardiovascular diseases, digestive system diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, etc. Thus, extra caution is required.

• Suggestions for Older Adults Quitting Drinking: Older adults should consult with a doctor before quitting drinking. Gradually reducing alcohol consumption, using auxiliary medication, improving dietary nutrition, etc., can mitigate withdrawal symptoms and increase the success rate of quitting.

III. Debunking Myths About Quitting Drinking: Ditching the "Drinking Is Healthy" Fallacy

Regarding drinking, there are many circulating myths about its health benefits, but these often lack scientific evidence and can even mislead individuals, pushing more people into alcohol's "gentle trap."

1. The "Moderate Drinking Is Healthy" Lie

Many believe that "moderate drinking is healthy," especially for red wine, which contains resveratrol, touted for its antioxidant, anti-aging, and cardiovascular disease prevention properties. However, numerous studies have shown that drinking provides no benefits for cardiovascular health and can even increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

2. The Misconception About "Drinking Cures a Cold"

Many believe that drinking a bit of alcohol after catching a cold can help expel coldness and speed up recovery. However, alcohol exacerbates the condition because it causes blood vessels in the mucous membranes to dilate and become congested, increasing respiratory secretions and further intensifying cold symptoms.

3. The Erroneous Belief in "Medicinal Wine for Health"

Medicinal wine also contains alcohol. Long-term excessive consumption can cause liver damage. While the medicinal herbs used for brewing wine may be edible, their use should be tailored to individual constitution and health conditions, and not consumed blindly.

IV. Quitting Drinking Guide: Saying Goodbye to Alcohol, Reclaiming Health

Quitting drinking is not just for your own health but also for the well-being of your family and friends. To successfully quit drinking, you need effort, but even more importantly, scientific methods and unwavering determination.

1. Gradual Approach: Quitting Can't Be Rushed

For chronic alcoholics, quitting alcohol abruptly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and even life-threatening conditions. Therefore, quitting should be gradual, gradually reducing the amount of alcohol consumed, allowing the body to adapt.

2. Medication Assistance: Reducing Withdrawal Symptoms

Under a doctor's guidance, medication can be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-emetics, etc.

3. Nutritional Supplementation: Improving Physical Condition

Long-term drinking can lead to nutritional deficiencies. During the quitting process, ensure balanced nutritional intake, including fruits, vegetables, milk, etc., while maintaining regular sleep patterns, helping the body recover.

4. Psychological Counseling: Overcoming Withdrawal Psychology

Quitting drinking is a long journey that requires overcoming psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Through psychological counseling, joining alcohol cessation support groups, etc., you can gain psychological support and assistance.

V. Rejecting Alcohol, Embracing Health: Making Life More Vibrant

Alcohol is not an indispensable part of life. It only brings various health risks and societal problems. Rejecting alcohol, embracing health, can make life more vibrant.

• Actively Participate in Cultural and Sports Activities: Seek healthy hobbies like sports, travel, reading, music, etc., to shift focus, enrich life, and reduce alcohol dependence.

• Seek Support from Family and Friends: Communicate with family and friends, seeking their understanding and support. Encourage each other during the quitting process, overcoming challenges together.

• Consult Professional Organizations: If you unable to quit drinking on your own, you can consult with professional organizations specializing in alcohol cessation, such as support groups, treatment

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