Florida Alcohol Rehab

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It slows respiration and brain function, impairing motor coordination and causing many other effects. Most notably, alcohol impairs judgment, and excessive drinking can cause heavy sedation and illness. Because of alcohol's toxic nature, the drug can also cause overdose and death.

Alcohol leaves the system rapidly, usually within 24 hours. This time frame depends on how heavily the person abused alcohol and the quality of their overall health. But the drug metabolizes rapidly, and within five hours, more than half of the alcohol consumed up to that point will have left the system.

Alcohol triggers a release of dopamine and endorphins. Tolerance and dependence develop rapidly, eventually controlling the person's behavior through cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which can be deadly without medical intervention. Alcohol's ability to alter the brain's functioning makes it the second most used substance behind tobacco.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines "heavy drinking" as consuming more than four alcoholic drinks in a day or more than 14 drinks per week for men. For women, the threshold is consuming more than three drinks per day or seven weekly. When it comes to binge drinking, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines it as consuming five or more drinks on one occasion for men and four or more for women on at least one day per month. They also consider binge drinking on five or more days per month as heavy alcohol use.

Withdrawal from alcohol can take anywhere from 5 days to two weeks. The length of time depends on an individual's age, how long they have been drinking, and how much. For heavy alcohol users that have been consuming alcohol for an extended period, alcohol withdrawal is a long process that requires medical supervision. Those who seek rehabilitation to handle their binge drinking may not need a medical detox if their body has not formed a physical alcohol dependence. Always err on the side of caution and consult a medical professional before starting alcohol withdrawal. Stopping alcohol cold turkey could be fatal.

The questions from Addicted.org's "Ask a Professional" are answered by Michael Leach, CCMA. If you need further clarification on any of the questions above or have any other questions you can contact him directly at M.Leach@Addicted.org.