Alcohol Abuse, Alcoholism and Treatment

Alcohol Abuse

Nearly 14 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Both conditions are associated with serious medical issues including cirrhosis, hepatitis, bacterial pneumonia, cardiomyopathy, and coronary heart disease.

Admitting that you need help with an alcohol problem isn't easy, but the sooner you get help, the greater chance you have of avoiding serious -- or even life-threatening -- physical, emotional, and psychological issues.

Alcohol abuse involves a pattern of drinking that results in destructive behaviors, such as the following:

1. Drinking in physically dangerous situations, such as while driving.
2. Having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or physically hurting someone while drunk.
3. Continued drinking despite ongoing relational and vocational consequences.

People who abuse alcohol aren't likely to think they have a problem because they're not dependent on the drug. They can stop drinking if they so choose, they say.

But you don't have to be physically dependent on alcohol for it to cause you trouble. Ask yourself the follow questions:

1. Have you ever felt that you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Do you become annoyed with people who criticize your drinking?
3. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

If you answered "yes" to one of these questions, you might have an alcohol abuse problem. If you answered "yes" to more than one question, you should contact a health care professional for a formal evaluation, because it is highly likely that you are abusing alcohol.

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that includes physical cravings for alcohol and a dependence upon on the drug. An alcoholic will continue drinking even when vocational, legal, or relational troubles arise as a result.

The following signs are indications that someone may be an alcoholic:

1. Drinking alone
2. Making or finding excuses to drink
3. Needing to drink alcohol in order to function
4. Inability to reduce alcohol intake or stop drinking
5. Violent episodes associated with drinking
6. Drinking secretly
7. Becoming angry when confronted about drinking
8. Failure to care for physical appearance

If some of these signs describe you or someone you know, seek help immediately. Most people need assistance to recover from alcoholism. Remember: Alcoholism is a chronic disease that requires support and treatment.

Treatment

The type of treatment a person receives depends on the severity of the condition. The more severe the alcoholism, the more strict the treatment program.

Most treatment programs include some form of the following features:

1. Detoxification: This is the process of purging alcohol from the body. Detox is the first step every person takes when (or before) entering treatment.
2. Support: Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are typically included as part of the after-care phase of treatment. AA describes itself as a "worldwide fellowship of men and women who help each other stay sober."
3. Therapy: Individual and group therapy help the recovering alcoholic understand his condition, address his previous behaviors, and prepare for life without alcohol. Family therapy helps loved ones cope, process, learn, and prepare to support the recovering addict.

It's important to remember that even individuals who are determined to stay sober may suffer relapses before achieving long-term sobriety. Relapses are common, and do not signal failure. Every day that a recovering alcoholic stays sober is an important step along the path to long-term sobriety.

To learn more about alcoholism and drug addiction, or to find the treatment program for you someone you love, call 888.287.6175.