Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a very serious, powerful, and potentially fatal disease. Alcoholism has been one of the most baffling afflictions since the beginning of recorded history. Alcohol has the ability to provide a sense of ease and comfort from care, boredom, and worry. It is used by many as a social lubricant and allows social drinkers to let loose and have a good time. However, for some, social drinking turns into Alcoholic drinking and there's no turning back. Alcoholism begins to take over and completely consumes the problem drinker. It dominates their life and becomes too powerful for an individual to overcome by themselves. Though Alcoholism is a much more complex topic, we will identify the key elements so that you can better understand if you are, in fact, dealing with an Alcoholic. There are very few ways to treat Alcoholism; however, if the proper methods of intervention, treatment, and recovery are put into action the results can be very successful.
You can see Alcohol Intervention to learn about the details of the intervention process.
Alcoholism as a disease. Alcoholism was first classified as a disease in 1956 by the American Medical association. It was declared a disease after many long years of trying different methods to keep these "problem drinkers" from consuming alcohol. It was falsely assumed, for hundreds of years prior, that these "Alcoholics" were just bad people who refused to play by the rules and insisted on rebellion from authority. People have always said things like "why don't you just stop drinking?", or "if you would only apply your will power you would be able to stop or moderate your drinking!", "why don't you stop for your families sake?" Much to the Alcoholics dismay, defeating Alcoholism is not that simple.
The physical reaction. The first and possibly the most misunderstood element of Alcoholism is the physical reaction to alcohol that separates the Alcoholic from the non-Alcoholic. When an Alcoholic ingests any alcohol what-so-ever into their system they develop "the phenomenon of craving" which makes it virtually impossible for the Alcoholic to control how much alcohol they consume. Their physical body craves the Alcohol. It is at this point that the Alcoholic begins drinking to overcome this craving which is stronger than any amount of will power. In nearly all cases the Alcoholic is not aware that this is happening to them and they are often the last ones to find out that their drinking has become uncontrollable.
The mental obsession. By dictionary definition, a mental obsession is an idea, thought, or image that one cannot get out of their mind. This applies to the way that an alcoholic thinks about drinking. This is one of the most baffling features of Alcoholism. Even if a person afflicted with Alcoholism has been separated from alcohol for a period of time, the mental obsession stays with them and they continuously think about drinking. They often become consumed by thoughts of planning ways to drink alcohol successfully. This ultimately drives them back to drinking and unless their Alcoholism is treated it will continue to dominate their life.
The unmanageable life of an Alcoholic. In the beginning stages of Alcoholism the Alcoholic might be able to maintain a job, a home, and a social life. Usually they are very bright people who appear to have either been very successful or have a tremendous amount of potential. Unfortunately, with Alcoholics, the traditional pattern is that the drinking takes much more serious proportions over time and commonly becomes the driving force in their life. Their entire existence becomes about how they can get the next drink and when this level of alcoholism has begun to develop the Alcoholic will have a very hard time keeping a stable job, being self supporting, maintaining healthy relationships, up keeping a positive social life, and many times they will loose the drive they once had to be successful. Unfortunately, the people closest to the Alcoholic (the family, friends, and loved ones) are the ones who are impacted in the most emotionally draining manner.
The withdrawal symptoms of Alcoholism. Some of the physical and withdrawal symptoms of Alcoholism are listed as follows:
- Physical dependency
- Loss of control
- Tolerance (needing to drink higher volumes of alcohol over time to get the same effect. In very late stages of Alcoholism, due to liver disease, their tolerance drops)
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Shakiness
- Profuse Sweating - Hot/Cold sweats
- Delirium Tremens (aka "The DT's"). The symptoms of "The DT's" include confusion, disorientation and agitation. Other common symptoms include intense hallucinations such as visions of insects, snakes, or rats.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
Treatment for Alcoholism is typically a 3 step process.
- Alcoholism Intervention - Alcoholism intervention is an orchestrated attempt by one, or often many, (usually family and friends in conjunction with a professional interventionist) to get someone to seek professional help with their alcoholism. To learn more about this, visit Alcohol Intervention.
- Alcoholism Treatment - Once the Alcoholic decides to accept help through an intervention, they are then transported to a treatment facility that specializes in rehabilitating alcoholics.
- Recovery from Alcoholism - After your loved one completes the treatment program they then move back into the world and begin their recovery. They learn how to live life completely free from alcohol addiction and learn how to be okay with themselves. Once the Alcoholic adopts this new way of life they go on to lead happy and productive lives and learn how to stay sober through everything. Good and Bad.
If this sounds like the person you are dealing with please contact us immediately. In 9 cases out of 10 the Alcoholic does not have the faintest idea how to ask for help or who to turn to for direction. They feel an over powering sense of humiliation, weakness, and failure. This paralyzes any desire they have to ask for help in rising above there Alcoholism. They often need help to be presented to them and the most effective way to do that is through an intervention.
