Alcohol is a big part of the American culture, and in most cases a pleasant part of social events when used responsibly. However, there is a point when alcohol can become a problem. Alcoholics know this problem all to well. The consequences of abusing alcohol are serious and can become life threatening.
The statistics on alcoholism are staggering. It is estimated that there are nearly 17.6 million Americans who are considered to be alcoholics, and those are just the ones we know about. Because alcoholism is a disease surrounded by shame, we can never know what the true numbers are. Sadly, alcoholics carry more than just shame around with them; they also carry the burden of being at a higher risk of serious disease and premature death.
There are a plethora of illnesses and diseases that alcoholics are at a higher risk of getting. These diseases are life threatening and can include certain types of Cancer, especially Cancer of the liver, esophagus, throat and larynx. Alcoholism can also raise the risk of liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. Due to impairment of their reflexes, alcoholics are also in danger of being in, and causing, automobile accidents. It is not overly dramatic to say that alcoholics are literally taking their life into their own hands every time they take a drink. Symptoms of alcoholism can differ from person to person and can include;
Cravings-A strong compulsion to drink
Loss of Control-The inability to stop at just one drink
Physical Dependence-Symptoms such as shaking and nausea when not drinking
Tolerance-The need for more alcohol to maintain a buzz
These symptoms explain why it can be so difficult for an alcoholic to stop drinking. It also explains why, in most cases, quitting cannot be done on their own. Alcoholics, often times, need the assistance of professional help in order to achieve and maintain sobriety. There are many factors that explain why it is so difficult for an alcoholic to stop drinking; genetics may be one of them.
Scientists have discovered a connection between alcoholism and genetics. The belief is that if you have an alcoholic family member, you are more likely to fall victim to alcoholism. That being said, genetics is just one part of the story. A huge piece of the puzzle concerning alcoholism may also be in the environment; where and how an alcoholic lives, who they hang out with, and family and background are all believed to play a role in who will become an alcoholic and who will not.
Although they can both lead to serious consequences, there is a difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism. While abusing alcohol is serious it does not include strong cravings, loss of control when it comes to drinking, and physical dependency, which are all indicative of alcoholism. There are some questions you should ask yourself if you believe you may be an alcoholic.
1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking
2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking
4. Have you ever had a drink in the morning to get rid of a hangover
If you answered yes to one or some of these questions, you may have a problem. Because of the complexities of alcoholism it is vital for the alcoholic to get help.
By seeking help, the alcoholic begins a journey that will lead them on the path to a healthier and more rewarding life. Moreover, the alcoholic will have the chance to repair any damage their behavior has caused their family and friends. Once the decision to get help has been made, the next step is to get a clear understanding of what the recovery process will entail. The type of treatment the alcoholic receives will largely depend upon the severity of the problem. There are certain steps the alcoholic has to go through before they complete a recovery program. The first thing the alcoholic will go through is detoxification.
Detoxification is the process of safely getting the alcohol out of the alcoholics system. It is important not to undertake detoxification alone. Medical supervision is vital because there are physical symptoms the alcoholic will go through once the process of withdrawal begins. Once detoxification has occurred, the next step will be to go through counseling.
Counseling is a big part of recovery for alcoholism. There are different types of counseling offered in treatment programs that are designed to help the alcoholic. The first thing they will do is try to identify the different types of situations and emotions that may trigger the alcoholic to drink. With counseling, the alcoholic will learn new ways of dealing with the stressors that drive them to drink. Alcoholics Anonymous is the standard barer in the area of treatment for alcoholism.
Alcoholics Anonymous was started over 65 year ago by a group of alcoholics. Their program centers on spirituality, fellowship and counseling. Many alcoholics have broken free from the shackles of alcoholism thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous, and have been able to go back to the life they once knew, with the continued support of their fellow recovering alcoholics. One of the many pluses in choosing Alcoholics Anonymous as a recovery program is that they have chapters and meeting everywhere throughout the world.
There are other types of treatment programs out there available to the alcoholic. For severe cases of alcoholism, you may find a residential treatment facility to be your best option. In a residential treatment facility, the alcoholic stays for an extended period of time while they get intensive counseling and medical help. This type of program can be extremely useful in helping the alcoholic reintegrate back into society. They offer classes in life skills, legal advocacy and continued counseling and support after they have finished going through the program.
Alcoholism is considered to be a disease, and as such should be treated as any other. Alcoholics shouldn’t allow false shame stop them from getting help. If you or somebody you love is an alcoholic, consult with a doctor and seek advice on what to do next.
