Alcohol addiction is medically diagnosed as a disease which results in the frequent use of alcohol, despite the negative consequences it has on a person’s life. Many people also refer to alcoholism as a compulsive preoccupation with alcohol and the inability to recognize the negative effects it has on their life. Alcohol abuse causes over 100,000 deaths every year in the United States and Canada. It is the leading cause of death in teenagers due to alcohol related motor vehicle accidents.
It is often apparent that a person suffers from alcoholism when both their mental and physical health suffers as a direct result of their drinking. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are more likely to engage in sexually risky behavior, experiment with other illegal drugs, experience a decrease in job and scholastic performance and use tobacco products. Long term heavy drinking is also extremely difficult on a person’s physical health. It has been known to damage the liver, nervous system, heart and the brain. It also contributes to high blood pressure, sexual problems, cancer, stomach problems and osteoporosis. Alcoholism often causes severe social consequences on a person’s life as well. Being drunk or hung over at work frequently results in termination from a job, leaving a person in severe financial trouble. Domestic violence, marital conflict and isolation from friends and family are common results of alcohol abuse.
Drinking patterns are not the same for every alcoholic. While some people get drunk every day, others binge drink at specific times depending on their emotional state.
Although we do not know the specific reason this disease develops, we are aware of several contributing factors. Genetic predisposition, environment, and mental health are the leading risk factors for developing this disease. Common symptoms of an alcohol problem include blackouts, a change in personality, work and family problems, legal trouble and a lack of interest in activities that were once a priority.
Alcohol detoxification is significantly more risky than other drugs. It is the only drug that a person can die from as a direct result of withdrawal. Generally, medical detoxification is needed to discontinue heavy drinking. A sudden discontinuation of alcohol consumption can often induce a condition known as delirium tremens. Symptoms include hallucinations, convulsions, seizures, tremors, and possible heart failure. This is the result of a lack of alcohol and GABA in the system, causing synapses in the body to fire with no control.
Alcohol and drug abuse is often used to medicate and numb the pain of an emotional issue, which a person may or may not even be aware of. It is common for an alcoholic to have a dual diagnosis of depression, perpetuating the drug abuse even further. Although alcoholism is a terrible and often debilitating disease, effective treatment is available. Alcohol rehabilitation centers, twelve step meetings, support groups and individual therapy are just a few of the treatments options offered to those suffering from this disease. Once a person decides they are ready for help, an immense amount of support can be easily found in most communities.
[page updated February 2009]