But They Don't Drink Everyday How Can it Be Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is very misunderstood by many people. Most people view a person as an alcoholic when they drink an alcoholic beverage daily. The truth is alcoholism is defined by the mayo clinic as someone who is dependent on alcohol.

People who suffer from alcoholism are suffering from a chronic disease and will continue to consume alcoholic beverage knowing the effects it can have on their health, work, relationships and finances. Alcoholism can consume he lives of the people suffering from this chronic disease.

There are various signs one can look for if you believe your loved one may be suffering from alcoholism.

These symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Being unable to control the amount of alcohol consumed

• Hiding the fact they are drinking or hiding alcohol

• Problems in employment, relationships or fiancés

• A strong feeling to drink

• Black out episodes where they cannot recall aspects of their lives such as conversations or commitments

• Ritual drinking in which drinking is during set times of the day

• Mood swings when you are drinking or when you are unable to drink

According to a study performed by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) there are 5 types of alcoholism.

Young adult subtype: is one of the largest subtype and though they do not drink daily they binge drink when they do drink. This group made up of young adults who rarely will seek help for their type of alcohol dependence. Tend to be the group around the age of 24, which become alcoholics by the age 20.

Young antisocial subtype: May or may not have an antisocial personality disorder. Tend to start drinking around the age of 15 and are alcoholics by the age of 18.

Functional subtypes: Generally miserable aged adults, who are working, educated, and are in stable relationships. Functional subtype alcoholics usually drink every other day.

Intermediate familial subtype: Are those who have a family history of alcoholics. The intermediate group usually starts drinking by 17 and is an alcoholic by the time they reach their 30's.

Chronic severe subtype: include users of illegal drugs, has a higher rate of men and a higher divorce rate.

For some people to start drinking there may be psychological factors or social factors or a combination of both that would enhance one person reason to start drinking.

Social factors:

• Peer pressure

• Stress

• Alcohol comes freely

• Social acceptance

Psychological factors:

• Depression

• Low self-esteem

• Conflict in personal life

• Anxiety relief

The only treatments for alcoholism are intervention, detoxification, and rehabilitation. With rehabilitation being the longest and hardest step as it can last an entire life time.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic: Alcoholism

Google Health: AlcoholismWebMd: 5 types of Alcoholics Identified