A lot of people have parents who drank so they are already exposed and know that drinking is an acceptable social activity in their household. They forget that alcohol also has a negative effect and slowly begins the journey into alcoholism.
Alcolism is chronic and can cause your body systems to breakdiwn and can eventually lead to death. There is a physical need for alcohol once a person has become addicted and that is probably what makes this condition even worse. Many alcoholics claim they can quit or will reduce the amount they drink but it rarely happens on their own; they will find themselves needing more and more to be able to function.
Signs of Alcohol Dependence
There are warning signs that you can look for if you feel a family member is slipping into the grip of alcoholism. And some are as follows:
* Morning drinking
* Unable to quit after one drink
* Drinks to intoxication
* Plans activities around alcohol
* Stops participating in non-alcohol related activities
Alcoholics can only seem to focus on one thing and that is the alcohol and how they will obtain the next bottle or drink. They no longer have the ability to focus on other activities and the alcoholism takes over their lives. An alcoholic may feel guilt but there will be little he can do to change the situaltion on his own.
Many treatments are available and the kind of treatment administered depends on the person seeking the treatment. Detoxification is always the first step and the hardest due to the physical symptoms that result. Detoxification is usually conducted in a hospital setting under strict supervision. Alcohol withdrawal can be just as dangerous as having the alcohol in your system to begin with so it is important to find the right help when someone quits drinking.
Alcohol dependence can destroy the lives of many no matter their age, gender social class, or race. If you are suffering from alcohol addiction, it is important to get the help that you need as soon as possible.
The best way to win over alcohol dependence is to teach our children when they are young that alcohol can be harmful. The only way to deter people from drinking is trying to stress to them how important it is not to ever start. It is an uphill battle because alcohol is so easily accepted in our society.
Alcoholism is a serious condition and should be taken very seriously. We need to find a way to get people to listen and to understand that alcohol is dangerous and consumption can eventually lead to addiction, alcohol dependence, and a lifetime of problems.
alcohol abuse