Alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence--these all terms used to refer to the disease of addiction to alcohol. Alcoholism is not limited to a specific age, gender, social status or nationality. Many alcoholics drink for years not realizing they have this disease. It is important to know the signs.
Common Symptoms
Realizing there is a problem is the first step toward treatment. You must first recognize the symptoms of the disease.
Craving alcohol is one of the clearest signs. If you wake up in the morning thinking about when you will get to have that first drink, and think about drinking throughout the day, it is a strong symptom of alcohol abuse.
Another symptom is a limited ability to stop drinking at one time. Alcoholics cannot stop at just one drink; their drinking continues throughout an occasion.
There is also a physical dependence on alcohol. If alcohol is not introduced into the sufferer's systom, withdrawal symptoms may occur, including nausea, sweating, shakiness and anxiety.
Determining Alcoholism
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), alcoholism affects one in 13 adults in the United States. The NIAA put forth these four questions to ask if you suspect you or a loved one has a drinking problem.
1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
Genetics
Research has shown that a family history of alcoholism may increase the risk of developing a drinking problem. However, that risk increases dramatically based on the environment. If there is alcohol present, the chance of developing the disease multiplies. Scientists have not yet found the direct genetic link.
Teens and Drinking
Using alcohol at a young age increases the risk of becoming dependent on alcohol. Many teens who begin experimenting with alcohol will begin trying drugs in the future. Teens with low self-esteem, depression or feelings of exclusion in school will more likely begin drinking and become dependent.
Binge drinking normally begins around the age of 13 and increases with adolescence. People binge more during their young adulthood, but it generally decreases as they get older.
Effects
Alcoholism is harmful to your body. It depresses the nervous system and acts as a sedative; it has a negative effect on your thoughts, emotions and judgment and impairs your coordination.
Drinking heavily can cause liver damage. Alcoholics may develop cirrhosis, which is the irreversible and progressive destruction and scarring of liver tissue. Alcohol can cause inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Cardiovascular problems could also arise from long-term drinking.
Treatment
There is treatment for alcoholism, but not a cure. Although there is no magic pill for alcoholism, some medications help treat the disease. Antabuse will make a person sick if he consumes any alcohol after taking the drug. Naltrexone reduces the affects of alcohol in the brain and the cravings for it. Acamprosate relieves the withdrawal symptoms. Many alcoholics also go to rehab and join support groups to treat the disease.
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