Overcoming The Problem Of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is also known as "alcohol dependence syndrome," and is a disease that is characterized by craving, loss of control, physical dependence and tolerance.

Alcoholism has nothing to do with the kind of alcohol one consumes, how long they have been drinking, or even how much alcohol they consume. But it has a great deal to do with a person's uncontrollable need for alcohol.

The craving for alcohol for him or her can be as strong as that of the need for food or water. This description of alcoholism will give us an insight into how difficult it is to quit drinking and why just "a little willpower" won't help them break the addiction. Alcohol abuse refers to people who do not display the characteristics of alcoholism but still have a problem with it - these people are not as dependent on alcohol as an alcoholic is, they have not yet completely lost control over its consumption.

Consuming alcohol in moderation doesn't normally cause any physical or psychological harm. However, for some people social drinking eventually leads to heavy drinking. This can cause chronic health and psychological problems.

Studies show that the risk of developing alcoholism does run in families. The genes a person inherits can partially explain this pattern, but lifestyle is also a factor. Your friends, the amount of stress in your life and how readily alcohol is available are also factors that may increase the risk of becoming an alcohol addict.

Typically, the last person to be aware that he/she has a serious drinking problem is the alcoholic himself/herself. The symptoms of alcoholism and alcohol abuse are very similar, and are often just a question of degree or intensity. This is because they are in denial. Some of the noticeable signs and symptoms of alcoholism as well as alcohol abuse are:

Drinking alone.

Drinking on the sly.

Not being able to limit how much alcohol is consumed.

Passing out - not being able to remember events of the previous drinking spree.

Having rituals and being upset when these rituals are disturbed or commented on. These rituals could be drinks before/during/after meals, or after work.

Giving up hobbies and activities the person used to enjoy; losing interest in them.

Feeling an urge to drink.

Feeling irritable when drinking times approach. This feeling is more intense if the alcohol is not available, or there appears to be a chance it may not be available.

Hiding stashes of alcohol in the most unlikely places.

Quickly consuming alcohol in order to get drunk and then feel great.

Having relationship trouble (triggered by drinking).

Facing problems with the law (on account of the drinking).

Having work problems (caused by drinking, or drinking as root cause).

Money problems caused by drinking.

Requiring a larger quantity of alcohol to feel its effect.

Nausea, sweating or trembling when not drinking.

Alcoholism remains a major health concern. Excessive drinking is in essence poisoning the human body. Alcoholics risk destroying their kidneys and liver and also keep themselves prone to heart diseases when they continue to drink.

There is also the collateral damage of the alcoholic's behavior. A drunk driver, an alcoholic pregnant woman, or a spouse who becomes abusive as a result of alcohol, risks destroying not only him or herself, but also other members of the family.