Alcoholism and drug abuse are two of America’s greatest health, and
social concerns. The devastation, and cost in lives caused by alcoholism
and drug abuse are immeasurable. Crime, bad health, broken marriages,
loss of income, even death, are all just a few of the misfortunes that
can be credited to the diseases of alcoholism and drug abuse.

The mystery of what makes us susceptible to addiction, and the cure for
alcoholism and drug abuse has been widely argued by every faction in the
medical and scientific community - from chemists and psychiatrists to
doctors and geneticists. This is due to the fact that addiction is
considered by some to be a mental illness, or compulsive behavior, as in
the case of gambling or sexual addiction. While others believe it to be
a physical illness, resulting from escalation in use due to repeated
exposure.

Is it a genetic, or inherited trait? A chemical reaction? A
mental illness? A combination of physical and mental factors? There is
no general agreement on what exactly an addiction is, but enough is
known to know alcoholism and drug abuse are a serious health priority.

On a societal level, alcoholism and drug abuse are widely associated
with criminal and deviant behavior. Even though the use of alcohol is
accepted to a certain degree, alcoholics, and alcoholism in general are
still considered unsavory by the majority of society. Drug use, sales
and possession are another story entirely. Aside from prescription and
over the counter pharmaceuticals, possession of any narcotic is illegal.
The open use of drugs in public is socially unacceptable, and illegal in
virtually any public place in the United States, and addicts or “junkies”
are looked upon with open disdain, or pity, by most. In some countries
the possession of, sale, or trafficking of drugs is punishable by
death.

Most people in this modern age of information are aware of the risks and
consequences of addiction, and use this information to help themselves
and others avoid the trap of alcoholism and drug abuse. Groups such as
AA/NA and private treatment or “rehabs” are involved in the study and
prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse, as well as the treatment, and
rehabilitation of those suffering from the sickness of addiction.
Alcoholism and drug abuse may never be fully eradicated, but with
continued study and diligence the number of new addictions and lost
lives will continue drop.

Alcoholics have many options when it comes time to drink. Alcohol is
legal in the USA, and readily available in bars, restaurants,
supermarkets, and liquor stores, to anyone over 21 years of age in most
states. It is advertised on TV, in magazines, and public events. The
fact that drinking is considered socially acceptable, and even viewed as
a fun way to socialize, no doubt contributes to the high number of
alcoholics in the United States today.

Alcoholism is one of the most deadly diseases on the planet. In the U.S.
Alone, an estimated 7% of the population; or 13 million Americans, have
a drinking problem. Of this 7%, 8 million are considered alcoholics.
Two-thirds of the adult population of the United States consume alcohol,
and amazingly, of all the alcohol consumed, half can accounted for by
only 10% of drinkers. 3.1 million people, or approximately 1.4% of the
population received treatment for alcoholism and alcohol-related
problems in 1997.

Alcoholics also have one of the largest support groups to help them deal
with their disease, AA, or Alcoholics Anonymous. With groups meeting in
just about every major city, and several more in suburban, and rural
areas, AA tries to insure there is always a place for the alcoholic to
get help. Through the assistance of groups such as AA, and
professionally staffed detox, and rehab centers, alcoholics can find an
option that suits their needs.

There is an old saying you might hear among recovering alcoholics:
“one drink is too many, a thousand is never enough”. It is a reminder
that alcohol is a seductive enemy, offering comfort and happiness at
first, but eventually showing it’s true colors as the destroyer it
really is. It is also a warning that the path to alcoholic recovery is a
long and unknown road paved with temptation.

For the individual who has admitted to being an alcoholic, who has
reached rock bottom, an alcoholic recovery program such as AA may
provide a new beginning. Groups such as AA and the Salvation Army have
been a huge asset in the process of alcoholic recovery and treatment.
Through the assistance of groups such as these, the alcoholic in need
can find the necessary tools to rebuild their life, and the support
necessary to stay sober for life.

Even with the assistance of the aforementioned support groups, and
especially in the case of the full blown alcoholic, the alcoholic
recovery process usually begins officially, with enrollment in some kind
of detoxification and treatment program. Professional medical assistance
and admittance to a hospital are usually necessary during the
detoxification process as most alcoholics often experience physical
symptoms such as nausea, cramps, and anxiety during the early stages of
withdrawal. Close medical and psychiatric supervision is needed as
well during the early stages of alcoholic recovery and treatment. The
process of treatment for alcoholic recovery doesn’t necessarily mean
enrollment in a detox or inpatient facility, for those in the early
stages of alcoholism, or those who are still leading somewhat normal
lives even while drinking, such as in the case of functioning
alcoholics, outpatient programs are available as well.
There are many paths to alcoholic recovery, but they all lead to the
same place: sobriety.

The symptoms of drug abuse are many. Learning to identify them can help you detect whether or not someone you know or love has a drug problem or addiction.

One of the most obvious symptoms of drug abuse is a change in one’s health and appearance. Drugs like crack, speed, and heroin can make the user appear to be “sucked up” or emaciated with even moderate use. Vomiting, fever, and disorientation are side effects of heavy use or binges. Disinterest in one’s dress and hygiene can also be one of the symptoms of drug abuse.

Another one of the obvious symptoms of drug abuse is a change in behavior in the user. Emotional outbursts, irritability, and other uncharacteristic, erratic behaviors are warning signs of possible drug use. Staying out late frequently, or disappearing for days at a time, and the neglect of important responsibilities such as work or family time are symptoms of drug abuse as well. Irregular sleeping patterns, secretive or reclusive behavior, and isolation from friends and family, are also behaviors that might indicate possible drug abuse.

If any of these symptoms are visible in the individual, it is best to assume the worst and seek professional evaluation and treatment. Some of these identifiers may be symptoms of some other type of mental or physical illness, or may be simply due to stress. A physical check up and evaluation by a licensed doctor is necessary to obtain a correct diagnosis and plan a course of treatment or detoxification.

Educate yourself and others on the symptoms of drug abuse. The life you save may just end up being your own.

When it comes to alcohol abuse, no one needs to suffer alone. Cliffside Malibu would like you to know that with over 100,000 men and women failing to receive the treatment they needed last year, the number of options to get treatment has actually increased. Financial assistance is available at the State and Local levels and even the Federal Government has developed a program where vouchers can be issued. The plan is designed to ensure that Americans without private treatment coverage and struggling with alcohol addiction have access to a comprehensive continuum of effective treatment services and recovery support options. Those who are suffering from addiction are not alone as up to 300,000 additional Americans will get help through this program.

Here at Cliffside Malibu, there are plenty of resources available to those who seek help as well. Our agenda treats individuals not only as a group, but more importantly, as individuals each unto their own. Each case is different and therefor each demands a target-specific comprehensive program. With a high success rate, our goal addresses the person as a whole including their lifestyle and both the physical and mental challenges faced in the alcoholic recovery process. Patients undergo an individualized addiction treatment program, including prevention of relapse, treatment of disease and recovery education.

Cliffside Malibu integrates philosophies and practices from various medical, psychological, therapeutic and self-help professionals. No other alcohol abuse treatment center has a higher staff-to-patient ratio with 3 employees to every one client. So, for complete and permanent freedom from alcoholism, the services at Cliffside Malibu are virtually unmatched. 24 hours a day, doctors, nurses, therapists, resident advisers, massage therapists, acupuncturists, yoga instructors, fitness instructors, and even our own chefs create the most comfortable and supportive environment.

There are more services available now than ever so lose the addiction here at Cliffside and gain a productive, vibrant life in society. Don’t wait to embark on the road to recovery. Call us at 800-501-1988.