Recovery From Alcohol Addiction
Other People Are Reading
-
Alcohol Addiction is an Illness
-
The U.S. Department of Health defines alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol dependence or alcoholism, as a disease characterized by four symptoms:
1. The compulsion to drink
2. The inability to limit drinking
3. Physical dependence as evidenced by withdrawal symptoms when drinking is stopped
4. Tolerance, or the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to sustain effects.In some chronic alcoholics, end-stage liver disease produces a "reverse tolerance" in which consumption of small amounts of alcohol produce severe physical illness.
The majority of people suffering from alcohol addiction cannot recover without help. Alcoholism is a progressive disease. Even after years of sobriety, one drink can lead to full-blown addiction once more.
Alcohol addicts frequently deny they have a problem, as do those addicted to other drugs. Families and friends can get support and counseling for themselves and may plan an intervention to confront the drinker with the many consequences of her addiction. Interventions are most effective when facilitated by a professional in the field of alcoholism.
Moderation vs Abstinence
-
Moderation Management (www.moderation.org) is a program developed to help problem drinkers, not alcoholics, learn to control drinking. After a 30-day period of abstinence, no more than four drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week are allowed for men, and women are limited to three drinks per day and nine drinks per week.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), widely considered to be the most effective solution for those who suffer from Alcohol Addiction, requires a desire to stop drinking from anyone wishing to join. Meetings are free and available in most cities in the United States.
-
Alcohol Addicts may Need to be Medically Stabilized
-
Withdrawal from alcohol can be severe and even life-threatening, especially during the first week. Hallucinations, tremors, convulsions, anxiety and changes in pulse and blood pressure are not uncommon. The short-term use of tranquilizers may be necessary, and admittance to a hospital or detox facility is advisable.
A Spiritual Solution
-
The program of Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism.
A person who wants to stop drinking should avoid people, places and things associated with alcohol and make new friendships with others who don't drink. Sponsorship and the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous offer guidance in the form of suggested actions that can relieve the compulsion to drink. The steps involve admitting there's a problem, asking for help from a higher power, and taking an inventory of circumstances that surround the drinking behavior.
Although God is mentioned frequently in AA literature, many agnostics and atheists have achieved success in Alcoholics Anonymous. The fellowship is non-denominational.
A Complex Condition
-
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines alcoholism as "a primary chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations." Each case of alcohol addiction is different. Some become addicted the first time they drink, and for others it takes years to become clinically dependent. Recovery depends on a willingness to get help that may only develop as the result of devastating social and physical consequences. Well-meaning family members often try to cover up or prevent the consequences that drinking causes, only prolonging the problem and damaging relationships.
Alcoholics are more likely to seek help and stay sober if family members also receive education and treatment, because changed attitudes aid recovery. Al-anon is a fellowship of family members and friends of alcoholics that offer such help. Most phone books have listings for Al-anon meetings.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Alcohol desgracia.jpg Ray Nata
