The Detrimental Disease Of Alcoholism

Alcoholism has become an exceedingly prevalent issue in the U.S. and around the world. A general consensus has been reached as to the dangerous effects of abusing alcohol to the point of dependency;however, the main contention lies in individuals who outright deny their own alcoholism, to themselves, to their friends, and to their families. Such denial, hinders necessary medical assistance and further prolongs the disease itself. When a person who has developed alcoholism, proceeds to deny and refuse treatment, they create a situation in which they may potentially harm themselves, or other people. For this reason, it is imperative for people with alcoholism to accept help, seek out treatment options, and avoid drinking alcohol at all costs. In addition, alcoholics must become educated on the facts of alcoholism, what causes it, and the possible short and long-term effects-in order to better understand their disease and equip themselves with coping mechanisms to prevent relapse.

Alcoholism-History, Causes, And Symptoms

Humans have been drinking alcohol dating back before the time of the Egyptians, when alcoholic beverages were commonly known as, “Meade”. The first evidence of alcoholic beverages has been determined to have occurred well before 10,000 BC. There has even been some conjecture as to whether or not drunkenness was the main cause of the fall of the Roman empire. Furthermore, alcohol became such an issue during the early 1900′s, that several countries participated in Prohibition, which is the practice of banning the consumption, sale, and transportation of alcohol. Even though, Prohibition was ultimately unsuccessful, it became a prime example of the serious nature of alcohol abuse. Bootlegging, which refers to the illegal transport and distribution of alcohol during, Prohibition, represented the lengths in which people were willing to go, just to have a drink and become intoxicated. In essence, since the development of alcoholic beverages, there has been a variety consequences, and futile attempts to regulate alcohol consumption.

The ambiguous nature of the exact cause of alcoholism, has been a subject of numerous debates over the years. Through in-depth research, scientists have come to the conclusion that alcoholism does not discriminate, and can negatively effect people of all kinds. There is also a trend that shows alcoholism may be genetic, as well as common among certain people with certain environmental factors. Drinking habits are often related to stress levels, friends, and psychological conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, bi-polar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Additional factors that may cause a person to be at a higher risk for developing alcoholism are as follows:

1. Living or working in an area where drinking alcohol is accepted and encouraged.
2. Conflicts within personal relationships.
3. Alcohol is easily accessible.
4. Low-self esteem and confidence.
5. A young adult who is under peer pressure to drink.

The above mentioned risk-factors can apply to any person, at any given time, which means that all people can benefit from becoming aware of the possibility of developing alcoholism, in order to prevent it. Symptoms of alcoholism include:

1. Continuing to drink, even after work, home, and friends have been negatively effected.
2. Drinking alone.
3. Becoming defensive when questioned about drinking habits.
4. Late to work or school, or not showing up at all because of drinking or hangover.
5. Rationalizing reasons to drink.
6. Needing to drink more and more alcohol to achieve the desired effect.
7. Memory lapses after periods of drinking, or binge drinking.
8. Redness around the nose and face, gastritis, or weight loss.
9. Withdrawal symptoms after going some time without a drink, which are shakiness, anxiety, and sweating.

Some or all of these symptoms may be experienced by a person who is abusing alcohol, or has developed alcoholism. The key is recognizing these symptoms, but it can be quite difficult to do so, which is why family and friends of a person with symptoms of alcohol abuse must take steps to assist the person in realizing the problem. Even so, there is only so much family and friends can do, a person with alcoholism has to be willing and accepting of the help being offered, otherwise such attempts could be ineffective, or even useless.

Treatment Options For People With Alcoholism

More often than not, the first step a person with a drinking problem, or alcoholism, will take is to cut back on alcohol. Unfortunately, this method usually becomes arduous and a person may return to previous drinking habits. It is exceptionally difficult for a person with alcoholism to recover on their own, which is why there is a copious amount of treatment options available. Counseling is a consequential part of the healing process and assists in adding new perspectives to the problem at hand. Choosing a psychologist who specializes in alcoholism can prove to be very pragmatic and effective. Such a counselor can provide ideas for dealing with daily stress, as well as coping mechanisms to combat relapse. Moreover, alcoholics are known to often have a psychological disorder, in conjunction with alcoholism, which psychologists refer to as, “dual-diagnosis”. For this reason, meeting with a psychologist and a psychiatrist, creates a more well-rounded support system, for those who need it.

Organizations like, Alcoholics Anonymous, have shown impressively high success rates for those who participate in their 12 step program. It can be extremely beneficial for someone with alcoholism to acquire a sponsor, which is another alcoholic who has made some progress in their recovery program, and shares that experience with another alcoholic, who intends to attain or maintain sobriety. There is a multitude of support groups for people with alcoholism, and even groups meant solely for the family and friends of a person with alcoholism. It is also essential for an alcoholics family and friends to be supportive and understanding during the recovery process. With all of these sources of support combined, it creates the necessary support system that anyone with alcoholism must have. A support system, not only assists a person in gaining their sobriety, but also to sustain it over time. Feeling helpless and alone is what leads most people to drink or relapse.

In certain cases, it may be of vital importance, for a person with alcoholism to enter into an in-patient rehab facility. The severity of the alcoholism will usually decide the length of stay in a rehabilitation center, as well as the efficacy of the program itself. Sometimes, a week-long stay in a detox rehab center can help an alcoholic immeasurably, especially if the person immediately begins an out-patient program upon discharge. Anyone with alcoholism should first speak with their primary care physician before beginning any kind of treatment program. General practitioners, can be profoundly helpful in such situations, as far as defining the problem, giving reassurance, and locating the proper rehab/detox center, if necessary.

In conclusion, alcoholism has become an epidemic in our country, with 1 in 6 people being diagnosed as an alcoholic. With proper education and support, we as a people can effectively continue to address the problem, and give help to those that need it. The amount of resources available for people with alcoholism, gives hope to those who may still be struggling with accepting the fact that they are an alcoholic. Any person who is suffering from alcoholism, should know that they are never alone and there will always be someone, somewhere, who is more than willing to help.