Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a serious condition that can have significant effects on a person’s life. It is often difficult to diagnose, but it can be treated with the help of a professional.

There are several types of treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence. These include therapy, inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs, and family counseling.

facts about alcohol addiction

Alcohol Addiction, also called Alcohol Use Disorder, is a medical condition that occurs when an individual can no longer stop drinking despite the negative consequences.
This can lead to financial trouble, legal problems, relationship issues, family distress, and more.
The effects of drinking vary from person to person depending on a number of factors including age, gender, genetics, and overall health.
Heavy drinking can cause organ and other damage, leading to illness or death.
In addition, drinking during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, a group of problems that can affect a baby before they’re born.
It can also increase a woman’s chances of having a child with a serious psychiatric illness.

What are the symptoms of alcoholism?

Alcohol is a substance that can cause a range of symptoms when used in excess. These include:

difficulty in working or school
problems with relationships
and legal issues such as driving while intoxicated (DUI).

Symptoms of alcoholism vary from person to person, but there are some common warning signs that you may be suffering from an addiction to alcohol.

The most serious symptom of alcoholism is a physical dependence on alcohol. This means that a person needs to drink in order to feel good or have a “high.”

Health Complications with Alcohol Addiction

Heavy drinking can have a negative impact on your health. It can lead to serious medical conditions including:

delirium tremens
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
an irregular heart rate
liver disease
and increased cancer risk.

Alcohol also has a dehydrating effect on your body. This can make your eyes look tired and red and can cause eye pain and a dilated eyeball, among other symptoms.

Drinking may also increase your risk for heart problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. This is because alcohol can weaken the walls of your heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).

And in pregnant women, repeated binge drinking is associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

The best way to prevent the worst outcomes is to learn about the risks of alcohol misuse, and then choose a treatment plan that works for you.

treatment options for alcoholism

Treatment options include medications, behavioral therapies, AA and 12-step programs, and mutual-support groups. These treatments can help you learn how to reduce your drinking and manage a relapse, while also helping you avoid triggers that might lead to relapse.

Depending on your specific needs, you may need to attend multiple treatment sessions.

Psychiatric treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help you understand the thoughts and feelings that might lead to alcohol misuse.

In addition, if you have an underlying health condition, it is important to address those issues to prevent alcohol misuse and promote long-term recovery. Your physician will need to conduct a psychological evaluation of your alcohol use disorder to determine the best approach.

conclusion

Alcohol addiction is a chronic, potentially fatal disease. It causes physical and psychological harm, as well as significant social and legal problems. It also permanently alters brain function, preventing people from controlling their drinking.

People who have been diagnosed with an alcohol addiction can get help by seeking treatment at an inpatient or outpatient rehab center. These programs may include counseling, medical support, and support groups.

They will also teach you the skills you need to continue sobriety and prevent relapse. In some cases, you will need to stay in therapy for months or years after completing the program.

Your doctor can help you choose the right type of rehabilitation for you. This will allow you to live a healthy and happy life in the future.

Resources and references: National Institutes of Health, Healthline, Drinkaware, Addiction Center, American Psychological Association.

Alcohol Addiction – all you need to know about alcoholism