Alcohol Addiction & Abuse: Signs, Effects, and More
Alcohol addiction is a result of uncontrolled drinking that cannot be controlled or managed without help. It is important to understand that alcohol addiction or alcoholism as it is called, is a real disease. The repercussions of alcoholism are not limited to psychological or behavioral alone! Overconsumption of alcohol does bring about physiological changes in the brain and also alters neurochemistry. Therefore, calling on an addiction hotline before it is too late can well do a lot of good.
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Why is Alcoholism a More Common and Less Easily Detectable Problem?
Casual and social drinking can quickly turn into a serious problem of alcoholism without actually being aware of it. One of the major reasons for the same is that alcohol is available freely. There are no legal restrictions to purchasing alcohol. Unlike some specific addictive drugs, buying alcohol does not require a permit or a prescription! Therefore, the “procurement deterrent” is not there!
Besides, consuming alcohol for mirth, merriment, and celebrations is part of many cultures and is therefore an accepted norm. Therefore, if anyone is drinking a little more than usual at gatherings or events, others are not likely to take note of his binge behavior unless he goes overboard! This is why slipping from a common drinker to an alcoholic is relatively easier as compared to slipping into drug addiction.
Before one can get in touch with a reputed “drug rehab near me” like Daylight Recovery Center for help, it might be very late! This is why looking out for the early signs of alcoholism is important. We take a look at some of the signs here.
Signs of Alcoholism to Lookout for
Some of the early signs of alcoholism to look out for include:
- The concerned person would be indulging in increased quantities of consumption and would be consuming drinks more frequently.
- There would be a high tolerance level for alcoholism. A person who is inching towards alcoholism would exhibit a lack of hangover-like symptoms.
- There would be no specific “time” for drinking. Drinking would happen at odd hours like early mornings or at inappropriate places like places of work or worship.
- There would be an affinity for places where alcohol is available and an avoidance of locations where alcohol is not served.
- A growing affinity for addicts is also a sign of alcoholism. There would be a general tendency to choose friends who are heavy drinkers.
- An alcoholic will slowly begin avoiding contact with loved ones.
- There would be a tendency to depend on alcohol for functioning in everyday life. It would be more like having a drink before an important task, before an examination or presentation, and even depending on drinks for sleep.
- Alcoholism is often associated with familial, legal, and professional issues that might become more and more common in the family. It could even result in the loss of jobs, failing in examinations, and so on.
It is important to remember that addiction and the problems associated with addiction worsen over time. When left unattended or uncared for, alcoholism can lead to serious repercussions. It is, therefore, extremely important to lookout for initial signs like the ones mentioned above. Once the problem becomes an established one, here are some of the symptoms that need to be looked out for.
Symptoms of Pronounced Alcoholism
- Peptic ulcers would be common in those consuming too much alcohol. Excessive drinking is extremely injurious to the liver. It raises live enzymes leading to digestive problems and gastric issues. As a result, acidity gives rise to peptic ulcers, which may become extremely problematic to deal with.
- If you already have diabetes, consuming too much alcohol can throw your problems out of gear. Alcohol is rich in sugars, and consuming too much of it can truly compound your problems.
- Alcohol or too much of it can also lead to erectile dysfunction, lack of sexual arousal, and similar problems.
- Alcoholism is also associated with birth defects occurring in the next generation.
- There could also be loss of bone strength as well as vision problems
- Consuming too much alcohol is also related to an enhanced risk of developing cancer.
- With excess alcohol going into the system, the immune system stands to be suppressed. With suppressed immune system, the body becomes more and more susceptible to infection.
All of these are signs and symptoms of mature alcoholism. Once these have been detected, it would be time to seek corrective measures without any further delay.
Treatment Options for Alcoholism
Rehabilitation Centers:
One of the best solutions to address alcoholism is to resort to a reputed Wisconsin Drug Rehab facility like Daylight Recovery Center. Rehabs provide the right kind of ambiance for weaning addicts off their addictive substances. There are support groups that are engaged for the purpose. Also, there are regimented programs offered within the premises of the rehabilitation center to keep the inmates focused on their objective of sobriety.
Alcoholics Anonymous Groups:
Joining an alcoholic anonymous group is also one way of dealing with alcoholism. These meetings are conducted along the length and breadth of the city, and finding one that’s close by isn’t problematic at all. This is a group meeting where people suffering from the effects of alcoholism share their experiences and survival stories. You can either choose to share yours or simply sit and listen to others. Attending AA meetings regularly is indeed a very effective way to manage alcoholism.
Counseling Sessions:
There are counseling sessions meant especially for alcoholics dealing with substance abuse. There are counselors available who specialize in this department.
Medicinal interventions may also be needed for managing the health problems stemming from alcoholism. Oftentimes, the medical aspects of alcoholism are indeed more serious than the psychological ones. And therefore, they need urgent attention!
Overall, alcoholism needs to be combated with the help of holistic assistance and guidance from friends, family, and associated support groups. Calculated efforts need to be made to manage the condition with dexterity. Periodic changes in behavior and mannerisms need to be tracked and charted to measure the progress of the abstinence program. Grit and determination are necessary.