Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue caused by experiencing a traumatic event.  It can be temporary or last for years depending on the individual (not the event).  Some symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares or other sleep disorders, isolation, or avoidance of certain places or situations.  It can extremely impair normal activities and daily functions.  
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There is no simple “cure;” however, many can find significant relief from the symptoms through professional mental health treatments.  Experience shows that without therapy and support the condition is unlikely to improve.

Physicians will perform a complete physical exam to rule out any systemic or medical problems that may be contributing to PTSD symptoms. The American Psychiatric Association has established criteria to help determine if an individual is suffering from PTSD.
This criteria includes:

• Direct experience with a traumatic event or personal witness of a traumatic event that happened to another
• Repeated exposure to graphic details of traumatic events.  This occurs in first responders.

The primary treatment is psychotherapy which may be augmented with medication. Therapy sessions help patients manage the symptoms, improve their self image, and develop coping mechanisms if the condition recurs. Therapy can also be used to treat any ancillary problems like misuse of alcohol or periods of depression.

It is important to recognize that the person experiencing PTSD is not alone. The therapist will probably start with  “talk therapy”. This helps the person recognize the patterns that trigger the unwanted feelings including the potential of a recurrence of the event. 

Exposure therapy can use virtual reality to help the individual re-experience their triggering situation in a safe and controlled environment. It is a coping technique that helps with memories as well as physical situations. 

Another valid tool is stress management.  This will help with everyday activities that can be impacted by increasing anxiety.  Relaxation techniques can help distract or calm the mind to reduce the impact of anxiety.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another type of therapy used to focus on the memory rather than the emotions associated with it.  This is a specialized type of therapy requiring a counselor specifically trained in this technique.  

The therapy can be one on one, group therapy, or a combination.

There are also medications that have proven effective depending on the person being treated. This includes antidepressants, anxiolytics, and Prazosin. Before starting any sort of medication, it is critical for you to have a detailed discussion with your psychiatrist.

As with all medications, you should report any unusual changes or suspected side effects. This is sometimes correctable by dosage adjustment or alternative prescriptions.
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While there is always the possibility that symptoms will resurface, it is certainly possible for an individual to resume a normal life.

Inspiration can come from a number of sources.  As a motivation during the struggle against addiction, it can help to think of these sayings from different perspectives or to meditate on some of them that seem particularly pertinent.

1. The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. – Ernest Hemingway

When battling addiction it is important to remind yourself that our world is complicated and can wear on you. Keep focusing on rebuilding to gain new strength.

2. If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent Van Gogh

3. People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily. – Zig Ziglar

4. Nothing is impossible; the word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’– Audrey Hepburn
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5. Believe you can and you are halfway there. – Theodore Roosevelt

6. Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear. – Mark Twain


7. My recovery must come first so that everything I love in life doesn’t have to come last.


8. No matter what the situation is, remind yourself “I have a choice.”

9. I avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward. – Charlotte Brontë

10.  An over-indulgence of anything, even something as pure as water, can intoxicate. – Criss Jami

11. The goal isn’t to be sober. The goal is to love yourself so much that you don’t need to drink.

12. People become attached to their burdens sometimes more than the burdens are attached to them. – George Bernard Shaw

13. I am not defined by my relapses, but by my decision to remain in recovery despite them
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14. Great acts are made up of small deeds. – Lao Tzu

15. If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking. – Zen proverb

16. Recovery is about progression not perfection.
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17. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. – Confucius 


18. Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. – Henry Ford
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19. If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else. – Yogi Berra

20. Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

21. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. – Mahatma Gandhi

22. The best way out is always through. – Robert Frost

23. Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you don’t have strength. – Napoléon Bonaparte

​24. Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving. – Albert Einstein
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25. Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them – every day, begin the task anew. – Saint Francis de Sales

26. No other road, no other way, no day but today.  – Jonathan Larson

27. Recovery is not a race. You don’t have to feel guilty if it takes you longer than you thought it would.
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28. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

29. It always seems impossible until it’s done. – Nelson Mandela

Many of us will experience a form of loss at some point in our life, and grief is a normal reaction to any kind of loss.  Bereavement is a type of grief which involves the death of a loved one. Both bereavement and grief will give you a range of feelings, from sadness to anger or numbness.  Grief counseling can help.
 
There are different processes on how to adapt and cope with significant loss, and the process can vary from person to person. This depends on various factors, including a person's background, beliefs, and how they were related to or connected to the person that was lost.
 
While we are experiencing grief, it is good to have support from someone that can empathize with your feelings. That is where grief counseling can play a significant role.  But what is grief counseling and is it as helpful as people say it is?
 
Read on!
 
What is Grief Counseling?
Grief counseling is a form of psychotherapy to help people cope with losses of any form, may it be a loss of a loved one, divorce or separation, losing a job, home, or any number of other things.
 
This is different from bereavement counseling, which is psychotherapy to help people that cope with losses specifically to the death of a loved one. Grief counseling is a larger umbrella that tackles different forms of losses.
 
What Does Grief Counseling Do?
Grief counseling isn't an immediate fix, but it can help significantly as you go through the different stages of complicated feelings of grief. You can move through the common stages of grief with proper support and start the healthy healing process.
 
Grief counselors have studied and developed strategies for the stages of grief and techniques to help people move on in healthy ways while mourning their loss. Here are some of the common goals of grief counseling:

• Accept the reality of the loss
• Identify and deal with any trauma experienced
• Talk freely about the loss, may it be the job, loved one, among other things that may have been lost
• Experience and express emotions freely
• Overcome any feelings of guilt
• Cope with life changes
• Dealing with complicated grief
• To build a healthy support system

 
Grief counseling won't have you forget who/what you lost or bypass the painful feeling of loss, nor does it change who you are. It simply helps you through the painful process to help you heal as you go.
 
Grief Counseling Techniques
There are different steps and techniques taken during grief counseling, including:

• Talking privately in a peaceful and quiet area
• Describing the exact moment of the loss
• Discussing the funeral arrangements and plans made after the loss
• Using correct words
• Check for any signs of depression
• Talk about any losses experienced in the past
• Writing letters, journaling, and creating memory books
• Art therapy and/or reading assignments
• Visualizing resolutions of any unfinished businesses and the "Empty Chair" technique
• Roleplaying new solutions
• Having remembrance rituals
• Giving the patience the time to grieve without the feeling of guilt, weakness, or selfishness

 
Wrapping It Up
Grief counseling is a healthy way to deal with any emotions related to grief. Not many people know about the stages of grief they go through, which can make the loss painful and hard to bear. Through counseling, you can navigate through your feelings and find healthy ways to cope, heal, and open your eyes to a better tomorrow.
 
If you feel like grief counseling can help you, do find a reputable grief counselor you can see today. You can also share your experiences and insights on seeing grief counseling below, I appreciate all of your thoughts.

If you have ever wondered if you have a binge eating disorder, a Binge Eating Disorder Quiz can help you better identify your symptoms. Shortened as BED, this is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) as eating a larger amount of food compared to what the typical person consumes during similar periods and/or situations. This is one of the common eating disorders in the United States, with 3% of adults having BED, which is twice more than Americans diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia combined!

It is important to get treated for BED if you suspect that you suffer from its symptoms. This is crucial to do, so you are able to find preventative measures before it reaches a serious level. If you’re a bit hesitant or unable to head to the doctor for a diagnosis yet, then you may want to start with taking a binge eating disorder quiz.

A binge eating disorder quiz can help you recognize the presence of the disorder, which is the first step in getting the right treatment you need.
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A binge eating disorder quiz is a test with questions related to life experiences that are common to those who are diagnosed with a binge eating disorder. These questions are also based on diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). 
You can expect these kinds of questions:

1. “Do you eat more food than what you planned?”
2. “Do you consume large amounts of food even when you don’t feel hungry?”
3. “Are you always thinking about food, your body image, or weight?”
4. “Are you ashamed of being fat or obese, or by how much you eat?”

And more.
The answers are fairly simple, and each test differs. You may be asked to answer simple “yes or no” questions, or have the options of answering:

• Never
• Rarely 
• Sometimes
• Often
• Very Often

Answering this in detail will help you to determine if you MAY have an eating disorder. 
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If you want to find a formal binge eating disorder quiz, you can usually find them online with various rankings of severity, but if you recognize many of the symptoms in yourself, meeting with a psychiatrist is in your best interest.  ​Wrapping It Up-The Binge Eating Disorder Quiz is helpful in recognizing any patterns or symptoms you may have, but take note that this is not an official diagnostic tool. This is recommended to take if you are concerned if you or someone close to you may have an eating disorder, so you are able to know what next steps to take. 

If you take the various online quizzes, this does not necessarily mean that you are diagnosed with a binge eating disorder. This is only a baseline to find out if you will need to seek an evaluation from a medical professional. It is best to check with your doctor if you suspect you or a loved one has a binge eating disorder to get proper treatment.

​I hope that this article about the binge eating disorder quiz gave insight into what this is all about and what you can do about the results. 

Share your tips and stories regarding your binge eating journey in the comments. 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be hard to identify and define.  In fact, there are different types of OCD symptoms, with clinicians and researchers suggesting that OCD is divided into different types, depending on the symptoms experienced. 
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Read on to find out the different types of OCD to help you learn more about the condition, so you can understand yourself or loved ones who may have this disorder.
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There are various types of OCD, which can impact any person, thought, fear, or subject.
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This is the fear of being contaminated or dirty, worrying, and fearing that it would cause harm to themselves or those they love. Those affected with this type would most likely feel extreme discomfort with anything connected with contamination. One would clean or wash excessively as a way to reduce the distressful feeling, or even avoiding any area they feel is dirty or contaminated.
Cleaning and washing may also be done multiple times, with rituals of repetitive washing until the person feels clean. It’s done more compared to someone without OCD, to the point it impacts the person’s quality of life.
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Hoarding is the inability to dispose of useless and/or worn-out items they own. Now, it is recognized as a distinct diagnosis under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5)
One may collect various items that are seen as a limited value to those without OCD. It can be hoarding old magazines, receipts, clothes, notes, containers, among other things. The hoarding can get so intense that the living area is consumed with clutter, making it difficult to live in.
Hoarding may come with an obsessional fear of losing things that might be used in the future or being excessively attached to hoarded items.
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If someone experiences this obsession, you would feel a very strong need to arrange and/or rearrange items until they are “right” according to your standards. 
For instance, someone with OCD with symmetry obsessions may want to constantly arrange their clothes to organize it by color or other suitable categories.
Besides this, symmetry obsession may involve thinking or saying words over again until it is "perfect". These arranging, counting or ordering compulsions are done to avoid any potential consequences or dangers.
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This is a type of OCD that’s usually related to unwanted obsessions of themes falling under those that are aggressive, religious, or sexual. For instance, one may have intrusive thoughts about being a criminal or attacking someone. 
People who experience this type of OCD would use mental rituals to relieve these kinds of involuntary thoughts. It can be through reciting specific words, counting, avoiding the triggers, or even praying to relieve any anxiety.
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If someone experiences this type of OCD, they most likely experience intense thoughts of harming themselves or other people. For instance, one may imagine their house burning down, going back to their place to ensure there isn't any fire and that all fire hazards are switched off.

Learning more about the different types of OCD can help you understand the disorder better, whether you or a loved one have this condition. If you do feel like you experience any of these symptoms, check with your health provider for the appropriate treatments and medication to start recovering.  If you are within Texas and do not have a current psychiatrist, give us a call at 281-849-4080 for a psychiatric consultation.

​Everyone has mood swings.  There are highs, lows and everything in between.  A mood disorder is when someone experiences inordinately long periods of extreme emotion, which can be happiness or sadness or both.  The most common mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.
 
Depression
This is the more common mood disorder.  Depression can occur with a traumatic life event like loss of a loved one, loss of a job, major illness, etc.  It can also be spontaneous.   

• Postpartum depression – This is a depression associated with pregnancy and may occur during the pregnancy or following delivery.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder – This is sometimes referred to as dysthymia.  This is a depression that will last for two years or more.  The symptoms may lessen during that time, but although less severe, they still remain.
• Psychotic Depression – This is a severe form of the disorder that involves hallucinations and delusions.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – This is one you hear about generally during the winter especially if it is a winter with consistently overcast skies or weather that keeps people indoors.
• Medically Related – This comes about due to medication side effects, substance abuse or during a medical condition.

 
Bipolar Disorder
This has also been called manic-depression.  These are episodes of severe depression alternating with extreme activity and elation (mania).

• Bipolar I – Classified as the most severe form of the disease, the episodes will last a minimum of a week, depression will last for up to two weeks, and both the mania and depression can occur simultaneously.
• Bipolar II – This is a less severe form of the disease.  The mania is less intense and these people can frequently handle activities of daily living.
• Cyclothymia – People with this illness have continuous but irregular mood swings that may vary from mild to moderate levels but for extended periods of time.  There are usually only short periods of normalcy and the mood changes can occur quickly.
• Other – If someone has abnormal mood changes but does not fit into any of the above categories, it is placed in the catchall “other” diagnosis.  These include premenstrual dysphoric disorder and intermittent explosive disorder.

 
Symptoms
While the symptoms will vary depending on the type of mood disorder here are some indicators:

• Depression
  • Sadness daily or most of the time
  • Low to no energy
  • Feelings of low self worth
  • Loss of appetite, weight gain
  • Sleep issues
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Thoughts of death and suicide
• Bipolar
  • Unusually rapid speech or movements
  • Grandiosity
  • Agitation
  • Racing thoughts
  • Insomnia to the extreme
  • Feeling edgy for no apparent reason
  • Overly risk taking like gambling or reckless driving

 
The cause for mood disorders can include genetic (family history), biological, and environmental.  Bipolar disorders are associated with the structure and function in the brain.  Our psychiatrists in Houston are considered experts in mood disorders.  If you believe you may be experiencing a mood disorder, contact us today.

​In this age of social media and the growth of the internet, businesses are developing a stronger online presence. Fortunately, this makes it easier to get in contact with a good therapist from the comfort of your home. But, the sheer number of websites can make it challenging to find a good one. Here are some key things you need to look out for to recognize a good therapist website.

Organized Structure

The first impression on a good website is the homepage, and its structure may determine if you continue to skim the website. What you need is a clean homepage with a good headline and a section that clearly states the services offered. A clean homepage is a sign of organization, and it shows you exactly what to expect from the therapist. When a website’s homepage is too cluttered, their message is lost, and prospective patients are less sure about whether this therapist will relate to them.

User-Friendly Interface

Poor navigation is a common issue with many websites, and it can discourage you from continuing on the site. Searching for information on a website that doesn’t have a good layout can be very frustrating, especially when you need something specific. A good tip is to check that a website has a menu that puts everything into sections for you to navigate quickly.

Simple and Creative Information

A website that has clunky and cluttered information doesn’t give the right impression of the therapist in charge. You should be able to quickly understand the information on the website, without it sounding too robotic or generic. Simple information makes your search easy and lets you choose a therapist that is suited to your needs.

Personal Information

A therapist website should include some detailed information about the therapist.  I certainly prefer to know where therapists have trained and what is the current view of my particular concerns.  It is nice to see a professional photo that will help give me an idea about who I will be relating to in sessions. Details about therapies offered are essential, especially if you have specific needs from the therapist.

Straightforward Contact Details

You’re more likely to contact the therapist directly if they have a quick access contact button than if you have to copy an email address or phone number. The first step to booking a session is getting into contact with the therapist’s office, so a button that makes it easier is a plus.

A Concise List of Specialties and Experience

Once you log in to any website, it only takes you a short time to find out what services they offer, and if you don’t find that quickly, it can be frustrating. You should check first to ensure that the website has an exhaustive list detailing all the services and programs that they offer. It is more convenient for both parties, and it cuts down on your search time.


The search for a good therapist can be time-consuming and exhausting, especially when you don’t have one in mind. These tips can help you to shorten your search time, help you have a more productive experience, and narrow down your list quicker. 

Everyone has times when they are sad, lose interest, or are anxious.  However, when these feelings persist, it can lead to a number of emotional and even physical problems.  As these feelings grow, the individual may develop difficulty with basic activities like personal hygiene and managing meals. 
 
Depression is a medical condition that can improve with treatment or decline with lack of intervention. 
 
It can begin as a result of a traumatic event like the loss of a loved one, divorce, unemployment, etc.  It can also be a result of a family history of mood disorders.  If as a child you experienced some traumatic event, there can be some lingering feelings that need to be resolved.  Medical conditions can also lead to a depressive state.  Sometimes these are medication induced and sometimes the realization that you are no longer in control of certain bodily functions.
 
The good news is this is a treatable condition.  There are some medications and certainly therapeutic remedies available.  Here are some of the more common symptoms of clinical depression.

• Sadness, gloom, excessive crying
• Feeling of emptiness
• Outbursts of anger, especially over trivial issues
• Excessive sleeping or continual insomnia
• Eating disorders like overeating or reduced appetite
• Loss of interest in a favorite activity or hobby
• Slow reactions like speaking or thinking; inability to follow conversations
• Thoughts or actions of self harm

 
There can be many differences in how children and adolescents experience depression.  This can include refusing to attend classes, insecurity shown through clinging to a person or object, and eating disorders.  Because of the extensive hormonal changes, teenage depression can sometimes be overlooked.  Some warning signs include sudden poor academic performance, use of recreational drugs or alcohol, and social isolation.
 
Likewise, older adults may often consider sadness a normal part of the aging process. This is incorrect. Some things to watch for are personality changes, avoiding group activities and gatherings, and, again, self harm.  Abrupt changes in the aging process is a sign that something is  wrong.  
 
If you feel that you are depressed, it is important to seek help from a reputable mental health professional.  If you simply have concerns, start by speaking with a trusted friend, relative, religious leader, or someone whose opinion you value.  There are also toll-free services for you to call and discuss your feelings.  These are manned by impartial but caring individuals who can help you understand your feelings and the next steps to take.
 
If you are a relative or friend, you can also find a service to help you cope with the situation.  There are reliable techniques that can be beneficial.
 
Any attempts at self harm should be taken seriously and place a call to 911 emergency services immediately. 

Depression counseling is effective for clinical depression. Depression can pose a serious mental health issue for those who suffer from it, and it can come in many forms such as:

• Major depressive order
• Persistent depressive order
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Postpartum depression
• Bipolar disorder

 
The symptoms include sadness, loss of enjoyment in things that previously held interest, difficulty concentrating and more.  However, depression responds quite well to therapeutic counseling and anti-depressant medications.  The individual will need to find an appropriate counselor, psychotherapist, or psychologist.  This professional will be able to help the person find the root cause of the problem and then develop effective strategies to cope with the situation and others that may arise in the future.
 
Treatment for depression is often called “talk therapy”.  Counseling is frequently the first step or even the solution for mild or moderate depression.  If the condition is severe, the patient may consider seeing a licensed psychiatrist for pharmaceuticals to bridge the gap.
 
The counselor will start by determining the extent of the depression and how long they have been experiencing it.  He or she will also determine the severity of the disorder.  If the onset is fairly recent and does not have deeper impact on other feelings, a counselor is a good choice.  On the other hand, with a more severe case, the patient may be referred to another therapist if a specific specialist is warranted.
 
The treatment will involve discussions between the patient and therapist to understand the underlying issues.  Homework assignments may be recommended to help track moods and situations.  The counselor will also adjust any sessions depending on the progress of the patient.  Another method is the use of interpersonal therapy that deals with conflict of personalities and with an inadequate social support system that can lead to depression.
 
The ultimate goal is to discover the underlying causes for these thoughts, feelings, and the resulting behaviors.  With that knowledge the individual can develop alternatives and coping mechanisms to work through current issues and to help with future situations.  This is a patient focused therapy where the individual is an active participant in the decisions.
 
An important factor is finding the right mental health professional that suits the patient.  Because the therapy is one-on-one and highly personal, it may take several tries before the connection is made.  Start by asking your family practice doctor or working through a mental health facility in your area.  When you have some names, go online and read about them.  Frequently they will list their preferred forms of treatment and specialties.  
 
The important thing to realize is that there is a good success rate in treating depression.  There are a number of different types of approaches and effective medications.  Getting help and resolving the problem is a reachable goal.  Call us today for an assessment.

Patients who suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD) have a higher risk of losing control over when or how much you drink. They may also feel restless and irritable when they are not able to drink alcohol and have a tendency to continue using alcohol even when it begins to affect their health adversely.
Hence, there is a need for an alcohol assessment so that appropriate medical intervention can be recommended to the patient.

What is an alcohol assessment? 
The first step to receiving proper treatment for alcoholism is to recognize and accept that you have an alcohol use disorder. Most people find it difficult to escape the addiction as they are in denial about the true nature and extent of their alcohol intake. However, if you want to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life, gaining independence from alcohol addiction is vital.

An alcohol assessment could be the first step towards this goal. Here are some symptoms that indicate a higher intensity of alcohol addiction and the need for prompt medical treatment.

Waking up at night 
If you wake up at night frequently to pass urine, it could be due to the increased consumption of alcohol.

Our body produces an anti-diuretic hormone that induces the kidneys to produce less volume of urine at night so that you do not have to go to the toilet frequently. However, alcohol can suppress the secretion of the anti-diuretic hormone, making your kidneys produce more urine due to which you have to get up at night frequently. [1]

Dryness 
Alcohol can dehydrate the body causing dryness of the skin and eyes. If you experience dry patches over your eyes the next morning, it could be a sign of excessive consumption. [2]

Poor sleep patterns 
Alcohol can interfere with the quality and duration of your sleep. It may prevent you from falling asleep causing an increase in the sleep latency period.
It can also prevent you from entering the deep phase of sleep called the REM phase. As a result, you will wake up feeling unrefreshed and drowsy. [3]

Impaired memory 
Alcohol can impact the cognitive functions of the brain. When consumed in excess, it may also affect your ability to recall any information or new skills you have learned. It can reduce your short-term memory to a great extent. [4]

Blackouts are also a common phenomenon linked to excessive alcohol consumption. Most heavy drinkers tend to lose track of what happened the previous night once they sober up. If you experience these symptoms frequently, there is a need to undergo proper medical treatment and counseling for alcohol addiction. [5]

Conclusion
An Alcohol assessment by a doctor can help you determine the extent of alcohol addiction or dependence. This will give you an idea of the amount or frequency of alcohol you consume, its adverse impact on your life, and how it has affected your personal life, career, and general well-being.

It will help you take the right steps toward alcohol treatment and improve the chances of successful outcomes.  Call us at 281-849-4080 to schedule an alcohol assessment with one of our board certified psychiatrists.

​References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826793/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5075667/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775419/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15303630/
5. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-abuse-self-test#1