Alcoholism and Its Effects
When you use alcohol like Casey did to escape from feelings, relive anxiety, or to fit in at a social situation it can result in alcoholism. Alcoholism is a serious disease that not only affects your body and liver– it affects your mind and soul too. Alcoholism is a disease in which you become psychologically and physically dependent on alcohol to the point that you cannot live without it. The disease of alcoholism also leads into negative actions and behaviors like domestic violence and driving while impaired.
Aside from causing negative actions and behaviors, it is possible for you to reach a level of intoxication that that can reach life threatening levels as well as death, also known as alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is where the respiratory system becomes depressed, making it difficult to breath to the point where you stop breathing all together. This can result in death if you are not in medical care soon enough. Alcoholism is a tricky disease and if you are worried a loved one is abusing it is a good idea to look out for the signs and contact a rehabilitation center.
Signs of Alcohol abuse
When you are abusing alcohol, you will make sure alcohol comes before everything else. This can lead to adverse effects on your relationships and daily activities in life. For Casey, she couldn’t even be the mother she wanted to because of alcohol. Drinking was more important than the thing that should be put before anything else- her child. If you are worried you or a loved one has an alcohol problem like Casey, here are some signs to look out for:
- Loss of control over your alcohol consumption
- Dangerous actions that carry risk of health, legal and/or financial costs for you and others
- Increase in expressions of irritation or other emotions, especially in inappropriate settings
- Not being able to function in normal life activates
- Lack of self-care
- These can be signs aren’t just limited to alcohol abuse either; they should be signs to look out for any substance abuse. If it gets worse and you think your drinking is taking a bigger toll on your life just like Casey’s did, you might be struggling with the disease of alcoholism.
Signs of Alcoholism
If your alcohol abuse is untreated it will progress into a full-blown alcohol addiction. Alcohol abuse is characterized by the control of the drinking. Once someone has no control over the amount they consume, they are essentially an alcoholic. Alcohol addiction, also known as the disease of alcoholism, is when alcohol is the predominate focus on your life. Signs of alcoholism include:
- Substantial hangovers
- Increased amount of alcohol consumed because of your tolerance being increased and the desired effects requires more alcohol
- Less attention put on professional and personal responsibilities
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking alcohol
- Signs of alcohol withdrawal when not having a drink in a while
Withdrawal Symptoms of Alcohol
Alcoholism and alcohol addiction will put you at risk for medical consequences; there will be medical issues if you attempt to stop alcohol without supervision of a medical doctor. Alcoholism withdrawal symptoms should not be ignored and include:
- Hallucinations
- Tremors or uncontrolled shaking of the body
- Dangerous anxiety or unease
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Profuse sweating
Alcohol detoxification is the most dangerous detox of all drugs combined. Delirium tremors can cause death in the alcohol user. You need medical detoxification followed by treatment to get through alcohol withdrawals safely.
Alcoholism Treatment
Treatment will heal the mind and soul of an alcohol abuser. In treatment, you will go through individual group therapy. Individual therapy will get to the root of the problem while group therapy will get you connected with other individuals in recovery. After treatment is over your recovery doesn’t just end; you will need a proper aftercare program to succeed. Recovery is possible regardless of age, race, and religion. You will learn a new way of living and happiness. If you or a loved one struggles with an alcohol problem and needs treatment give us a call: (866) 578-7471
