Alcoholism, is also known as alcohol use disorder, is a condition in which a person has a desire or physical need to consume alcohol, even though it has a negative impact on their life. They alcohol abuse can be used to talk about excessive or inappropriate consumption of alcohol, but not necessarily dependence. And the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says that about 18 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol use disorders. These disorders can be disruptive and life-threatening.The Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can cause serious health conditions. Alcohol worsens certain disorders, such as osteoporosis. It can lead to certain cancers. They Alcohol abuse also makes it difficult to diagnose other health issues, such as heart disease. This is due to the way alcohol affects the circulatory system.Symptoms of alcohol use, abuse, and alcoholism.
The symptoms of alcohol:
- slurred speech
- slowing of reflexes
- a decreased ability to control bodily movements
- difficulty concentrating
- gaps in memory, or brownouts
- poor decision-making abilities
- risky behavior
The symptoms of alcoholism:
- A strong desire or craving to drink
- An inability to control cravings
- An inability to stop drinking
- An increased tolerance for alcohol
The symptoms of alcohol abuse:
- Drinking to relax
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Problems with the family and friends because of drinking
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Having legal problems because of alcohol
Caused of Alcoholism: Many people with alcoholism continue to drink even when they develop health problems related to drinking. It loved ones sometimes notice a problem before the person does. And it’s important to the person dependent on alcohol acknowledges and their problem. Unless the person acknowledges that they have a problem, its treatment will not be successful as the person will not take treatment seriously and most likely will not benefit from treatment offered.
Alcohol withdrawal:
- Nausea
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Anxiety
What are the risk factors?
- If More than 15 drinks per week you’re male
- If More than 12 drinks per week you’re female
- If More than 5 drinks per day at least once a week (binge drinking)
- The parent with the alcohol use disorder
- The mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
How are alcohol abuse and alcoholism treated?
The treatment for alcohol use disorder it varies, but each method is meant to help you stop drinking altogether. This is called abstinence. The treatment may occur in stages and can include the following:
- Detoxification or withdrawal to rid your body of a alcohol
- Rehabilitation to learn new coping skills and behaviors
- That counseling to address emotional problems that may cause you to drink
- It support groups, including 12-step programs such as alcoholics anonymous
- Medical treatment for health problems and associated with the alcohol use disorder
- Medications to help control addiction
