The Coleman Institute Blog

Alcohol is often used to relax, socialize, celebrate, mitigate, de-stress, and more, but it is actually one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States. In fact, an estimated 88,000 Americans die annually from alcohol-related causes, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Despite its dangers, there is a certain level of societal acceptance associated with heavy drinking and alcohol abuse.

Dr Craig Swainey, who specializes in Addiction Medicine and is also in long-term recovery himself, responds to a question that we are often asked here at the Coleman Institute: What is the difference between drug addiction and dependence?

One of the most profound sentiments I hear from patients in recovery from various substances is the sense of pure gratitude they feel on a holiday morning when they wake up knowing that they won’t have a hangover and that they won’t have to come up with excuses to leave their family and figure out how to get something to keep from being sick.

As the holidays approach, there are many resources published to give people ideas and strategies for remaining off addictive substances and—if you or a loved one are in early recovery—Congratulations! I urge you to start planning your strategy now. For anyone who remains ensnared in the nightmare of addiction, I want to emphasize that the holidays may be your best time to consider an outpatient detox.

Eve, age 46, is a long-time nurse. When she was younger and working in the hospital, she was helping an obese patient from bed to their wheelchair. The patient became unsteady, and when Eve reached to steady the patient, the patient fell, pulling and twisting Eve’s back as they tumbled to the floor together. The patient was fine. Eve acquired a slipped disc and horrific pain, leading her to seek treatment for her pain and injuries.

I have written this before in many blogs, and (as long as I continue to write) this will remain a constant: my inspiration comes directly from our patients. Although I change personal details to protect their privacy, the core of their stories is what moves me and what I deem so worthy of sharing. Yesterday I was particularly touched by two patients: “Adam” and “Eve”.