Alcohol Addiction and Abuse - Report Example

Alcohol addiction Alcohol addiction Alcohol addiction is also referred to as alcoholism and is a prevalent disease that affects individuals at all spheres of life. It is the uncontrolled and compulsive alcohol consumption, normally to the damage of the addict’s personal relationships, social standing and health. Although experts have for a long time attempted to pinpoint gender, genetic, socioeconomic and racial factors that might incline someone to alcoholism, it seems that it has no single cause and can distress anyone. Alcohol addiction is medically regarded as a disease, more specifically an addictive ailment. Alcohol abuse has the ability to damage nearly every body organ, the brain included as well. The consequences of constant misuse can lead to not only psychiatric but also medical problems. An alcoholic is the name used in describing an individual having alcohol addiction/alcoholism (Teresi, 2011). Within the medical fraternity, alcoholism has for a long time been regarded as a psychosomatic condition, implying that psychological, social, behavioral and genetic factors can all result in the disease. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that alcoholism is a genuine disease, and the moment one is addicted, the person might physically be not able to control any of their actions. Thus, research has indicated that addiction, comprising of alcoholism, results in physical changes to not only the addict’s neurochemistry but also the brains (Teresi, 2011). Alcoholism can demonstrate itself in numerous ways and the frequency, severity, type and use of alcohol consumed differs from one individual to the other. Some people might drink a lot the whole day whereas others may only binge drink for some time and then keep sober till their next “bender”. Nevertheless, the kind of alcohol that an individual drinks does not exclude them from alcohol addiction. Irrespective of how alcoholism appears, alcohol addiction is generally present if an individual relies heavily on drinking and thus cannot keep sober for a prolonged time (Teresi, 2011). Symptoms of alcohol addiction It may appear hard to identify alcoholism. As opposed to other hard drugs such as heroin or cocaine, alcohol is broadly available in addition to being present in majority of cultures. Alcohol is also frequently at the middle of social situations in addition to being closely associated to enjoyment, rewards and celebration. Additionally, drinking is an aspect of life of several people, both old and young. Alcoholics are most of the time good at minimizing the gravity of their habit or hiding their addiction from their loved ones altogether. Due to this, it is difficult to tell the difference between a person who loves to take a few drinks regularly and a person having a real addiction (Tyler, 2014). The following are the most notable signs of addiction to alcohol; increased frequency or quantity of use, high tolerance to alcohol consumption and having no “hangover” symptoms, taking alcohol at unsuitable times such as first thing on waking up or in such places as work or church, always staying at places where there is alcohol and shunning places where it is lacking, changes in relationships and associations (for instance a person prefers drinking friends or “buddies” who consume as much alcohol as him/her) (Tyler, 2014). In addition, addicts will avoid any contact with their loved ones, hide alcoholic drinks where nobody can find them and in most cases will hide as they drink. The other symptoms include having frequent legal issues on account of one’s drinking, for instance, being detained for driving while drunk or for disorderly and drunk conduct; drinking as technique of relaxing or distressing-in fact several drinking problems begin when individuals turn to alcohol so as to relieve stress and self-soothe. Consuming alcohol after each stressful day at work or grabbing a bottle each time one has an argument with their boss or spouse are clear symptoms of alcohol dependence (Tyler, 2014). As alcohol dependence over time tends to worsen; it is essential to search for preliminary warning signs. Accordingly, if discovered and early treatment begun; the affected individual might be able to steer clear of key consequences of the ailment. If one is concerned that alcoholism is present in a given individual; it is always best to sit down with the affected individual and start discussions with the alcoholic in a supportive manner. Of great significance is that the alcoholic should not be made to feel guilty or shamed since this might push them away making them more defiant to the assistance you provide (Tyler, 2014). Alcoholism Treatment Options Alcohol addiction treatment can be challenging and complex. So that alcohol treatment can work; the alcoholic should have a desire to become sober. Normally, it is not possible to force an addict to stop drinking or think of treatment if one is not ready. Success mostly is dependent on the alcoholic’s self-drive to improve. In addition, the road to recovery for an addict is a lifetime dedication and comprises of day to day maintenance and not just some quick fix. Because of this, several individuals are of the opinion that alcoholism is never completely “cured.”The following are some of the most common treatment options; Rehab-This is the commonest preliminary treatment alternative for alcoholism and can be an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Thus, in cases that are severe; an inpatient program may last somewhere from thirty days to 12 months and can assist the alcoholic in handling the emotional challenges and withdrawal symptoms that result due to stopped drinking. On the other hand, outpatient treatment offers day to day support while facilitating the alcoholic to continue living in his/her own residence (Bennett, 2011). The other treatment alternative is Alcoholics Anonymous as well as other various support groups. Several alcoholics seek the 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for their treatment. Nevertheless, other support groups do exist and do not adhere to the 12-step program. These comprise Sober Recovery and SMART Recovery. In spite of the kind of support program an alcoholic adopts, it is normally essential to become engaged in one. Communities that are sober can assist an addict cope with sobriety challenges in daily life. Such options as these, usually positions the alcoholic in sync with other sober individuals who have experienced similar issues. This at least makes them responsible and provides them with healthy and new relationships. In addition, it also offers a haven to fall back to just in case a relapse may be looming nearby (Hunt, 2014). The other available options that an alcoholic may profit from include; counseling, nutritional changes and drug therapy. Thus, a physician may write a prescription for something such as antidepressants especially if the addict was self-medicating for a problem that is in existence such as depression. Physicians can also do drug prescriptions that can help with the emotions that are frequent in recovery. Consequently, for instance, a therapist is helpful in teaching an individual how to cope with recovery stress as well as skills required in avoiding a relapse. A healthy diet can also assist in undoing damage that alcohol could have caused to the health of the individual comprising any weight loss or gain (Tyler, 2014). Generally, alcoholism comprises numerous various treatment methods that differ from one individual to the other. It is essential that the addict has a recovery program which will work for them as well as sustain long-term abstinence. This could imply emphasizing on therapy for a depressed person or inpatient booking intervention for somebody having serious withdrawal symptoms. Nevertheless, the correct treatment for someone is dependent on their specific requirements (Tyler, 2014). Normally, when an addict gets an early intervention, treatment basically appears to be more promising. Nevertheless, long-term addictions can be treated effectively as well. The risk in waiting to treat alcoholism is that it is likely to advance quickly. Usually, prolonged addictions are difficult to break, even though several individuals are successful after a long struggle with addiction for many years. A relapse is not uncommon and an addict who has stayed sober for weeks, even, months may find themselves back to alcohol again. They may for instance binge drink for some time or take to drinking for a certain period before sobering up again. It should be noted that a relapse does not constitute a definite failure. Close relatives as well as friends of an alcoholic may profit from getting professional help or by enrolling for such programs as Alateen/Al-Anon. The recovery of the alcoholic can be just as painful and challenging for beloved ones just as it is for the addict. Finally, however, to keep sober is the alcoholic’s responsibility. It is also essential to shun destructive behaviors as well as maintain suitable boundaries especially if the affected individual is still consuming alcohol. This may imply severing financial support to the addict or making it for the alcoholic to indulge in alcoholism (Eskapa & Sinclair, 2013). Alcoholism has numerous adverse effects. If alcohol addiction goes untreated, it can lead to liver disease and heart disease, both of which can result in death. Consequently, alcoholism that is not treated can also result in; diabetes complications, ulcers, birth defects, sexual problems, loss of bones, vision complications, increased danger of cancer and repressed immunity. Such grave complications form the basis of early intervention and treatment. However, almost all the dangers of alcoholism can be avoided or treated with effective recovery. References Bennett,C. (2011). Reclaim Your Life:You and the Alcoholic/Addict. New York,NY: Sea-Hill Press,Inc. Eskapa, R., Sinclair,D. (2013). The Cure for Alcoholsim:The Medically Proven Way to Eliminate Alcohol Addiction. New York,NY: BenBella Books,Inc. Hunt,G. (2014). Alcohol Addiction Undone. New York,NY: Routledge. Teresi,L. (2011). Hijacking the Brain:How Drug and Alcohol Addiction Hijacks Our Brains:The Science Behind Twelve-Step Recovery. New York: AuthorHouse LLC.s Tyler,M. s(2014). Alcohol Addiction. Healthline , np.s Read More