But most people are unaware of the sheer number of illnesses and disorders that are a direct result of too much alcohol consumption, which are officially in excess of 200 known conditions. That's quite a staggering number when you think about it, made even more alarming when considering the number of people who succumb to alcohol-related illness each year.

In fact, 5-10% of adults worldwide experience some form of significant alcohol-related health issues at some point during their lives.

However, there is one illness in particular that deserves more recognition, both for its seriousness and prevalence. An illness which, if serious enough, is quite a terrifying prospect for both sufferers and loved ones: the condition known as alcohol-related brain impairment - also known as alcohol-related brain damage and alcoholic dementia, among others.

Commonly Overlooked

While much of the general discourse centers on afflictions like liver disease and alcohol overdose, the harmful impact of alcohol-related brain damage is surprisingly under-discussed (outside of the medical and health profession) even though it is alarmingly common.

Contrary to popular belief, alcoholic brain damage (or 'wet brain', to use the more colloquial term) isn't exclusive to long-term heavy drinkers. Even those who drink alcohol moderately can experience permanent brain damage.

Through this article, we shall explore the causes, treatment options, and general overview of the condition sometimes referred to as Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome.

What Exactly is ARBD, and Who Is at Risk?

Alcohol-related brain damage, frequently abbreviated as ARBD, is a serious brain disorder, directly correlated with prolonged alcohol consumption habits. However, this isn't just about the occasional leisurely drink; it is a result of consistent alcohol misuse over the years, frequently distinguished by heavy drinking or binge drinking episodes.

While alcohol misuse is a definite concern across all age groups, research suggests that those most susceptible to the negative effects and symptoms of ARBD are people aged between 40 and 50.

A commonly misunderstood element of Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome or alcohol-related dementia is that the damage isn't limited exclusively to the quantity of alcohol consumed - but more the regularity of heavy consumption patterns.

Anyone who may drink heavily on a frequent basis is of potentially quite extreme risk - but even if a person drinks only a few units per day - but does so most days - they could also be exposed to the condition.

As alcohol use disorder continues to grow, understanding who is at risk is an important factor in reducing the number of sufferers. This particularly nasty brain disorder reminds us that drinking alcohol irresponsibly has far-lasting implications and that frequent alcohol abuse targets all genders and age groups.

The Long-Term Consequences of Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Consistent excessive alcohol consumption, especially when it exceeds the recommended alcohol limits, can have quite dire consequences, especially on the brain's ability to function properly.

Although, it is worth pointing out once again that this isn't about the occasional overindulgence or infrequent binge drinking; it is more the sustained, heavy drinking that contributes to significant brain impairment over the years.

This damage manifests as alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) or alcohol-related brain injury (ARBI), with symptoms that vary in intensity. For some, the effects may be almost quite subtle at first, presenting as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Occasional memory lapses or a slight struggle in clear thinking might seem harmless. However, even this mild symptom comes with a risk: if the person continues their patterns of alcohol misuse, they risk increasing their brain damage.

For other more unfortunate people, the consequences are far more severe, where disorders categorized as alcohol-induced dementia or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome become evident. People with these conditions often struggle with basic day-to-day tasks, similar in many ways to the challenges faced by those living with severe brain injuries like Alzheimer’s disease.

The correlation between heavy drinking and such awfully debilitating conditions as Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome demonstrates the brain's vulnerability to sustained alcohol abuse, which is similar in many ways to the consequences of heavy, long-term substance abuse.

ARBD vs. Dementia: What's the Difference?

While both alcohol-related brain damage and conditions like Alzheimer's fall under the broad category of cognitive disorders, they share unique characteristics and progression patterns over time. Notably, however, ARBD offers some glimmer of hope not available to people suffering from many dementia types, such as Alzheimer’s disease. With Alzheimer's, there's an inevitable worsening of the disease over time.

However, ARBD does have the potential for reversibility to various degrees. This means that if a person with alcohol-related brain damage stops their alcohol consumption and receives the right levels of support, there is a very real possibility for improvement.

With the right measures in place, including abstaining from alcohol, adopting a healthy diet, and making the most of support groups, these people can experience significant restoration in their cognitive functions. While a full recovery is not always likely, they might reclaim their lost memory, refine their thinking skills, and enhance their overall ability to function independently.

The brain is mercifully resilient in many cases - providing intervention and cessation of alcohol misuse is adhered to - potentially reversing the negative effects of ARBD.

What Constitutes Excessive Drinking?

When consumed in moderation, alcohol is a normal part of social rituals or relaxation methods for some people. However, understanding when how much alcohol is too much is something everyone should be aware of, given the potential negative effects on a person's brain and overall health.

To gauge this, health professionals often use a measure known as a 'unit' of alcohol. By checking the label on alcoholic beverages before a person drinks, one can determine the number of units contained within. A bottle of beer, for example, might contain somewhere in the region of two units.

Most health authorities suggest an upper limit of around 15 units of alcohol per week, advocating for this to be dispersed over three days or more and certainly not 'all in one session'. The reason behind this recommendation lies in the harm that binge drinking can inflict on the brain and nervous system.

When someone's alcohol consumption exceeds approximately 25 units weekly, it might begin to hamper their overall brain function and impede their ability to perform tasks efficiently and effectively.

But what exactly is 'binge drinking'? The term speaks for itself to some degree, referring to the practice of consuming a significant volume of alcohol in a very short interval, such as over a couple of hours or one single evening. For the purpose of clarity, this would be similar to males ingesting eight or more units and women taking in six or more.

Click here for a detailed breakdown of how long alcohol stays in your system

Given the vulnerability of the brain in senior citizens and overall health to the repercussions of alcohol misuse, it is suggested that the elderly should adhere to even stricter limits. After all, their susceptibility to alcohol's effects, from mood changes to more severe brain impairment, is far greater than a person in their twenties.

The Primary Causes of Alcohol-Related Brain Damage

But what is it, exactly, that causes such awful devastation to the brain? The potential repercussions of excessive alcohol consumption are varied, impacting the brain's ability to function optimally, but how does brain damage from alcohol manifest on a biological level?

To understand those reasons, we need to take a look at the science behind alcohol and brain damage.

Nerve Cells' Degeneration

Heavy drinking, particularly when over the recommended limits, has a toxic effect on nerve cells. Over prolonged periods, too much alcohol can trigger the death of brain cells, resulting in a reduction in brain tissue. With a diminishing count of brain cells, the transmission of essential messages across the brain becomes hindered.

Vascular Damage

Beyond its direct impact on brain cells, alcohol misuse can wreak havoc on the blood vessels within the brain. Coupled with the escalation in blood pressure that often accompanies chronic drinking, this presents an increased risk of strokes. This happens because a stroke event signifies a deprivation of oxygen to the brain, leading to potential brain damage.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency

With many alcohol-induced brain injuries, there is a severe deficiency in thiamine. Alcohol impedes the body's ability to absorb and utilize this critical vitamin, which is important for the brain's ability to function properly. People battling alcohol use disorder often have poor nutrition, drawing much of their caloric intake from alcoholic beverages, commonly leading to thiamine deficiency.

These patterns, over extended periods and combined with generally poor health, put these people at an increased risk of malnutrition, further increasing the chances of thiamine deficiency.

Greater Susceptibility to Severe Brain Injury

People who drink heavily are invariably more prone to repetitive head injuries. The influence of alcohol can result in falls, accidental collisions, or becoming targets of violent acts, all of which can culminate in trauma to the brain.

Head injury may sound like a far-reaching consequence of too much alcohol, but make no mistake about it - the chances of a person suffering head injuries, while relatively remote, may happen more often than you might imagine.

In people diagnosed with ARBD, it's not uncommon to identify a combination of all of these damages. Although specific forms of ARBD, like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, bear a direct correlation with particular causes, such as thiamine deficiency in this case.

Are There Different Types of ARBD?

Usually, a person is diagnosed with a specific type of ARBD by a medical or health professional. Depending on their symptoms, they may have one of several conditions, including the following:

• Alcohol-related ‘dementia’
• Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (also called amnestic syndrome)
• Traumatic brain injury
• Alcohol-related stroke
• Other rarer forms of ARBD
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (in pregnancy)

The two main types of ARBD that can cause symptoms of dementia are alcohol-related ‘dementia’ and Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. While neither of these are actual types of dementia (remember, you cannot get better from dementia) there is a reasonable chance of recovery in both of these conditions.

Alcohol Brain Damage Symptoms

Chronic misuse of alcohol can lead to various neurological and cognitive issues, with symptoms presenting in various physical and mental ways. Some of the more prominent signs of alcoholism include:

• Cognitive decline
• Mental confusion
• Memory problems
• Poor balance
• Abnormal eye movements
• Blurred vision
• Clammy skin
• Muscle coordination issues
• Erratic behavior
• Poor decision-making & life choices
• Hepatic encephalopathy

Treatment for Alcohol Related Brain Impairment

The simple fact of the matter is that prolonged misuse of alcohol contributes to a higher risk of neurological disorders like ARBD. Recovery, as with many other additions, starts with the personal realization of this issue: the sufferer must acknowledge that they misuse alcohol. Only then can the withdrawal process start.

The premise of halting alcohol might seem simple enough, but alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be quite brutal, with symptoms like seizures and hallucinations a real possibility if not monitored by qualified professionals. Miracles Asia provides resources and expert support to ensure this withdrawal process is safer, more efficient, and with a greater chance of long-term success.

With personalized treatment that includes customized detox plans & therapy sessions, and prescribed medications, our luxury rehab center, located on the beautiful island of Phuket, Thailand, offers clients a truly holistic and tailored approach to guide you or your loved one toward a healthier, alcohol-free future.

At Miracles Asia, you'll find counseling, medical support, and the means to embrace sobriety without fear. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction or self-destructive habit, don't hesitate to reach out to our Admissions Team for a free assessment call that can get you or your loved one the help they deserve.

The post Alcohol-Related Brain Damage first appeared on Miracles Asia.

An old friend shows up and invites you to an evening out. You've had a terrific day so far, and now, being in quite high spirits, you find yourself getting carried away in the moment.

By the time the taxi arrives, you have already drunk far more than you usually would, and the night hasn't even started yet.

At the bar, someone thrusts champagne into your grasp. Ten minutes later, a round of tequila feels like a bright idea. Then another round. Then another.

Your slurred suggestion of “maybe we should eat” is ignored as a round of gigantic cocktails arrives, followed by more of those awful shots.

The next morning, feeling like a wild animal is running rampant inside your cranium, you open your phone and browse the photos - all 88 of them - and remember absolutely nothing.

It looks like you wound up in a random nightclub at some point, but you are without the slightest memory of being there.

Thinking about it, you can't even remember how you got home.

It almost sounds quite amusing and harmless, doesn't it?

But the truth is, alcohol blackouts are no laughing matter and can actually be very, very dangerous. Not only do complete blackouts bring immediate risk to your health, but they can also place you in perilous situations, sometimes even life-threatening.

Through this article, we are going to look at the signs of an alcohol blackout, the basic neurology of what causes it, why they are so extremely dangerous, and (more importantly) why you should avoid them at all costs.

So What Is a Blackout, Exactly?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) describes alcohol blackouts and alcohol-induced amnesia as moments where memory loss or "gaps" appear in a person's memory due to events transpiring while under the influence of alcohol.

However, there is a very common misinterpretation of equating alcohol-related blackouts and memory loss with "passing out." The latter describes a brief lapse of consciousness characterized by a halt in voluntary actions. Fainting, in other words.

In stark contrast, an alcohol blackout signifies memory loss even though the person remains awake, alert, and fully compos mentis. To a casual observer, someone experiencing these types of blackouts might even appear entirely lucid and sound of mind.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse, the root cause behind blackouts is (quite obviously) excessive alcohol consumption, which disrupts the brain's mechanism of shifting memories from short-term to long-term storage and inhibits the formation of new memories.

There are quite interesting biological reasons why it happens - and we will touch on that later in this article - but the basic answer is that too much alcohol often results in a "drunk blackout" because the part of our brain responsible for memory is affected when alcohol delays signals around the brain.

There are two distinct types of alcohol blackouts. A fragmentary blackout results in spotty memories interspersed with memory lapses. On the other hand, a complete blackout means an absolute lack of recollection, primarily because memories either never formed or are irretrievable.

While passing out and blacking out from drinking are two separate things, a general path from blackout drinking to passing out is common, too. When someone passes out due to heavy drinking, it is a sign of alcohol poisoning, which is a rather nasty medical condition that requires immediate attention.

Unfortunately, alcohol poisoning isn't always caught because it is commonly overlooked.

Symptoms and Signs of Alcohol Blackouts

Detecting the signs of blackout drinking is not always an easy undertaking because anyone who is blackout drunk can still execute normal-looking actions and behaviors. People in a blackout might actively participate in discussions or (rather stupidly) operate vehicles, for example.

They will then engage in activities they won't recollect the next day, such as making purchases, having full-blown conversations, or (quite commonly) indulging in risky behaviors like unprotected sex.

The main reason they fail to remember these actions is the interruption in transferring these memories to long-term storage in the brain.

Generally speaking, common symptoms of alcohol-fueled memory blackouts closely mirror those of general alcohol intoxication. These symptoms may include:

• A swirling sensation or dizziness.
• Persistent headaches.
• Involuntary muscle twitches.
• Alterations in vision.
• Challenges in articulation.

However, as mentioned previously, the person in question might remain oblivious to being blackout drunk. In fact, they may remain utterly unaware of this cognitive disconnect, with absolutely no idea they are entering the blackout phase.

What Leads to Blacking Out Drunk?

Blackouts are mostly associated with binge drinking, but they can also happen when people mix certain medications with alcohol - especially medications that are known to cause drowsiness.

The CDC advises that binge drinking is typified as when a man consumes five or more drinks or a woman indulges in four or more drinks within a one-hour time period, approximately.

This could also encompass a drinking pattern that elevates your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) (or blood alcohol level) to 0.08g/dl or above. In most cases, blackouts are more likely when your BAC reaches somewhere around 0.16% or exceeds it. Such a rapid surge in BAC can (and usually will) increase the chances of experiencing blackout drunk episodes.

There are various contributing factors that can affect your BAC, including weight, experience, gender, and the type of alcohol consumed. How quickly the alcohol is consumed is also a factor.

Why Does It Happen?

When someone is blackout drunk, they are entering a medical phenomenon that is scientifically termed "anterograde amnesia.", which refers to an inability to create or retain new memories.

The precise chemical intricacies responsible for blackouts remain unknown, but researchers have identified that the hippocampus — which is basically the brain's memory center — malfunctions during chronic alcohol consumption.

Alcohol is thought to modify the operations of important receptors within the brain. Consequently, steroid production becomes impaired, compromising the connectivity between brain cells, which in turn affects our learning, cognition, and memory capacities, even more so when blackout drunk.

Unsurprisingly, alcohol misuse, excessive drinking, and blackout drinking are more common among young adults. While alcohol abuse is, of course, not more common among young people, the phenomenon of blacking out certainly seems to be more frequent in the younger age group.

Who Is Most Likely to Experience Blackouts?

Having said that, it may be something of a misconception to think that only a particular set of people - such as younger adults - are prone to alcohol-induced blackouts. The fact is, if the blood alcohol concentration touches or surpasses approximately 0.16%, anyone can find themselves approaching a blackout.

Also, blending alcohol with sleep aids or anti-anxiety medications might encourage a blackout even at lower BAC thresholds.

Either way, regardless of age group, the quick surge of alcohol into the bloodstream often triggers blackouts. Factors accelerating this problem include the common mistake of consuming alcohol on an empty stomach or succumbing to way more than "just a few drinks" in social situations.

Interestingly, women often see a spike in BAC quicker than men, probably due to the usual weight difference between the sexes, generally speaking, of course. That said, all binge drinkers, without exception, regardless of gender, are exposed to blackouts.

According to one study, almost 50% of adults confessed to binge drinking in the preceding month. That's quite a staggering statistic when you take a moment to ponder it.

Stats further reveal that binge drinking is notably evident among young adults between the ages of 18 to 25, representing 29% of this demographic. On the other hand, adults aged 25 and beyond, in addition to adolescents between 12 and 17, represent just over 20% and a mere 5% of the binge-drinking population, respectively.

What Are The Dangers of Blackout Drinking?

Medical Complications

Consuming more alcohol than the body can handle can lead to severe medical emergencies, including liver damage and alcohol poisoning. There is also the risk of severe dehydration, gastric issues, and long-term cognitive impairment.

Impaired Judgment

Being blackout drunk impairs our decision-making abilities. This can lead to the following potential issues when blackouts happen:

Drink Driving: With memory loss, might forget how much alcohol they consumed and decide to drive, risking their life and others.

Sexual Risky Behaviors: It is alarmingly common for someone who has consumed alcohol in large quantities to engage in unprotected sex, exposing themselves to sexually transmitted diseases or even unplanned pregnancies.

Physical Harm: Due to disorientation and poor motor coordination, falling or getting into accidents is far more probable than when a person drinks responsibly.

Vulnerability: Being blackout drunk makes people way more susceptible to crimes like theft, assault, or even worse, as they are not fully aware of their surroundings.

Poor Impulse Control: With an impaired cognitive function and reduced inhibitions, an intoxicated person who is blacked out drunk is less likely to think things through and make informed decisions.

How to Avoid Blackout Drinking

Avoiding blackout drinking is important not only for general memory retention but also for your overall health, safety, and well-being. By knowing how much alcohol is enough and recognizing the signs of acute intoxication, you can take measured, constructive steps to maintain control over your alcohol use.

Here are some strategies we suggest to help prevent blackout drunk episodes:

Set Your limits

It is recommended that men should limit their intake to no more than four drinks on any single day and no more than 14 drinks per week. For women, the amount is no more than three drinks on any single day and no more than seven drinks per week in total.

If you familiarize yourself with what constitutes a standard drink, you can create a plan that details both the frequency (days per week) and quantity (units per session) of your alcohol consumption.

This might sound like a complicated measure. Drinking, after all, is supposed to be fun. Formulating a 'plan' probably seems against the very nature of an enjoyable evening out. However, this is something you can mentally plan in mere seconds. Working out your weekly limits takes very little effort, and we greatly encourage you to do so. It can make a real difference to your health and well-being.

Count your drinks

Given the memory problems associated with excessive alcohol use, it's surprisingly easy to lose track of the number of alcoholic drinks one has consumed. Using modern approaches such as a tracking app can be really quite helpful in maintaining awareness of your alcohol intake.

Seek support

Suffering from alcohol abuse or even merely attempting to reduce consumption is far from easy. Alcohol use disorder can be an immense struggle, but remember that you don't have to face it alone.

By enlisting the aid of understanding friends, supportive family members, and specialized healthcare professionals, you can find not only emotional solace but practical, actionable advice, which helps approach alcohol use disorder more effectively.

Control your triggers

Everyone's relationship with alcohol is unique. Certain situations, moods, and events might inadvertently push someone towards drinking more than they had intended or returning to old patterns of alcohol abuse. The option of non-alcoholic drinks in potential trigger situations is a good way to maintain control.

Alcohol-related issues, including Alcohol abuse and alcoholism, require a clean break away from alcohol. If the cycle of moderation is too challenging, and if blackout drunk episodes continue to pose a threat to your health, professional help might be required.

Prevent Blackout Drinking with Miracles Asia

Miracles Asia, located on the beautiful, tropical island of Phuket, Thailand, can help you or a loved one who may be having a hard time with alcohol abuse and alcoholism. We provide a comprehensive approach to healing, including detox, inpatient and outpatient care, counseling, and support groups, in addition to drug therapy and nutritional Changes.

Understanding the signs of alcohol overuse, especially dangerous episodes of blackout drinking, requires positive action, and if alcohol addiction becomes a factor over time, intervention becomes absolutely crucial.

Specializing in alcohol addiction treatment, we offer tailored support to steer patients through the recovery process, combining the latest rehab strategies with the comfort of a luxurious retreat on an achingly beautiful tropical island.

Our alcohol abuse program is run by a caring team of experienced professionals, with treatment options including both medical and emotional support, designed to not only treat but to equip our patients with the tools to prevent blackout drinking but also the strength to abstain going forward.

For treatment options that really work, Miracles Asia can help. Reach out today, and begin your journey to an addiction-free life!

The post Signs, Causes, and Dangers of Blackout From Drinking first appeared on Miracles Asia.

After continuous intake of a prescription or recreational drug at a certain dose, a person's reaction to it dulls.

People who experience drug tolerance tend to misuse it and develop dependence which is followed by drug addiction.

Developing drug tolerance takes you a step closer to addiction and needing a drug use rebab program such the one we provide here in Thailand - regardless if the drug in question is a prescribed medication, or one bought on the streets.

Understanding the physical and psychological reaction to a particular drug will keep you on the safe side.

This article discusses:

• Drug tolerance definition
• Difference between tolerance and dependence
• Types of tolerance
• Drug tolerance risks
• How to prevent drug tolerance

What Is Tolerance to a Drug?

Before we state a definition of drug tolerance, it is necessary to point out that developing drug tolerance is not the same as developing a drug addiction.

Drug tolerance (medical definition) occurs when a person's body acclimates to a drug or alcohol - as a result, their tolerance decreases, and higher doses are required to attain the desired effect.

In simple terms, drug tolerance is when a person's body gets used to a regular intake of a prescription or recreational drug. In order to achieve the results a person initially felt when taking a drug, larger doses needed to be taken.

For example, a person may be taking prescribed medications to combat pain after surgery. As time passes, their body gets accustomed to the drug intake and numbs the pain less effectively than before. The drug effect weakens, and the only visible solution is to increase the dosage.

As higher doses are being taken, another physical occurrence takes place - drug dependence.

In most cases, one phenomenon leads to another where prolonged consumption persists. Tolerance and dependence are often linked together for that reason.

There is an exception when an addiction to a drug (e.g., cocaine) occurs over a short lapse of time and when taken repeatedly. A body's tolerance and urge for a higher dose are developed at a later stage.

Tolerance and dependence are also a part of the pathology of drug addiction and the first stage of its cycle (binge/intoxication).

Needless to say, drug tolerance leads to adverse side effects, one of them being a constant physical appetite to consume a higher dose of a drug. One of the consequences of indulging in drug abuse may be over dose.

Acute and Chronic Tolerance

The difference between acute and chronic tolerance is determined by how much time is needed to develop drug tolerance.

Acute tolerance to a drug occurs within a short period of time. Even one drinking session or a drug-taking episode is enough - opioids like heroin are a good example of this.

In contrast, chronic tolerance to a drug builds up throughout an extended period of time. It takes repeated drug abuse to develop a chronic tolerance. A person might have gone through an opioid treatment to relieve chronic noncancer pain that eventually led to drug dependence over time.

Is Drug Tolerance Genetic?

There are no genetic factors that prove drug tolerance is genetic. Some people may be predisposed to developing tolerance to a drug due to disorders. It can be related to liver or kidney disorders. Impaired metabolism prevents organs from properly processing the drug. The dosage level may vary as well as dose intervals and the onset of action after administration.

Dosage also varies based on a person's bodily makeup and mental health conditions. Drug-to-drug interactions are another factor that can alter the dosage.

Difference Between Tolerance and Dependence

Terms like "drug tolerance" and "drug dependence" are often confused. Sometimes "drug resistance" is misused, too. It is important to differentiate the terms as each of them have distinctive characteristics and describe unique conditions.

Although they lead to the same outcome, tolerance and dependence have distinguishable effects on the body. Drug resistance is what happens between the two conditions. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Tolerance

As the drug tolerance definition states, the phenomenon occurs due to extended drug consumption. Depending on a person's physique and mental health conditions, tolerance to a drug can take a short or long time to develop. Some people may be predisposed to developing drug tolerance faster due to various disorders.

Typically, tolerance is caused when the metabolism of a drug accelerates. The acceleration is caused by the stimulated activity of liver enzymes that are involved in metabolizing drugs. The drug attaches to cell receptors that can be decreased in number. Or the bond between drug and cell receptors weakens.

This is how metabolization looks:

There is a healthy number of receptors that play a role in metabolizing a drug. But for example,  if a person suffers from cocaine addiction, it overstimulates the postsynaptic membrane. It means receptors can't handle the amount of dopamine coming in.

It leads to the down-regulation of receptors (decreased number of receptors), and now more of the drug is needed to get the same effect.

Drug tolerance occurs when drug abuse overstimulates receptors, resulting in their down-regulation or a protective mechanism that reduces the number of membrane receptors.

The opposite process of developing drug tolerance happens with painkillers or other medications.

A person has a healthy number of pain receptors. When a painkiller is taken, the drug blocks pain receptors, and less pain is received. Just like with narcotics that overstimulate receptors, the body understands that something abnormal is happening.

Consequently, the body tries to figure out the problem and fix it by up-regulating pain receptors or increasing their number. More pain receptors equal more pain, and the obvious solution is to take more medication.

In one study, patients who have insomnia were administered a small dose of alprazolam for a short term. Over a week, patients developed drug tolerance which resulted in around a 40% decrease in drug efficiency.

In both scenarios, when a person stops taking the drug, over time, the receptors will go back to normal. It is important to note that due to the lack or abundance of receptors, a person will either feel awful (withdrawal syndrome) or may experience acute pain that was bearable before.

Resistance

Drug resistance occurs when a drug has been taken for so long that certain microbes have mutated and evolved to be resistant to the effects.

A vivid example of drug resistance is E. coli bacteria which is less susceptible to antibiotics effects or cancer cells that may gain the ability to withstand chemotherapy drugs.

Certain medications were designed to kill the microbes - however, those are the microbes "of the past." As natural selection goes, weaker bacteria and viruses have been killed, but the fittest ones are now thriving.

Since the antibiotics haven't yet been adjusted, microbes have had plenty of time to mutate randomly and have acquired drug resistance.

Simply, drug resistance means certain medications aren't strong enough to treat diseases, letting microbes live and multiply.

Dependence

Drug dependence is what comes after the body has started tolerating the drug. It doesn't happen overnight but over an extended period of time. Three factors are related to drug dependence:

• Rate of exposure
• Dose
• Drug potency

The breakeven point is when a person cannot properly function without taking a prescription or recreational drug. Although a person feels a need (and not a want anymore) to take another dose, it is still a step behind addiction.

Being drug dependent isn't the same as being addicted - there are some distinctions - but when ignored, dependence may be developed into an addiction.

Drug dependence is both physical and psychological. Physical dependence is when a person's body is adapted to a drug, and any dosage reduction or sudden halt in the presence of the drug in the body results in withdrawal. Psychological dependence is when the brain feeds off a drug's psychoactive properties for recreational use, to numb pain, or to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

As tolerance reaches its peak and a person stops taking a drug (or just reduces the dose), they start to feel much worse than before. This is called withdrawal syndrome.

There aren't enough - or too many, as in the case of painkillers - receptors to metabolize a drug. The process of withdrawal is harsh on the body and mind and can cause many adverse and acute symptoms.

For example, withdrawal of antidepressants and drugs like benzodiazepines (BZ) may have life-threatening circumstances. For example, mild BZ withdrawal may have some of the following symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Apprehension
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Light and sound intolerance
• Hyperosmia (sensitivity to smells)

Acute withdrawal symptoms may occur in more serious cases:

• Nausea
• Vertigo
• Tachycardia
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Hyperthermia

Addiction

Addiction is a person's inability to control behavior, craving, and appetite for a drug and is the inability to analyze problems. Drug-addicted people also suffer from a dysfunctional emotional response.

Unlike the conditions described above, addiction is a neurological condition. It is a complex phenomenon that forces a person to take a drug compulsively.

In terms of prescription medications, it is vital to follow the doctor's recommendations and not take higher doses than recommended. The use of illegal drugs and binge drinking is another risk factor that may lead to substance use disorder.

Although there isn't any cure for addiction, it is a treatable condition. What makes addiction dangerous is the inability to stop taking drugs despite a person's desire to do that. That's why getting treatment is one of the successful methods of recovering.

Types of Tolerance

Drug tolerance is a condition distinct from resistance, dependence, and types of drug addiction. Looking into it deeper, tolerance can be divided into seven clinical types. Recognizing a person's type of tolerance helps identify the most efficient treatment.

Acute Tolerance

Acute tolerance to a drug happens when the brain and central nervous system have an immediate reaction to the drug. By reducing the number of receptors, the body tries to minimize the effects of the substance.

Acute tolerance is common for those who smoke or take hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, ecstasy, etc.).

Behavioral Tolerance

Behavioral tolerance is clearly referring to the behavior of substance users. Often a heavy user may take full control of their behavior in certain situations. The brain is able to refocus in the event of an emergency, even when intoxicated.

One of the vivid examples is appearing sober when met with law enforcement. Once the "threat" is gone, so does the mirage of soberness.

Behavioral tolerance is the ability of the brain to adapt rapidly to extreme situations. Some brain areas seem to be unaffected or adapted to constant substance abuse.

Dispositional Tolerance

Dispositional drug tolerance refers to the inability of the brain to dispose of the substance on its own. Instead, the neurotransmitters and receptor sites are responsible for the process. However, certain drugs disrupt the process.

Consequently, a person's body is now responsible for the disposal of substances. The body does it by accelerating the metabolism and forcing blood to quickly circulate the substance and remove it through the liver.

The results of the drug are reduced, which means the current dose cannot give the same desired effect anymore.

Inverse Tolerance

Inverse tolerance to a drug is a confusing phenomenon that has two characteristics complicating the analysis. Inverse tolerance occurs in the brain and central nervous system and influences how the chemicals are processed.

The occurrence is often associated with the Kindling Effect. The term refers to sensitization or desensitization to a substance.

Sensitization is when a person with chronic substance abuse suffers from liver problems and the body's ability to process substances. In contrast, desensitization is when the effects of the chemical intensify.

Inverse tolerance complicates recovery and makes relapses harder. The withdrawal symptoms are more severe and last longer.

Pharmacodynamic Tolerance

Whenever a person takes a drug, the brain constantly tries to reduce the effect of the substance taken. Many parts of the brain - including nerve cells, receptors, reuptake, and the transition processes - work in unison to minimize the substance's influence on the body and mind. Your brain initiates a protective mechanism by either producing an antidote or increasing the number of receptors.

Reverse Tolerance

Reserve tolerance is often referred to as sensitization and grouped with inverse tolerance.

Reverse tolerance occurs when the body can no longer process the drug. Most drugs have to pass through the liver, and when the organ stops functioning properly, drug clearance worsens. As a result, a person's sensitivity to its effect is intensified.

Select Tolerance

Select tolerance is not fully understood, just like the inverse one. In simple terms, it happens when the brain reduces the substance's effect. Although the brain may not be able to entirely dull the effects of the drugs, a person will try to achieve the desired effect by doubling the dose.

While the brain tries to fight the drug, other organs (e.g., lungs, throat, cannabinoid receptors) are intoxicated by the substance.

Select tolerance is particularly dangerous when a person constantly increases the dose because the current dose no longer gives the same high effect.

Such tolerance develops towards a frequently abused drug such as heroin when an addict keeps consuming it but no longer feels the euphoria. In the meantime, the body suffers from the toxicity of a drug.

Besides the damage to the body, there is a risk of overdosing as an addict never stops seeking higher doses.

Drug Tolerance Risks

When taking a drug for an extended period of time, a person may develop drug tolerance. And this occurrence is harmful in several ways.

Adaptation to a Drug

Once the body adapts to a prescription or recreational drug, more often than not, a person tends to take a higher dose. An example can be a doctor prescribing a higher dosage of medication or a person mixing drugs and alcohol, or smoking an extra joint of cannabis.

Harmful Drug Dependence

Drug tolerance is often followed by drug dependence. Once the body and mind initiate the protective mechanism and reduce the effects of a drug - dependence occurs. Drug dependence influences the physiology and psychology of a person. A person's body refuses to function properly without a boost of drugs.

Drug consumption lets a person avoid horrible withdrawal symptoms, but the craving never goes away. Moreover, to kill the pain or receive the desired amount of dopamine, the last dose should be increased.

Preventable Addiction

If dependence gets out of hand, a person is likely to become addicted to a drug. Often an addict will irrationally seek the drug and increase the dosage with every consumption. Or turn to more potent drugs off the streets.

Increased Risk of Overdose

Once a person's body and mind adapt to the drug, the brain never stops blocking the substance's effects (although it doesn't mean the brain is not being damaged in the meantime).

This is the reason why so many addicts keep looking for a better and stronger high - their brain doesn't let them or is no longer able to process drugs fully.

This is a grave issue because addicts may not feel intoxicated - however, their bodies do. While an addict consumes illegal drugs, they inflict fatal damage to the organs.

In addition to that, drug addiction makes people seek irrational ways to find the source of dopamine. It can be through mixing up narcotics or experimenting with unknown substances. All of it may lead to dire consequences, including drug overdose.

Chronic Pain and Mental Health Problems

Frequent drug abuse takes a toll on the mind and body. The body fails to metabolize a large amount of substance, and the brain gets used to the addictive surge of dopamine.

The lack of dopamine may lead to common mental problems such as depression, anxiety, fearfulness, and other conditions.

The more a person feeds their body with the substance, the more harm is being inflicted. Since most drugs are cleared out through the liver, there is an increased risk of liver failure.

As a person suddenly isolates oneself from drugs, withdrawal begins with its symptoms and such possible serious consequences as sweating, muscle aches, anxiety, etc.

How to Minimize and Prevent Drug Tolerance

There are measures that can be taken to prevent tolerance. The same recommendations may be given to people who already experience tolerance and are afraid of its further development.

To avoid drug tolerance or reduce its risks, a person can:

• Consult your doctor about non-pharmaceutical treatment: Although not always possible or available, it is worth giving a non-pharmaceutical treatment a shot. Your doctor may find an alternative solution to your problem that would have fewer side effects yet is no less effective.
• Throw away unused prescriptions: The unused medication that is no longer consumed can be disposed of. This will prevent a person from taking the medication without a doctor's prescription.
• Start a (recovery) journal: If you take prescription medications, it is advised to keep a journal. Tracking the dosage, symptoms, and drug's effects is necessary to monitor (and perhaps predict) drug tolerance.
• Regular doctor's visits: Doctors may identify drug tolerance at an early stage based on your drug usage and its efficacy. If a drug no longer provides the desired effect, it is necessary to inform your healthcare provider.
• Do not increase drug dosage: Self-treatment can be quite dangerous when it comes to potent medications. Keep taking the prescribed dose of the same drug without making any changes to your routine. Next, consult with your doctor to discuss the issue.
• Seek help: In case of developed drug tolerance, seeking help from a substance addiction treatment program is advised.

Conclusion

Drug tolerance is developed to any kind of drug that has been used for an extended period. The substance can be alcohol, prescription medications, or recreational drugs.

When the substance is first introduced to the body, it is regarded as a foreign substance, and your body treats it as a threat. Over time, the brain adapts to the effect of a drug and starts tolerating it. In short, your body and mind adapt to the drug, and the current dose is no longer as efficient as it was before.

Drug tolerance often leads to drug dependence when the body cannot function properly without the substance. The body and brain are adjusted to the drug and require its therapeutic or psychoactive properties.

Developing drug tolerance and dependency forces a person to continue taking the drug. Otherwise, there is a risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. A higher dose or a longer drinking session seems like a much-needed cure for the moment, but it can soon grow into an addiction where a treatment program like the one we offer at Miracles Asia is needed to avoid health issues.

Predicting and preventing drug tolerance is no easy task. But if you are about to start potent medication, there are measures you can take to minimize the risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to predict drug tolerance?

It's almost impossible to predict drug tolerance, especially to prevent it from occurring if you are prescribed to consume strong medications.

You can start a diary, ask your doctor for alternative solutions, and follow the healthcare provider's instructions on how to use a drug effectively.

If you feel any changes and notice the drug has become less effective, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.

What is the biggest risk of drug tolerance?

The biggest risk of drug tolerance is the need to increase the drug's dose. This is because the body gets used to the substance over time and provides weaker results.

Those who suffer chronic pain may be at risk of misusing their medications.

What other factors influence drug tolerance?

Despite drugs being the biggest factor influencing the body's tolerance, your physique, age, and health conditions have an impact, too.

What is the most effective way to treat drug tolerance?

Abstaining from drug consumption is the most effective method to treat drug tolerance. However, it may result in withdrawal symptoms that can be mild or serious.

Your doctor may recommend taking a smaller dose and gradually reducing it over time. An alternative medication may be given to alleviate the symptoms.

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