Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a severe condition in which a person has a strong urge or physical desire to drink alcohol despite the fact that it negatively affects their lives.

What is the root of the problem?

When you consume too much alcohol, chemical changes in the brain occur, and you develop an alcohol use disorder. When you consume alcohol, these modifications make you feel more pleasant. This pushes you to drink more frequently, even if it is harmful.

Alcoholism causing risk factors include:

1. Genes: As they say history repeats, studies have found that a family root with an existing alcoholism problem in the past is likely to develop the same.
2. The age of the person when they had their first alcoholic drink
3. Simple accessibility
4. Stress
5. Excessive peer drinking
6. Low self-confidence
7. Depression

What are the symptoms?

Alcoholism can develop over a period of time ranging from a few years to several decades. It might happen in months for certain people who are more vulnerable.

During the previous 12 months, at least three of the following conditions should have been present:

Tolerance: The individual requires a considerable amount of alcohol to become drunk.

Withdrawal: When someone abstains or cuts back on alcohol, they may suffer tremors, sleeplessness, nausea, or anxiety as withdrawal symptoms. To prevent these effects, they may drink more.

Beyond intentions: The individual consumes more alcohol than they planned.

Unsuccessful attempts of cutting down: The person tries and fails to cut down on their alcohol use.

Time spent: The individual spends a major amount of time taking, using, or recovering from alcohol consumption.

Withdrawal: The person stops participating in previously enjoyed recreational, social, or occupational activities.

Persistence: The individual continues to drink alcohol despite the fact that it is physically and psychologically harmful to them.

Alcohol Abuse's Health Consequences:

The following are some of the short-term consequences of alcohol abuse:

1. Reaction time is slowed down
2. Poor reflexes
3. Brain activity is reduced
4. Inhibitions are lowered
5. Vision is blurry
6. Breathing problems
7. Restlessness

Here are a few of the long-term health effects of alcohol:

1. Defects in the brain
2. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: is a kind of neurological disorder.
3. Hepatitis: a disease of the liver.
4. Complications of diabetes
5. Problems with the heart
6. Cancer risk is higher
7. Damage to the vision
8. Bone degeneration

Alcoholism therapy is divided into three parts, each of which includes:

1. Detoxification Due to the risk of significant and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, this period should be finished with the assistance of medical specialists.
2. Rehabilitation Inpatient rehabs are long-term treatment programs that require you to stay in a facility for a specific amount of time, generally 30-90 days. Individuals can enroll in an outpatient treatment program while still going about their everyday lives.
3. Maintenance Long-term sobriety involves continuous therapy, which may include support groups, counselling, and other services. These will ensure that you stay sober and on a happy, healthy road for months and years to come ahead.

If you or your loved one is suffering from alcoholism or any of its symptoms, wait no more to consult a professional.

Don't let an addiction destroy your relationships, goals, and life!