Dealing With The Problem Of Alcoholism
Alcoholism, which is also called "alcohol dependence syndrome," is a disease that is characterized by physical dependence, craving, loss of control and tolerance.
Alcoholism has nothing to do with the type of alcohol one consumes, how long they have been drinking, or even the quantity of alcohol they consume. It however, has a great deal to do with a person's uncontrollable need for alcohol.
This description of alcoholism will give us an insight into how difficult it is to stop drinking and why just "a little willpower" won't help them break the addiction. The craving for alcohol for him or her can be as strong as that of the need for food or water. Alcohol abuse refers to people who do not display the characteristics of alcoholism but still have a problem with it - these people are not as dependent on alcohol as an alcoholic is, they have not yet completely lost control over its consumption.
Consuming alcohol in moderate amounts will not mostly cause any physical or psychological harm. Unfortunately, for some people social drinking eventually leads to heavier drinking and then they're hooked. This can cause devastating psychological and health problems.
Studies show that the risk for developing alcoholism does indeed run in families. The genes a person inherits partially explain this pattern, but lifestyle is also a factor. Your friends, the amount of stress in your life, and how readily alcohol is available are also factors that may increase your risk for alcoholism.
The symptoms of alcoholism and alcohol abuse are very similar, and are often just a question of degree or intensity. Typically, the last person to be aware that he/she has a serious drinking problem is the alcoholic himself/herself. This is because they are in denial. Some signs and symptoms of alcoholism as well as alcohol abuse include:
One drinks alone.
Drinking in secret.
Not being able to cut down the amount of alcohol intake.
Blacking out - not being able to remember chunks of time.
Having rituals and being irritable/frustrated when these rituals are disturbed. This could be drinks before/during/after meals, or after work.
Dropping hobbies and activities the person used to enjoy; losing interest in them.
Feeling an urge to drink.
Feeling upset when the time approaches to drink. The feeling is more intense if the alcohol is not available, or there is a chance it may not be available.
Hiding stashes of alcohol in the most unlikely places.
Slugging drinks down in order to get high and then feel good.
Having relationship problems (triggered by drinking).
Facing problems with the law (on account of the drinking).
Problems at work (caused by drinking, or drinking as root cause).
Money problems caused by drinking.
Consuming large quantities of alcohol to feel its effect.
Nausea, sweating or trembling when not drinking.
Excessive drinking is technically considered poisoning the body. These individuals risk destroying their kidneys and liver and also keep themselves prone to numerous heart diseases when they continue to drink. Alcoholism remains a health concern.
A drunk driver, an alcoholic pregnant woman, or a spouse who becomes abusive as a result of alcohol, risks destroying not only him or herself, but also other members of the family. There is also the collateral damage of the alcoholic's behavior.
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