Alcohol Abuse Treatment - Alcohol Rehab Directory

Local Time in Pateros is

Pateros, Washington Population:

Pateros, Washington has a population of 643 as of 2000.

Population Breakdown in Pateros, Washington:

Caucasian - 435
African American - 0
Hispanic - 192
Other - 16

Pateros, WA. Education Information:

Pateros had a total of 110 high school graduates in 2000.
Pateros, WA. has a total of 62 college graduates with a bachelor's degree
or higher and 100 people with some college education. (Includes
Associates Degree)

Pateros Family Info Breakdown:

Pateros has a total of 19 single parents with children.
There are also 71 parents who are married with children in Pateros, Washington.

Pateros, Washington Housing Breakdown:

Pateros has 159 houses that are owner occupied.
Pateros has 90 houses that are renter-occupied.
Around 15 houses are vacant in Pateros, Washington.
$107,700 is the average value of a house in Pateros, WA.
$480 is the average cost to rent a house in Pateros.

Pateros, Washington Income Information:

The average income per family is $39,375 in Pateros.


Zip codes in Pateros
98846


Area codes in Pateros
509

Map of Pateros, Washington :

Name
Phone
Email
CityPateros
StateWashington
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 Pateros?


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 Pateros is often necessary.

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


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

Most Alcohol Treatment Centers in Pateros 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 Pateros

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

Inpatient Alcohol Treatment in Pateros

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

Pateros Alcohol Detox

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

Short Term Alcohol Treatment in Pateros

Short term Alcoholism Treatment Centers in Pateros 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 Pateros 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 Pateros 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 Pateros

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


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








Spokane Addiction Recovery Centers
Spokane Addiction Recovery Centers is a Alcoholism Treatment Facility located at 1508 West 6th Avenue Spokane, WA 99204
Spokane Addiction Recovery Centers specializes in Women, Men, DUI / DWI, and Hearing Impaired. Spokane Addiction Recovery Centers provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Spokane Addiction Recovery Centers accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, and Self Pay. Spokane Addiction Recovery Centers is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (509) 624-5228.



Perinatal Treatment Services
Perinatal Treatment Services is a Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 4810 South Wilkeson Street Tacoma, WA 98408
Perinatal Treatment Services specializes in Teens, Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Pregnant Women, Women, Residential Beds for Adolescents, and Hearing Impaired. Perinatal Treatment Services provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Perinatal Treatment Services accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance. Perinatal Treatment Services is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (253) 471-2782x229.



Social Treatment Opportunity Programs
Social Treatment Opportunity Programs is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 12812 101st Avenue Court East Puyallup, WA 98373
Social Treatment Opportunity Programs specializes in Teens, DUI / DWI, and Hearing Impaired. Social Treatment Opportunity Programs provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Social Treatment Opportunity Programs accepts these payment options : Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Social Treatment Opportunity Programs is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (253) 770-4720.



Daybreak of Spokane
Daybreak of Spokane is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 11707 East Sprague Street Spokane, WA 99206
Daybreak of Spokane specializes in Teens, DUI / DWI, and Hearing Impaired. Daybreak of Spokane provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Daybreak of Spokane accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Daybreak of Spokane is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (509) 927-1991.



Advantages Counseling Services
Advantages Counseling Services is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 800 11th Street Bremerton, WA 98337
Advantages Counseling Services specializes in Women, Men, DUI / DWI, Criminal Justice Clients, and Spanish. Advantages Counseling Services provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Advantages Counseling Services accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Advantages Counseling Services is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (360) 479-0853.



Alpine Recovery Services Inc
Alpine Recovery Services Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Center located at 16404 Smokey Point Boulevard Arlington, WA 98223
Alpine Recovery Services Inc specializes in Teens, Women, Men, DUI / DWI, and Criminal Justice Clients. Alpine Recovery Services Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Detox. Alpine Recovery Services Inc accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Alpine Recovery Services Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (360) 658-1388.



Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc
Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detox Center located at 7935 Lake Ballinger Way Edmonds, WA 98026
Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc specializes in Teens. Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Day Treatment Services. Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (425) 670-3664.



Options Treatment and Evaluations
Options Treatment and Evaluations is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 15620 Highway 99 Lynnwood, WA 98037
Options Treatment and Evaluations specializes in DUI / DWI. Options Treatment and Evaluations provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Options Treatment and Evaluations accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Options Treatment and Evaluations is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (425) 742-6410.



Sunrise Centers
Sunrise Centers is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Center located at 12650 1st Avenue South Seattle, WA 98168
Sunrise Centers specializes in DUI / DWI. Sunrise Centers provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Sunrise Centers accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Sunrise Centers is a Alcohol Treatment Center that can be contacted at (206) 248-3006.



Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc
Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 10322 NE 132nd Street Kirkland, WA 98034
Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, and Residential Short Term Treatment. Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Lakeside Milam Recovery Centers Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (425) 823-3116.



Crosby Recovery Center
Crosby Recovery Center is a Alcohol Rehab Program located at 3924 204th Street SW Lynnwood, WA 98036
Crosby Recovery Center specializes in Women, and DUI / DWI. Crosby Recovery Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Crosby Recovery Center accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Crosby Recovery Center is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (425) 774-2955.



Saint Josephs Hospital Recovery Center
Saint Josephs Hospital Recovery Center is a Alcohol Treatment Program located at 809 East Chestnut Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Saint Josephs Hospital Recovery Center specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Pregnant Women, Men, and Hearing Impaired. Saint Josephs Hospital Recovery Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, and Hospital / Medical Inpatient. Saint Josephs Hospital Recovery Center accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Saint Josephs Hospital Recovery Center is a Alcohol Rehab Center that can be contacted at (360) 715-6400.



Griffin and Griffin EAP Inc
Griffin and Griffin EAP Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 4218 South Steele Street Tacoma, WA 98409
Griffin and Griffin EAP Inc specializes in DUI / DWI. Griffin and Griffin EAP Inc provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Griffin and Griffin EAP Inc accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Griffin and Griffin EAP Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (253) 473-7504.



Thunderbird Treatment Center
Thunderbird Treatment Center is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 9236 Renton Avenue South Seattle, WA 98118
Thunderbird Treatment Center specializes in Women, Hearing Impaired, and Spanish. Thunderbird Treatment Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Thunderbird Treatment Center accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, and Self Pay. Thunderbird Treatment Center is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (206) 722-7152.



New Directions Outpatient Clinic
New Directions Outpatient Clinic is a Alcoholism Treatment Program located at 2132 North West Boulevard Spokane, WA 99201
New Directions Outpatient Clinic specializes in DUI / DWI, Criminal Justice Clients, and Hearing Impaired. New Directions Outpatient Clinic provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. New Directions Outpatient Clinic accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. New Directions Outpatient Clinic is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program that can be contacted at (509) 838-0304.



Somerset Counseling Center
Somerset Counseling Center is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 680 Symons Street Richland, WA 99352
Somerset Counseling Center specializes in Teens, DUI / DWI, and Hearing Impaired. Somerset Counseling Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Somerset Counseling Center accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Somerset Counseling Center is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (509) 942-1624.



WCHS Inc Lynnwood Clinic
WCHS Inc Lynnwood Clinic is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 18631 Alderwood Mall Parkway Lynnwood, WA 98037
WCHS Inc Lynnwood Clinic specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, and Women. WCHS Inc Lynnwood Clinic provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Methadone Maintenance, and Methadone Detox. WCHS Inc Lynnwood Clinic accepts these payment options : Self Pay. WCHS Inc Lynnwood Clinic is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (425) 672-7293.



Excelsior Youth Centers Inc
Excelsior Youth Centers Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 3754 West Indian Trail Road Spokane, WA 99208
Excelsior Youth Centers Inc specializes in Teens, Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, Gay / Lesbian, Criminal Justice Clients, and Hearing Impaired. Excelsior Youth Centers Inc provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, Day Treatment Services, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Excelsior Youth Centers Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Excelsior Youth Centers Inc is a Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (509) 328-7041x101.



Dellamas and Associates
Dellamas and Associates is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 1008 5th Street Anacortes, WA 98221
Dellamas and Associates specializes in Teens, and Spanish. Dellamas and Associates provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Dellamas and Associates accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Dellamas and Associates is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (360) 299-2750.



Washington Asian Pacific Islander
Washington Asian Pacific Islander is a Alcoholism Treatment Center located at 606 Maynard Avenue South Seattle, WA 98104
Washington Asian Pacific Islander specializes in Teens, and Foreign Languages other than Spanish. Washington Asian Pacific Islander provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Washington Asian Pacific Islander accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. Washington Asian Pacific Islander is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (206) 223-9578.



Alcohol Treatment Centers by City in Washington 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

Brewster is 6.40 Miles from Pateros
Bridgeport is 11.16 Miles from Pateros
Chelan is 15.55 Miles from Pateros
Mansfield is 20.58 Miles from Pateros
Twisp is 23.67 Miles from Pateros
Okanogan is 26.22 Miles from Pateros
Waterville is 29.11 Miles from Pateros
Entiat is 29.69 Miles from Pateros
Omak is 30.19 Miles from Pateros
Winthrop is 31.69 Miles from Pateros
North Omak is 33.32 Miles from Pateros
Conconully is 35.60 Miles from Pateros
Riverside is 35.94 Miles from Pateros
Electric City is 40.95 Miles from Pateros
Banks Lake South is 41.25 Miles from Pateros
Coulee City is 41.66 Miles from Pateros
Grand Coulee is 42.39 Miles from Pateros
Nespelem Community is 42.86 Miles from Pateros
Coulee Dam is 43.13 Miles from Pateros
Nespelem is 43.46 Miles from Pateros

Find Alcohol Rehab Centers in Major Cities Near Pateros, Washington:

Everett is 106.40 Miles from Pateros
Bellevue is 109.31 Miles from Pateros
Renton is 113.43 Miles from Pateros
Shoreline is 114.72 Miles from Pateros
Seattle is 116.51 Miles from Pateros
Kent is 117.56 Miles from Pateros
Spokane is 118.46 Miles from Pateros
Federal Way is 124.34 Miles from Pateros
Bellingham is 127.43 Miles from Pateros
Tacoma is 131.56 Miles from Pateros
Kennewick is 132.50 Miles from Pateros
Lakewood is 136.77 Miles from Pateros
Vancouver is 210.29 Miles from Pateros
Gresham is 213.14 Miles from Pateros
Portland is 217.54 Miles from Pateros
Beaverton is 224.80 Miles from Pateros
Hillsboro is 226.31 Miles from Pateros

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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