Is Cancer In Your Future

Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk for various types of cancer. A combined analysis of more than 200 studies assessing the link between alcohol and various types of cancer sought to investigate this association in more detail. This study found that alcohol most strongly increased the risks for cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, and larynx. Statistically significant increases in risk also existed for cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, liver, female breast, and ovaries. Several mechanisms have been postulated through which alcohol may contribute to an increased risk of cancer. Concurrent tobacco use, which is common among drinkers, enhances alcohol's effects on the risk for cancers of the upper digestive and respiratory tract

Regular alcohol consumption can have numerous consequences, beneficial or detrimental, on the health of the drinker. For example, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption  may protect against certain types of heart disease and stroke. Conversely, heavy drinking has been associated with liver disease; cardiovascular disease; disorders of the digestive tract; and illness or death from alcohol-related injuries, motor vehicle crashes, and violence. Another group of disorders that has been linked to drinking is cancer, particularly cancers of the upper airway and digestive tract

 Alcohol consumption also is associated with primary liver cancer. This relationship is difficult to investigate in epidemiological studies, however, because it is more indirect. Thus, alcohol causes cirrhosis of the liver in a substantial proportion of heavy drinkers, which then can lead to liver cancer. In addition, heavy alcohol consumption can increase the drinker's risk for infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which in turn can also result in liver cancer.

Alcohol consumption also has been linked to cancers of the large bowel in both men and women and to breast cancer in women, although these associations have not yet been proven unequivocally. Nevertheless, because these are the two most common types of cancer in developed countries after lung cancer, even a moderate increase in risk may result in a relatively large number of additional cases and therefore have important public health implications. The increased risk of cancer among heavy drinkers is primarily attributed to the alcohol in alcoholic beverages. Thus, the risk tends to increase with the overall amount of alcohol consumed.

If you are facing the possibility of a cancer in your future and have decided that now is the time to quit your alcohol addiction. Contact us at Above It All Treatment Center for a personalized evaluation and consultation to set up a program designed just for you.  Working together, we can set you on the road to an alcohol free life and lessen the possibility of cancer in your future.

What Are 12 Step Programs

Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Smokers Anonymous, Over-eaters Anonymous, are all variations of the 12 Step Program, billed as a "non-denominational rehabilitation program" for people with substance abuse and other psychological, social and physical issues.

The pain, turmoil, and devastation caused by addiction needs to come to an end. Help is needed. Help is available. Today can be that day, to put an end to the vicious cycle of despair and confusion.

A TWELVE-STEP program is a guiding set of principles that, when practiced, leads to recovery from addictive behavior. The steps were originally developed by the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous ("AA") to guide recovery from alcoholism. AA's purpose is to provide the recovering alcoholic (addict) with the tools to stay sober and help others achieve sobriety. Participants benefit from the shared camaraderie among group members.

The basis of the 12 step programs can be used in a variety of different situations, but is widely used in programs that treat addictions. The 12 step program has traditionally been based on Christian ideology but can be changed to meet each individual's recovery needs. According to www.12step.org, the steps are as follows: 1) powerlessness, 2) hope, 3) faith, 4) inventory, 5) honesty, 6) preparation, 7) letting go, 8) humility, 9) forgiveness, 10) continuous inventory, 11) conscious contact, and 12) carrying the message. Those people who are in recovery need to focus on each step individually and not move on to the next until the previous step has been completed. These steps or a variation thereof are used in most 12 step programs, and challenge the person in recovery to stay on task and address the issues that are destroying them.

If you would like to try a 12 step program that is delivered by certified professionals who will work out a plan that fits your needs and desires, then contact us at Above It All Treatment Center.  We are here to make sure that you get on the road to a successful relapse free recovery.

Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drinking Problems

Americans have a complicated history with alcohol. At the end of the 19th century, politicians, women's groups, and churches banded together to convince lawmakers to outlaw alcohol. In 1919, the U.S. Congress passed the 18th Amendment, making the sale and distribution of alcohol illegal. Alcohol consumption declined but did not stop. In 1933, Prohibition ended and since then, millions of Americans have made alcohol a part of their social life.  In the 1960s, E. M. Jellinek pioneered the idea that excessive and harmful use of alcohol was a disease. Within a decade, public campaigns were launched in the United States to educate people about alcoholism as an illness
It’s not always easy to see when your drinking has crossed the line from moderate or social use to problem drinking. But if you consume alcohol to cope with difficulties or to avoid feeling bad, you’re in potentially dangerous territory. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can sneak up on you, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and take steps to cut back if you recognize them. Understanding the problem is the first step to overcoming it.
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal disease. Characteristics of alcoholism include the following:

• Drinking excessive amounts frequently

• Inability to curb drinking despite medical, psychological, or social complications

• Increased tolerance to alcohol

• Occurrence of withdrawal symptoms when the person stops drinking

Substance abuse experts make a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism (also called alcohol dependence). Unlike alcoholics, alcohol abusers have some ability to set limits on their drinking. However, their alcohol use is still self-destructive and dangerous to themselves or others.
Common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include:

• Repeatedly neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school because of your drinking

• Using alcohol in situations where it’s physically dangerous

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• Experiencing repeated legal problems on account of your drinking

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• Continuing to drink even though your alcohol use is causing problems in your relationships

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• Drinking as a way to relax or de-stress

If you are having issues with alcohol, whether it be alcoholism or alcohol abuse, we can help.  At Above It All Treatment Centers, our professional staff will work with you to design a path to recovery that will lead you to a better life.

What is Your Underlying Issue?

Most treatment centers fail in their approach to alcohol abuse recovery because they treat addiction as if it is the problem, instead of looking for the deeper underlying issues. Their solution is a one-size-fits-all "group" approach, where you are placed with strangers in group meetings, then told that you have a disease that you are powerless over, and the best you can hope to do is manage it with a lifelong commit to 12 Step meetings and daily calls to your sponsor. Anything short of that and they say you will relapse. This archaic model is out of date and is used by almost all 12 Step based rehab centers in the nation.

Some of the most common underlying issues that cause people to use drugs and alcohol are low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, loss of loved ones, trauma, molestation, headaches, insomnia, physical pain, chemical imbalance, ADD, lack of purpose, and family turmoil.  Once you identify and heal the underlying issue that's driving your dependency on drugs and alcohol, you will have reached a major milestone, and be that much closer to your permanent sobriety.

While we offer standard 12 step recovery programs that is not always the best route for everyone.  At Above It All treatment facilities, we tailor a person plan that is suited to you and your needs.  Our team of professionals will follow you throughout your recovery and make adjustments to your program based on your needs.  We are here to assist you in making a lasting recovery that will be relapse free.