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Alcohol Abuse

Information on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

If you are currently suffering from alcohol abuse or alcoholism, then you need help now. Call 1-866-99-DETOX (1-866-993-3869), and get help now for alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse is a serious problem which can lead to alcoholism or other conditions. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down your vital activities, but it may affect individuals differently. Alcohol is a legal drug, but it can still be extremely addictive and dangerous.

When Alcohol Abuse Becomes Alcoholism

Alcohol abuse is not the same thing as alcoholism. Alcoholism is a disease. People suffering from alcoholism are both physically and emotionally dependant on alcohol, and the discontinuation of its use could cause serious health problems. Alcohol abuse, on the other hand, does not involve the same physical dependence. Alcohol abuse occurs when thinking about your next drink turns into obsessing over your next drink. Cravings are often associated with alcohol abuse, but they are mostly psychological. Alcohol abuse usually leads to alcoholism as the intake of alcohol increases more and more and the physical dependence on it begins to develop.

The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Because alcohol significantly slows your reactions, alcohol abuse is even more dangerous in everyday situations, such as driving or operating machinery.

If you are suffering from alcohol abuse or alcoholism your inhibitions may be lowered or even lost, which could lead to sexual risks you might not normally take. Under the influence of alcohol, you place yourself at a higher risk for unwanted pregnancies or for contracting or spreading HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Alcohol abuse has been shown to sometimes play a role in domestic violence, violent crimes, car accidents, and vehicular homicides. Alcohol abuse is a problem, especially for those who are not willing to admit it. Under the influence of alcohol, you may have thoughts of grandeur or feelings of invincibility that could place you in grave danger.

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can often cause scattered thoughts or the inability to concentrate, which could lead to short-term memory loss or blackouts.

The Consequences of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can each have severe consequences. The most common of these is cirrhosis of the liver. This medical condition occurs so often because the liver is the body's natural detox system. The liver acts as a filter because the human body treats alcohol as a poison. As your system funnels the alcohol through the liver in an attempt to purify the body, the alcohol "eats away" at the liver itself. Cirrhosis leads to liver failure, which eventually results in death.

Because alcohol kills brain cells, alcohol abuse or alcoholism can have serious effects on your memory. In most cases, alcohol abuse will simply cause short-term memory loss, but in some cases, it can cause brain degeneration. To provide yourself the greatest opportunity to overcome cell degeneration, abstinence should be achieved in a medically-based alcohol detox program with continued care in an alcohol treatment program.

Other consequences of alcohol abuse or alcoholism can include:

• Deterioration of personal relationships
• Divorce
• Financial difficulties
• Loss of employment
• Legal difficulties such as:
• DUI
• DWI
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Domestic violence
• Assault

Withdrawal symptoms associated with the discontinuation of alcohol after a dependency has developed can be very painful and even life threatening. These symptoms include:

• Sweats
• Tremors
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Confusion
• Loss of concentration

If the alcohol withdrawal symptoms are not managed medically, in an alcohol detox program, they may progress into seizures, convulsions or even death.

Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a disease which can and should be treated. Treatment for alcohol abuse and alcoholism begins with detox. Once you rid your body of alcohol and become stabilized both medically and psychologically, your treatment should continue with rehabilitation. There is no one alcohol treatment program that is perfect for everyone. There are as many alcohol treatment programs as there are alcohol treatment program philosophies. If you need help in matching alcohol treatment program services with your individual needs, please feel free to give us a call. One thing research has shown us is that the people who choose to not go on to a residential alcohol treatment program after the alcohol detox program, generally end up in relapse. This is not a reflection on the program, but a testament to the difficulty that exists regarding recovery from alcoholism.

If you're suffering from alcohol abuse or alcoholism, call our toll free helpline at 1-866-99-DETOX (1-866-993-3869). Our addiction treatment professionals are available to help you find the best course of treatment for your individual needs 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Call now.