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Sep 3 2015

How Alcoholism Works

49 min 10 movies discussed
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In the US, 17 million people are alcoholics. Not merely abusing alcohol, these sufferers become physically dependent on it, forming a chronic disease. Learn about the effects on the body, the brain, and the life of an alcoholic and ways to get help.

AI Summary

In this episode, Josh and Chuck dive deep into the world of alcoholism, exploring how it differs from alcohol abuse and binge drinking. They break down exactly what happens in your body and brain when you drink, from the immediate effects on neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate to the long-term damage to organs like the liver and brain. The hosts also discuss the various treatment options available today, from the traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous to newer pharmaceutical approaches and alternative therapies that don't require complete abstinence.


Movies Discussed

28 Days
28 Days
2000 1h 43m
★ 6.2
"28 days, not to be confused with 28 days later — Chuck clarifies this is a different movie from the zombie film when listing alcoholism movies." — Chuck
28 Days Later
28 Days Later
2002 1h 53m
★ 7.2
"28 days, not to be confused with 28 days later — Chuck distinguishes it from the Sandra Bullock alcoholism movie." — Chuck
Clean and Sober
Clean and Sober
1988 2h 4m
★ 6.3
"clean and sober, the Michael Keaton movie — Chuck lists it among movies dealing with alcoholism and addiction." — Chuck
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Curb Your Enthusiasm
2000
★ 8.0
"in what seemed like a real-life curb your enthusiasm as an episode — The reference is made when describing a basketball incident that seemed like something from the show."
Days of Wine and Roses
Days of Wine and Roses
1963 1h 57m
★ 7.5
"days of wine and roses. Never saw that classic. I think it was, uh, Jack Lemon was an alcoholic — Chuck mentions it as a classic movie about alcoholism starring Jack Lemmon." — Chuck
Flight
Flight
2012 2h 18m
★ 6.9
"I haven't seen flight. Have you seen flight with Denzel? Yeah, that was pretty good. — They discuss it as another movie about alcoholism featuring Denzel Washington." — Chuck
Leaving Las Vegas
Leaving Las Vegas
1995 1h 51m
★ 7.2
"just watch leaving Las Vegas and Nicholas Cage, if you want to be scared away from booze — Chuck mentions it as an example of a movie depicting alcohol withdrawal symptoms." — Chuck
Seinfeld
Seinfeld
1989
★ 8.3
"does Meek have the discography of that compares to like Seinfeld tapes — Referenced in connection with a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode comparison."
The Simpsons
The Simpsons
1989
★ 8.0
"she was on one of the Simpsons episodes — Chuck mentions Linda Ronstadt appeared on The Simpsons." — Chuck
When a Man Loves a Woman
When a Man Loves a Woman
1994 2h 6m
★ 6.6
"What about, uh, when a man loves a woman? That was a tough one. — Josh brings it up as another tough movie about alcoholism." — Josh

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