Alcoholism Addiction And Dependency

Alcoholism is actually more than just an addiction; it is actually a very dangerous disease. Basically, alcoholism is the inability to control the consumption of alcohol and an almost preoccupation with getting alcohol. (That's why it is called alcohol dependency.) Alcoholism is a disease that is progressive, meaning that it will only get worse over time if it is not treated. Without treatment, this disease can actually be fatal.

There are a variety of treatment options available for those who are dealing with alcohol addiction, but many refuse to recognize their problem and accept treatment. It is estimated that more than 15 million people abuse alcohol, and there are more than 100,000 alcohol related deaths that occur in the United States alone each year. Alcoholism can cause a variety of problems in your life, so it is important to understand the signs, symptoms, dangers, and the options that you have to recover as well.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of Alcohol addiction, whether you have a alcohol problem or someone you care about has a problem. One of the biggest signs that there is an alcoholism problem is denial. Many people constantly deny that they even have a problem, even though they are showing all the signs of alcohol dependency. Another sign of alcoholism is the inability to control how much alcohol you drink. Many alcoholics begin to drink secretly as well. Other signs of alcoholism include irritability, gulping down alcoholic beverages, keeping alcohol in strange places, losing interest in other activities, and building up a tolerance and needing more and more alcohol to feel satisfied.

Dangers of Alcoholism

There are many dangers to alcohol addiction and they can be both physical and mental as well. The dangers can be both short term and long term and the longer you keep drinking, the more likely you are to put yourself in danger. Some of the short term dangers of alcoholism include double vision, blacking out, mood swings, problems with coordination, problems with making decisions, reduced mental alertness, and slurred speech. There are many physical long term dangers as well, including liver disease, heart disease, ulcers, brain damage, and even circulatory problems. Alcoholism can also cause mental problems like depression, which can be very dangerous as well.

Recovering from Alcoholism

While it may seem like you have no options available, there are actually many treatment options available for alcohol dependency. The first step to recovering from alcoholism is to recognize that you do have a problem and that you need some outside help to help you overcome this addiction. Once you realize that you need help, you have a variety of different options available to you. There are counselors available, intervention programs, and aversion programs available too. You can choose between a residential program and a non-residential program; however, usually the residential programs have the best results, since it keeps you away from alcohol while you are trying to recover. Many programs will not cost you anything, and you can get the help you need for free.