Navigation: By its very nature, drug addiction is not something you can get rid of very easily. The condition itself compels you to keep taking your substance of choice, or maybe even experiment with other drugs you haven’t tried yet. But it’s not like getting high on drugs is worth the pain caused by the adverse effects of addiction. Some people can’t quit, simply because they can’t quit. It’s physically impossible for them to do so. It’s not just the compelling aspect of drug abuse that’s preventing them from getting better. There is another element that maintains their drug addiction—and it’s what we’re going to talk about today. This article is all about withdrawal, and how it maintains drug addiction.What is Withdrawal?To understand withdrawal, you need to know about the concept of dependence. When a person abuses a substance, they slowly become dependent on it. It’s like a step up from drug tolerance. A person takes large doses of a drug to get high and become euphoric. In the process, their body learns to adapt to its presence, lessening the effects of the drug over time. Once they become tolerant, the user will try to recreate the sensations they used to feel by taking more and more of the drug. After a while, the person becomes physically dependent on the drug. At this point, their body has grown used to having the substance, and now reacts negatively when it is not detected in the system. Withdrawal is what we call the negative reaction that happens when a dependent person attempts to quit the drug abruptly. Withdrawal prevents a person from actively pursuing sobriety. Some may get discouraged by it and stop trying altogether. Some people see it as a wakeup call and start seeking professional help. If you are physically dependent on a substance, it is never a good idea to try and quit on your own, especially if you do it abruptly, because withdrawal can be fatal. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerWhat are the Signs and Symptoms of Withdrawal?Dealing with withdrawal is very difficult. Trying to manage it on your own is dangerous, and can only lead to relapse. Drug dependent individuals won’t be able to function normally without taking it. They will also feel intense cravings whenever they go for extended periods without it. Identifying the symptoms of withdrawal can help you understand what to do about it. Withdrawal symptoms may vary depending on the person’s drug of choice, health condition, and substance abuse history. But common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, sweating, hot flashes, weakness, body aches, headaches, and coma. [maxbutton id="2" ]How to Deal with WithdrawalThe best way to deal with withdrawal—and addiction itself—is to seek professional treatment. The addicted person will need a combination medical detox and behavioral therapy in order to safely manage their dependence. During rehab, the patient’s drug intake will be lowered gradually, so that withdrawal symptoms don’t become deadly. These symptoms will be treated by experience medical staff. The patient will also learn various ways to stay sober through techniques like counseling and addiction education. If you or someone you care about is suffering from addiction, dependence, and withdrawal, you should know that all hope is not yet lost. It’s hard to beat addiction, but it’s certainly possible. Look for an addiction treatment center near you and fight the effects of drug abuse today! https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerThe previous article Withdrawal: How Does it Maintain Drug Addiction? was originally published on RehabNear.me from https://www.rehabnear.me/withdrawal-and-drug-addiction/
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Navigation: It is said that approximately 18 million adults in the US are struggling with alcohol use disorder. Based on this statistic, one in 12 individuals is an alcoholic. No matter how accurate that statistic is, there’s no denying that alcoholism is a major problem in the country—and in many other parts of the world. Around 100,000 people die each year due to alcohol abuse. These deaths are due to liver cirrhosis and organ damage. Heavy drinkers are at risk of diabetes, kidney disease, and several cancers. Drunk driving is also a common cause of traffic accidents. Alcohol use disorder is a serious disease that’s often described as the addiction to alcohol. It’s a chronic condition that affects the reward and motivation centers of the brain. For this reason, it is important to know what causes alcoholism, and why it affects certain people. On this article, we will discuss the connection between genetics, heredity, and alcohol consumption. What makes drinkers more likely to get addicted? Let’s find out.Alcoholism, Genetics, and HeredityParents pass their genes down to their children. This is what connects genetics to heredity. However, if we want to get technical, genetic diseases and hereditary diseases are not actually the same. Genetic diseases involve abnormalities in a person’s genome. Hereditary diseases are caused by a genetic mutation received from a parent’s DNA. This is why scientists often question whether alcoholism is a genetic or hereditary disease. We can say that it’s a bit of both. Genetics certainly play a key role in someone’s predisposition when it comes to metabolizing alcohol. If your body processes alcohol in a way that makes the desirable effects more prominent than the adverse side effects, then you are more likely to suffer from alcohol use disorder. Contrast that with someone who experiences it the other way around—their genetics prevent them from enjoying alcohol as much. Heredity also plays a role in developing alcoholism. Children of alcoholics have an increased chance of struggling with alcohol abuse later in life. Family history of alcoholism has been statistically linked to the increased risk of alcohol use disorder. While this may or may not have something to do with genes being passed from the parents to their children, environment surely has something to do with it. Interestingly, having extended relatives who are struggling with alcohol abuse does not have the same effect on children as having alcoholic parents. Children of alcoholic parents have a three to four times greater risk of becoming alcoholic themselves. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerOther Causes of AlcoholismAlthough these factors can explain why some people are more likely to become alcoholic compared to others, there are other potential causes of alcohol use disorder. And just because you “have it in your genes” doesn’t mean you are doomed to an ill fate. Controlling your alcohol intake is one way to avoid it. Here are other common causes of alcoholism. Environment: We mentioned this earlier, but if you live in an environment wherein people drink frequently, you are more likely to do so yourself. This only increases your chances of getting hooked on alcohol. Gender: Men typically drink more than women. In recent years, however, women are beginning to drink more frequently. [maxbutton id="3" ] Drinking Age: People who started drinking earlier are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder. This may also be due to the fact that they can develop tolerance at a much younger age. Mental Health: Psychiatric conditions such as depression, ADHD, and anxiety could cause a person to drink more frequently. That is because people who suffer from these conditions are likely to “self-medicate” and use alcohol to escape their problems. Stress: Speaking of escaping one’s problems, alcohol is usually used that way. It helps you forget your problems for a while—not that it’s a good solution for anything. Alcoholism is hard to beat, but it’s certainly possible with the help of medical experts and therapists. Look for an alcohol addiction facility near you today! https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerIs Alcoholism Hereditary? is courtesy of RehabNear.me from https://www.rehabnear.me/alcoholism-hereditary/ Navigation: It can be difficult to deal with the issues of a high functioning alcoholic. For starters, having an alcoholic in the family is already a stressful thing to handle. A high functioning alcoholic is even more difficult because their condition is quite confusing to most people. What exactly is a high functioning alcoholic? No matter how well a person functions in day to day life, alcoholism can take a devastating toll on their health, their emotional well-being, their professional life, and their relationships. So we must treat a high functioning alcoholic’s condition with as much care as a regular alcoholic. What makes this situation more challenging is that they may hide their alcohol abuse for years without suffering any major setbacks. Even the alcoholic himself may not realize that they have a drinking problem. But over time, they can develop severe psychological and emotional damage. That is why the problem needs to be addressed now.What Is a High-Functioning Alcoholic?When we think about alcoholism, we pict iure someone whos struggling to get their life together as a result of their drinking habits. It is a disease that can prevent a person from living a full life if not managed correctly. But alcoholism isn’t always like this. There are people affected by this condition who can still live a normal life. Either way, both of these categories involve individuals who cannot control their drinking. They don’t know when to stop. They drink alone, or in the middle of the day, or even try to hide their drinking. High functioning alcoholics don’t fall into the stereotype of someone whose life is in total disarray due to drinking. But the fact remains that alcohol is slowly destroying their body. They may excel at work and maintain good relationships with family and friends—but that doesn’t mean they have their drinking under control. In fact, their success may cause them to think that they are perfectly fine. This isn’t the case. Eventually, the effects of alcoholism will catch up with them. If you are dealing with a high functioning alcoholic, it can be frustrating to see that they are in denial about their problem. They will use their success to cover up the consequences of their drinking. They need to recognize that they have a disease and it needs to be treated properly. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerHow To Help the Alcoholic?They get the job done, they pay the bills, and they drink. This doesn’t make excessive drinking okay. Do not enable their behavior and do not tolerate bad decisions. You must play an active role in building a healthier future for your family, and you can do this through an intervention. Seek support from others who may be going through the same struggles. High functioning alcoholics aren’t all that special: at least 20 percent of all alcoholics may be classified as high functioning. It will be easy for you to find people who are going through the same problems. The alcoholic should know that they are not alone—but they must also realize that they have a drinking problem. Through an intervention, you can finally convince the alcoholic to admit that they have a problem. You must let them realize the consequences of high functioning alcoholism—even when they don’t see it yet. You have to try and convince them to seek help for alcohol abuse. [maxbutton id="2" ] An intervention typically involves getting the alcoholic to see how drinking has harmed their loved ones, as well as themselves. Present a plan for recovery so they won’t feel so hopeless about the situation. And finally seek professional help. They need medical attention. Their body has to be detoxified properly in order to avoid withdrawal. Long term abuse of alcohol can lead to physical dependence, and quitting alcohol abruptly can cause fatal withdrawal. Let them know the consequences of refusing to seek treatment, and have them agree to it. Finally, help them through the recovery process as it will be a very difficult time for them. With your support, they can get through this challenge in no time. Look for an alcohol addiction treatment facility near you today and help your loved one get on the path to sobriety. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerThe above post What is a High Functioning Alcoholic? is courtesy of RehabNear.me from https://www.rehabnear.me/high-functioning-alcoholic/ Navigation: What is Alcohol Abuse? What is Alcoholism? How is It Treated? Drinking is something we do with friends, loved ones, and sometimes even total strangers. Social drinking is so deeply ingrained in our culture that it’s hard to imagine a world without it. And drinking is done in many cultures all over the world. Like all good things, drinking becomes bad when you have too much of it; when you don’t know when to stop. Because of how common this activity is, it can be difficult to tell who’s abusing alcohol, and who’s just having a good time. Alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and alcohol dependence are all confusing terms that sound similar, but actually have different meanings. It doesn’t help that there are so called binge drinkers and high functioning alcoholics. How are all these terms different from one another? How do you know if your loved one is abusing alcohol? The line between recreational drinking and alcohol quickly gets blurred. Where does abuse end and addiction begin? Let’s define what alcoholism is so we can understand how to help those who are struggling with it. What is Alcohol Abuse?A person who abuses alcohol is someone who displays many characteristics of an alcoholic, but is still in control of their intake. They have a drinking problem. They should take it down a notch. But they can still limit their consumption somewhat. Alcoholism doesn’t just happen overnight though. We can say that alcohol abuse is the first step towards it. So no, just because someone binges on drinks every now and then doesn’t mean they are an alcoholic. Not technically. Getting intoxicated is something people seek out recreationally. It doesn’t make them an alcoholic. Some people black out, or start vomiting, or have intense hangovers after having one drink too many—it still doesn’t make them an alcoholic. But these people with intense drinking habits are surely on their way. Alcoholism has to start somewhere. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerWhat is Alcoholism?Alcoholism is generally defined as a serious medical condition that means the person is overly dependent on alcoholic drinks. At this point they have completely lost control and have no intention of limiting their consumption. Perhaps they’ve already become dependent or addicted. Dependence means that they have built up so much tolerance for alcohol that their system already considers it a normal part of everyday life. Quitting at this point can lead to severe or fatal withdrawal. Addiction is the compulsive need to drink. An alcoholic’s life may begin to revolve around obtaining and consuming alcohol. It’s just like drug addiction, except we’re substituting the word “drug” with alcohol. The alcoholic will begin neglecting their responsibilities. They may lose interest in hobbies and activities that used to bring them joy. Of course, alcohol destroys a person’s body. It also affects them psychologically and emotionally. Most alcoholics also suffer financially, because their drinking habits get in the way of their career. On an interesting note, a high functioning alcoholic may not have to deal with these same struggles. They can still hold down a stable job and maintain happy relationships—but the fact is that they still have no control over their alcohol consumption. Their success and productivity might even lead them to believe their drinking habits are still under control. They’ll find that the effects of alcoholism will catch up with them eventually—that is if they don’t seek help. [maxbutton id="3" ]How is It Treated?It’s going to be a difficult journey ahead, but alcoholism can be treated. It is done with a combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy. The latter often comes in the form of support groups and individual therapy sessions. Medical professionals will be able to lower the person’s intake while dealing with their withdrawal. This is the best way to deal with long term alcohol abuse and addiction. Look for a rehab facility near you today and help your loved one started on the path towards recovery. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerUnderstanding Alcohol Addiction: What is an Alcoholic? See more on: Rehab Near Me from https://www.rehabnear.me/alcohol-addiction/ Navigation: Alcoholism is a serious medical disease. But because of the fact that drinking alcohol is a very common social activity, it can be hard to determine who’s abusing alcohol and who’s just having a great time. Not to mention that there are also high functioning alcoholics—the whole thing just gets more and more confusing. So how do you know if someone is an alcoholic? Here are the signs and symptoms you should look out for. Watch out for these, especially if you think one of your loved ones is an alcoholic.Signs of IntoxicationJust because someone is intoxicated, doesn’t automatically mean they are an alcoholic. Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to intoxication—but not all people who black out after binging are alcoholics. The signs of overconsumption are easily recognizable: slurred speech, clumsiness, delayed reflexes, facial redness, vomiting, and blacking out. Now consider this: even if you are not an alcoholic, it is possible to reach a life threatening level of intoxication. The respiratory system can become depressed, and the person will stop breathing.Signs of AlcoholismYou can tell that a person is alcoholic if they can no longer control their intake. They will drink alone, or in the middle of the day. They don’t know how much is too much. And they will try to drink all of their problems away—on a daily basis. Every single thing that stresses them out will be managed by drinking. Alcoholism doesn’t happen overnight. It happens with increased frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption. Someone who is abusing alcohol will make it a central activity of their life. It can displace healthy relationships. They will even lose interest in hobbies that used to make them happy. They may begin prioritizing alcohol over their professional obligations and family responsibilities. An alcoholic is more likely to indulge in dangerous and illegal behaviors. They may get in trouble with the law, or get into an accident. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerSigns of Alcohol DependenceUntreated alcohol abuse can eventually lead to addiction. Long term abuse of alcoholic drinks can make a person dependent. When a person is physically dependent on alcohol, it means that their body has already adapted to the substance’s presence. Removing the substance from the system will cause a violent reaction. At this point, the person will have little control over the amount they consume. Obtaining and consuming alcohol will become the predominant focus of their life. Their tolerance will increase, and so they will begin to feel like they need to drink even more. They will repeatedly attempt to reduce their alcohol consumption—and they will repeatedly fail due to withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings. Alcohol abuse will develop into addiction.Signs of WithdrawalAttempting to quit on their own may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. It puts them at risk of serious medical consequences. They need proper medical supervision during the detox process if they want to drop their drinking habits safely. Common withdrawal symptoms associated with alcoholism are tremors, convulsions, anxiety, seizures, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and hallucinations. [maxbutton id="2" ] Alcoholism can cause irreversible damage to critical organs in the body such as the liver, the heart, the stomach, and the brain. An intervention can go a long way in making the person realize that they have a drinking problem. They should see that their drinking habits are affecting their loved ones too. As difficult as it may seem, alcoholism can be beaten, and they can get sober again. You just have to support them all the way. Look for an alcohol addiction treatment center near you today. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerSigns and Symptoms of Alcoholism: Things to Watch Out For is courtesy of www.rehabnear.me from https://www.rehabnear.me/alcoholism-signs-and-symptoms/ Having an alcoholic family member is difficult. It is perhaps not as difficult as struggling with alcoholism yourself, but it is nonetheless emotionally taxing. But some people have loved ones who are functional alcoholics. This does not make their situation any better. We can say that functional alcoholics may not be suffering financially because they are able to hold down a job. We can also say that there isn’t much effect on their relationships because they can maintain friendships. They may not be suffering as much as a regular alcoholic. But it does not hide the fact that their health and body is in danger. Having a high functioning alcoholic in the family is even more difficult because their condition is confusing for most people. Alcoholism can take a devastating toll on their health—and yet they won’t even admit that they have a problem. They don’t know that their problem is serious. They may not even realize that they have a drinking problem. But over time, they can develop serious psychological and emotional damage. And yet we must treat their condition with as much care as a regular alcoholic. We need to help them address this problem now. But how do we do it? How to Help a High Functioning AlcoholicThe first step is understanding their condition. Alcoholism is a disease, regardless of how functional an individual is. But when we think about alcoholism, we picture someone whose life is in ruins because of their drinking habits. It’s important to see the other side of the coin: the alcoholic who isn’t struggling as much to get their life together—but drinks excessively nonetheless. In fact, 20 percent of all alcoholics can be classified as functional. This is not as uncommon as you think. A person who cannot control their drinking and doesn’t know when to stop is probably an alcoholic. They will drink in the middle of the day. The will drink alone. They will even try to hide their drinking. Their success and functionality may even give them the illusion that they are not alcoholic. It may convince them that they have their drinking under control, when it’s not the case. Understand what your loved one is going through. You have to know that there are people who don’t fall into the stereotype of the alcoholics we see on TV (and in real life). This does not mean they are not destroying their body with alcohol. The effects of alcoholism will eventually catch up with them. Do not enable their behavior, and do not tolerate bad decisions. It can be frustrating to help them, but you need to play an active role in building a healthier future for them. You can begin an intervention. You can gather their friends, family members and loved ones, and allow them to realize that their drinking habits have become a problem. You need to let them understand the consequences of drinking—even when they don’t see it yet. [maxbutton id="3" ] Convince them to seek help for alcohol abuse and set the ground rules and consequences if they refuse to do so. A person who has been drinking for a long time may have already developed dependence, meaning quitting abruptly may cause withdrawal. This is why they need to detoxify under the supervision of medical professionals. An intervention typically involves getting the alcoholic to see how drinking has harmed their loved ones, as well as themselves. Present a plan for recovery so they won’t feel so hopeless about the situation. With your support, they can get through this challenge in no time. Look for an alcohol addiction treatment facility near you today and help your loved one get on the path to sobriety. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerLiving with a Functional Alcoholic: How to Help Them Get Sober was originally published on www.rehabnear.me from https://www.rehabnear.me/functional-alcoholic-getting-sober/ Navigation: Many people drink to forget their problems and feel better about themselves. But in the long run, they will only feel worse—if they abuse alcohol and get addicted, especially. For starters, alcohol slows down activity in the central nervous system, causing stress in chronic drinkers. That’s only the beginning of its long list of adverse effects. Alcoholics think that their behavior only affects them. What they don’t realize is that they also affect their loved ones, their friends, their co-workers, and even the community around them. Alcoholism even has an impact on the economy. Did you know that alcohol abuse and misuse cost the United States over 220 billion dollars every year? This covers medical costs, as well as property damage caused by drunk driving, among other public expenditures. If we look at it on an individual scale, an alcoholic can spend thousands of dollars per year on alcoholic drinks. It’s no surprise that they easily find themselves with financial problems. These are some of the facts you need to know about alcoholism. And there are plenty of other things you need to know about this condition. By understanding it thoroughly, we can begin to face one of society’s biggest problems. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerFacts about AlcoholismAlcoholism is a very common problem. In fact, alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the US. According to the National Institutes of Health, 7.2 percent of American adults have an alcohol use disorder. This represents more than 27 million people. Alcoholism also affects men more than women. It is theorized that men receive a higher dopamine release in their brain while drinking, which makes it more pleasurable for them. But what exactly is alcoholism? And how is it different from a night of heavy drinking with friends? Binge drinkers are not alcoholics. The term alcoholic is used for those who have developed physical dependence on alcoholic substances.Causes of AlcoholismAlcoholism can be caused by a lot of things, but it doesn’t just pop out of nowhere. People don’t just become alcoholics after one drink. It’s progressive, meaning it develops over time. If a person continuously abuses large doses of alcohol, then they will eventually become dependent. It has a genetic component to it too: if you have an alcoholic parent or grandparent, you are four times more likely to develop alcoholism. This is also related to the fact that a person’s environments can affect their future drinking habits. [maxbutton id="3" ] Sometimes it’s just peer pressure. While the genetic cause is definitely true, there’s a social aspect to it too. A third of Americans aged 21 and above completely abstains from alcohol use. If your friends drink large amounts all the time, there’s a chance you’re not part of that percentage.Effects of AlcoholismIf you develop dependence, then you won’t be able to quit drinking without going through withdrawal. And if you’ve been drinking for a long time, you should know that withdrawal symptoms can be fatal. It’s not wise to quit alcohol abruptly. It should be done with the aid of medical professionals, who can lower your intake gradually, over a period of time. That’s how detox works in rehab. And in most cases, rehab is necessary to one’s recovery/ Common physical symptoms of withdrawal include high fever and tremors. Over 88,000 people lose their lives due to alcohol each year—and that’s only in the US. Do not be a part of this statistic. Drink responsibly. But if you ever get addicted, don’t hesitate to seek help from medical professionals. It would be much safer that way. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerThe featured article Facts About Alcoholism: What You Need to Know was first published on https://www.rehabnear.me/ from https://www.rehabnear.me/what-to-know-about-alcoholism/ Navigation: Alcoholism is often misunderstood. People are not sure how to define it, so they categorize it with binge drinking and social drinking. But for those who have loved ones who are struggling with alcoholism, the differences are clear. Drinking is so deeply ingrained in our culture that it’s hard to imagine society without it. But people can drink without ever becoming an alcoholic. So it’s not the alcohol that’s the problem—it’s the inability to control drinking habits that is. That said, we shouldn’t be judgmental of those who are suffering from the effects of alcoholism. There are those that really want to change for the better, except they physically can’t. On this article we will shed light into alcoholism, and what makes an alcoholic. Understanding their situation is the first step towards helping them gain sobriety. With our help and support, we can allow them to take back their control over their own lives. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerWhat is Alcoholism?Alcoholism is a disease. It is defined by the habitual intake of alcohol, whether or not the person recognizes the negative effects it has on them. An alcoholic will keep on drinking even if it destroys them. High functioning alcoholics are no different. They will cope with all of life’s challenges by drinking. Some will attempt to drink their problems away, unaware of the bigger problem they are creating in the process. It interferes with their physical and mental health. Alcoholism’s effects go beyond the person’s reach. Their family members, their friends, their co-workers, and all of their acquaintances will begin to feel the impact of their drinking habits. It’s just like any other addiction. It takes control of your life and interferes with all of your decisions. It will affect a person’s career, their relationships, and their community. And all along the person will think they are only affecting themselves. [maxbutton id="2" ] What differentiates an alcoholic from a binge drinker is that they don’t know when to stop. They will drink alone, or in the middle of the day. They may even attempt to hide their drinking habits, or get angry when someone comments on it. In high doses, alcohol can cause loss of consciousness, impaired judgment, loss of coordination, and even death. If a person abuses alcohol for a long time, they will become dependent. Their body will get used to the substance’s presence, and they will find it much harder to quit. In fact, quitting abruptly might be too dangerous, because alcohol dependence can cause fatal withdrawal.How to Help an Alcoholic Loved OneAlcoholism is a disease that needs to be treated properly. It’s a tough thing to deal with, but all hope is not lost. For people with alcoholic loved ones, it is important to know the limitations of what they can do. They cannot force a person to get sober—the desire to change must come from within, and loved ones can only support that decision. You cannot blame yourself if the alcoholic doesn’t want to change. But you also shouldn’t enable their behavior. It is better to let them deal with the consequences of their actions rather than allowing their bad behavior to continue. An intervention among family members can help them realize that there is a problem. But if you need to take it a step further, finding a nearby alcohol rehab facility will go a long way. Medical professionals will be able to detoxify them gradually by slowly lowering their intake and dealing with withdrawal symptoms. This works best when coupled with behavioral therapy and support group programs. Look for an alcoholism treatment center near you and help your loved one get back to living a sober life. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerThe previous article Definition of an Alcoholic: How Are They Different From Social Drinkers? is courtesy of https://www.rehabnear.me/ from https://www.rehabnear.me/difference-of-an-alcoholic-from-social-drinkers/ Navigation: Social drinking is deeply ingrained into our culture, as well as many other cultures all over the world. It’s a normal thing to do with your friends and loved ones—sometimes, even with total strangers. But because of how common it is, it becomes difficult to identify who’s abusing it, and who’s just having fun. The line between recreational drinking and alcohol abuse becomes blurred. And it becomes even more challenging to tell alcoholism and alcohol abuse apart. Where does abuse end and where does addiction begin? On this article we will try to define what an alcoholic is. This way, we can gauge the situation of our loved ones, and even ourselves.What is Alcohol Abuse?A person who abuses alcohol is someone who displays only certain characteristics of an alcoholic, but is not yet dependent on it. They have a drinking problem, no doubt. But they have not yet completely lost their control. They can somewhat limit their consumption. Moderate alcohol consumption should not cause major impact on the person’s mind or body. But social drinking can lead to heavier alcohol consumption—which can eventually lead to alcohol abuse, and even alcoholism. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment center With alcoholism comes serious health and psychological problems. So how do you know you’re already at that point?What is an Alcoholic?There are many ways to define alcoholism. We can say that it’s the term for long term addiction to alcohol. Therefore an alcoholic is simply someone who suffers from alcoholism. We can also say that it’s an illness or chronic disease wherein the person becomes obsessed with alcohol and cannot control how much they drink. But how do we know if someone is addicted? Alcoholism is defined as a physical compulsion coupled with a mental obsession. This means that if the person thinks about drinking, then they must drink. This is a condition that compels a person to consume alcohol beyond their capacity to control it. An alcoholic will keep on drinking regardless of how it affects their life. They won’t stop even if they’re already affecting the lives of the people around them. An alcoholic is prone to self-destructive behavior—and they normally wouldn’t be able to see it that way. In fact, the alcoholic is likely to be the last person to know that they are addicted to alcohol. Alcohol use disorder is a disease, and the World Health Organization reports around 3.3 million deaths globally every year because of it. The National Institute of Health reports that 15.1 million adults in the US have a drinking problem. [maxbutton id="2" ] You’ll know that a person is an alcoholic if they cannot control how much they drink, and it’s beginning to cause them problems at home and at work. They will also drink alone or in secret—typically with no limit to how much alcohol they are drinking. The alcoholic person may also drop their hobbies as well as other activities they used to enjoy. They may prioritize drinking over their other responsibilities.How is Alcoholism Treated?Alcoholism can be treated, given that the person exerts enough effort towards their own recovery. The first step is to acknowledge the alcohol dependency problem and realize that it needs to be fixed. The next thing to do is seek help. There are many support groups and medical professionals who could help the person detoxify and get over their need for alcoholic drinks. They may go through counselling, medical detox, and residential programs to help them conquer their alcohol dependence. Look for a rehab facility near you today and get started on the path towards recovery. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerWhat is an Alcoholic? Read more on: www.rehabnear.me from https://www.rehabnear.me/alcoholic-definition/ Navigation: It’s hard to deal with alcohol use disorder. It’s a disease that can ruin your life, your career, and your relationships. It affects you mentally and physically—and it affects the people you care about as well. But on this article we will be focusing on the other side of the coin. What if you’re not the one struggling with alcoholism? What if it’s someone you care about? How does alcoholism affect a person’s life if the alcoholic is someone close to them? And perhaps more importantly, what can you do?Understanding Alcohol Use DisorderIf you want to help a family member who is an alcoholic, first you need to understand what you are up against. An individual who is addicted to alcohol will not know how to regulate their drinking habits. For long term drinkers, quitting feels impossible because their bodies have already adjusted to the presence of alcohol. It’s not a good idea to make them quit abruptly. But you also don’t have to feel alone. This disease affects millions of adults in the US, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment center Expect them to try and hide their condition by drinking in private or drinking alone. They may begin to neglect their responsibilities or lose interest in the old hobbies they used to enjoy. Drinking becomes a priority—or a solution to every problem. If you’re reading this guide, chances are you’ve already noticed these signs long ago. You are already aware of the problem. But the thing is, the alcoholic still doesn’t understand that their drinking habits also affect your family, and not just them. Or maybe they are a high-functioning alcoholic dealing with everyday stress by drinking it away. What can you do?What Not to DoBefore we talk about what you could do, let’s acknowledge the things you should avoid doing. For starters, you should not blame yourself for the problem. There’s only so much you can do. And the ultimate decision to get sober is on them, unfortunately. You cannot change them. Do not attempt to control or cure it—you will only feel frustrated. With this in mind, you should not take up drinking yourself. This is not a situation wherein you “join them” because you can’t “beat them”. Do not cover up the problem, do not enable them, and instead allow them to experience the consequences of their own actions. Let them save themselves. [maxbutton id="3" ]What You Can DoThese steps are easier said than done; that we can assure you. Supporting your loved one through this dilemma can be tough. But you have to get help from others, specifically, medical professionals. Family members can plan an intervention to show the person how their habits are ruining their life. But beyond that, you’ll need the help of trained medical professionals. Alcoholism can lead to physical dependence. This means the person will not be able to quit without going through withdrawal. And long term alcohol abuse can cause fatal withdrawal. But during rehab, the patient’s alcohol intake will gradually be lowered, and their withdrawal symptoms will be managed. While you can’t enable their drinking habits nor tolerate bad behavior, you can still support them throughout the entire rehab process. This is all about giving them your emotional support. But they can also receive this from total strangers who are going through the same struggles. This is what support groups are all about. Help keep their commitment towards change, but understand that there’s a limit to what we can do for them. Change will ultimately come from within. Try to do your part: look for an alcohol rehab facility near you today! https://www.rehabnear.me for the best drug addiction treatment centerLiving with an Alcoholic: What to Do Read more on: Rehab Near Me from https://www.rehabnear.me/living-with-an-alcoholic/ |
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January 2020
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