Category: Sober living

  • California Hispanic Commission On Alcohol And Drug Abuse, Inc El Monte

    Additionally, because respondents were asked to recruit additional participants from their community, this may exclude groups of participants with characteristics suggestive of higher risk alcohol use behaviors. Men that adhere to caballerismo gender norms may be more demi lovato first album prone to use problem-solving coping (Arciniega et al. 2008), and thus may be better able to handle immigration-related stressors in a way unrelated to alcohol consumption. Machismo-identifying Latino immigrants who experience high levels of cultural-related stressors from the immigration and resettlement process may be more likely to seek negative coping mechanisms, such as alcohol, that fit into the framework of their gender role (Arciniega et al. 2008). Aside from the Gender Role Strain Theory, there is limited research focused on the effects of gender norms on alcohol use and cultural stress (Acosta et al. 2020). Indeed, in an effort to maintain one’s masculinity during times of stress, drinking behaviors may be exacerbated to preserve masculine capital. Alcohol consumption has been widely used to alleviate stress among men, which could further explain the increased AUS seen among Latino men as they endure cultural stressors (Gough 2013).

    Key Findings

    This is a 20-item bi-dimensional scale that measures machismo and caballerismo on two separate subscales. Each item was rated on a five-point scale (0 to 4), totalling a score ranging from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater alcohol use severity. The AUDIT is a 10-item screening tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and includes questions about recent alcohol use, alcohol dependence symptoms, and alcohol-related problems (Saunders et al. 1993). The sum of the cultural stress frequency and cultural stress assessment score was used to create a HSI-2 total scale score. The Hispanic Stress Index 2 (HSI-2) was also used to measure cultural stress (Cervantes et al. 2016).

    Finally, the likelihood of wine, beer, and what is heroin addiction risk, safety, and how to get support liquor consumption increased as the level of income also increased. Thirty to 39 year olds had higher odds of drinking beer, both 2 or fewer drinks and 3 or more drinks. Eighteen to 29 year olds, in comparison to those 50 years and older, had greater odds of consuming 2 or fewer drinks of beer and 3 or more drinks of beer and liquor. Those of high acculturation were more likely to drink 2 or fewer drinks and 3 or more drinks of wine and liquor.

    A competing risk analysis was performed and can be found in supplemental materials. Race and ethnicity were abstracted from the medical record from the earliest encounter with a participating healthcare institution. The HealthLNK Data Repository is an assembly of EHR data from six healthcare institutions comprising ≈42% of the total inpatient beds in Chicago, IL. Previous studies using HealthLNK data have been published addressing a wide range of research questions including this group’s previous work on a cohort of patients with liver cirrhosis.17–20 Hispanic patients with cirrhosis experience a survival advantage over many other racial groups despite adjustment for multiple covariates.

    Descriptive Analyses

    These traits have proven protective against problematic drinking (Corbin, Farmer, & Nolen-Hoeksema 2013). Previous research has shown positive direct associations between traditional machismo and alcohol use and misuse among Latino men (Arciniega et al. 2008; Perotte, Bauman, & Knight 2018). The first dimension is traditional machismo, encompasses characteristics such as hyper masculinity, risk taking, dominance and displays of toughness (Arciniega, Chicago, Tovar-Blank, & Tracey 2008). Cultural Stress Theory is primarily concerned with the ways in which adverse migration-related experiences, including discrimination and a negative context of one’s receiving community, increase risk for adverse behavioural and mental health outcomes (Salas-Wright and Schwartz 2019; Schwartz et al. 2015). Having a higher education has also been linked with current use alcohol use in this population (Castañeda et al. 2019).

    What are the most popular Mexican drinks?

    • This group of translators, working together, also created a roster of terms and words that appeared in the questionnaire and that had different usage across the Spanish spoken by different Hispanic national groups.
    • The Hispanic Stress Index 2 (HSI-2) was also used to measure cultural stress (Cervantes et al. 2016).
    • The U.S. Bureau of the Census estimates that there are 60 million people of Hispanic origin (as of July 1, 2018) living in the United States, comprising 18.3% of the total population.1
    • There is a persistent lack of knowledge about the mechanisms by which adherence to Hispanic gender-bound cultural norms influence treatment-related behaviors in this group (Kissinger et al., 2013; NSDUH, 2012; Ojeda & Liang, 2014; Vega, Alderete, Kolody, & Aguilar-Gaxiola, 1998).
    • Also, in general population samples, the number of drinkers consuming larger quantities of alcohol per day (say, 4 or 5 or more) is not large, which makes coefficients from multivariate analysis unstable or impossible to estimate.

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    Considering the perceived ego centrality of a problem with alcohol; a man who generally identifies with machismo/hyper-masculine norms may be likely to feel that seeking help is a threat to his self-reliance. Nevertheless, there was a larger identification with caballerismo than machismo in the present sample, a notion that may be used to better formulate interventions for this population. In the present sample, seeking help was perceived as a vulnerability to alcohol and an admission of a personal flaw which can threaten masculinity, self-esteem, and social standing, which are often coupled with machismo-bound traits (Arciniega et al., 2008). In addition to lowering stigma, information regarding complex origins of alcohol abuse can emphasize the early symptoms of alcoholism and the benefits of treatment, helping Hispanic men become aware of when they may need to seek help. These findings illustrate a critical need for education, perhaps through wide-reaching campaigns, on the health and social consequences related to alcohol abuse for Hispanic men.

    Demographic Variables

    Though their beer selection of over 200 brands is nothing short of impressive, Lohr’s liquor catalog is even more so – with an extremely varied selection. We demonstrated that immigration stress and the receiving community can have a significant effect on alcohol use severity, which is further exacerbated by adherence to machismo gender norms. More longitudinal health data including with undocumented Latino population is especially needed—as these groups are among the most marginalized and least likely to obtain appropriate healthcare in the US (Berk et al. 2000).

    Rogers and Greenfield (1999) showed that beer consumption accounted for most of the alcohol consumed (67%), most of the alcohol consumed by the heaviest drinkers, and most of the alcohol consumed (81%) in hazardous occasions (5 or more drinks). In all countries of the world where alcohol is not prohibited, the alcoholic beverages consumed most often are wine, beer, and liquor. Among men who drink beer, beer drinking constitutes 52% to 72% of total alcohol consumption. Nearly all participants in this sample consumed alcohol with regularity at the time of the study, however, only a fraction of these reported a binge drinking event in the last month, potentially limiting perspectives regarding alcohol abuse and treatment seeking. The purpose of this study was to examine Hispanic male perspectives regarding alcohol abuse treatment-seeking behaviors and the structural, sociocultural, and individual factors that may influence initiation and continued engagement in treatment in this population. Hispanic men, in particular, are at considerably elevated risk of heavy drinking compared to the population at large.

    Notably, participants added that one bad experience can drive Hispanic men to deprecate treatment forever. The men discussed that the treatment that was accessible to them without medical insurance, at a sliding scale, or free of charge was inadequate. The men explained that it would be impossible for most men they knew to enter treatment, even when access was guaranteed, simply because they could not afford to take time off work given they are the primary bread winners and work jobs that do not pay very well. There was a shared belief that adequate, and consequently, successful treatment, was reserved only for those who could afford it. Table 3 contains quotes selected to provide a contextual illustration of analysis themes using the voices of study participants.

    • Given the rapidly expanding Hispanic population in the United States and the high cost of alcohol-related health and social problems, it is imperative to identify treatment barriers and accessible alcohol abuse recovery resources for this population.
    • In comparison to women, men were at greater risk of drinking 3 or more drinks of wine, beer, and liquor.
    • Conditional effects revealed a significant positive association between NCR and alcohol use severity were stronger among men with high levels of machismo (1 SD above the mean).
    • Wine should be the beverage used mostly in moderation, that is, the beverage with lowest average volume of drinking and weakest association with binge drinking across all groups.
    • Nevertheless, nearly half of the sample had past experience with treatment or treatment seeking, including the 3 participants that were not current drinkers, all of which attributed their abstinence to past treatment.
    • After approval by the Northwestern University Institutional Review Board, cirrhosis patients were identified and included if they were ≥18 years of age and had one of three cirrhosis Ninth Revision of International Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems (ICD-9) codes (571.2, 571.5, or 571.6) similar to previous studies.23–25

    First, variation across different types of problems provides a base for tailoring treatment and prevention interventions. Mexican Americans and South/Central Americans seem to report more alcohol-related problems than Cuban Americans and Puerto Ricans (Caetano, 1988). Beer is responsible for the majority of binge events reported by respondents in all national groups, and the proposed difference between Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans was not confirmed. Additional predictors of consumption included level of education, employment status, and income.

    Alcohol Help is not a medical provider or treatment facility and does not provide medical advice. Make a free, confidential call to a treatment provider today. For more information about treatment options, contact a treatment provider today. Detox and rehab services have proven effective treatments for individuals who speak English and are acculturated to life in the U.S.

    Among women, the distribution of binge events across beverages varies from group to group. Differences in means silver pines restaurant are more noticeable for wine, which is particularly low for Mexican American women. Cuban American men had the lowest report of binging once a month or more on wine, whereas Puerto Rican men had the highest.

    These nonalcoholic sippers are best blended up and served right away for the most ripe fruit flavor. Whether you’re looking for drink inspiration for two or for a potluck, this list has all sorts of inspiration. You’ve heard of the margarita and the paloma, but why not mix up your next taco night with a lesser known drink from Mexico?

    Conversely, other studies have found positive associations between income and alcohol use in this population (De La Rosa et al, 2020). Existing evidence suggests vast differences in drinking patterns among Latino men by country of origin (Vaeth et al. 2012). In the short term, alcohol use can impair judgement and increase the risk of accidental injury (i.e. driving under the influence, domestic violence, motor vehicle accidents) and death. These traditional Mexican drinks go way beyond margaritas!

    Importantly the men clarified that the consequences that override normalization and may drive men to seek help were largely related to a man’s ability to provide for their family such as losing their driving privileges due to a D.U.I. conviction, a serious health problem, or job loss. As such, the men reported the existence of a stigma of peer-to-peer programs or religious organization-based assistance with alcohol-related issues. The men shared that the topic of seeking treatment is scarcely mentioned, adding that most men who have not had experiences with treatment would not be aware of where to go, or who to ask for help.

    It has a gorgeous layered look, and the ice cubes help cool it down so you can enjoy it without the risk of setting your tongue on fire. This is chocolate the way the ancient Aztecs used to drink it, and it’s spectacular. Either way, if you’re looking for a sweet, fruity drink, you’ll love these.

    Additionally, the conditional effects revealed a statistically significant inverse association among immigration stress and alcohol use severity among those men reporting low levels of machismo (1 SD below the mean). Four moderation models were tested using the SPSS v.25 macro PROCESS v.3.2 (Hayes 2013) to examine the interaction effects of gender norms (i.e., machismo and caballerismo) on the association between cultural stress and AUS among Latino immigrant men. Bivariate analysis was used to determine the association between the exposure (cultural stress) and outcome (alcohol use severity; AUS), as well as potential confounders including age, documentation status, household income (past 12 months), education level, country/region of birth, and marital status.

  • The Disturbing Truth About How Ecstasy Affects the Brain

    The discovery of alterations in GLX levels in the striatum suggests that MDMA use may have broader neurobiological effects than previously believed (Mustafa et al., 2020). I am writing to discuss the significant findings presented in the study titled “Chronic 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Use Is Related to Glutamate and GABA Concentrations in the Striatum But Not the Anterior Cingulate Cortex” (Zimmermann et al., 2023). Besides from hyperthermia, brain edema is another severe complication of MDMA use.

    This knowledge can help inform users about potential risks and guide safer use practices. In conclusion, MDMA’s effects on the brain are complex and multifaceted, involving multiple neurotransmitter systems and brain regions. Some studies have explored the use of antioxidants and other compounds to reduce oxidative stress and potential neurotoxicity.

    This means that the people whose serotonin levels and function were being measured in the lab were actually taking much, much more MDMA than the typical user. But when they looked at the usage rates is it safe to mix alcohol with lipitor for people in the neuroimaging studies, they found these individuals reported an average of 2.7 pills per session, taken about 2.6 times per month, for a grand total of 87.3 pills per year. When the study’s authors, led by Balázs Szigeti, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Edinburgh, dug into the available data on ecstasy use, they found that the numbers simply don’t add up. Surprisingly, many ecstasy users don’t realize that Molly, MDMA, and ecstasy are all the same thing. The paper, published May 7 in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, shows evidence that harmful long-term effects of MDMA are probably caused by very high doses that most people don’t actually take.

    First, it directly stimulates the release of dopamine from neurons. MDMA affects dopamine levels in the brain through multiple mechanisms. This interplay between serotonin, oxytocin, and other neurotransmitters creates the characteristic MDMA experience, marked by feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, and increased sociability. MDMA also increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, albeit to a lesser extent than serotonin.

    One article will say that it is far more damaging to the brain than we originally thought, yet another says that there is no long-term damage as a result of taking Ecstasy. If you do a search on Google, it seems as though there is a lot of conflicting evidence as to whether Ecstasy causes brain damage. There are respected researchers on both sides of the spectrum – some believe that the drug isn’t dangerous while others think its use can have significant long term consequences.

    Mdma’s Stroke Risk: What You Need To Know

    However, there are also some common adverse effects, some severe risks, and possible long-term damage. When people buy MDMA from dealers on the street, they do not know what they are taking. As the drug is illegal, there is no government regulation over its production. As a result, people may become more affectionate than usual and feel a connection with strangers.

    Alcohol Gene Mutation and Dopamine: Unraveling the Genetic Influence on…

    • A small number of Ecstasy users have been seen to have liver damage.
    • As a party drug, Molly is popular among high school and college students.
    • This variability underscores the importance of caution and informed decision-making for those who choose to use the drug recreationally.
    • The increase in dopamine and norepinephrine may help maintain alertness and engagement during therapy sessions.
    • This may explain the feelings of closeness and empathy that many users report, as well as the potential therapeutic applications of MDMA in treating conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
    • These effects are primarily due to MDMA’s impact on the norepinephrine system and its overall stimulant properties.

    Hyponatremia can have serious consequences, including seizures, coma, and even death. MDMA use has been linked to several kidney health problems, including renal hypertension, fluid imbalances, and rhabdomyolysis-related kidney injury. These accidents can occur through vasoconstriction in recent users and vasodilatation in former users. MDMA-treated monkeys exhibited the most severe serotonin depletion in the occipital cortex, highlighting its sensitivity to serotonin neuronal injury. This area is also rich in serotonin-releasing neurons and 5-HT2A receptors.

    MDMA: What you need to know about Molly

    Ecstasy has many negative effects on the user’s heart. Keep reading to find the long-term effects of MDMA. Its complex effects mimic both mescaline hallucinogens and methamphetamine stimulants. MDMA, more commonly known as Ecstasy, is a dangerous synthetic drug. MDMA is a stimulant that increases blood pressure and constricts celebs with fetal alcohol syndrome blood vessels in the brain, which can reduce blood flow and cause a blockage.

    Serotonin

    • Some users continue to use the drug despite experiencing negative consequences.
    • For example, Tancer and Johanson assessed the effects of MDMA, D-amphetamine (mostly a dopamine and norepinephrine releaser), and metachlorophenylpiperazine (a serotonin inhibitor and releaser) on oral temperature in the same study.36 Both amphetamine and metachlorophenylpiperazine increased body temperature similarly to MDMA.36 The data suggest that psychotropics with either serotonergic (metachlorophenylpiperazine) or dopaminergic (amphetamine) properties increase body temperature.
    • Users typically experience emotional warmth, increased sociability, and a heightened sense of well-being due to intensified serotonergic signaling in mood and social processing regions.
    • Some studies have found that regular MDMA users may experience deficits in verbal memory, working memory, and attention.
    • MDMA does not have a potent direct agonist effect on dopamine receptors.1,2 MDMA may induce psychosis through dopaminergic or serotonergic pathways.13 Our patient did not have medical complications, as compared to a published case report.14 In our case, there was no laboratory toxicology evidence of MDMA exposure; however, routine toxicology screens do not screen for MDMA.
    • This increase in glutamate and glutamine concentrations suggests enhanced excitatory activity in this brain region.
    • This means that it dramatically increases the levels of these crucial neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to its characteristic effects.

    Researchers have focused most closely on the way MDMA depletes the neurotransmitter serotonin in people’s brains, finding that heavy, frequent use can have long-term consequences on brain chemistry and physiology that are slow to heal. These structural changes correlate with behavioral alterations, including increased anxiety and cognitive deficits. Scientific studies have used neuroimaging and post-mortem analyses to examine MDMA’s effects on serotonin. Additionally, serotonin depletion after MDMA’s peak effects can cause a temporary period of low mood, irritability, and cognitive sluggishness, commonly known as the “comedown” phase. Understanding MDMA’s interaction with serotonin pathways is key to evaluating its immediate neurological effects and potential lasting consequences.

    Long-term Impacts on Brain Structure and Function

    The release of serotonin and oxytocin may help create a state of emotional openness and trust, allowing patients to process traumatic memories more effectively. The risks of prolonged or heavy MDMA use extend beyond cognitive and mood effects. Neuroplasticity and brain adaptation are crucial factors to consider when examining MDMA’s long-term effects. Some studies have found that regular MDMA users may experience deficits in verbal memory, working memory, and attention. These changes could potentially result in mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and other issues related to serotonin function. Some studies have suggested that heavy or prolonged MDMA use may lead to a reduction in serotonin transporters and alterations in serotonin receptor density.

    Those with serious side effects or who quit Molly and are still experiencing symptoms should seek a professional to oversee the treatment of side effects. In general, ceasing the use of MDMA will eventually cause these levels to stabilize and minimize the symptoms of drug withdrawal, but this process can take time. As Molly induces feelings of love and empathy, those under its influence often display more outward positive emotions than they typically would without the drug. Molly causes behavioral and physical changes in its users. As a party drug, Molly is popular among high school and college students. However, most of the drugs used to cut Molly come from China.

    Finally, MDMA’s effects on serotonin indirectly influence dopamine activity, as these two neurotransmitter systems are closely interconnected. While MDMA’s primary effects are mediated through serotonin, its impact on the dopamine system is significant and warrants closer examination. Users can experience sudden spikes in body temperature, which can lead to organ failure or death, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The MDMA users had each tried the drug at least 11 times, according to PsyPost. Science has bad news for people who use MDMA, the synthetic drug known as Ecstasy or Molly.

    For those who love taking MDMA in any form during a big night out, it’s important to understand what it is and the potential consequences that may accompany ongoing use. Also known as MDMA, Molly is a psychoactive drug used to enhance recreational social events and is commonly paired with alcohol or marijuana. “Nonetheless, the unusually heavy user samples should be taken into consideration when interpreting these publications,” write the study’s authors.

    A small number of Ecstasy users have been seen to have liver damage. The acute effects may even lead to cardiotoxicity and heart failure. what happens if i report a drug dealer These include tachycardia, hypertension, and the indirect effects on the heart caused by the suppression of thirst, appetite, and sleep.

  • Gifts For Alcohol Lovers PS Love

    The key is in selecting something with a story to tell, a unique flavour profile, or an artisanal touch that reflects your care and thoughtfulness. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the discerning whisky, wine or booze lover in your life, you have come to the right place. From Father’s Day to Christmas, most special occasions call for a good get-together around the bar, kitchen or barbeque, so naturally, your drop of choice means a lot. Give amateur mixologists an amphetamine addiction treatment easy way to finish their handcrafted creations with a vibrant and aromatic 40-piece garnish gift set.

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    Alcohol of the Month Club – Flaviar Booze Box

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    Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks

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    Wonderbird’s non-traditional base distillate is only half of their terroir story. They layer in 10 distinct botanicals, several of which are hand-foraged from their distillery grounds, including pine needles and red clover. This results in a gin with a complex botanical flavor profile that could truly only come from the terroir of its north Mississippi origins. An Esquire Spirit Award winning bottle of Gin with all the fixin’s to make the perfect complimentary cocktail.

    Uncle Nearest Gift Set

    From classic sips to buzzing new varieties, these alcohol-themed gifts will be much appreciated by the serious drinker in your life. While we dedicate plenty of time here at T&C to helping you find the absolute perfect gift for everyone on your list, the simple fact is sometimes it’s the tried and true option that serves you best. Yes, we’re talking about gifting a good ol’ bottle of booze. From wine and spirits to ready-to-drink cocktails and alcohol subscription services, a good drink always brightens up the holiday season.

    Hella Cocktail Co. 5-Pack Bitters

    The smoker imparts the subtle taste and aroma of smoke to handcrafted cocktails and is an innovative way to create different flavor profiles for old standbys such as Manhattans and Old-Fashioneds. With this collection of premium, pre-mixed cocktails, you’ve got it made. Prices range depending on where you live and what booze you want. Bring the warmth and elegance of the eponymous West Village restaurant to your bar cart with a gift set of bar-quality, craft cocktails.

    • Prices range depending on where you live and what booze you want.
    • Sip a lightly and flowery Riesling before moving on to a deep dark Cabernet Franc.
    • Smoking food and beverages add a delicious depth to it and the options are endless.

    Why Alcohol Makes the Perfect Gift

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    Ten To One Caribbean White Rum

    It includes an aerator, corkscrew, foil cutter, and stopper, and can fit any standard size wine bottle. They also have many different options to choose from starting … Combine your love of beer and golf with this Putterball – Golf Beer Pong set. You can use it to just practice your putter skills, or add in some beer. It is a great way to improve your golf game while at home and it is extremely portable so you can just roll it up and take it with you to the beach, a party, or your …

    Holiday-Themed Spirit Gifts

    Ian Palmer is the Visual Editor at VERANDA and Country Living. Since 2019, he has researched, produced, and overseen a wide range of photographic content for both of these iconic magazines. He also writes about wine and spirits for VERANDA’s website, and he develops and photographs original cocktail content for both brands. In his free time, he enjoys combining his passions for travel, food & drink, and photography – and he is gifts for alcohol lovers always planning his next trip.