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Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse
For many individuals, the specifics about alcoholism are
not comprehensible. What is alcoholism, precisely? How does
it vary from alcohol abuse? When should an individual get
support for a problem associated to his or her drinking
problem? The following information provides details both
alcoholism and alcohol abuse, the symptoms of each, when and
where to get help, and treatment options.
What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism, otherwise known as "alcohol dependence", is a
illness that consist of four symptoms:
Craving: A powerful need, or urge, to drink.
Loss of control: The lack of ability to control one's
drinking on any given occasion.
Physical dependency: Withdrawal symptoms, such as
queasiness, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, happen when
alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
Tolerance: The need to consume greater amounts of alcohol
in order to "get high".
Individuals who are not alcoholics occasionally do not
comprehend why an alcoholic can't just "use a little
willpower" to quit drinking. Though, alcoholism has little
to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a strong
"craving", or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that
supersedes their capability to quit drinking. This need can
be as physically powerful as the need for food or water.
What Is Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse is described as a pattern of drinking that
results in one or more of the following circumstances inside
a 12-month cycle:
The inability to complete important work, school, or home
tasks;
Consuming alcohol during circumstances that are
physically dangerous, such as while operating a vehicle or
machinery;
Experiencing frequent alcohol-related legal problems,
such as being arrested for driving under the influence of
alcohol or for physically hurting someone while intoxicated;
and
Continued drinking in spite of the endless relationship
problems that are created or worsened by the drinking.
Alcohol abuse is different from alcoholism in that it
does not involve an extremely strong desire for alcohol,
loss of control, over drinking, or physical need.
What Are the Symptoms of a Drinking Problem?
How can an individual distinguish whether they may have a
drinking problem? Answering the following four questions can
help you find out:
Have you ever felt you should moderate your drinking?
Have individuals annoyed you by disapproving of your
drinking?
Have you ever felt regretful or remorseful about your
drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (as
an "eye opener") to calm your nerves or get rid of a
hangover?
One "yes" answer suggests a possible drinking problem. If
you answered "yes" to more than one question, it is highly
likely that a problem exists. In either case, it is
important that you see your doctor or other health care
provider right away to discuss your answers to these
questions. He or she can help you determine whether you have
a drinking problem and, if so, recommend the best course of
action.
Even if you answered "no" to all of the above questions, if
you encounter drinking-related problems with your job,
relationships, health, or the law, you should seek
professional help. The effects of alcohol abuse can be
extremely serious, even fatal, both to you and to others.
Can Alcoholism Be Cured?
Though alcoholism can be treated, a cure is not yet
available. Yet, if an alcoholic has been sober for a long
time and has regained health, he or she remains vulnerable
to relapse and must continue to keep away from all alcoholic
beverages. "Moderation" doesn't work; cutting out alcohol is
essential for a successful alcoholism recovery.
Even individuals who are determined to stay sober may endure
one or numerous "slips", or relapses, before accomplishing
lasting sobriety. Relapses are very common and do not mean
that an individual has been unsuccessful or cannot recover
from alcoholism. Keep in mind, too, that every day that a
recovering alcoholic has remained sober prior to a relapse
is extremely valuable time, both to the individual and to
his or her family.
The Choice To Get Help
Recognizing the fact that help is needed for alcoholism
recovery may not be easy. However, keep in mind that the
sooner you get help, the better are your probability for a
successful recovery.
Any worries you may have about discussing a drinking problem
with your physician may stem from common misconceptions
about alcoholism and alcoholism treatment. In our society,
the myth prevails that a drinking problem is a sign of moral
weakness. As a result, you may believe that to seek help is
to admit some type of shameful defect in yourself. In fact,
alcoholism is a disease that is no more a sign of weakness
than is asthma. Furthermore, taking steps to identify a
possible drinking problem has an enormous payoff-a chance
for a healthier, more rewarding life.
Treatment for Alcohol Abuse
If you or someone you know would like to talk with one of
our trained staff to discuss treatment options for Alcohol
abuse treatment please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week at our t oll free number: 1-866-874-9774. You will
receive a free consultation. |
