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Alcoholism
(Alcohol Dependence · Alcohol Use · Alcohol Abuse)
Most people will know deep down whether they are controlling their drinking or their drinking is controlling them. If you sometimes feel guilty about the amount you drink, there's a good chance you may have a problem.
Other warning signs of alcohol use disorder include:
getting annoyed when others suggest you drink less
drinking even when you know it could have bad consequences (e.g., at work)
having a drink in the morning to prepare you for your day
regularly drinking more than you planned at social occasions
hiding alcohol at home or at work
drinking alone or in secret
losing interest in activities and hobbies you used to enjoy
often attempting to decrease alcohol use
craving alcohol
using alcohol in hazardous situations
If you think you or someone you love may be at risk for alcohol use disorder, seek help. A variety of resources are available to you.
Treating and Preventing Alcoholism
A few people suffer serious physical problems when they try to quit alcohol. Hallucinations and delirium tremens, which most people regard as symptoms of intoxication, are in fact caused by sudden sobriety. Fear, confusion, fever, and high heart rate are just some of the symptoms seen in those addicted to alcohol who have a severe physical reaction when the drug is no longer present in their system. Hospital care and antianxiety medication can help ease the physical effects during this stage of withdrawal.
For most people who quit, the greatest danger is a return to alcohol consumption (relapse).
Getting a loved one to seek help for alcohol dependence can be difficult, since denial of the problem is common and is related to the cognitive changes associated with the illness. You may need to raise the subject more than once, and you may need to involve friends and family members in the discussion to show the extent of your concerns. It's best to approach the subject in a calm way, without accusations and with a focus on care and support for the person involved. Rather than speaking in a generalized way, point to specific behaviours and events that have caused the concern.
Be aware that a variety of effective interventions exist to treat alcoholism. Some people will be able to change their rate of alcohol consumption, or quit altogether, simply by having had the devastating effects of their behaviour pointed out to zthem by someone they trust. Unfortunately, interventions by family and friends are sufficient in only a minority of cases.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide a beneficial option. Known for its 12-step program, this international organization can provide significant value for many people through self-help and peer support. For more information, look for AA online.
Alternatively, many communities have access to various publicly supported alcohol dependence programs, and many private programs exist as well. Talk to your health care professional to find out what types of services are available.
Several medications may also help when used in combination with other forms of treatment. These medications work in different ways. Some suppress the urge to drink (e.g., naltrexone*), some cause uncomfortable physical reactions if alcohol is consumed (e.g., disulfiram), and some ease the physical symptoms of the withdrawal process (e.g., diazepam, clonidine).
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Alcoholism
