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 with his or her drinking problem? The following information provides details about 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 an illness that consist of four symptoms:

• Craving: A powerful need or urge to drink.

• Loss of control: The lack of ability to control ones 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.

The Stigma of Alcohol Addiction

Most of us are hesitant to label someone an addict. We are more able to admit that we and others have “bad habits,” but we shy away from saying that we are addicted to someone or something. Part of this fear comes from our stereotype of addicts. Most of us think of alcoholics, for example, as “skid row bums” when, in fact, only about 5% or 10% of alcoholics are that severely debilitated by their disease. Most alcoholics work, and many are not obvious to the public eye.

In the field of chemical dependency, we have come a long way from the moralistic view that people addicted to chemicals simply lack willpower or are morally weak. A major step along this path was the recognition by the American Medical Association in 1954 that alcoholism is a disease. Nowadays, most Americans see alcoholism as an illness, and are aware of treatment options as well as support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.).

Still, we are afraid to say we think someone might be an addict. In addition to the social stigma and moral judgments involved, another basis for these reservations is the poor success rate associated with addictions. Some 25 years ago, when the only residential treatment program for heroin addicts was in Lexington, Kentucky, their recovery rate was estimated to be an abysmal 4%. Heroin addiction was like a death sentence. Under these conditions, it was understandable that diagnosing oneself or someone else as an addict was a heavy burden and, perhaps, a fatal curse.

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 toll free number:

. You will receive a free consultation.