Definition of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a condition that can be developed in individuals who consume too much alcohol. Individuals with alcoholism consume alcohol despite the consequences it does to their health, social life, and family life. In the early 20th century, alcoholism was also known as dipsomania, which is described as an alcoholic who does not recognize the negative effects that the alcohol causes in their life.

Statistics

Nine percent of the American population are at risk for alcoholism due to genetics. If an individual starts consuming alcohol at a young age they are also at a higher risk. Around 2 percent of women in the United States suffer from alcoholism and 7 percent of men are sufferers. Studies have shown that women have worse long term effects than men do. A whopping 90 percent of Americans consume alcohol at some point every year and over 650,000 people are treated for this condition every day.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a person with alcoholism can be difficult because it is hard to tell when a person is suffering from alcoholism or if they are just a heavy drinker. The difference between the two comes down to a simple fact: is alcohol affecting your ability to control the things in your daily life? Meaning, do you feel as though you can't start your day before having a drink? Do you think about drinking all day? Have you engaged in behaviors that are considered dangerous or reckless because of your alcohol use? Do you engage in these activities on a regular basis? If the answer to most of these questions is yes, then you might have a problem with alcoholism.

Heavy drinkers usually binge drink, but only at certain times and usually not with any regularity or only at what is deemed "socially acceptable" times. However, becoming a heavy drinker can be a predecessor to alcoholism. An objective assessment must be given to the individual that will calculate the effects that drinking is doing to the person's life. Some cases may be easy to identify while borderline cases can prove to be difficult.

Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. The primary effect of alcohol increases the stimulation of a key receptor that promotes depression in the nervous system. When alcohol is consumed frequently these receptors are reduced in number which causes a higher tolerance to alcohol and eventually a physical dependence. If the alcohol is stopped abruptly, the nervous system can cause you to have seizures, shakes, hallucinations, and heart failure. This is why most treatment centers will either wean patients off of alcohol slowly or provide other vitamins, supplements and/or medications to ease the symptoms of withdrawal.

Treatment

The treatment of alcoholism involves slowly reducing an individuals alcohol consumption and providing social and life training support. Many recovering alcoholics attend special classes where they learn about the effects of alcohol and tips to slow down their consumption or stop it all together. Some treatment centers promote a simple consumption reduction, but others use a zero tolerance approach. There are various methods and choosing one depends on the mental state and sheer willpower of the individual in treatment.

Effectiveness

The success rate is different for those who enter a program and those who complete the program. A high percentage of patients that choose to complete a rehab program will be much less likely to relapse. This is why is recommended that if you enroll in a treatment program it is recommended that you complete it. Only five percent of people can defeat alcoholism on their own, while 95 percent seek the help of a treatment center. Forty-percent of people who enter a program, but do not complete it, will still struggle with their alcoholic tendencies.

Resources

• Alcoholics Anonymus