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Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse |
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Local Time in Oak Park is
Oak Park, California Population:
Oak Park, California has a population of 2,320 as of 2000.
Population Breakdown in Oak Park, California:
Caucasian - 2,081
African American - 1
Hispanic - 101
Other - 137
Oak Park, CA. Education Information:
Oak Park had a total of 207 high school graduates in 2000.
Oak Park, CA. has a total of 690 college graduates with a bachelor's degree
or higher and 560 people with some college education. (Includes
Associates Degree)
Oak Park Family Info Breakdown:
Oak Park has a total of 40 single parents with children.
There are also 331 parents who are married with children in Oak Park, California.
Oak Park, California Housing Breakdown:
Oak Park has 695 houses that are owner occupied.
Oak Park has 52 houses that are renter-occupied.
Around 5 houses are vacant in Oak Park, California.
$337,100 is the average value of a house in Oak Park, CA.
$1,832 is the average cost to rent a house in Oak Park.
Oak Park, California Income Information:
The average income per family is $97,170 in Oak Park.
Zip codes in Oak Park 91377 Area codes in Oak Park 805
Map of Oak Park, California :
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Why would I Need Alcohol Detox in Oak Park?
When heavy or frequent drinkers suddenly decide to quit "cold turkey" they will experience some physical withdrawal symptoms -- which can range from the mildly annoying to severe and even life-threatening. For this reason, an alcohol detox in Oak Park is often necessary.
An alcohol detox center in Oak Park would be the first step of recovery from alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox centers in Oak Park are designed to safely manage physical withdrawal symptoms while coming of alcohol as well as assist with psychological and emotional discomforts of coming off alcohol. Alcohol detox should be done under the care of a licensed medical facility in Oak Park. Attempting to detox from alcohol without proper professional help is extremely dangerous. It can result in serious physical, psychological, and emotional consequences which can include death.
It is important to note that Oak Park alcohol detox is only the initial step in the alcohol abuse recovery process. Alcohol detox programs only provide physical and emotional stabilization while going through alcohol withdrawal and therefore, alcohol detox in Oak Park should not be viewed as full rehabilitation. Oak Park Alcohol Rehab Programs will append efforts to maintain the gains made in alcohol detox, while working towards establishing a firm ground upon which future long-term recovery is to be built.
Research has shown that the vast majority of people in Oak Park that complete alcohol detox, but fail to continue treatment in a Oak Park residential Alcoholism Treatment Facility, end up in relapse. Alcohol detox is a vital component in the recovery process, but lasting recovery in Oak Park is generally achieved through a structured Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that addresses the root of the addiction and not just its physical effects.
What Types of Rehab are Available for Alcohol Abuse in Oak Park?
When searching for an Alcoholism Treatment Facility in Oak Park it is imperative to select the correct type of Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Oak Park that will address your specific treatment needs. For most people, alcohol abuse and addiction is largely misunderstood and as a result, people often make improper choices as to which type of Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Oak Park they should consider, therefore they often receive inadequate treatment. When alcohol abuse has become a central aspect of life for yourself or your loved one, time is essential. You must quickly educate yourself about the many different types of Alcohol Rehab Programs available in Oak Park.
Most Alcohol Treatment Centers in Oak Park will offer a variety of services but often they will be categorized as a specific treatment type. There are many alcohol treatment types available including, out-patient alcohol treatment, inpatient alcohol treatment, alcohol detox, short term alcohol treatment or long term alcohol treatment.
Outpatient Alcohol Treatment in Oak Park
There are many outpatient Alcoholism Treatment and Alcohol Detoxification Centers in Oak Park. Most consist of some form of education classes, support groups, and or individualized therapy where the alcohol user does not require overnight stay. This is a popular form of treatment because of it's flexibility especially for those who cannot take long periods of time to devote entirely to alcohol abuse treatment. These types of programs can be very useful to those in Oak Park who must continue to work or attend school. Programs for outpatient treatment vary depending on the patient’s needs and the facility but they can consist simply of attending an community 12-step group, to a more structured outpatient program typically meeting a couple of times every week for a couple of hours at a time or, intensive out-patient(IOP) which consists of a highly structured group program that meets 3 to 5 days a week for a few hours at a time.
Attending outpatient treatment is different from inpatient treatment in that you are not under constant supervision, you still live at home and requires strict self discipline. For those who fear they may give in to the temptation of alcohol in the early stages of treatment, inpatient residential treatment at a Oak Park Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility is recommended.
Inpatient Alcohol Treatment in Oak Park
Individuals who feel their alcohol abuse has affected their lifestyle such as their family, friends, or work will benefit greatly from inpatient alcohol treatment. This form of treatment provides the recovering alcohol addict with support 24-hours a day. Additionally, removing the individual from their former surroundings helps them to adjust to living an alcohol-free lifestyle. The benefits of inpatient treatment also include the reduced likelihood of the individual using alcohol while in treatment as well as highly structured days.
Inpatient treatment can take place in a variety of locations. Many first think of hospitals or similar accommodations, however, this is not always the case. Inpatient treatment takes place in residential settings as well. In fact, the preferred treatment environment of an inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Oak Park would be one that was is restrictive than a hospital, but has close supervision and structured days. Most of these types of SINGULER in Oak Park offer supervised detoxification that may involve medication in a hospital setting or social detoxification (i.e. no medication) in a non-hospital setting.
Oak Park Alcohol Detox
Alcohol Detox in Oak Park is where the recovery process begins. Quitting alcohol abuse can initially be very uncomfortable and withdrawal symptoms often occur. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening in some cases so it is important to seek care in a Oak Park alcohol detox facility where medical professionals can manage and minimize the symptoms associated with drug or alcohol withdrawal under 24 hour care and supervision.
It is important to note that although alcohol detox plays a valuable role in the alcohol abuse recovery process, it is does NOT constitute a complete recovery. It is recommended that the alcohol abuser attends a Oak Park Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center after the initial alcohol detox process is complete.
Short Term Alcohol Treatment in Oak Park
Short term Alcoholism Treatment Centers in Oak Park consist of inpatient treatment typically lasting 28 - 30 days or less. Short term Alcohol Rehabilitation and Alcohol Detoxification Facilities were originally designed to conform with insurance companies because many insurance carriers only cover a maximum of 28 to 30 days of substance abuse treatment. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict with certainty that exactly "28 days" is the correct amount of time to recover from an alcohol abuse problem. In fact, in most cases this is not enough time for a successful lasting recovery.
Short term Alcohol Rehab Facilities in Oak Park can be beneficial for those who have only been abusing alcohol for a short amount of time and the degree of alcohol abuse is relatively low. Short term Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs in Oak Park provide the alcohol abuser the opportunity to get away from their drinking patterns and for a short amount of time and focus on medical stabilization, abstinence, and lifestyle changes.
Long Term Alcohol Treatment in Oak Park
Long term alcohol treatment, otherwise known as long term “Residential” alcohol treatment generally lasts anywhere from 3 to 12 months in a residential, non-hospital setting. Long term Alcohol Rehab and Alcohol Detox Facilities in Oak Park use the program's entire "community," including other residents, staff, and the social context, as active components of treatment. Long term Alcoholism Treatment and Alcohol Detoxification Facilities in Oak Park focus on developing personal accountability and responsibility and ethical productive lives. Long term Alcohol Rehabilitation and Alcohol Detox Facilities in Oak Park are highly structured with activities designed to help residents examine harmful beliefs, self-concepts, and patterns of behavior and to adopt new life skills, coping skills and constructive ways to interact with others.
What should I expect during alcohol rehab in Oak Park?
Attending an Alcoholism Treatment Facility in Oak Park can be different for each person, however, there are some similarities that can be expected. The first step of a Oak Park Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility is often alcohol detoxification (withdrawal). Alcohol withdrawal is when a person with an alcohol abuse problem stops drinking alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can last a few days and may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. These symptoms will be reduced effectively by attending an Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Oak Park. Some Alcohol Rehab Programs in Oak Park will offer an on-site alcohol detox while others may have you attend an off-site medical detox center and then have you return to complete the Oak Park Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility once the detoxification process is complete. Either way, the person in recovery must withdrawal from the alcohol which is safer and more comfortable when done as part of a Oak Park Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility.
For some, the initial alcohol detox process is the hardest part of attending an Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center in Oak Park. Others find that their difficulty arises in therapy where they must confront their misguided beliefs and addictive behaviors. Often times, the recovering alcohol abuser will tend to unknowingly focus on present time problems going on with family, friends, loved ones, and issues at home. This is usually an attempt to avoid confronting their own problems by focusing on outside distractions. It is important for family and loved ones to avoid involving the addict with issues at home or anything other than their treatment plan. The addict must keep focused on himself and confront his own issues and his case points that need addressed.
Alcohol rehab is not easy! It is not easy confronting one's addiction, problems, issues, traumas, and transgressions, but is is something that must be done and with hard work and dedication, and the end result is well worth any struggles the recovering individual may have had while attending the Oak Park Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility. There is no better feeling in the world than to overcome tradgedy. The right Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Center in Oak Park will keep the recovering alcohol abuser winning, gaining, succeeding, and continually feeling better about themselves.
Once one has completed an Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Oak Park, he should feel that he can be a valuable and productive member of society again. It is important for the recovered individual to understand that it is their responsibility to remain sober and that if there is a relapse then that does not mean that they give in completely. Successful Alcohol Treatment Centers in Oak Park believe that the ability to accomplish a complete recovery from alcohol abuse must be based on the belief that an individual is not powerless, and in fact, must take responsibility for his or her own actions.
Latino Psychological Social Serv Corp
Latino Psychological Social Serv Corp is a Alcoholism Treatment Facility located at 120 West 5th Street Santa Ana, CA 92701
Latino Psychological Social Serv Corp specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Women, Men, Spanish, and Foreign Languages other than Spanish. Latino Psychological Social Serv Corp provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Latino Psychological Social Serv Corp accepts these payment options : Pay Assistance. Latino Psychological Social Serv Corp is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (714) 953-8662.
Felicity House
Felicity House is a Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 3701 Cardiff Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90034
Felicity House specializes in Women. Felicity House provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Felicity House accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Felicity House is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (310) 837-3042.
Northeast Valley Health Corporation
Northeast Valley Health Corporation is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 1161 North Maclay Avenue San Fernando, CA 91340
Northeast Valley Health Corporation specializes in AIDS and HIV, Pregnant Women, DUI / DWI, Criminal Justice Clients, and Spanish. Northeast Valley Health Corporation provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Northeast Valley Health Corporation accepts these payment options : Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Northeast Valley Health Corporation is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (818) 361-1211.
Crossroads Foundation
Crossroads Foundation is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 3594 4th Avenue San Diego, CA 92103
Crossroads Foundation specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, AIDS and HIV, and Women. Crossroads Foundation provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, Day Treatment Services, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Crossroads Foundation accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Crossroads Foundation is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (619) 296-1151.
San Diego Youth and Community Services
San Diego Youth and Community Services is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 3660 Fairmount Avenue San Diego, CA 92105
San Diego Youth and Community Services specializes in Teens, Pregnant Women, and Criminal Justice Clients. San Diego Youth and Community Services provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. San Diego Youth and Community Services accepts these payment options : Self Pay, and Pay Assistance. San Diego Youth and Community Services is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (619) 521-2250x300.
American Health Services
American Health Services is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Center located at 8346 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90048
American Health Services specializes in Pregnant Women, Hearing Impaired, Spanish, and Foreign Languages other than Spanish. American Health Services provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Methadone Maintenance, and Methadone Detox. American Health Services accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, and Self Pay. American Health Services is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (323) 653-1677.
Inland Behavioral and Health Servs Inc
Inland Behavioral and Health Servs Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detox Center located at 1963 North E Street San Bernardino, CA 92405
Inland Behavioral and Health Servs Inc specializes in Pregnant Women, Men, Criminal Justice Clients, Hearing Impaired, Spanish, and Foreign Languages other than Spanish. Inland Behavioral and Health Servs Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Inland Behavioral and Health Servs Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Inland Behavioral and Health Servs Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (909) 881-6146.
Saint John of God Healthcare Services
Saint John of God Healthcare Services is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 13333 Palmdale Road Victorville, CA 92392
Saint John of God Healthcare Services specializes in Residential Beds for Adolescents, and Spanish. Saint John of God Healthcare Services provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Saint John of God Healthcare Services accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Saint John of God Healthcare Services is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (760) 241-4917x22.
Twin Town Treatment Centers
Twin Town Treatment Centers is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Center located at 4388 Katella Avenue Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Twin Town Treatment Centers specializes in Teens. Twin Town Treatment Centers provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, and Day Treatment Services. Twin Town Treatment Centers accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Twin Town Treatment Centers is a Alcohol Treatment Center that can be contacted at (562) 596-0050.
Twin Town Treatment Centers
Twin Town Treatment Centers is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 2171 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, CA 90501
Twin Town Treatment Centers specializes in Teens. Twin Town Treatment Centers provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, and Day Treatment Services. Twin Town Treatment Centers accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Twin Town Treatment Centers is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (310) 787-1335.
Kings Care
Kings Care is a Alcohol Rehab Program located at 40614 11th Street West Palmdale, CA 93551
Kings Care specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, AIDS and HIV, Gay / Lesbian, Senior / Over 50, Men, Criminal Justice Clients, and Hearing Impaired. Kings Care provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Day Treatment Services, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Kings Care accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Kings Care is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (323) 734-4311.
Operation Breakthrough Inc
Operation Breakthrough Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Program located at 40880 Pedder Road Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Operation Breakthrough Inc specializes in Teens, Women, DUI / DWI, and Criminal Justice Clients. Operation Breakthrough Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Operation Breakthrough Inc accepts these payment options : Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Operation Breakthrough Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Center that can be contacted at (909) 866-5437x104.
Veterans Alcoholic Rehab Prog (VARP)
Veterans Alcoholic Rehab Prog (VARP) is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 907 West Rialto Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92410
Veterans Alcoholic Rehab Prog (VARP) specializes in Hearing Impaired, and Spanish. Veterans Alcoholic Rehab Prog (VARP) provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Residential Short Term Treatment. Veterans Alcoholic Rehab Prog (VARP) is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (909) 885-8804.
Turning Point Home of San Diego
Turning Point Home of San Diego is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 1315 25th Street San Diego, CA 92102
Turning Point Home of San Diego specializes in Women. Turning Point Home of San Diego provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Turning Point Home of San Diego accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Turning Point Home of San Diego is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (619) 233-0067.
Youth Service Center of Riverside
Youth Service Center of Riverside is a Alcoholism Treatment Program located at 4164 Brockton Avenue Riverside, CA 92501
Youth Service Center of Riverside specializes in Teens, and Spanish. Youth Service Center of Riverside provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Youth Service Center of Riverside accepts these payment options : Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Youth Service Center of Riverside is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program that can be contacted at (951) 683-5193x107.
Pacific Clinics Subst Abuse MH Servs
Pacific Clinics Subst Abuse MH Servs is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 66 Hurlbut Street Pasadena, CA 91105
Pacific Clinics Subst Abuse MH Servs specializes in Teens, Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Hearing Impaired, Spanish, and Foreign Languages other than Spanish. Pacific Clinics Subst Abuse MH Servs provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Pacific Clinics Subst Abuse MH Servs accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, and Medicare Insurance. Pacific Clinics Subst Abuse MH Servs is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (626) 441-4221.
Touchstones
Touchstones is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at Orange, CA 92856
Touchstones specializes in Teens, and Spanish. Touchstones provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Touchstones accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Touchstones is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (714) 639-5542.
Volunteers of America SWCC Inc
Volunteers of America SWCC Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 9980 Hawley Road El Cajon, CA 92020
Volunteers of America SWCC Inc specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse. Volunteers of America SWCC Inc provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, Day Treatment Services, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Volunteers of America SWCC Inc accepts these payment options : Military Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Volunteers of America SWCC Inc is a Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (619) 561-9808.
Telecare Corporation
Telecare Corporation is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 6060 Paramount Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90805
Telecare Corporation specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Hearing Impaired, Spanish, and Foreign Languages other than Spanish. Telecare Corporation provides these types of treament : Mental Health Treatment, Residential Long Term Treatment, and Hospital / Medical Inpatient. Telecare Corporation accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Military Insurance, and Self Pay. Telecare Corporation is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (562) 634-9534.
Shields for Families
Shields for Families is a Alcoholism Treatment Center located at 11705 Deputy Yamamoto Place Lynwood, CA 90262
Shields for Families specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Women, Men, Criminal Justice Clients, and Spanish. Shields for Families provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Shields for Families accepts these payment options : Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Shields for Families is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (323) 357-6930.
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| | Alcohol Treatment Centers by City in California Listed Alphabetically: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nearby Cities |
Agoura Hills is 1.29 Miles from Oak Park |
Westlake Village is 4.08 Miles from Oak Park |
Hidden Hills is 5.55 Miles from Oak Park |
Calabasas is 6.01 Miles from Oak Park |
Malibu is 9.83 Miles from Oak Park |
Moorpark is 10.03 Miles from Oak Park |
Casa Conejo is 10.72 Miles from Oak Park |
Piru is 16.45 Miles from Oak Park |
Fillmore is 18.30 Miles from Oak Park |
Val Verde is 19.75 Miles from Oak Park |
San Fernando is 19.90 Miles from Oak Park |
Beverly Hills is 21.60 Miles from Oak Park |
Santa Paula is 21.82 Miles from Oak Park |
Marina del Rey is 21.94 Miles from Oak Park |
West Hollywood is 22.81 Miles from Oak Park |
Culver City is 23.36 Miles from Oak Park |
El Rio is 23.37 Miles from Oak Park |
Port Hueneme is 24.97 Miles from Oak Park |
Ladera Heights is 25.34 Miles from Oak Park |
View Park Windsor Hills is 26.54 Miles from Oak Park |
Find Alcohol Rehab Centers in Major Cities Near Oak Park, California: | |
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Oxnard is 24.31 Miles from Oak Park |
Burbank is 24.56 Miles from Oak Park |
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Gardena is 32.14 Miles from Oak Park |
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Compton is 35.94 Miles from Oak Park |
Quick Drug Facts |
Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) depressant. How, then, can alcohol cause someone to feel "high" or euphoric? Scientists are not sure, but the simple explanation is that alcohol causes "dis-inhibition" of parts of the brain that are normally held in check in people who are not intoxicated. In other words, alcohol causes a reduction in the inhibitory parts of the brain, thereby causing them to relax their influence on parts of the brain that can exhibit stimulation. We feel "high" when our cerebral cortex is more dis-inhibited, so we infer that alcohol has a major effect on depressing the cerebral cortex.
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In addition to being a depressant, alcohol is a chemical solvent, a local anesthetic and an irritant.
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"Blackouts", contrary to public knowledge, are not diagnostic of alcohol dependence (alcoholism). Blackouts are memory lapses caused by (usually) heavy drinking, where the individual does not pass out, but appears to act relatively normal during drinking. However, the next day, events that occurred during portions of the drinking period cannot be remembered. Blackouts probably occur because the function of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that registers memory, is depressed by alcohol. Whether the memories never get "registered", or whether they become registered but cannot be retrieved, has not been determined.
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While people who are depressed are more likely to drink alcohol, doing so may actually worsen the depression.
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