Alcoholism is the inability to control or ignore a strong craving for alcohol. People suffering from alcoholism often find that they need the aid of alcohol to feel good or normal. They often crave alcohol, but this craving is much stronger than the occasional craving people have for certain foods. The craving for alcohol experienced by those suffering from alcoholism is often so severe that the individual feels they need alcohol as if it were food or water. They do not feel they can go a day, or in some extreme cases, an hour, without consuming alcohol.
Alcoholism is not characterized by the type of alcohol consumed or how much alcohol is needed to satisfy the craving. Alcoholism is characterized mostly by the loss of control. Alcoholics often build up a tolerance to alcohol over time. This means they need more and more alcohol to satisfy their need for it. As they consume more and more alcohol, serious health problems manifest themselves. Alcoholism also affects the sufferer psychologically, as well as physically.
Alcoholism differs from alcohol abuse in that a person who abuses alcohol does not display a loss of control over their drinking. An individual who abuses alcohol may act irresponsibly while under the influence. They may also put themselves and others in danger by driving or operating machinery while drinking. Relationships may suffer, as with alcoholism and work performance may become careless. While alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism, it can be a serious problem and should not be ignored.
There are many symptoms of alcoholism. Many of the symptoms of alcohol abuse are also displayed by those suffering from alcoholism. Some symptoms include drinking alone or secretly (hiding the fact that they are drinking), memory loss (also known as "blacking out"), ritually drinking at certain times during the day and becoming irritable when this ritual is disturbed, feeling the need to drink to feel normal, loss of interest in relationships or activities that were once enjoyed, experiencing financial, marital, or legal problems caused by drinking, building a tolerance to alcohol or experiencing withdrawal symptoms if alcohol is not available. These symptoms are just a few of the possible symptoms that could be displayed by alcoholics.
Studies show that some individuals are more likely to experience alcoholism at some point in their lives than others. For example, genetics can play a role in whether or not a person is likely to be drawn to alcohol. Often the children of alcoholics will have a higher risk of one day becoming an alcoholic themselves. Psychological problems also increase the risk for alcoholism. Individuals suffering from depression, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder and many other psychological disorders often turn to alcohol to make them feel better or ease their suffering. This often turns into a dependency.
There are many health problems that are caused by alcoholism. Alcoholism depresses the central nervous system. Over time, alcoholism can cause fatigue, paralysis of the muscles surrounding the eyes and short-term memory loss. Other, more life-threatening health problems caused by alcoholism include cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, gastrointestinal problems, neurological disorders, sexual dysfunction and bone loss. Alcoholism also increases the risk of certain cancers, such as cancer of the esophagus, larynx, liver and colon. If left untreated, alcoholism can lead to death.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Alcoholism
Alcoholism Symptoms - 6 Common Signs Exposed!
Alcoholism refers to the constant use of alcohol. Alcoholism is a disease which grows gradually and leaves serious effects on the mind and body. The effects of alcoholism generally passes from one generation to other and sometimes even develop on account of constant abuse of alcohol. But at all times the effects of alcoholism are agonizing which ca...
Alcoholism Treatment Option - Discover 21st Century Alcoholic Life Recovery Options
Unfortunately, in this day and age, millions of people around the globe are suffering from the disease of alcoholism. Some of these people do elect to get treatment for the disease. When it comes to alcoholism treatment, there generally are considered to be four basic options available to a person. Each of these alcoholism treatment options are ...
Alcoholism Test - Do Your Have An Alcohol Problem?
Perhaps you have reached a point in your life at which you are worried about your drinking. The reality is that if you have found yourself concerned about your drinking, you probably at least have a drinking problem and you may be an alcoholic. The mere fact that you are questioning your drinking habits in and of itself generally is a solid alcoh...
Facts About Alcoholism That Patients, As Well As Relatives, Ought To Know
Knowing the fundamental facts about alcoholism is crucial in order for a person to have a clearer understanding of the disease of alcoholism in the first instance. By comprehending the basic, elementary drug or alcoholism facts, you will be more able to access assistance and deal with alcoholism should you ever be in a position in your own life whe...
Discover Alcoholism in Marriage and Learn to Live With an Alcoholic You Love
Alcoholism in marriage is a great recipe for disaster. There are only a very few things that can tear a marriage apart like alcoholism. And if your spouse has developed a drinking habit only after you got married then the problem can have significant implications in your married life.The effect alcoholism in marriage cant be hidden. If you partner ...
The Negative Effects of Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Many people drink alcoholic beverages at parties, bars, and sometimes at home to wind down after a long day of work. Alcohol in moderation can be fun and allow you to relax after a long day or week of work. However alcohol is also considered to be a downer type of drug, so you should not drink it if you are depressed. Drinking while you are depr...
Alcoholism-An Unwanted Epidemic
Treatment of AlcoholismPervasiveness of alcohol intoxication is the most important factor for a brain disorder in US alone. In the United States around 20 Million people including adolescents are suffering from some serious alcohol related problems. It is the second most dangerous factor of premature death after Cancer. In fact many believe that i...
