About Alcoholism
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol where the sufferer cannot control their desire to consume alcohol even when the consequences of drinking too much arise. A person addictied to alcohl can be termed as an alcoholic. Alcoholism is recognised as a disease and can be caused by genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors.
Why can’t alcoholics stop?
Alcoholism is an addiction which grows slowly, working to defeat people gradually before they realise they have a problem. The greatest problem to overcome is denial. By the time this is addressed, the problem may have grown into a crisis, seemingly impossible to combat.
In order for recovery to produce effective results, it contains a series of areas which an alcoholic must address relating to problems of a physical, emotional and psychological nature. Only then, can improvement be assured and the crisis overcome.
Symptoms of alcohol abuse
Aside from the usual effects of alcohol, alcoholics will often suffer various more serious consequences.
Short Term
- blackouts
- slowed reaction times
- confusion
- inability to process thoughts properly
- sluggish behaviour
Long Term
- liver related diseases
- increased chance of cancer
- dymentia
- epilepsy
- nutritional deficiencies
- sexual disfunction
- death from above and other sources
Consequences of alcoholism
The chief emotion experienced through alcohol abuse is one of fear. Becoming addicted to alcohol is one of the most traumatic and frightening experiences an individual can have.
Alcohol is often the answer for many people when dealing with stressful or problematic situations. Alcohol can deny opportunity and rob people of their self-worth.
The sufferer needs to believe that there is life after alcohol – and a rewarding one at that.