Alcohol Abuse, Alcoholism and Treatment

Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency (also referred to as alcoholism) affect millions of Americans, and have been associated with a wide range of serious medical conditions.

The health risks and medical complications that have been linked with excessive use of alcohol include the following:

• Brain damage and impaired brain development
• Various types of cancers
• Kidney disease and liver damage
• Impairments to the immune system
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other damage to the fetus
• Increased risk of death from automobile crashes
• Increased likelihood of suicide and homicide

Getting professional help to overcome problem with alcohol is the best means of achieving long-term sobriety, and understanding the nature of the problem is often the first step in the search for appropriate treatment.

The following are explanations of common terms related to the misuse and abuse of alcohol:

Alcohol Abuse

The term “alcohol abuse” refers to a pattern of drinking that is marked by excessive intake and the potential for destruction and other dangers. Examples of alcohol abuse include the following:

• Binge drinking – or drinking merely “to get drunk” (especially on repeated occasions)
• Drinking while or just before operating a motor vehicle.
• Experiencing alcohol-related legal problems – such as being arrested for assaulting another person while drunk, or driving while under the influence of alcohol – yet continuing to drink.

Many people who abuse alcohol insist that they don’t have a “real problem” because they are not physically dependent upon the drug. However, even in the absence of dependency, alcohol abuse can be a serious and potentially destructive experience.

If you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may, indeed, have a problem with alcohol:

• Have you ever felt that you should reduce how much (or how often) you drink?

• Do you have little patience for others who question or criticize your drinking habits?
• Do you ever feel guilty or remorseful about your drinking – or about something you did when you were drunk?
• Have you ever felt the urge to drink early in the morning as a means of ridding yourself of a hangover or to “steady your nerves” in preparation of the day’s challenges?

Answering "yes" to more than one of these questions indicates a high likelihood that you have a drinking problem – and that contacting your primary physician or other health care provider to talk about this problem in greater detail is definitely in your best interest.

Alcoholism

Alcoholism  (or alcohol dependency)  is a chronic disease that is characterized by intense cravings for alcohol, continued drinking even in the aftermath of significant alcohol-related problems, and an inability to stop on one’s own. Individuals who experience three or more of the following symptoms are likely to be afflicted with alcoholism:

• Tolerance – Needing to drink increasingly larger amounts of alcohol in order to experience the “high” that was previously achieved with less drinking.
• Withdrawal Symptoms – Experiencing physical side effects (such as profuse perspiration, tremors, nausea, and anxiety) in the absence of alcohol.
• Cravings – Feeling a consistent, persistent urge to consume alcohol.
• Loss of Control – Being unable to stop drinking once one has begun (“just one drink” turns into an extended binge; and even the knowledge that you have a serious problem can’t convince you to quit)
• Obsession – Spending a great deal of time, energy, and money acquiring, consuming, or recovering from the excessive intake of alcohol – even to the point of neglecting your work, relationships, hygiene, and other important aspects of your life.

Some people are able to overcome their dependence upon alcohol and regain control over their behavior by themselves – but cases like these are the exception rather than the rule. Depending upon the nature and severity of your dependence upon alcohol, attempting to quit without professional help can pose severe risks to your health and well-being.

If any of the symptoms above apply to you, contact a health care professional or recovery specialist to learn how you can find your way back to a healthier and happier existence.

Treatment

If you seek professional help for alcohol dependence or abuse, the type of treatment that you receive will depend upon several factors, including the nature, severity, and duration of your  problem. Common treatment options and techniques include the following:

• Detoxification – The first step in recovery is ridding your body of any remaining alcohol. If you have been drinking for a long time – or ingesting considerably large quantities of alcohol – detox may require professional medical oversight to ensure your safety.
• Medications – Some recovering alcoholics take prescription medications to help their bodies adjust to the absence of alcohol, and to quash cravings.
• Support groups – Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups have had great success helping adults and young people overcome a dependence upon alcohol and life a sober life. However, the 12-step model is not the only option for continued support. Your doctor or recovery specialist should be able to educate you about the aftercare opportunities that best meet your specific needs.
• Location & Duration – Some people respond well to outpatient therapy, while others are more likely to find success in a residential or inpatient program. Studies show longer treatment programs are more likely to result in successful recovery – but again, your consultation with the professionals who are treating you will determine the course of treatment that best addresses your personal challenges.
• Aftercare – Ongoing therapy (including family therapy) can provide you with the support and guidance that you need to deal with pressures, stresses, and other “triggers” that may otherwise lead to a relapse. And if you do suffer a relapse, your aftercare support can help you weather the storm and resume your pursuit of long-term sobriety.

For more information about alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and the many treatment options that are available to you, call 888.484.1047 to speak to a counselor.

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