Many people do not realize that alcoholism is a disease. Sometimes if the person with the disease is not treated it can be fatal. This is a growing problem. In today’s world there are one in every six people in the United States suffering from alcoholism. There are two different types of problems of drinking that often get confused.
The first and most serious is alcoholism. This is when there are signs of physical addiction to alcohol. This condition causes problems with the physical and mental health of the person. It will lead to family issues and social responsibilities as will as job responsibilities. In the end alcoholism can control the persons life and all relationships.
The other type of drinking problem is known as alcohol abuse. This is when drinking leads to problems but not the physical addition that alcoholism leads to.
Some may ask what causes alcoholism. It is often said that certain genes may increase the chance of a person becoming an alcoholic. However this fact is hard to prove. Although the research has been done to prove this there is not enough known about genes and how they work.
Drinking several drinks in one week can increase the chance of dealing with the disease known as alcoholism. If a man has fifteen or more alcohol related drinks, a woman who has twelve or more and an individual who has five or more drinks while socializing are influencing their chance of becoming dependent.
When mentioning how many drinks are considered when dealing with alcoholism the question is asked what is considered a drink. A twelve-ounce beer, five ounces of wine and an ounce and a half of hard liquor is what defines a drink.
There are many issues and subjects that can lead to alcoholism. One of the most common to be affected is a teen or young adult who gives into peer pressure. Most of these young adults are usually college ages who are participating in frat and sorority parties. It is not easy to say no. Also dealing with depression and other mental conditions such as bipolar, anxiety disorders or schizophrenia can aid in becoming dependant. Other issues that can lead to alcoholism are low self-esteem, problems with relationships, stress, and having easy access to alcohol.
There are many symptoms of alcoholism. The most common and often recognizable symptom is that the person will continue to drink. It does not matter if they are at home, work or even driving. Often the person will be a closet drinker. This means that he or she will drink alone in the privacy of his or her own room. They will find any way possible to sneak alcohol. Even when sober an alcoholic will become hostile when asked about drinking. Violence is often another common symptom. This can come in the form of verbal abuse or physical abuse. Violence is one of the most dangerous symptoms of alcoholism. A person who is not able to control the drinking habit will often make excuses to have a drink. These excuses can get really creative and unbelievable. An Alcoholic will lose complete interest in their normal every day life. Clothing and hygiene are often ignored as will as eating properly. Others will stop taking part in every day activities such as missing school or work. It attendance is happening at the place of employment or class the performance is decreased.
Alcoholism can be treated but it is not an easy task. The need of a support group such as family and friends is essential to achieve the treatment of no longer drinking. Studies have shown that people who suffer from alcoholism will accept the fact they have a problem when urged by close family and friends.
It is hard for a person with alcoholism to know when the drinking problem has gotten out of control. Many people do not recognize the problem until it is too late and way out of hand. Going through the withdrawal process of alcohol and getting “clean” again is best done in a treatment facility. Sometimes the withdrawal symptoms will need a medical provider to work through the physical symptoms. Some of the time there are complications from withdrawal that can be life threatening.
Once a person is clean and sober is takes long- term support to stay that way. Alcoholism is a disease that will always be there. It does not go away. The alcoholic will need to go to therapy and support groups. Examples of these support groups are Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-Anon.
Alcoholism is a major life complication that should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know suffers from this terrible disease and the complications from it, help is needed for a complete recovery and on the way to being sober.