A Guide to Alcoholism

Alcoholism is drinking alcoholic beverages to the point that it interferes with physical or mental health, family or job responsibilities. Alcoholism is an addiction. When addicted to alcohol, there is a dependence on it that is both mental and physical.

There are two categories that alcoholism can be dived into. One is dependence. People that depend on alcohol spend great amounts of time drinking and getting it. Some physical dependencies are needs for increasing amounts, the desire to get drunk, alcohol-related illnesses, memory lapses after drinking, and withdrawal when alcohol use has halted. The most severe drinking behavior is exhibited during binges which can lead to mental or physical problems. Although there is no specific cause for alcoholism, there are some factors that can play a role.

These factors include a desire for anxiety relief, conflict in a relationship, depression and a low self-esteem. Other factors are peer pressure, the social acceptance felt when alcohol is used, and avoiding a stressful lifestyle.

Alcohol is a depressant. A depressant leads to a decrease in activity, anxiety and tension. Changes in behavior, slow motor skills, and a decreased ability to think clearly can be reached after a few drinks. Consumption of large amounts of alcohol will lead to intoxication. Depending on how much alcohol is consumed, the symptoms can vary. The list of symptoms that can occur include abdominal pains, confusion, drinking solo, episodes of violence, hostility, lack of control, nausea, dependence on alcohol to function in everyday life, a smaller appetite, disregard to appearance, numbness, a secretive behavior, and shaking.

Certain symptoms can be felt during alcohol withdrawal. This occurs because the brain has adapted to the alcohol and cannot function without it. Some symptoms that may be felt include anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, increased blood pressure, nausea, loss of appetite, fevers, rapid heartbeats, restlessness, nervousness, tremors, seizures and in some rare cases death.

What classifies a alcoholic? Males that consume fifteen or more drinks per week, females that consume twelve or more drinks per week, or anyone that consumes five or more drinks per occasion at least once a week is considered at risk for developing alcoholism. Note that one drink is considered to be a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5 ounce shot of liquor.

Certain questions are used to screen and determine how severe this problem may be. The following questions are some that are used by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to determine the severity. Asking yourself these questions can help you realize the situation of your problem. Have you ever driven while intoxicated? Has the amount of alcohol need to feel intoxicated increased? Do you feel you should cut back with your alcohol consumption? Have blackouts occurred from drinking? Has your job been affected by your drinking? Is there someone in your family that is worried or concerned about your drinking?

Some tests can be done to determine alcohol abuse. A toxicology screen or a BAL (blood alcohol level) can determine if someone has recently been drinking alcohol but cannot necessarily determine alcoholism. Other tests include folate tests and liver function tests.

The goal for someone suffering from alcoholism is to return to abstinence. Some may find success in drinking in moderation, but the problem may persist when alcohol is persistently consumed. There are three steps involved when undergoing treatment for alcoholism.

The first step is intervention. People that are alcoholics do not really understand when their habits get out of control. People are more likely to enter treatments when their family members or employers confront them in a manner that is compassionate. These people can help them realize that drinking is only holding them back and preventing them from moving on with life.

The next step is detoxification. In a controlled setting and using medications, the user must withdraw from alcohol. This process takes four to seven days. A diet is important during this time. Vitamin supplements are crucial, as complication from the withdrawal can surface. Delirium tremens could arise and can be fatal. Depression or other disorders should be treated during this time.

The third and final stage of the healing process if rehabilitation. Alcohol recovery and rehabilitation programs provide the help people need to stay off alcohol. Counseling, support, nursing and medical care are provided. The majority of staff members that work at rehabilitation centers are recovering alcoholics themselves. They serve as role models and inspirations to those they are treating. Medication can be prescribed to prevent lapses. Acamprosate has been shown to slower relapse rates. Disulfiram will give the drinker unpleasant side effects when consuming even tiny amounts of alcohol. You can't take these medicines if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. The effects of medicine and counseling vary from person to person.

Support groups are a great way to help people cope and deal with alcohol addictions. Alcoholics Anonymous provides emotional support and helps recovering alcoholics. These members are shown ways to participate in social gatherings without drinking and have help available 24 hours a day. There are also support groups for the family members of those who are recovering alcoholics.

Only 15% of people with alcoholism seek treatment, and the common occurrence is after treatment is done, the drinking resumes. Ensure that support systems are in place to help the user cope and prevent any slips. Success rates vary from program to program, but many that undergo treatments see very pleasing results.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects. Alcoholism is a social, economic, and health problem that needs to be look at. More than half of all accidental deaths and almost half of traffic deaths are a result of alcohol consumption. Those that participate in excess consumption of alcohol have higher rates of unemployment and are involved with higher rates of violence.

With this guide, I hope you now have to tools to fight alcoholism. Whether it is your friend, family member, or yourself, you can overcome this by taking the first step.