Alcohol Abuse Treatment - Alcohol Rehab Directory

Local Time in Gratz is

Gratz, Pennsylvania Population:

Gratz, Pennsylvania has a population of 676 as of 2000.

Population Breakdown in Gratz, Pennsylvania:

Caucasian - 668
African American - 0
Hispanic - 8
Other - 0

Gratz, PA. Education Information:

Gratz had a total of 215 high school graduates in 2000.
Gratz, PA. has a total of 29 college graduates with a bachelor's degree
or higher and 68 people with some college education. (Includes
Associates Degree)

Gratz Family Info Breakdown:

Gratz has a total of 10 single parents with children.
There are also 59 parents who are married with children in Gratz, Pennsylvania.

Gratz, Pennsylvania Housing Breakdown:

Gratz has 221 houses that are owner occupied.
Gratz has 80 houses that are renter-occupied.
Around 28 houses are vacant in Gratz, Pennsylvania.
$70,400 is the average value of a house in Gratz, PA.
$387 is the average cost to rent a house in Gratz.

Gratz, Pennsylvania Income Information:

The average income per family is $46,063 in Gratz.


Zip codes in Gratz
17030


Area codes in Gratz
717

Map of Gratz, Pennsylvania :

Name
Phone
Email
CityGratz
StatePennsylvania
Person Seeking Treatment Age
Is Person Looking for Treatment?Yes No
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Preferred Contact Method?Phone Email


Why would I Need Alcohol Detox in Gratz?


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 Gratz is often necessary.

An alcohol detox center in Gratz would be the first step of recovery from alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox centers in Gratz 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 Gratz. 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 Gratz 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 Gratz should not be viewed as full rehabilitation. Gratz 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 Gratz that complete alcohol detox, but fail to continue treatment in a Gratz residential Alcoholism Treatment Facility, end up in relapse. Alcohol detox is a vital component in the recovery process, but lasting recovery in Gratz 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 Gratz?


When searching for an Alcoholism Treatment Facility in Gratz it is imperative to select the correct type of Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Gratz 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 Gratz 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 Gratz.

Most Alcohol Treatment Centers in Gratz 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 Gratz

There are many outpatient Alcoholism Treatment and Alcohol Detoxification Centers in Gratz. 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 Gratz 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 Gratz Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility is recommended.

Inpatient Alcohol Treatment in Gratz

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 Gratz would be one that was is restrictive than a hospital, but has close supervision and structured days. Most of these types of SINGULER in Gratz offer supervised detoxification that may involve medication in a hospital setting or social detoxification (i.e. no medication) in a non-hospital setting.

Gratz Alcohol Detox

Alcohol Detox in Gratz 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 Gratz 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 Gratz Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center after the initial alcohol detox process is complete.

Short Term Alcohol Treatment in Gratz

Short term Alcoholism Treatment Centers in Gratz 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 Gratz 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 Gratz 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 Gratz

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 Gratz 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 Gratz focus on developing personal accountability and responsibility and ethical productive lives. Long term Alcohol Rehabilitation and Alcohol Detox Facilities in Gratz 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 Gratz?


Attending an Alcoholism Treatment Facility in Gratz can be different for each person, however, there are some similarities that can be expected. The first step of a Gratz 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 Gratz. Some Alcohol Rehab Programs in Gratz 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 Gratz 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 Gratz 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 Gratz. 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 Gratz 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 Gratz 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 Gratz, 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 Gratz 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.








White Deer Run of Altoona
White Deer Run of Altoona is a Alcoholism Treatment Facility located at 1331 12th Avenue Altoona, PA 16601
White Deer Run of Altoona specializes in Teens, DUI / DWI, and Criminal Justice Clients. White Deer Run of Altoona provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. White Deer Run of Altoona accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. White Deer Run of Altoona is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (814) 943-1699.



Center for Mental Healthcare
Center for Mental Healthcare is a Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 6th and Spruce Street Reading, PA 19611
Center for Mental Healthcare specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, and DUI / DWI. Center for Mental Healthcare provides these types of treament : Mental Health Treatment. Center for Mental Healthcare accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, and Self Pay. Center for Mental Healthcare is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (610) 988-8070.



New Directions Treatment Services
New Directions Treatment Services is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 2442 Broadhead Road Allentown, PA 18109
New Directions Treatment Services specializes in Pregnant Women, DUI / DWI, and Spanish. New Directions Treatment Services provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Methadone Maintenance, and Methadone Detox. New Directions Treatment Services accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, and Self Pay. New Directions Treatment Services is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (610) 758-8011.



Self Help Movement Inc
Self Help Movement Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 2600 Southampton Road Philadelphia, PA 19116
Self Help Movement Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Self Help Movement Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Self Help Movement Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (215) 677-7778.



Gaudenzia Inc
Gaudenzia Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 95 Broad Street Ashland, PA 17921
Gaudenzia Inc specializes in Pregnant Women, Women, Residential Beds for Adolescents, and Hearing Impaired. Gaudenzia Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Gaudenzia Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Gaudenzia Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (570) 875-4700.



Pyramid Healthcare
Pyramid Healthcare is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Center located at 204 East Calder Way State College, PA 16801
Pyramid Healthcare specializes in DUI / DWI. Pyramid Healthcare provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Pyramid Healthcare accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Pyramid Healthcare is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (814) 237-2215.



Cora Services Inc
Cora Services Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detox Center located at 733 Susquehanna Road Philadelphia, PA 19111
Cora Services Inc specializes in Teens. Cora Services Inc provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Cora Services Inc accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Cora Services Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (215) 342-7660x2677.



Livengrin Counseling Center
Livengrin Counseling Center is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 220 Commerce Drive Fort Washington, PA 19034
Livengrin Counseling Center specializes in Teens. Livengrin Counseling Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Livengrin Counseling Center accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Livengrin Counseling Center is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (215) 540-8301.



Abstinent Living at the Turning Point
Abstinent Living at the Turning Point is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Center located at 199 North Main Street Washington, PA 15301
Abstinent Living at the Turning Point specializes in Women. Abstinent Living at the Turning Point provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Abstinent Living at the Turning Point accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, and Self Pay. Abstinent Living at the Turning Point is a Alcohol Treatment Center that can be contacted at (724) 228-2203.



Bethesda Day Treatment Center Inc
Bethesda Day Treatment Center Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 49 Lower Market Street Milton, PA 17847
Bethesda Day Treatment Center Inc specializes in Teens, Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, and Criminal Justice Clients. Bethesda Day Treatment Center Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Bethesda Day Treatment Center Inc accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Bethesda Day Treatment Center Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (570) 742-7025.



Gaudenzia Inc
Gaudenzia Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program located at 1030 South Concord Road West Chester, PA 19382
Gaudenzia Inc specializes in Pregnant Women, Women, Men, Criminal Justice Clients, and Hearing Impaired. Gaudenzia Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Gaudenzia Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, and Self Pay. Gaudenzia Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (610) 399-6929.



Open Door Inc
Open Door Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Program located at 334 Philadelphia Street Indiana, PA 15701
Open Door Inc specializes in Teens, Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Women, and Men. Open Door Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Open Door Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Open Door Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Center that can be contacted at (724) 465-2605.



Gaudenzia Inc
Gaudenzia Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 2835 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17110
Gaudenzia Inc specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Women, Men, Hearing Impaired, and Spanish. Gaudenzia Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, and Residential Short Term Treatment. Gaudenzia Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Gaudenzia Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (717) 238-5553.



Vision Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Vision Drug and Alcohol Treatment is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 1259 South Cedar Crest Boulevard Allentown, PA 18103
Vision Drug and Alcohol Treatment specializes in Teens. Vision Drug and Alcohol Treatment provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Day Treatment Services. Vision Drug and Alcohol Treatment accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Vision Drug and Alcohol Treatment is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (610) 435-7005.



Rose Kearney House
Rose Kearney House is a Alcoholism Treatment Program located at Box 150 Galen Hall Road Wernersville, PA 19565
Rose Kearney House specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, AIDS and HIV, Gay / Lesbian, Pregnant Women, and Women. Rose Kearney House provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Rose Kearney House accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Rose Kearney House is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program that can be contacted at (610) 777-1869.



UHS Keystone Center
UHS Keystone Center is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 722 East Butler Pike Ambler, PA 19002
UHS Keystone Center specializes in Teens, Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, DUI / DWI, Criminal Justice Clients, and Hearing Impaired. UHS Keystone Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Day Treatment Services. UHS Keystone Center accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. UHS Keystone Center is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (215) 542-4825.



Pennsylvania Counseling Services
Pennsylvania Counseling Services is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 701 Chestnut Street Lebanon, PA 17042
Pennsylvania Counseling Services specializes in Teens, and Spanish. Pennsylvania Counseling Services provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Pennsylvania Counseling Services accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, and Self Pay. Pennsylvania Counseling Services is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (717) 274-2741.



SPHS Behavioral Health
SPHS Behavioral Health is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 925 Clearview Drive Latrobe, PA 15650
SPHS Behavioral Health specializes in Teens, Pregnant Women, Women, and Hearing Impaired. SPHS Behavioral Health provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Day Treatment Services. SPHS Behavioral Health accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. SPHS Behavioral Health is a Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (724) 532-1700.



Gateway Institute and Clinic Inc
Gateway Institute and Clinic Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 103 North Gilpen Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767
Gateway Institute and Clinic Inc specializes in Teens, Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, DUI / DWI, and Hearing Impaired. Gateway Institute and Clinic Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Gateway Institute and Clinic Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Gateway Institute and Clinic Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (814) 938-8817x221.



Twin Lakes Center for
Twin Lakes Center for is a Alcoholism Treatment Center located at 130 West Penn Street Bedford, PA 15522
Twin Lakes Center for specializes in Teens, and Hearing Impaired. Twin Lakes Center for provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Twin Lakes Center for accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Twin Lakes Center for is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (814) 623-1133.



Alcohol Treatment Centers by City in Pennsylvania Listed Alphabetically:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Nearby Cities

Lykens is 3.07 Miles from Gratz
Klingerstown is 3.75 Miles from Gratz
Berrysburg is 4.93 Miles from Gratz
Pillow is 4.97 Miles from Gratz
Williamstown is 5.59 Miles from Gratz
Elizabethville is 6.61 Miles from Gratz
Tower City is 8.75 Miles from Gratz
Herndon is 9.26 Miles from Gratz
Valley View is 9.74 Miles from Gratz
Reinerton Orwin Muir is 9.76 Miles from Gratz
Port Trevorton is 10.33 Miles from Gratz
Trevorton is 12.08 Miles from Gratz
Millersburg is 13.42 Miles from Gratz
Fort Indiantown Gap is 14.07 Miles from Gratz
Fairview Ferndale is 14.19 Miles from Gratz
Edgewood is 14.42 Miles from Gratz
Liverpool is 14.55 Miles from Gratz
Halifax is 14.90 Miles from Gratz
Shamokin is 15.06 Miles from Gratz
Selinsgrove is 15.34 Miles from Gratz

Find Alcohol Rehab Centers in Major Cities Near Gratz, Pennsylvania:

Reading is 45.54 Miles from Gratz
Allentown is 65.07 Miles from Gratz
Bethlehem is 70.40 Miles from Gratz
Scranton is 77.85 Miles from Gratz
Towson is 84.26 Miles from Gratz
Wilmington is 85.61 Miles from Gratz
Frederick is 89.82 Miles from Gratz
Baltimore is 90.10 Miles from Gratz
Ellicott City is 92.81 Miles from Gratz
Philadelphia is 93.04 Miles from Gratz
Dundalk is 93.52 Miles from Gratz
Camden is 96.83 Miles from Gratz
Columbia is 97.43 Miles from Gratz
Germantown is 103.02 Miles from Gratz
Levittown is 103.23 Miles from Gratz
Gaithersburg is 105.60 Miles from Gratz
Trenton is 106.61 Miles from Gratz
Aspen Hill is 106.84 Miles from Gratz
Wheaton Glenmont is 109.02 Miles from Gratz
Silver Spring is 112.07 Miles from Gratz

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.
In addition to being a depressant, alcohol is a chemical solvent, a local anesthetic and an irritant.
"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.
While people who are depressed are more likely to drink alcohol, doing so may actually worsen the depression.
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