Alcoholism is when the body becomes physically dependent to alcohol. An individual who suffers from alcoholism becomes obsessed and loses control over the amount of alcohol he consumes. This could be a long term problem and many people struggle from quitting. Since drinking is so common, it’s not always easy to determine if someone crosses the line between what is social drinking and problem drinking.
The alcohol treatment center professionals define alcoholism as a process that develops gradually. It can take from a few years to several decades until it interferes with the daily life of a heavy drinker. Eventually with regular consumption, it disrupts the balance in the brain that causes the urge to drink daily. Some of the factors linked to excessive drinking are genes, stress, peer drinking, depression and how the body metabolizes alcohol. In the long run, excessive drinking can alter the brain chemicals making a person’s body crave liquor to feel good.
The alcohol treatment experts also mention the signs of alcoholism. They stated that if someone always feels the need to drink alcohol and it becomes the center activity of his life, then he is definitely abusing the consumption of alcohol. Despite the health issues related to overly consuming liquor, still he chooses to drink. Some of the warning signs of alcoholism are: poor eating habits, hiding alcohol from family and friends, depression, and drinking more than usual.
According to the alcohol rehab treatment center alcoholism damages one’s emotional solidity, destroys relationship, affects career or job, and finances. It can also cause some serious health complications, affecting the brain and other organs on the body. The most common illnesses are liver disease, cirrhosis, high blood pressure, stomach problems and heart failure. Liquor is a depressant, so heavy consumption not only affects our health but it can also affect us mentally. Liquor alters brain chemistry and it can disrupt the balance between our thoughts, actions, feelings, and in the long run our mental health. Alcoholism is always linked to suicide, self-harm, and aggressive behavior.
At the end of the day the alcohol treatment center offers help to everyone who is under the influence of alcoholism, they are accepting anyone who has problem and anyone who is seeking help that is necessary for a first step to cutting back on excessively consuming alcohol. Some people deny that they have an alcoholism problem and deceive themselves that they don’t need to seek help.
If an individual is having a hard time quitting then it is better to seek professional help from the experts. Many effective options are available at alcohol treatment centers or rehab programs. Individuals are helped by counselling experts, nurses, doctors and psychiatrist.
If you have these signs of alcoholism, treating alcohol abuse is not an overnight process. It is a gradual process that requires determination, commitment, and help of alcohol treatment centers.