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Facts About Alcoholism That Patients, As Well As Relatives, Ought To Know

What are the effects of Alcohol Addiction?

Is alcohol considered a drug?

Facts About Alcoholism That Patients, As Well As Relatives, Ought To Know

By David Richards

Knowing the fundamental facts about alcoholism is crucial in order for a person to have a clearer understanding of the disease of alcoholism in the first instance. By comprehending the basic, elementary drug or alcoholism facts, you will be more able to access assistance and deal with alcoholism should you ever be in a position in your own life when that becomes necessary - either for yourself or for someone you know and care about.

So, how do we define alcoholism? Basically, alcoholism is defined as a disease that is characterized by the presence of four primary symptoms in most cases:

* when alcohol is consumed the patient loses control

* the patient has a strong craving alcohol

* the patient develop an increased tolerance of alcohol over time

* the patient is physical dependent of alcohol

Is alcoholism really a disease? Most of the researchers and experts do consider alcoholism to be a disease. These researchers and medical practitioners seem to agree that the underlying symptom of this disease is a craving or need for alcohol consumption. The craving for alcohol itself can be as powerful and as intense as the need for food and water. The nature of this disease is such that a person will keep drinking alcohol even though he or she experiences extreme problems physically, mentally, emotionally, legally and socially.

Can alcoholism really be cured? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Alcoholism is a chronic illness that can be controlled but not cured. One of the most prominent of the alcoholism facts to keep is that the disease of alcoholism can be managed through treatment and through a responsible and reasonable relapse prevention plan.

If you wonder whether alcoholism can be treated, the answer is much more positive. As I mentioned above, there are alcoholism treatment options available to people who are suffering from the disease of alcoholism.

There have been many discussions whether alcoholism treatment works or not. Although facts about alcoholism tell us that a large part of treated and restored patients, start to consume alcohol after a while and often repeat this pattern several times, many alcohol addicts are restored and are living normal lives for long periods. So the answer is yes. Research and facts about alcoholism show that the key to a successful treatment and a sustainable recovery, is that the the patient is willing to live a healthy and sober life by making the effort necessary to make it possible.

David Richards is a publisher of alcoholism facts and articles. You can go to alcoholism treatment for more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Richards
 

Is Alcohol Considered A Drug?

By Bill Urell

Alcohol is often mentioned in one breath with drugs, especially when the subject is abuse or addiction. More often, alcohol is referred to as a separate substance and in fact, its abuse is often discussed separately from that of drugs. But can alcohol be considered a drug?

Drug defined

If a textbook definition is used, a drug may be defined as a substance that has an effect on living cells and their function and is also used for medical purposes for the diagnosis, prevention and cure of disorders and diseases. As such, alcohol may not be considered as a drug since it is not used directly to effect a cure. However, it is also a substance that can have similar effects to drugs to disinfect, act as an analgesic, a tranquilizer or rarely, a stimulant.

The link between alcohol and drugs

Alcohol is said to possibly be a contributor to health as some are some drugs, but alcohol, like some drugs can be addictive. When used in moderate amounts, alcohol has been said to improve cardiovascular health. However, health experts discourage non-drinkers to start drinking alcohol for the sole reason of benefiting the heart. They recommend that other methods such as exercising and eating a good diet, should be considered as the first line of defense.

As an addictive substance, alcohol can be as bad as drugs. Alcohol abuse and addiction, often referred in general terms as alcoholism, is a common problem in many communities, able to cut across economic and social barriers. It also produces a physical dependence and when it does, it becomes a chronic disease. The use of too much alcohol, like drugs, can also increase tolerance and produce withdrawal symptoms.

Like drugs, alcoholism can lead to family, health and social problems. It's not uncommon for alcoholics to destroy family and social relationships, lose their jobs or turn to illegal activities in order to support their habit. It also causes health problems that are potentially life threatening, such as liver cirrhosis and cancer.

The danger of alcohol

Alcohol affects different people in different ways, and for some that may be trouble. Some individuals, for example, are more prone to suffer from the effects of alcohol compared to others who drink the same amount. However, the danger of using alcohol cannot be emphasized enough. The devastating effect of alcoholism on families and society is well documented and recognized.

Alcohol use is also often discouraged in pregnant women, older people, individuals who have heart diseases and hypertension and those who are taking certain medications. Alcohol, like drugs, not only produces physical dependence, it also promotes neurochemical conditioning, where an individual develops a tolerance to the substance, encouraging him to use alcohol in increasing amounts. Alcohol can also change an individual's perception in its true benefits, allowing a person to think that alcohol is needed in order for them to function socially and emotionally.

Getting help for alcohol addiction or abuse

Once the problem with alcohol addiction or abuse is acknowledged and accepted, the road to recovery may begin. There are plenty of local and national treatment centers and resources that may be tapped for help, either as a source of information or as a means for rehabilitation.

There are several approaches to the treatment of alcoholism, depending on how it is viewed. However, most treatments tend to focus on encouraging people to stop alcohol intake. It is often supplemented by social networking and group supports, along with life training, to effectively help alcoholics from using alcohol again.

Since alcohol, like drugs, often involves a combination of factors that lead to misuse and addiction, these factors are often considered first before a course of treatment is prescribed. It is often more effective in helping in alcohol treatment and in preventing future relapses.

Pick up your Free Recovery Rolodex, Over 97 pages of self help and recovery tips, resources and links to enhance your life in addiction recovery and enhance your life free of addictions. Join our growing community. The author, Bill Urell MA.CAAP-II, is an addictions therapist at a leading addiction treatment center. He teaches healthy life styles and life skills. Visit: http://AddictionRecoveryBasics.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Urell

By Gabriel J. Adams

Alcohol addiction has wide-ranging effects that encompass all aspects of the addict's life. Some of the potential effects of alcohol addiction could include:

Physical effects - Pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, insulin resistance, alcoholic dementia, nutritional deficiencies, heart disease and in extreme cases; death.

Economic effects - Loss of employment and the subsequent financial problems that follow as a result.

Social effects - Social alienation due to unacceptable social behavior, marital conflict and divorce.

Legal consequences - Alcohol addicts often get into trouble with the law either because of public disorder or because of drunk driving.

Alcohol addiction affects not only the addict but also the addict's entire family who could experience consequences that range from neglect to domestic violence to spouse and children.

Alcohol Treatment

Abruptly discontinuing the use of alcohol could result in severe symptoms including convulsions, hallucinations, seizures and shakes. In severe cases it could cause heart failure and even death. Because of the critical nature of the symptoms, it is recommended that withdrawal issues should necessarily be controlled by a supervised detox.

Treatment for cessation of alcohol abuse typically includes managing the physical symptoms and bringing about behavioral changes. This is done by various therapeutic treatments ranging from medications to psychotherapy.

Antabuse and Natltrexone are two of the commonly used medications in the treatment of alcohol addiction. Antabuse works by creating an adverse reaction when alcohol is ingested and Natltrexone decreases the physical cravings of alcohol. Long term use of folate and vitamin B12 are often recommended to help overcome the damaging effects of chronic alcohol use on the liver.

Alcohol addicts can face a lifelong struggle in their effort to stay sober and relapse is a strong possibility on the long road to sobriety. Unlike drug addiction, where it is often more difficult to obtain the drugs, alcohol is easily available and it is easier for a recovering addict to fall back into the habit of alcohol abuse. Often even one drink at a social occasion can trigger off the addiction. Several professionals hold the view that relapse is part of the learning process and is something that an addict has to go through to finally attain full abstinence from their addiction.

Social support and life training offer recovering addicts much needed support and are indispensable components of alcohol addiction treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous is one such organization that is committed to helping alcoholics beat their addiction and lead normal lives.

Please visit Drug and Alcohol Recovery for Women Texas and Recovering From Domestic Abuse - Recovery

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams

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