After my AVM/aneurysm rupture, I became aware of how much alcohol can
play a role in these events.
In the United States, excessive alcohol use is associated with disease, injury,
and poor pregnancy outcomes, resulting in approximately ninety-five
thousand deaths annually. (“Data on Excessive Drinking | CDC”).
Based on cognitive-behavioral theories, alcoholism can be changed using the
same behavior modification interventions used to change other learned
behaviors. As part of treatment interventions, clients learn how to confront or
avoid everyday situations that might lead to drinking. Understanding why
people drink abusively requires knowing their drinking patterns and behaviors
and their perceptions of themselves and alcohol. (Kadden).
We don’t know whether older people initiate change more or less than younger
people. It is clear, however, that aging often means making changes, and the
types of changes older people must consider are particularly difficult. The
diets of many older adults need to be monitored for more than just aesthetic
reasons or general physical health, but also immediate effects on
cardiovascular function, blood sugar regulation, or other health problems. In
middle age, failing to take medications can be risky, but in old age, it can be
disastrous because diseases progress rapidly. (Social Psychology et al.).
The main insights gained were that people change when motivated, not forced.
When the benefits of a change are highlighted, individuals are motivated to
change their behavior, but the consequences of not changing are also
emphasized. I stopped drinking alcohol partially due to my beliefs and the
potential for disease progression/reoccurrence.
References
“Data on Excessive Drinking | CDC.” Www.cdc.gov, 12 Apr. 2022,
www.cdc.gov/alcohol/data-
stats.htm#:~:text=Excessive%20alcohol%20use%20is%20associated%20wit
h%20an%20increased. Accessed 25 Sept. 2022.
Kadden, Ronald M. “Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches to Alcoholism
Treatment.” Alcohol Health and Research World, vol. 18, no. 4, 1994, pp.
279–286, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6876446/.
Social Psychology, et al. “Motivation and Behavioral Change.” Nih.gov,
National Academies Press (US), 2014,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK83771/.
