What is alcohol addiction?
Alcohol addiction, otherwise called alcoholism, is an infection that influences individuals of varying backgrounds. Specialists have endeavored to pinpoint factors like hereditary qualities, sex, race, or economics that may incline somebody to alcohol addiction. In any case, it has no single reason. Mental, hereditary, and social elements would all be able to add to having the infection.
Note that alcoholism is a genuine infection. It can make changes the mind and neurochemistry, so an individual with an alcohol addiction will most likely be unable to control their activities.
Alcohol addiction can show itself in an assortment of ways. The seriousness of the illness, how frequently somebody drinks, and the alcohol they expend fluctuates from individual to individual. A few people drink vigorously throughout the day, while others hit the bottle hard and after that stay calm for some time.
Notwithstanding how the addiction looks, somebody ordinarily has an alcohol addiction in the event that they vigorously depend on drinking and can't remain calm for an all-encompassing timeframe.
What is alcohol addiction?
Alcohol addiction, otherwise called alcoholism, is an infection that influences individuals of varying backgrounds. Specialists have endeavored to pinpoint factors like hereditary qualities, sex, race, or economics that may incline somebody to alcohol addiction. In any case, it has no single reason. Mental, hereditary, and social elements would all be able to add to having the infection.
Note that alcoholism is a genuine infection. It can make changes the mind and neurochemistry, so an individual with an alcohol addiction will most likely be unable to control their activities.
Alcohol addiction can show itself in an assortment of ways. The seriousness of the illness, how frequently somebody drinks, and the alcohol they expend fluctuates from individual to individual. A few people drink vigorously throughout the day, while others hit the bottle hard and after that stay calm for some time.
Notwithstanding how the addiction looks, somebody ordinarily has an alcohol addiction in the event that they vigorously depend on drinking and can't remain calm for an all-encompassing timeframe.
What are the symptoms of alcoholism?
Alcohol addiction can be difficult to recognize. Unlike cocaine or heroin, alcohol is widely available and accepted in many cultures. It’s often at the center of social situations and closely linked to celebrations and enjoyment.
Drinking is a part of life for many people. When is it common in society, it can be hard to tell the difference between someone who likes to have a few drinks now and then and someone with a real problem.
Some symptoms of alcohol addiction are:
- increased quantity or frequency of use
- high tolerance for alcohol, or lack of “hangover” symptoms
- drinking at inappropriate times, such as first thing in the morning, or in places like church or work
- wanting to be where alcohol is present and avoiding situations where there is none
- changes in friendships; someone with an alcohol addiction may choose friends who also drink heavily
- avoiding contact with loved ones
- hiding alcohol, or hiding while drinking
- dependence on alcohol to function in everyday life
- increased lethargy, depression, or other emotional issues
- legal or professional problems such as an arrest or loss of a job
As an addiction tends to get worse over time, it’s important to look for early warning signs. If identified and treated early, someone with an alcohol addiction may be able to avoid major consequences of the disease.
If you’re worried that someone you know has an alcohol addiction, it’s best to approach them in a supportive way. Avoid shaming them or making them feel guilty. This could push them away and make them more resistant to your help.
Alcohol addiction can be difficult to recognize. Unlike cocaine or heroin, alcohol is widely available and accepted in many cultures. It’s often at the center of social situations and closely linked to celebrations and enjoyment.
Drinking is a part of life for many people. When is it common in society, it can be hard to tell the difference between someone who likes to have a few drinks now and then and someone with a real problem.
Some symptoms of alcohol addiction are:
- increased quantity or frequency of use
- high tolerance for alcohol, or lack of “hangover” symptoms
- drinking at inappropriate times, such as first thing in the morning, or in places like church or work
- wanting to be where alcohol is present and avoiding situations where there is none
- changes in friendships; someone with an alcohol addiction may choose friends who also drink heavily
- avoiding contact with loved ones
- hiding alcohol, or hiding while drinking
- dependence on alcohol to function in everyday life
- increased lethargy, depression, or other emotional issues
- legal or professional problems such as an arrest or loss of a job
As an addiction tends to get worse over time, it’s important to look for early warning signs. If identified and treated early, someone with an alcohol addiction may be able to avoid major consequences of the disease.
If you’re worried that someone you know has an alcohol addiction, it’s best to approach them in a supportive way. Avoid shaming them or making them feel guilty. This could push them away and make them more resistant to your help.
What health complications are associated with alcoholism?
Alcohol addiction can result in heart disease and liver disease. Both can be fatal. Alcoholism can also cause:
- ulcers
- diabetes complications
- sexual problems
- birth defects
- bone loss
- vision problems
- increased risk of cancer
- suppressed immune function
If someone with an alcohol addiction takes dangerous risks while drinking, they can also put others at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drunk driving, for example, takes 28 lives every day in the United States. Drinking is also associated with an increased incidence of suicide and homicide.
These complications are reasons why it’s important to treat alcohol addiction early. Nearly all risks involved with alcohol addiction may be avoidable or treatable, with successful long-term recovery.
Alcohol addiction can result in heart disease and liver disease. Both can be fatal. Alcoholism can also cause:
- ulcers
- diabetes complications
- sexual problems
- birth defects
- bone loss
- vision problems
- increased risk of cancer
- suppressed immune function
If someone with an alcohol addiction takes dangerous risks while drinking, they can also put others at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drunk driving, for example, takes 28 lives every day in the United States. Drinking is also associated with an increased incidence of suicide and homicide.
These complications are reasons why it’s important to treat alcohol addiction early. Nearly all risks involved with alcohol addiction may be avoidable or treatable, with successful long-term recovery.
What are treatment options for alcoholism?
Treating alcohol addiction can be complex and challenging. In order for treatment to work, the person with an alcohol addiction must want to get sober. You can’t force them to stop drinking if they aren’t ready. Success depends on the person’s desire to get better.
The recovery process for alcoholism is a lifetime commitment. There isn’t a quick fix and it involves daily care. For this reason, many people say alcohol addiction is never “cured.”
Treating alcohol addiction can be complex and challenging. In order for treatment to work, the person with an alcohol addiction must want to get sober. You can’t force them to stop drinking if they aren’t ready. Success depends on the person’s desire to get better.
The recovery process for alcoholism is a lifetime commitment. There isn’t a quick fix and it involves daily care. For this reason, many people say alcohol addiction is never “cured.”
Alcoholics anonymous and other support groups
Many people addicted to alcohol also turn to 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).There are also other support groups that don’t follow the 12-step model, such as SMART Recovery and Sober Recovery.
Regardless of the type of support system, it’s helpful to get involved in at least one when getting sober. Sober communities can help someone struggling with alcohol addiction deal with the challenges of sobriety in day-to-day life. Sober communities can also share relatable experiences and offer new, healthy friendships. And these communities make the person with an alcohol addiction accountable and provide a place to turn to if there is a relapse.
Many people addicted to alcohol also turn to 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).There are also other support groups that don’t follow the 12-step model, such as SMART Recovery and Sober Recovery.
Regardless of the type of support system, it’s helpful to get involved in at least one when getting sober. Sober communities can help someone struggling with alcohol addiction deal with the challenges of sobriety in day-to-day life. Sober communities can also share relatable experiences and offer new, healthy friendships. And these communities make the person with an alcohol addiction accountable and provide a place to turn to if there is a relapse.
Rehab
A common initial treatment option for someone with an alcohol addiction is an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program. An inpatient program can last anywhere from 30 days to a year. It can help someone handle withdrawal symptoms and emotional challenges. Outpatient treatment provides daily support while allowing the person to live at home.
A common initial treatment option for someone with an alcohol addiction is an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program. An inpatient program can last anywhere from 30 days to a year. It can help someone handle withdrawal symptoms and emotional challenges. Outpatient treatment provides daily support while allowing the person to live at home.
Other options
Someone with an alcohol addiction may also benefit from other treatments including:
- drug therapy
- counseling
- nutritional changes
A specialist may recommend medications to support certain conditions. For instance, antidepressants, on the off chance that somebody with an alcohol addiction were self-sedating to treat their melancholy. Or on the other hand a specialist could endorse medications to help with different feelings regular in recuperation.
Treatment is valuable to help show somebody how to deal with the worry of recuperation and the abilities expected to keep a backslide. Additionally, a solid eating regimen can help fix harm alcohol may have done to the individual's wellbeing, similar to weight increase or misfortune.
Alcohol addiction may include a few diverse treatment techniques. It's essential that every individual get engaged with a recuperation program that will bolster long haul balance. This could mean an accentuation on treatment for somebody who is discouraged, or inpatient treatment for somebody with serious withdrawal manifestations.
Someone with an alcohol addiction may also benefit from other treatments including:
- drug therapy
- counseling
- nutritional changes
A specialist may recommend medications to support certain conditions. For instance, antidepressants, on the off chance that somebody with an alcohol addiction were self-sedating to treat their melancholy. Or on the other hand a specialist could endorse medications to help with different feelings regular in recuperation.
Treatment is valuable to help show somebody how to deal with the worry of recuperation and the abilities expected to keep a backslide. Additionally, a solid eating regimen can help fix harm alcohol may have done to the individual's wellbeing, similar to weight increase or misfortune.
Alcohol addiction may include a few diverse treatment techniques. It's essential that every individual get engaged with a recuperation program that will bolster long haul balance. This could mean an accentuation on treatment for somebody who is discouraged, or inpatient treatment for somebody with serious withdrawal manifestations.