Alcohol And Drug Treatment
What Is Defined As An Alcoholic?
Jun
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that affects people of all walks of life. Experts have tried to pinpoint factors like genetics, sex, race, or socioeconomics that may predispose someone to alcohol addiction. But it has no single cause. Psychological, genetic, and behavioral factors can all contribute to having the disease.
It’s important to note that alcoholism is a real disease. It can cause changes to the brain and neurochemistry, so a person with an alcohol addiction may not be able to control their actions.
Alcohol addiction can show itself in a variety of ways. The severity of the disease, how often someone drinks, and the alcohol they consume varies from person to person. Some people drink heavily all day, while others binge drink and then stay sober for a while.
Regardless of how the addiction looks, someone typically has an addiction if they heavily rely on drinking and can’t stay sober for an extended period of time.
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.
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 addiction early. Nearly all risks involved with 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.”
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.
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.
Other Options
Someone with an alcohol addiction may also benefit from other treatments including:
- drug therapy
- counseling
- nutritional changes
A doctor may prescribe drugs to help certain conditions. For example, antidepressants, if someone with an alcohol addiction were self-medicating to treat their depression. Or a doctor could prescribe drugs to assist with other emotions common in recovery.
Recovery
Therapy is useful to help teach someone how to manage the stress of recovery and the skills needed to prevent a relapse. Also, a healthy diet can help undo damage alcohol may have done to the person’s health, like weight gain or loss.
Alcohol addiction may involve several different treatment methods. It’s important that each person get involved in a recovery program that will support long-term sobriety. This could mean an emphasis on therapy for someone who is depressed, or inpatient treatment for someone with severe withdrawal symptoms.
The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a mental health specialist.
Read More:
This article highlights the complexity of alcoholism, emphasizing that it’s not just about the physical act of drinking, but also the underlying psychological and emotional factors at play.
I’d love to see more discussion on the role of genetics in alcoholism. Understanding the genetic predispositions can help tailor treatment approaches and interventions.
I wonder if the article could explore further the signs and symptoms of alcoholism in its early stages.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of what constitutes alcoholism, shedding light on the complexity of the condition beyond mere drinking habits.
The section on social consequences really resonated with me. Alcoholism doesn’t just affect the individual; it impacts their relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
I wonder if there are resources mentioned in the article for friends and family members of individuals struggling with alcoholism.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of alcoholism and its treatment options. I appreciate the emphasis on understanding the underlying causes and the importance of seeking professional help.
This article offers a clear explanation of what constitutes an alcoholic. Understanding this definition can help individuals recognize potential issues with alcohol consumption and seek appropriate support if needed.
Interesting topic on the definition of an alcoholic! It’s important to understand the signs and risks associated with alcoholism. Your explanation was really informative. Looking forward to more articles like this!
Are there any recent studies or statistics mentioned in the article to support its claims? Providing empirical evidence could strengthen the credibility of the information presented.
This article really helped clarify what defines someone as an alcoholic. It’s great to see a straightforward explanation that’s easy to understand. Understanding the signs and symptoms is so important for both individuals and their loved ones. Thanks for sharing this valuable info!
Understanding alcoholism means recognizing the impact it has beyond just the act of drinking. Compassion and support can make a world of difference.
This article really breaks down the definition of alcoholism in a clear way. It’s so important to understand that it’s not just about how much you drink, but how it affects your life. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!
Thanks for shedding light on this topic. I think defining alcoholism can be tricky because it’s not just about how much someone drinks, but also the impact it has on their life.
Is there any research on how socioeconomic factors contribute to alcoholism? I think that could add another layer of understanding to the issue.
I’m glad the article touched on the societal stigma surrounding alcoholism. It’s such an important issue that often gets overlooked.
An alcoholic is someone who moonlights as a wine connoisseur – every glass tells a story, but maybe it’s time for a new chapter.