Posted by Larry Hoover on April 2, 2005, at 10:40:34 [reposted on April 2, 2005, at 11:41:49 | original URL]
In reply to Alcohol (questions) for Lar, chemist, posted by AMD on April 1, 2005, at 18:25:04
> Anyhow, I feel out of sorts today (hung over), but I'm obsessing, as usual. Four binges in a month -- is that enough to get DT or other neurological problems from?
No. DT is an acute withdrawal phenomenon. The other stuff comes from daily (or close to it) use over an extended period.
> Does the brain recover from damage like that, if one abstains from drinking? I'm just worried here. Well, freaking out, as I so eloquently put it.
Yes. The brain recovers from it. I think I'm a good example. I averaged 12 (Canadian) beers a day, on work days. 24 on off days. For extended periods. For years.
There is a set of post-intoxication symptoms, called the sequelae. That's what you're having. Stop drinking, and you won't get them. It's as simple as that.
> I read these online research articles and they sound so scary, but I wonder what really constitutes "long-term heavy drinking," and how much true damage is done.
It usually takes multiple years of daily drinking to stupor.
> Perhaps I'll feel better tomorrow after sobering up a bit more.I surely think so.
> 12 steps, 12 steps. First meeting is tonight.Good plan. Get a sponsor. One who you "connect" with.
> Thanks -- I am becoming an expert on very substances through self-experimentation, it seems.
>
> amdJust remember, "If you keep on doing what you always did, you'll keep on getting what you always got. Insanity is doing the same things over, but expecting different results."
We call it the disease of addiction. I like the original Old French meaning of the word (it came into English during the Norman conquest c. 1066). The root word is diseasu, meaning "not at peace". I feel that's an appropriate way to look at it.
Find peace. Find peace in mutual support, among people who understand.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:478894
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20050323/msgs/478895.html