Author Archives: n.walsh@apexwellness.com

How alcohol ages your skin is an important question to know the answer to. While a drink with friends once in a while isn’t going to hurt, data suggests that alcohol and aging are linked. 

Too much alcohol can result in:

• Wrinkled skin
• Redness
• Dry complexion

The Link Between Alcohol And Aging

Alcohol can cause your body to be overworked in a variety of ways. It stimulates the release of additional stress hormones in the body, hastening the aging process. Alcohol also affects the proper working of your digestive system, making it more difficult for you to absorb essential nutrients. 

Vitamins A, B, D, and E and minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, proteins, and carbs are included. Heavy drinkers frequently become malnourished due to alcohol’s overall poor impact on nutrition. This reduces the body’s ability to maintain itself, causing it to age more quickly.

Rapid aging, of course, has a big impact on your physical appearance. According to a recent study focused on aging symptoms, men who drank more than 35 beers per week were 35 percent more predisposed to develop “arcus corneae,” a gray ring in the eye that commonly appears old. Women who drank 28 drinks per week had a 33% increased risk of getting the syndrome. 

It speeds up the aging process and alters your appearance by putting your body under more stress and denying it the necessary nutrients to regenerate. Alcohol and aging are very connected to each other so it’s essential to be aware of how detrimental alcohol consumption is.

Alcohol Can Make You Feel Older, Too

Alcohol has more than a surface effect on you. It can also impact your physical, emotional, and spiritual health, making you appear and feel older than you are.

Although alcohol may make you feel calmer in the short term, it can cause anxiety and despair, in the long run, perpetuating a negative cycle. Then there are the hangovers that come with binge drinking. The less alcohol you consume, the more energized and youthful you will feel. This, in turn, will have an impact on your appearance. When you’re feeling better on the inside, it’s practically impossible not to appear better on the outside.

Drink Less, Look And Feel Better

Drinking less alcohol is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and attractiveness. However, at Chapel Hill Detox, we understand that this is easier said than done. Many people suffer from alcoholism, and it can be challenging to know where to start.

Effects Of Alcohol On The Skin And How To Repair The Damage

Alcohol abuse hurts all aspects of your body, including your skin. As previously mentioned, alcohol and aging are very related to each other and there are a lot of negative effects. 

These effects are numerous, ranging from:

• Dullness
• Enlarged pores
• Blotchiness
• Increased redness
• Puffiness

Excessive use of alcoholic beverages can cause a severe hangover the next day. Alcohol has various side effects, including pounding temples, feeling bad in the morning, and poor sleep quality, but what are the results of alcohol on the skin, and how does alcohol age your skin?

Most likely, it’s challenging to receive an adequate amount of sleep if you drink a lot of alcohol, which can contribute to dark circles under your eyes. 

How Does Alcohol Age Your Skin?

When you consume alcohol, two things occur. Inflammation and dehydration are two of the most common symptoms. 

The Consequences Of Alcohol-Induced Dehydration

• Wrinkles and sagging skin result from a loss of flexibility
• Dullness
• Dryness
• Enlarged pores

Alcohol is known to dry the skin, depriving it of the moisture and nutrients it needs to keep the complexion looking vibrant, supple, and youthful.

Alcohol dehydrates the skin, causing wrinkles, dryness, and sagging to become more visible. It’s a diuretic, which means it actively sucks water out of the body, producing dehydration by substantially reducing the body’s water content. In terms of color and texture, dehydrated skin might appear dry and unhealthy.

Dehydration due to alcohol can also enlarge the skin’s pores, increasing blackheads and whiteheads. This prematurely ages the skin and may result in permanent scarring. It can progress to acne and rosacea if not treated appropriately.

The Effects Of Inflammation From Alcohol

• Increased redness or flushing of the skin
• Acne
• Blotchiness
• Puffiness
• Rosacea

Alcoholic drinks, especially cocktails and wine, are high in sugar, and consuming more than the recommended amount will show up on your skin. Sugar has been demonstrated to increase the likelihood of breakouts or acne by causing the face to produce too much oil. If you have rosacea, drinking alcohol will likely exacerbate your symptoms. 

Rosacea is an inflammatory condition that is made worse by drinking alcohol, particularly red wine. Drinking alcohol raises the chances of a flare-up because it is an inflammatory disorder.

Because of its vasodilatory action (it opens up the blood vessels and raises blood flow above normal levels). 

The Worst Alcoholic Drinks For Your Skin 

According to studies on various types of alcoholic beverages on the skin, some are worse than others. Doctors explain that the more the alcohol level, the worse the effect on the skin is, so it’s critical to stay under the acceptable drinking limits.

Dark Spirits 

If you have a few whiskey and Cokes on a night out, you may wake up the next day with nasty hangovers. Dark spirits are known for giving people the worst hangovers and giving them lousy skin.

Dark spirits like whiskey and brandy contain compounds created during fermentation, such as tannings and methanol, and aggravate hangovers.

They have a higher alcohol content, or ABV (alcohol by volume), and dark liquors have the highest alcohol content, which means their effect on the skin could be significantly worse than others.

Dark spirits include: 

• Whiskey
• Scotch
• Brandy
• Cognac
• Dark rum

Red Wine

Red wine is one of the most skin-damaging alcohols while being hailed as the “healthiest” choice of alcohol due to its antioxidant content. This is because red wine is frequently unfiltered. Unfiltered red wine necessitates more processing by the body.

Because red wine is unfiltered, it requires more effort from the liver and kidneys to process, and it’s the most likely drink to induce flushing, redness, and blotchy skin – which is bad news if you already have rosacea or another skin condition that produces redness.

Cocktails

Most people enjoy having a nice cocktail glass. However, martinis aren’t great if you want to maintain a clear complexion since the high sugar level in most drinks can induce inflammation, which leads to cell damage and acne. Cocktails have exceptionally high sugar levels, which leads to glycation. As a result, the skin loses suppleness and wrinkles appear.

Cocktails’ high sugar content can also make skin appear lifeless and sallow. So, the next time you’re on a night out, remember that a Margarita is the greatest offender because it contains both sugar and salt, both of which can cause puffiness in the skin.

White Wine

Unfortunately, white wine, like cocktails, has high sugar content. White wine’s high sugar content causes a drop in GAGs (Glycosaminoglycans), which sustain our cells’ proteins levels, which break down collagen and elastin. White wines can cause a dull, sallow complexion and puffiness.

Beer 

Beer is one of the least irritating alcohols for your skin. It has a destructive impact on your skin’s quality, looks, and aging. Beer is complete, so amounts tend to be limited, and it has some antioxidant benefits, even though it isn’t great for the skin. Beer contains several chemicals that give both recognized sensory features and health benefits, according to a study. 

Vodka, Gin, Tequila, White Rum, Sake

Lighter-colored drinks, such as vodka, gin, and tequila, have fewer ingredients and are digested more quickly by the body. This implies they should have the least amount of influence on your skin, reducing the risk of harm.

Clear spirits can also be classified as the ‘better’ alcoholic beverages for your skin. Gin is made from juniper berries, which are considered “superfoods” and can enhance blood circulation to the face, giving some people a more youthful appearance. On the other hand, vodka has been linked to reducing the appearance of blackheads, tightening pores, and cleaning the skin.

The bottom line is that alcohol in the major cases, ages your skin, and below we have mentioned some tips on how to reduce the alcohol aging your appearance.

How To Lessen The Negative Effects Of Alcohol On The Skin

Keep yourself hydrated. It may seem obvious, but it is one of the most important things you can do to help your skin.

After a night out, dehydrated skin has to be addressed from the inside out, and the best solution is plain and vital water. So, before you go to bed, drink plenty of water and stay as hydrated as possible the next day. For an added antioxidant boost the next day, consider infusing your water with cucumber, citrus, or mint.

When you drink alcohol, your kidneys work overtime to clear out the excess liquids, dehydrating your skin. To counteract the dehydration that alcohol might cause, it is recommended that you consume plenty of water and limit your alcohol intake. As a result, it’s critical to begin rehydrating as soon as possible.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is one of the most effective strategies to boost your overall well-being. Exercise promotes blood flow throughout the skin, keeping it looking healthy, juicy, and plump. In addition to keeping your body in shape and caring for your inner wellness, this can help to enhance blood flow throughout the skin, allowing it to seem silky. Sweat it out with a fun workout, which will also help to clear your pores.

Include Supplements Into Your Diet

Alcohol depletes the body of vitamin A, the vitamin responsible for cell turnover, taking a daily supplement can aid to promote the cell regeneration process that alcohol has slowed. You can also take a supplement designed to maintain your skin, hair, and nails, which can aid in the effective repair of skin damage. Other nutrients that may help restore your skin’s balance are vitamins C, E, B1, B6, B2, B3, and Omega 3.

Including vitamins in your diet will help promote cell regeneration, which is commonly inhibited by excessive drinking. Skinade solutions are liquid skincare supplements that provide critical nutrients delivered directly to your skin to prevent the harm that alcohol can cause. Taking such supplements can help restore vitamin levels and balance to your skin.

Drink Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

Most pubs and restaurants will provide non-alcoholic equivalents to the drinks on their menu, referred to as a “mocktail.” There are also many non-alcoholic beers and wines available, so if you’re serious about reducing your alcohol use but still want something more interesting than H20, you’ll have plenty of options.

Do Your Skincare Before Bed

This applies to everyone, whether they are inebriated or sober. We’ve all been there, but this is crucial when it comes to taking care of your skin.

“We know your typical skincare routine may go out the window after a night out, so if you do one thing after cleansing, apply a rich moisturizer that contains antioxidants and elements that help soothe and hydrate.

It should be a top priority to use relaxing and ultra-nourishing substances! Look for humectants, which suck moisture from the air into your skin to replenish the water levels in your cells and work best when applied to damp skin. On the ingredients list of your products, look for hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and panthenol (Vitamin B5).

Sleep With An Extra Pillow

Sleeping with two pillows in bed, slightly raised, is one of the most effective strategies to reduce eye and face puffiness. This is because fluids pool in the under-eye area when your head is sitting flat might develop dark circles. Ensuring a good night’s sleep and avoiding feeling worn down can be helpful. Sleeping with your head propped up will also assist in minimizing fluid collection and puffiness in the facial tissues, especially around the eyes.

Choose Your Cover-Up Carefully

If you insist on wearing make-up, go for a light, moisturizing foundation. Before wearing any make-up, try using a green-tinted primer to help neutralize any redness in your face.

Powders should be avoided if you’re seeking to improve your skin because they can be drying.

What Happens To Your Skin When You Stop Drinking Alcohol?

Whether you opt to cut back or entirely quit drinking, avoiding alcohol will undoubtedly benefit your skin and ultimately your life. When a person wants to stop drinking or reduce their alcohol use in general, it can have a big impact on their complexion.

The skin will appear plumper, moisturized, and brighter. Your body is an extraordinary regenerator, and if you act quickly enough, the harmful effects of alcohol can be reversed.  

When you stop drinking, here’s what happens to your skin:

• Hydrated, plumper skin
• Fewer wrinkles
• Brighter skin
• Smaller pores
• Excessive redness will disappear
• Acne may improve
• Skin tone becomes even
• Puffiness subsides
• Flare-ups of rosacea become more infrequent

Recovery Awaits At Chapel Hill Detox

It is critical to seek help if a person feels they have an alcohol issue. It is possible to return to a sober lifestyle and a more youthful appearance with the right help and support. When a person’s body is free of toxins caused by alcohol, they will have healthier skin, hair, nails, as well as a youthful appearance. 

At Chapel Hill Detox, we provide a variety of therapy to help patients recover from alcoholism. When a person gets clean and learns how to live a healthier lifestyle, they will notice a difference in their look. To take the first step in the right direction, contact us today.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6715121/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/facts-about-aging-and-alcohol
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-youll-feel-alcohols-effects-more-after-age-65/
https://www.alcohol.org/faq/do-alcohol-effects-differ/
https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/alcohol-effects-bad-skin-tips
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/291290/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-quit-drinking/

Marijuana tends to affect each individual differently. Because of the different forms of marijuana and its various potential effects, many users could find themselves wondering, “Is marijuana a stimulant or a depressant?” The legalization of medical and recreational use of marijuana is becoming extremely prevalent. It is essential people understand the implications of using cannabis products. 

Marijuana and Its Effects

Marijuana affects users in unique ways, but most report a sense of pleasant euphoria and relaxation when smoked or consumed. Other reported effects include:

• Laughter
• Increased appetite
• Increased sensory perception – for example, brighter colors 
• Altered sense of the passing of time 

Adverse Effects

Many individuals who use marijuana may experience unpleasant effects. Each person may have a different experience when using marijuana. Instead of feeling the pleasant effects mentioned above, some people may experience:

• Panic
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Distrust

Users who experience unpleasant effects may have consumed too much marijuana. It’s not uncommon for someone to feel undesirable effects if they have taken too much. Potency can often be hard to judge in marijuana. It is reported that large doses of marijuana can cause people to experience sudden psychosis, which could include delusions, a loss of personal identity, or hallucinations. 

Adverse effects related to marijuana are temporary. However, individuals prone to psychotic disorders like schizophrenia may be more likely to experience sudden psychosis after using marijuana. Research suggests a link between psychiatric disorders and marijuana in vulnerable people. 

Drug Classifications

Each drug is classified according to its properties and effects. Most drugs fall into one of the following categories:

Stimulants

Stimulants elevate your mood, energy levels, and alertness. These are known to be highly addictive. Examples of stimulants include methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription drugs for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as Adderall.

Depressants

Depressants slow down brain function. They have a beneficial use medically but are sometimes abused. Some examples of depressants include Xanax, barbiturates, and alcohol. 

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens change the way nerve cells communicate in the brain. This typically causes an alteration in the individual’s perception of reality. Examples of hallucinogens include MDMA and LSD.

Opiates

Opiates and opioids are painkillers that produce feelings of euphoria. These can have severe long-term consequences on the brain. Opiates are highly addictive but play a significant role in the medical field. Examples of opiates include morphine, prescription painkillers, and heroin. 

Where Does Marijuana Fit?

The effects of marijuana tend to vary from person to person. It is not completely clear where marijuana fits in the classifications. Aside from how it can vary from person to person, different strains and types of marijuana produce different effects. 

Is Marijuana a Depressant?

Marijuana can be considered a depressant since it affects the nervous system and slows down brain activity. This effect can result in calmed nerves and relaxed muscles. Since you can build a tolerance to marijuana, people tend to increase usage to acquire its desired effects. 

Is Marijuana a Stimulant?

Marijuana can also be considered a stimulant for a few reasons. Right after using marijuana, you may feel energetic and alert, similar to stimulants. Some individuals become dependent on marijuana for the mood effects it causes.

Is Marijuana a Hallucinogen?

Though some people stereotype marijuana as a hallucinogen, it’s rare for someone to experience a hallucination while under the influence of marijuana. Hallucinations are viewed as false perceptions of senses, objects, and events. That being said, the altered sense of time could be considered a part of a hallucination.

Risks of Marijuana Use

Marijuana is an extremely popular drug. It is often considered the most commonly used illicit drug. Mental health advocates often worry about the potential risks of using marijuana. Some risks associated with short and long-term use include:

• Decreased motor function: Driving within three hours of marijuana use can be dangerous. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, marijuana is the second most common substance found in drivers. Even with the use of medical marijuana, medical professionals suggest not to operate a vehicle until they can conduct motor tasks successfully. 
• Schizophrenia relapse: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has reported that marijuana use can trigger schizophrenia symptoms. 
• Hallucinations: Though it is scarce, a small portion of people may experience hallucinations. These hallucinations may cause delusions or change your thought processes.
• Anxiety: Uncontrollable uneasiness
• Memory: Recall issues 

Youth Marijuana Use

Risks associated with younger users are generally more severe than older users. Marijuana can cause long-term issues for younger people. Research suggests that it may alter the process of normal brain development. Some side effects for younger users of marijuana include:

• Cognition issues (affecting the ability to understand)
• Memory loss
• Decrease in IQ

A University of Montreal study found that early marijuana use can physically and emotionally affect teens. Individuals that started smoking marijuana at around 14 years old scored worse than non-smokers on cognitive tests. The smoking group also had a higher school dropout rate. The study shows that people who waited until age 17 to start using marijuana did not score worse on cognitive tests. 

How Does Marijuana Work?

Marijuana is most commonly smoked. When smoked, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other chemicals enter the lungs and the bloodstream. THC is then carried through the body and eventually to the brain. It stimulates cells in the brain, causing them to release dopamine, which produces a euphoric feeling. THC interferes with how the hippocampus works, sometimes interfering with how it processes new information.

Individuals do not only smoke marijuana to experience its effects. Cannabis can be infused in beverages or food. When consuming edible marijuana, the effects are delayed. This is mainly because the drug must pass through the digestive system. Effects of edible marijuana typically take 30 minutes to one hour to kick in. Because of this, many individuals accidentally consume more THC than they originally intended.

Medicinal Marijuana Use

By 2017, almost half of the United States had legalized medical marijuana. People have been using marijuana for medical purposes for much longer than that, though. Several states have even legalized recreational marijuana use. 

Dronabinol is an FDA-approved drug used to prevent and treat vomiting and nausea that people experience with certain cancer medications. It utilizes the medical aspects of marijuana while having the THC content removed (or synthesized). Dronabinol is also used to increase AIDS patient’s appetites. 

Marijuana: THC and CBD

THC is responsible for the majority of the psychological effects people experience when using marijuana. It acts similarly to the cannabinoid chemicals that naturally occur in the body. THC activates receptors in certain parts of the brain. It may affect areas that are responsible for:

• Coordination
• Memory
• Thinking
• Concentration
• Pleasure
• Sensory and time perception

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is known as the second most active ingredient in marijuana. This is obtained from the hemp plant, which is a plant cousin of marijuana. CBD is not responsible for the “high” people tend to associate with marijuana. Pure CBD is available in most areas of the United States. The World Health Organization reported that “…there is no evidence of public-health related problems with the use of pure CBD.”

Cannabis and Other Drugs

Cannabis is known to have relatively mild interactions with other chemical compounds. When chemical compounds mix, interactions can range from mild to severe. This goes for all substances, including over-the-counter medications, illicit substances, and prescription drugs. Some drugs work exceptionally well with cannabis. 

Marijuana and Blood Thinners

Studies show that CBD and THC may enhance the effects of certain blood-thinning drugs. Drugs that cause blood thinning like heparin or warfarin show an increased effect when combined with THC and CBD. It is worth noting that drugs with side effects resulting in blood-thinning also cause increased blood thinning when paired with marijuana, which may be dangerous for some individuals. 

Marijuana and Opioids

A team of researchers found that cannabis can boost the pain-relieving qualities of opioids. That being said, doctors may prescribe and use lower doses of opioids with their patients, reducing the risk of addiction. Lower doses also result in decreased side effects. 

Marijuana and Blood Pressure Drugs

THC is proven to activate the CB1 and CB2 brain receptors simultaneously. The effect is expressed in stress response in the cardiovascular system. The stress response reduces blood flow and can increase the effects of blood pressure-reducing drugs. 

Marijuana and Alcohol

A general rule of thumb is not to mix alcohol with any drugs. Some studies do show that people are more likely to consume less alcohol following the use of cannabis. Combining cannabis and alcohol poses a couple of different threats:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis is extremely dangerous
• Since cannabis is used in reducing vomiting and nausea, it poses a threat in terms of alcohol poisoning. When an individual has too much to drink, the body may not be able to purge toxins, which sets the individual at a higher risk for alcohol poisoning. 

Is It Possible to Get Addicted to Marijuana?

Marijuana use disorder is a real disorder that sometimes takes the form of addiction. Recent research shows that it is possible to develop a physical or psychological addiction to marijuana. The addiction is mainly connected to dependence, though. Some heavy marijuana users can feel withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug. These symptoms, lasting for up to two weeks, may include:

• Sleep issues
• Decreased appetite
• Irritability
• Drug cravings
• Physical discomfort
• Restlessness

Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addictions typically involve less severe long-term outcomes when compared to other substance use disorders. There are consequences to marijuana addiction, though, as it can impact an individual’s daily life. Most adults who seek treatment for marijuana addiction have used marijuana consistently for ten years without quitting. 

Marijuana treatment programs work similarly to other substance abuse programs. Aspects of the 12-step program prove beneficial. Many different therapeutic treatments have shown positive outcomes with people suffering from addiction, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Motivational enhancement therapy
• Contingency management therapy

Chapel Hill Detox Can Help You Now

Addiction brings several consequences to the suffering individual as well as their loved ones. At Chapel Hill Detox, we believe each person has the right to recover from their addiction. We offer proven programs, and our licensed staff is experienced in working with individuals from all backgrounds. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, contact us today.