Category: Substance Abuse

It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or a wanderer, Southern California is a trove of fun to explore. We’ve put together a list of adventures that we can’t wait to share with you. If you’re looking for things to do this summer in or around Carlsbad, this is the list you’ve been looking for! 

Explorations for everyone

California may feel like an endless expanse of possibility or  just a one trick pony. Whether you’re feeling like you’ve done everything or don’t know where to begin, we’ve got you covered. 

1. Connect with local cuisine.

One of the most versatile items on our list, we couldn’t resist the urge to put it right at the very top! Food and nourishing your body can take many forms. It’s delightful that it can also be an activity you enjoy in many ways. Consider checking out your local farmer’s market, exploring a co-op or trying a new recipe or place to eat that includes an in-season delight right from your local area. 

2. Boardwalks and beaches galore! 

California has no shortage of beaches, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world right here in our own backyard. Explore the beaches for a picnic or morning yoga before hitting the many boardwalks along the coast for an afternoon with friends. You can make a beach and boardwalk adventure into anything you want or need with so much at your fingertips. 

3. Try the Coastal Rail Trail

Beginning in central Carlsbad Village, the Coastal Rail Trail is a unique opportunity to explore nature along a guided experience that you can take at your own pace. Do this solo or try a scavenger hunt with friends: the fairy house addition and dog-and-bike friendly paving make this an all-purpose outdoor adventure for those looking for new things to do this summer. 

With the family 

There are plenty of lists and articles out there gently nudging you toward another indoor day, or another expensive attraction. While these can be a lot of fun on occasion, there is so much to see in Southern California. These are our top 3 recommendations things to do this summer as a family. 

1. Go strawberry picking.

There are a number of places to do this around SoCal and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Strawberry picking is a wonderful activity to collectively reconnect with nature and with the way your food nurtures your body. This is an experience you won’t forget. Bonus: during autumn, many SoCal strawberry farms also have pumpkin patches- it’s a multiseason activity that can be revisited time and again. 

2. Become Beach Rangers

Spend a day learning about the ecology of our local beaches from the ground up! Cape Ray Carlsbad hosts an incredible program that will have you feeling connected to our beaches and earns an awesome Junior Beach Ranger badge for the kiddos. Bonus: The Junior Ranger program is offered at many California state parks! 

3. Enjoy a park

Harness the magic of nostalgia by revisiting the possibility of play that comes from spaces designed for just that. There are many parks around Carlsbad and beyond and you can’t go wrong with any of them that strike your fancy. From skate parks to play parks, find your inner child in the sun with your loved ones. 

Try something new 

Feeling like you just need a little more spice in your life? We’ve got compassionate challenges to get creative with your time spent connecting with the community and yourself. Are you up to the exploration?

1. Learn a watersport 

There are a number of ways to move your body in joyful ways within watery spaces and Southern California has ample opportunities to try all of them. From surfing at the beach to kayaking in protected ecological lands, aquatic adventure is at your fingertips if it’s been on your bucket list. The sheer variety makes this one of our favorite things to do this Summer. 

2. Express yourself with art

From street art to ceramics, Carlsbad has a thriving arts scene and there are many ways to get involved. If you’re more of an art appreciation type: we highly recommend this mural walk you can explore at your own leisure. Maybe you’ll find yourself inspired to try your hand at something creative along the way. 

3. Spend a rainy day exploring a museum. 

When the weather isn’t playing nicely, it may be difficult to find exploring you can access. You’re in luck! The Southern California museum scene is magnificent. You can explore geology, manufacturing, history, art or even space right here in Southern California. 

Affirmations for adventure

Trying new things can feel scary, no matter how excited you are for them. We’ve crafted a few affirmations for you to reconnect with your Summer sense of adventure and feel safe in your body and this moment as you do. 

“Find magic where your feet are”

“There is something to be grateful for in this moment”

“I can radiate from the inside out” 

“There is space for me, my body and my feelings”

Are you planning a day out for a loved one in treatment or searching for substance abuse support for yourself? Know that when you trust us with your healing, you can feel confident that we’ll keep connection to the natural world front and center. 

 At Villa Kali Ma, we’re inspired by the natural beauty of southern California and implement as many opportunities to connect to nature as we can. Learn more about our holistic recovery center and our programs rooted in living the best life that SoCal can offer. 

(760) 350-3131

When you stop drinking, it’s always the hope that you’ll immediately feel better and people act as if life is going to improve. They quickly list all the positives you’ll face in being sober but no one really talks about what happens in the in-between. 

That in-between has a name, and today we’re talking all about what happens when you stop drinking alcohol, and spoiler alert: it can really be a bad time. The truth is, withdrawal can be really hard and many people return to drink without giving themselves a fair chance at holistic recovery. 

We want to help you prepare yourself for the reality of withdrawal because we believe you’re worth that recovery. 

A snapshot of the first week after you stop drinking 

If you’re a mild alcohol consumer, you likely won’t notice anything in the first couple of days that you stop drinking. If you’re reading this though, you’re likely not a mild alcohol consumer (or you love someone who isn’t). For people who have a dysregulated relationship with their alcohol consumption, the first week is going to be a rough time once you stop drinking. 

There are a number of things that go on in your holistic self that you’ll take notice of in the early days of withdrawal and most of them won’t be very fun. We’re going to break down the symptoms of withdrawal between your two major systems of self to talk about what you may experience in that first week. 

In your body 

Over the first few days, withdrawal probably feels like groggy agitation. There will be lots of highs and lows as your body tries to figure out what to make of this whole sobriety business. It’s likely that you’ll have a headache, and your eyes may hurt as they strain to focus without the “beer goggles” phenomenon that often occurs when you drink. This is due to excess pupil dilation and it may cause headaches. 

You might find yourself feeling restless and antsy as if you need to move or do something. You likely won’t have the energy to actually do that though, as your muscles will feel heavy and they might ache. The shakes and aches are not uncommon as your body begins to clear the toxins it’s been storing from the alcohol. 

You’ll sweat them out, so you may be feeling a little damper than usual. You may struggle to eat and feel nauseous or even be sick when you do eat. 

Sleep is also likely not coming very easily even though you’re definitely tired. Your body isn’t sure how to settle into sleep rhythms without the lullaby of alcohol these days, and it’s definitely not doing you any favors. 

In your mind 

Withdrawal is uncomfortable and we don’t just mean physically. It’s likely you will feel agitated beyond restlessness. You may struggle to regulate your mood, or even to register exactly what mood you’re in as it shifts rapidly between anxiety, frustration, depression, and resentment. Your head will feel foggy, but it might feel like that fog is made of bees. 

When you do manage to drift off to sleep, withdrawal increases the likelihood that you’ll have nightmares. In response to the myriad of physical symptoms withdrawal is bringing out for you, you may feel like a stranger in your own thoughts. 

There are some dangerous symptoms of sudden withdrawal 

Severe withdrawal can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure, hallucinations, a racing heart or even seizures. This severe form of withdrawal is called Delirium Tremens. If you begin to feel afraid or unsteady, please seek emergency support for your withdrawal symptoms as they can signal a medical emergency. 

Why withdrawal happens

People who drink heavily (whether they are dependent on alcohol or not) are often using alcohol as a numbing agent for some kind of discomfort in their lives. Alcohol helps you to disconnect from your emotions by providing a depressant effect on the signals and hormones that register the way you’re feeling. Alcohol short circuits them for the time being and it can give you some relief. 

Withdrawal occurs for two reasons. Firstly, it takes away that numbing effect and the full might of whatever your drink was numbing will hit you like a Mack truck. Your body may rebel to the intensity of losing its numbing agent so abruptly. 

Secondly, your body doesn’t quite realize that you’re no longer drinking and is still making hormones to accommodate the shift in your chemistry that drinking creates. What was a manageable amount of system input becomes overload to a body that’s not trying to wade through the quicksand-like delay of alcohol. 

That overload is withdrawal. It causes all the difficult, confusing and just generally awful symptoms you experience when you stop drinking. For many people, that overload doesn’t feel sustainable and it can make you second guess your efforts to get sober. 

You can take control of your sobriety and your life 

There is hope! Beyond the two-week mark of removing alcohol, things will begin to improve. It’s likely you’ll see improvements in nearly all of your symptoms as well as other aspects of your life. Things do get better, but only if you stick it out. 

If you carry nothing else from this article with you today, I hope that you remember what I say next. 

Are you ready? 

It’s important and I’m sharing it just for you. 

Yes, you. 

Every state you enter on this journey is a temporary one but your value in this world is concrete. 

This feeling will end and you are worth the determination it will take to get through it. When withdrawal feels like too much for you to manage on your own, programs like our detoxification program can help you to get sober safely.

 There are options to support you but make no mistake: you carry the strength and the ability to move through this difficult space with the determination and beauty of the entire universe behind you. You can take control of your detox, your sobriety, and your life. You have the power, and we are here to empower you so can remember the world beyond withdrawal even on your darkest days. Connect with us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help. A phone call to (866) 950-0643 can get you started on the right path. 

So many terms are thrown about to describe the same struggle that almost 20 million Americans face. So what exactly is substance use disorder, and how do you know if it’s something that’s impacted your life? 

We’re getting into the details of this diagnosis in a clinical and real-world manner, and we want to make sure you get the answers you need today. 

Are addiction and substance use disorder the same?

There is a marginal difference between addiction and substance use disorder, but at their root, they mean the same thing. Substance use disorder has many causes, some rooted in trauma and others in genetics, but primarily it is an incompatibility between a person and their sobriety. 

 

Substance abuse may begin from a clinical need for pharmaceutical intervention that spirals beyond a healing use or from a self-driven need to escape an emotion or reality within the life you live. Substance abuse is not picky in where it starts or where it will leave you, but it is a clinical way of discussing the inability to live your life without the substance you’re abusing. 

What are types of substance abuse?

While any substance can be abused when it becomes an all-consuming part of your life, there are a handful of recognized substance use disorders most commonly treated in a clinical setting.

Alcohol

You may hear alcohol use disorder also referred to as alcoholism. The terms are one and the same; both are characterized by a chronic dysfunctional relationship with alcohol. Whether it’s beer, wine, or spirits, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a clinical diagnosis that can control your life. 

Some of the signs and symptoms are alcohol cravings, drinking no matter the impact on health, and an inability to go without alcohol. Behavioral changes and effects on physical health may occur as a result.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter your perception of reality are often called hallucinogens. Hallucinogens include drugs like MDMA  (ecstasy), salvia, LSD (acid),  and psilocybin (mushrooms). These psychoactive substances produce changes to the way you experience the world around you. 

Those who experience hallucinogen abuse are at risk for overdose due to increased tolerance and the user taking larger doses to feel the effects. Signs of abuse disorder may include agitation, paranoia, memory changes, anxiety, and impaired reflexes. 

Marijuana 

Although often hailed as being “nonaddictive,” marijuana abuse disorder is a problem that can occur without notice. Marijuana is famously known for creating a calm atmosphere and is medically lauded for reducing many symptoms. While its use to support clinical symptoms is important, marijuana can, like any other drug, be abused without mindful use. 

Symptoms of marijuana abuse disorder are ignoring risks, increased cravings, heightened anxiety, inability to cope without marijuana, and increased anxiety. 

Nicotine 

Plastered on packages and billboards across the nation, the prevalence of nicotine is not an unfamiliar topic in the US. Cigarette and tobacco consumption has declined in recent years, but access to nicotine remains easy and readily available. E-cigarette use has increased nicotine access alongside the declining use of tobacco. 

Leading to lung, mouth, and throat cancer, nicotine abuse disorder has a powerful lifelong impact for those who fall prey to it. Nicotine abuse symptoms may include cravings, personality changes during withdrawal, agitation, frequent respiratory infections, and impotence.

Opioids 

This class of drugs is primarily made up of commonly-prescribed substances derived from the opium poppy. This sector of painkillers has clinical applications to reduce major pain. Opioids also include heroin. Whether you’re using the prescription kind or illegally obtained opioids, addiction is a serious concern with opioids. Their function is to reduce pain, but side effects include confusion, euphoria, and lowered respiration. 

Those addicted to opioids may experience powerful cravings, a breakdown of skin composition, difficulty fulfilling obligations, withdrawal, and increasing tolerance of the drug that requires a higher dosage. 

Sedatives and stimulants

While these categories of addictive substances are inherently opposite, the access and development of addictive behaviors in response to their consumption can be quite similar. 

Sedatives’ primary function is to help someone who struggles with sleep disorders or insomnia get enough rest. However, like all drugs, they can be dangerous when abused. This category includes barbiturates, benzodiazepines, carbamates, and sometimes even antihistamines. 

Stimulants—which run the gamut from caffeine to cocaine, methamphetamine, speed, and crack—cause heightened excitement and motivate users to get things done. Under this guise, some stimulants find purpose medically to treat or support those with attention disorders, while others are illegal in every form. 

The abuse of sedatives and stimulants is characterized by insomnia, blood pressure changes, tachycardia (unstable heart rate), sexual and respiratory dysfunction, and central nervous system disruption. Some stimulants may cause hallucinations, tooth decay, and aggression. 

How we heal is all the same 

No matter the kind of substance use disorder that’s taken up unwelcome residence in your life, there is a universal key to success: you want to heal. We can all begin to walk the lifelong journey of recovery the moment we believe in the possibility of life after active addiction. 

There is no actual secret, or one right way, to get sober. However, there is one right place to begin: in the authentic knowledge that you are capable of healing, and you deserve the future that lies beyond the struggle you now find yourself within. 

Recovery is possible, and our holistic healing program can begin in the first steps of detox or anywhere along the way. When you’re ready, we are too. Contact us today at (866) 950-0643 to learn more. 

The road to recovery looks impossibly long from the path you’re walking now. Sometimes, it doesn’t feel worth it when you consider all you’ve already endured.  

There are so many questions you’re asking yourself and we want to answer them with you. The benefits of getting sober are so real—but so is the way you’re feeling right now. There’s hope in seeing both, together, and it begins with asking the hard questions. 

Am I really going to be healthier if I’m sober? 

In short, yes. Your body isn’t functioning optimally when all your systems are inundated with processing substances that change your behavior at a cellular level. Though foods and even environmental factors can impact your health, the substances you use frequently can make your core systems dependent on the way they function with that substance. This takes away not only your control of self and harmony of your systems but reduces the level of holistic health you can achieve. 

When you’re sober, you experience the benefits of being able to hear your body’s signals and respond to them accordingly. When you’re listening to your body with your whole being, you can be the healthiest version of yourself by advocating for and participating in the care you need most. There are many ways that will benefit you- so let’s talk about some of them in detail. 

You’ll sleep better

If you’ve struggled to get sober before, you likely noticed that as you began to remove substances from your life, your sleep really paid the price. During periods of withdrawal and use, sleep is at its worst. You may experience periods of insomnia instead of the restless abyss of sleep while you’re using, but either way, the result is the same: you don’t get much deep, restorative rest.

When you’re sober, your body has the time and extra energy to calibrate the way you rest to respond to what you need. You’ll get more consecutive sleep with a more stable sleep cycle. This means you’ll benefit from the REM and light sleep periods that are often omitted from your sleep while you’re actively using. These types of sleep allow for physical and emotional healing as well as more effective memory retention. 

Your bank account will thank you 

Seriously. The amount of money you spend on obtaining the substances you use, and the impulsive purchases you may make while you’re not sober really add up. Retaining complete control of your financial decision-making will help you keep money in the bank so you can spend it on the things that make you feel empowered.

The comfort of a financial safety net after a couple of months of sobriety may even decrease your risk for returning to addiction behaviors as you are able to offer yourself more security and comfort in other ways.

The fear of getting sober is so real—and conquering fear feels amazing

Getting sober is hard work, and it’s work you’ll be returning to for the rest of your life. Whether you grapple with the early stages of recovery multiple times or you remain sober, you’ll be in recovery. It’s daunting to think about all the risks of failure, and the return to addiction once you’ve done the hard work. And more immediately, what will being sober feel like? Will it be hard? Will it hurt? Will you still have friends? 

The first step to conquering that fear is asking why—why are you afraid of these things? Then, you’ll need to rally the troops from professional to personal to garner a support system to carry you through. Consider rehabilitation programs your parachute and sobriety your skydiving adventure. Yes, it might be hard. But you can do it—and think of how incredible that adrenaline will feel when you look back at what you can overcome. 

What’s the point, if I’m going to be in recovery forever?

Feeling defeated about the fact that recovery never ends? It’s a bittersweet thought- and for many, it’s more bitter than sweet. Why work so hard on something that will be a shadow on your lived experience for the rest of your life? 

Because you’re worth it. 

That’s the simple, complex, and beautiful truth of it. You are worth the benefit, the struggle, and the eternal existence of recovery because every day that you move forward toward is one where you are telling yourself, “Look. I can do it. I’ve done it already!”. You are strong enough and you are worth it. 

Recover your clarity and confidence

Overcoming the obstacles of getting sober can be daunting, but it’s not an obstacle course you have to overcome alone. There are barriers ahead of you, and some of them may feel frustrating, scary, or even downright impossible. But we are here with the personal and professional experience to hold your hand (and your accountability) as we walk together toward your brightest most holistic future. 

You can do hard things. You can see beautiful results. We are here for you every step of the way. 

Call us today at (866) 950-0644 to get started. 

Are you struggling with both substance abuse and depression? Neither are pleasant diagnoses on their own, but what happens when you’re dealing with both at the same time? Maybe your addiction is in the past, but you still feel that temptation to drink when new hurts arise. Or maybe you’ve been walking the path of recovery for some time, and a sudden loss or an unexpected life change is threatening to knock you off the wagon. 

When you’re caught between the struggles of two different diagnoses, it can be hard to see the forest for the trees. While substance abuse and depression are different difficulties, the overlap between them can be significant. It may feel foreboding to take on multiple challenges at once when they feel so different but there is hope in those shared spaces. When you are experiencing overlapping struggle, knowledge is imperative in garnering that hope and utilizing it to move toward healing.

Want to learn more about the relationship between substance abuse and depression, and more importantly, what you can do to take back your life? 

Where Substance Abuse and Depression Connect

The relationship between substance abuse and depression goes both ways, meaning that having one increases the risk factors for developing the other- and it doesn’t much matter which comes first. Using substances can decrease the acuity of feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and those feelings can attribute to a desire to turn to substances. The cycle is vicious. 

Substance abuse and depression often share a root cause. Whether it’s in trauma, repression, or it’s something you’re predisposed to, both are tools used to numb the experience of vividly feeling what’s beneath. 

How They’re Different 

The most glaring difference between substance abuse and depression is that depression is a struggle with something you feel, while substance abuse is a struggle with something you consume. Depression begins inside of you: an internal force of strife often sparked by something beyond your control. Substance abuse is external: it symbolizes the active engagement with bringing something into your body to change your cognitive or emotional awareness. 

Depression is often linked to a reduction in feel-good chemicals, while substance abuse is considered a depressant and can actively contribute to a reduction in those chemicals. While the impact to you is similar, it paints a mirror once more- one is cause, the other is effect. 

Healing Together

Everyone moving through this life will experience pain. Each person will feel sad, and have times of struggle. Maybe those things will consume them, briefly. 

Most people will consume alcohol or other substances and experience intoxication. They will feel the dizzying highs and changes of a mind-altering substance and it may feel really really good. 

While these experiences may be common, they are not the same as substance abuse or depression. Recognizing the difference in having an experience and needing help because those experiences have become an inhibiting part of your life is the key in finding your way out of the depths of substance abuse and depression. 

That recognition is your golden ticket toward recovery- beginning with detoxing from your substance of choice and giving voice to the vices that have controlled you. Your healing is in your grasp when you take the first step toward accountability and awareness. If you’re here right now, you’re doing that and we are already so proud of you. 

Tools You Can Use to Support Your Recovery 

While there are a myriad of things you can ask for or work with alongside qualified experts in rehabilitation and healing, you do not have to wait for anyone to begin with small steps for big impact. 

Feel your feelings instead of avoiding them. Burying your emotions is a slippery slope on its own but if you struggle with co-existing substance abuse and depression, avoiding what you’re feeling is akin to hitting turbo charge on an avalanche. 

To feel your feelings, you don’t have to talk about them but you do need the space and language to give words to what you’re experiencing when you feel it. Whether you choose to do that through your own self awareness or with a trusted support network, it’s important. 

Journaling has been proven to provide relief from the pressure of bottling up your emotions and can be a constructive addition to acquiring the language to feel your feelings instead of suppressing them. There are a myriad of journaling styles to choose from- the most important thing is that you select something that feels good to you. 

Make change a priority in your day to day routine. It doesn’t need to be a big change, but ensure that it’s one you can stick to. Developing new habits and routines can be a great tool to build on bigger, more powerful changes that keep you from falling back into old ones. 

While substance abuse and depression are scary and difficult things to manage on your own, there is something we hope you always remember: 

You are never alone. 

We are here, to add to or help spark the start of a support network that will carry you from detox to the future of your dreams. Your recovery starts with recognition but the power is in you now. 

You may be familiar with the general dangers of drinking alcohol, but are you aware of the dangers specific to women? Alcohol can quickly turn into an unhealthy habit, develop into an addiction, and cause serious health problems.

If you find yourself drinking more often than you would like, or recognize that you can’t seem to make it throughout the day without downing a drink or six, consider exploring the benefits of joining a detox program for women and starting your journey toward a healthier, sober lifestyle with an alcohol treatment professional.

In this article, we’re exploring the many dangers associated with consuming alcohol, specifically women and alcohol.

Women and Alcohol

It’s just a simple glass of wine after the kids go to bed, right? When we’re dealing with stress from all aspects of life and going through a particularly difficult time, it makes sense that we may find ourselves drinking more. One glass every now and then easily turns into a couple of glasses a few nights a week. The more consumed, the more dangerous it becomes to our overall health.

It is common to think that drinking a few drinks here and there could be harmless. After all, alcohol is such a socially acceptable thing to do that it happens every day without people giving it a second thought. According to the CDC, heavy drinking is defined as 8 or more drinks per week for women – which is a number many women reach. The truth is, whether you consider yourself an alcoholic, alcohol-dependent, or neither – alcohol consumption can pose dangerous health risks — especially to women.

Here are 10 dangerous health risks associated with women and alcohol. 

1. An Increased Risk of Breast Cancer

Drinking more than 3 servings of alcohol each week increases the risk of breast cancer according to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association. For those with a family history, the risk is even greater. What’s more is that alcohol has been known to increase the risk of mouth cancer, throat cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and more. It is safe to say that alcohol is a known carcinogen. 

2. Leads to Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut occurs when the gut lining is permeated and begins leaking bacteria and toxins into your bloodstream. This can impact the immune system, sometimes maybe even leading to autoimmune conditions. A few symptoms are bloating, fatigue, digestive issues, food sensitivities, and skin problems. 

Alcohol can be harsh on your system and can very easily cause holes within your stomach lining – resulting in leaky gut syndrome. 

3. Breeds an Imbalanced Gut Microbiome

In addition to the leaky gut syndrome, the ecosystem of your gut is impacted even more due to alcohol consumption and an imbalanced microbiome. This can actually lead to things like cravings, depression, and anxiety. 

Researchers are discovering that the cravings associated with gut issues can lead to increased alcohol consumption – and may even lead to addiction. Learn more about alcoholic gastritis.

4. An Increased Risk for Dementia

Studies show that heavy alcohol use can cause the brain to shrink for both men and women. However, in women, this shrinking occurs at a much faster rate. The parts of the brain that are most susceptible are

• The cingulate gyrus – AS a component of the limbic system, this area of the brain is responsible for the formation and processing of emotions. 
• The insula – The area of the brain that works to achieve balance, as well as emotions like compassion, perception, and empathy. The insula is also responsible for certain areas of cognition, motor control, and self-awareness.  

All is not lost, though. Reducing alcohol consumption can allow the brain to recover what it has lost. 

5. The Risk of Developing Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are fairly common in women. But, for those who consume a lot of alcohol, the risk of developing these fibroids is much greater. 

Alcohol consumption increases the level of estrogen – both estrone and estradiol – in the body which is what researchers believe is responsible for the higher incidence rate for fibroids in those who drink often. 

6. Damage to the Liver

The liver works hard to filter blood from your digestive tract, careful to remove any toxins to keep you healthy. It is well-known, however, that alcohol can cause a huge disruption in liver function. Chronic alcohol use can eventually lead to a condition known as cirrhosis of the liver, as well as liver failure. 

7. A Greater Risk of Infertility

Women who consume alcohol at an elevated rate are at an increased risk for menstrual irregularity and miscarriage. This also increases their ovulatory factor when it comes to reproduction. This factor refers to the ovaries’ lack of release of an unfertilized egg each month. 

According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, women who are considered moderate drinkers have a 30% increased risk of the ovulatory factor while heavy drinkers have a 60% increased risk.

8. Higher Risk of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful medical condition in which the lining tissue meant to protect inside the uterus is actually found outside the uterus. It leads to painful monthly periods, painful sexual intercourse, general pain, and even difficulty getting pregnant. 

Many studies have been conducted and have determined that the risk of endometriosis is 18% higher in drinkers than in non-drinkers. Just as it occurs with brain health, endometriosis risk can be lowered. 

9. Risk of Stroke is Elevated

For those who consume alcohol regularly, the risk of stroke is increased. Several studies have tried to monitor this connection – and all have come to the same conclusion that alcohol increases the risk of stroke. 

10. A Reduction of Lifespan

Alcohol can be damaging to your health and, thus, affect your lifespan. And it is not just heavy consumption that leads to this reduction in years. Studies show that, after the age of 40, every extra drink you take could be taking minutes off of your lifespan. 

Chronic alcohol consumption can be dangerous – and deadly. 

This list doesn’t even touch on the impact alcohol consumption has on a woman’s mental or emotional health. Or, the increased incidence of sexual abuse or violence that may occur – and the damaging effects it has on the body. 

If you feel that you may have a problem with alcohol use or would like to talk to somebody, then it is time to take that first step. Find a program that will allow you to heal – mind and body (like we discussed in #3 above) – so that you can be free from your addiction. 

What may start as a social activity amongst friends could turn into a deadly addiction

Alcohol poses serious health risks for women. Between stroke, reproductive issues, increased risk for cancer, gut issues, and more – there is no safe reason to continue alcohol consumption. 

As marijuana is rapidly legalizing across this nation and others, the quiet commonality of using it to unwind is growing ever louder. Alongside recreational use, medical use of marijuana is on the rise but the risk awareness education regarding potential side effects doesn’t seem to be. Despite its reputation as a harmless substance with low addiction risk and high chill-factor, marijuana has risks just like every other substance. Let’s walk through the lesser known repercussions of marijuana use together so you can make an informed decision about the way you manage your body. 

Marijuana is known by over 100 names, but most commonly called weed, pot or mary jane. It’s known as cannabis in medical fields and in recent years, the discovery of a physiological system called the endocannabinoid system has led to debate about the way our bodies use and process the elements in marijuana. The system seems to impact sleep, mood, memory, appetite and reproductive functions. While there are notable benefits to the medically supervised use of cannabis in supporting these functions as well as collective of other indicated uses, there are drawbacks as well. 

Not addicted but 

While marijuana is touted as not having addictive properties, and those who use it often defend their reliance upon it with this assumption, it doesn’t mean that all use is healthy. The removal of the terms addiction or dependency from health fields does not negate the very real impact of Marijuana Use Disorder. Depending on marijuana to relax or unwind still indicates use that is necessary to achieve desired states and, as such, disordered. 

Whether you are calling it disordered use or addiction, relying on marijuana to unwind or create a favorable mood is not ideal. 

It calms me down but 

While marijuana may create an out of body experience or feelings of relaxation, there are downsides to the potential mood alterations that it can induce. Ever feel anxious or agitated after smoking a little green? Yeah, that tracks. 

It’s a bit of a mixed bag on how marijuana may impact your mood so even though it calms you down, the potential is quite high for that calm to bring along some chaotic friends. Marijuana use may also lead to feelings of apathy and fatigue, particularly in withdrawal or between long abstinence from use. When the high wears off, those hours of lost motivation may contribute to the feelings of stress and strain you began with as now you’re behind too. 

I feel better but 

Does your body? With a broadening pool of research indicating the potential for heart and lung impairment when smoking marijuana, your perceived health may not be an accurate depiction of your actual health. It may not be everyone who is impacted by the wheezing tightness of breathing difficulties after engaging in some recreational marijuana use, but the chance it may be you is higher than you might have thought.  The risks don’t end with tight lungs though. The endocannabinoid response in the cardiovascular system can also lead to a higher heart rate, dilated blood vessels and a temporarily increased risk of heart attack shortly after use. 

Additional risks to your fertility, the delicate structures of the mind (including sleep and memory patterns) as well as a generally balanced immune response could exist for some folks using marijuana on a regular or frequent basis. 

A being at odds 

While the body and mind can’t seem to make a concise decision on the impact of marijuana to your whole self, it’s difficult to make an informed decision. Even the research seems to go back and forth. The positives of managed marijuana use are undeniable in managing things like chronic pain for patients with long term diagnoses like Fibromyalgia or endometriosis. In other diseases like Parkinson’s, it may support tremors and marijuana’s antiemetic properties reduce nausea in cancer patients. Verdict’s still out on research indicating a positive correlation in treating PTSD with medical marijuana, but there is one very clear determination to be found amid the muddle. When you are using marijuana, being risk aware is an accountability check to managing your choice making no matter the reputation of the substance. 

It’s clear that marijuana has its place and use, but the importance is in being smart with making your decisions. Ensure you are cultivating a positive relationship with anything you are engaging in to support a deficiency in your world. Whether it’s marijuana, peanut butter or yoga, being negligent in supporting an informed relationships with the tools you use for improvement can enable them to become a crutch of avoidance.  If you are using substances to avoid confronting life, we want to help you work through those dependencies. 

If you find yourself drinking more alcohol than usual, you may be at risk of developing long-term negative health conditions.

Alcohol use disorder among women in the United States increased by 83.7% between 2002 and 2013, according to a 2017 study sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Consuming alcohol is associated with liver disease, cognitive decline, heart damage, and cancers. If you suspect you may be drinking more than usual, there are several signs of alcoholism to consider.

In this article, we’re exploring several common signs of alcoholism in women and the importance of seeking help.

Signs of Alcoholism in Women

Women are strong beings that often find the need to prove themselves. They work hard. They take on more than necessary. They play many different roles, including the career professional, mom, wife, sister, best friend, nurturer, social coordinator, house cleaner, chef, and so much more. Many of the hats for these roles are worn on the same day. 

All of the demands combined with the ability to strongly feel emotions can lead some women to use alcohol as a way of coping with the stress. Used too often, though, and this escape can soon become an addiction. Truth be told, stress is only one of the reasons why women may become alcoholics. For instance, family history of alcoholism, sexual abuse victims, and mental health issues also lead women to drink. 

Here are 10 common signs of alcoholism in women.

1. Too Many Drinks

There is a difference between sitting down with a girlfriend after one rough week and throwing back a few drinks – and going out frequently to do the same. Regularly going out and drinking a few drinks can be considered binge drinking. For women, binge drinking can be defined as having four or more drinks within two hours. 

Ideally, one should be consuming no more than one drink. If it cannot be done, alcoholism could be at play. 

2. Drinking No Matter What

For most people, seeing that their consumption of alcohol is harming their life – or their loved ones – will be enough for them to stop drinking. For someone dealing with alcoholism, drinking does not cease no matter what. 

The loss of a job, ruined relationships, and even legal troubles do not matter. Nothing matters except having that next drink. 

3. Broken Relationships – and Still Drinking

It is no surprise that drinking can break relationships. Drinking lowers inhibitions and can lead to actions and painful words that cannot be taken back when sober. For the person on the receiving end, things could seem broken and irreconcilable. For the drinker? She may not even remember it happening. 

Regardless of how damaged relationships are due to alcohol, an alcoholic will continue to drink. 

4. Ignoring Responsibilities

Most women naturally have a lot of responsibilities. Home, work, and family are just a few. Though those who find themselves in the middle of addiction are often moving through life seemingly without a care in the world. Missing work, neglecting household chores, forgetting family moments, and so forth just happen – because alcohol is the priority. Rather than facing responsibility, their time is spent either drinking or dealing with the repercussions of drinking too much. 

5. Engaging in Risky Behavior

Drinking alcohol can lower one’s ability to function. When faced with dangerous situations, being intoxicated could have complicated and deadly consequences. Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated is one such instance of risky behavior. Maybe she thinks fulfilling responsibilities like grocery shopping or taking the kids to soccer practice while under the influence is better than not doing anything at all. 

6. Overlooking Health Issues

Alcohol abuse over time can take a toll on a woman’s body. Declining health due to damage to the heart and brain, cancers, poor nutrition depression, falls and brittle bones, can all result from this abuse. Sometimes, coming face to face with a medical condition can make someone stop what they are doing. For alcoholics, though, overlooking health issues and continuing to drink is all too common. 

7. Consuming Alcohol Early in the Day

Alcohol is one of those things that is consumed in the evening or night, with the occasional drink during the day on the weekends or while on vacation. Waking up to a drink is a sign of alcoholism. This is because it is usually consumed to combat the onset of withdrawal symptoms. 

8. An Older Appearance

Heavily drinking alcohol is not kind to the skin over time. Alcoholic women tend to look older than they are and often look tired. The face may be puffy or bloated and the nose may be red and bumpy. 

9. Menstruation and Infertility Issues

Alcohol consumption impacts a woman’s hormones, leading to sporadic or non-existent menstrual cycles and difficulty getting pregnant. 

10. Exhibiting Signs of Withdrawal

When the alcohol starts moving out of the body – and it is not replaced with anymore – withdrawal symptoms will start to kick in. Shakiness, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, cold sweats, nausea/vomiting, and more are the signs of withdrawal from alcohol. 

Healing From Alcoholism At Villa Kali Ma

Now that you’re familiar with some of the common signs of alcoholism in women, you can take steps to improve your health and heal.

Discover the benefits of holistic treatment at Villa Kali Ma and begin your healing journey. Whether you suspect you may have a problem with alcohol or you’ve been struggling to overcome addiction for years, Villa Kali Ma can provide the care and guidance you need to heal your mind, body, and spirit.