Alcoholism Stage 2012

In America alcohol is socially acceptable, readily available and the most commonly abused drug, but that doesn't mean all Americans are alcoholics. The disease of alcoholism goes beyond merely having "one too many" and it is necessary to gather some facts about alcoholism before rushing into an uninformed diagnosis.

This page is designed to give you some general alcoholism facts to help you understand the impact it has on the alcoholic and society.

Facts to Consider:

Alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by the inability of the person to control his/her drinking, craving for a drink and dependence on alcohol to feel "normal."

Alcoholism is progressive. It begins with one drink to be sociable, or to enjoy the effects of alcohol, but progresses to the point where people need more alcohol to achieve the same effect, begin to drink more often or earlier in the day, and may even lead to a person's constant craving for alcohol just to feel "better."

Alcoholics develop a tolerance for alcohol and can become capable of consuming large amounts of alcohol each day.

Alcoholism is a progressive disease because left unchecked it can cause serious damage to the liver, heart and other major organs of the body, leading to death.

People who have the disease of alcoholism do not always know it, or accept it. An alcoholic may deny any problem, regardless of the consequences the disease brings to their life. It is often necessary for friends and loved ones to intercede and strongly encourage the alcoholic to enter treatment. Denial of the disease is the major enemy of recovery.

- Here are some questions to ask when observing someone you suspect might be having a struggle with alcohol:

Key Alcoholism Facts

1. Do they drink too much?

2. Do they drink throughout the day?

3. Has there been a change in their everyday habits?

4. Do they drink alone?

5. If denied a drink, do they get irritable?

6. Have they missed work?

7. Have they lost interest in activities they love doing?

8. Do they avoid seeing their friends if drinks are not available?

9. Do they get angry if someone mentions their drinking?

More Alcoholism Facts

- The problem of alcoholism is wide-spread. The Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown University concluded, "more than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking, and more than nine million children live with a parent dependent on alcohol and/or illicit drugs."

- Alcoholism is a family disease, because it impacts the entire family, not just the alcoholic.

- Alcoholism is a community disease, because alcoholics are more likely to lose productivity at work, get into automobile accidents, require emergency health care and have legal entanglements.

- Alcoholism is a contributing factor to suicide in many cases.

- Alcohol is a leading cause of birth defects.

- Alcohol abuse and alcoholism, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cost American taxpayers over $67 billion every year. This includes law enforcement, uninsured patients, court costs, lawsuits, etc.

- There is no cure for alcoholism, but it is possible to manage the disease and live a healthy, productive life.

- An alcoholic, even though he/she is in recovery, may be vulnerable to relapse if they take a drink.

Final Alcoholism Fact

- Alcohol withdrawal/detoxification can be very dangerous. People can experience extreme convulsions, delirium tremors (DTs), rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, loss of appetite and insomnia. Severe withdrawal can be fatal.





Author: Ned Wicker

Source: ezinearticles.com