TREATMENT OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION
Addiction, in the general sense refers to a situation where a person is unnecessarily obsessed
with, or dependent on a substance or activity, such that if the person is deprived access from
such a substance or barred from taking part in that activity, unusual unpleasant symptoms
may be experienced. In worst case scenarios, the normal way in which the addict’s body
functions may be disrupted and sometimes death may occur.
Based on this general idea, it is reasonable to imagine addiction in very broad terms, such
that the objects and elements of addiction cannot be ordinarily classified or listed. In other
words, a person can be addicted to almost any substance or activity under the sun; for
example drugs and alcoholic substances, the internet, sex, eating, and so on.
In the medical sense however, addiction is limited in scope. It describes a state where a
person longs and craves for drugs and other substances in ways that are not normal. These
cravings cannot be controlled or justified because the person’s normal psychology, and
sometimes their physiology, has been altered due to an overuse of such substances; so that a
time is reached when they come to believe that they need such substances to survive. They
may have to increase on dosage or volume in order to achieve the same perceived positive
effect which they did in the beginning, which is mostly an illusory state of calm, peace and
unusual happiness. For example, an alcoholic who became “high” on two bottles of beer in
the beginning of his alcoholism may need to consume more than ten bottles several years
later to attain maximum pleasure and satisfaction.
Alcohol addiction: Definition
Alcohol is a liquid product that is obtained when fruits are fermented. It is readily present, in
varying volumes, in hard liquor, wine, beer and even in some seemingly benign fruit drinks.
Alcohol is perhaps the most commonly and widely abused substance since the beginning of
time. It may yet hold the record after most of us are long gone. This widespread abuse can
be attributed to the substance’s relative inexpensiveness, and the ease by which it can be
obtained. Why, alcoholic beverages are present in, and sometimes an integral part of, almost
every home.
Alcohol addiction (or alcoholism) therefore refers to the consumption of alcoholic beverages
for long periods and in excess quantities. This inevitably leads to health failure, loss of life,
and a situation where the alcoholic cannot desist from the habit of drinking without
experiencing severe unpleasant conditions known as withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol addiction: Causes
According to scientists and experts in medical research, there are three main factors that
predispose a person to becoming an alcoholic:
a. Genetic factors: It has been discovered that children who are born to
alcoholic parents are four times more likely to become alcoholic themselves
when they become adults and choose to drink, than children who are born to
non-alcoholic parents. This still holds true even if the children are not raised
by their parents. The exact relationship between the genes and alcoholism is
yet unknown; however, research is still ongoing and a possible explanation
may be provided in the near future.
b. Environmental factors: People who live in areas where alcohol
consumption is rife and glorified are naturally more likely to pick up the
habit, than those living in saner places.
c. Psychological factors: This applies to people who indulge in alcohol
consumption in order to “escape” the problems of their present lives or past
traumatic experiences. Common tragic problems that may lead to alcohol
consumption and ultimately alcoholism include the loss of friends and loved
ones, unemployment, non-achievements of academic and political goals etc.
Alcohol addiction: Symptoms and Effects
Symptoms of alcohol addiction include sweating and blackouts, mood swings and
depressions, inability to sleep, anxiety. In chronic cases, symptoms may also include extreme
tiredness, hallucinations and loss of memory, problems with erection, and others.
In the long-term, though, the effects of alcohol addiction are more serious and far reaching,
affecting both the individual involved and the society at large. On the societal level, alcohol
can be directly or indirectly tied to nearly half of all murders, rapes, car crashes, other crimes
and even suicides that occur around the world. This is because in the state of mental
“high” which alcohol induces, the alcoholic does not have absolute control of his faculties
and may tend to think and act in ways deviant from their normal behaviors.
On the individual level, alcohol addiction may lead to varying serious health problems such
as diseases of the heart and liver, cancer, brain damage and more. Generally, chronic alcohol
addicts have ten or more years less to live, than those who do not indulge in alcoholism.
Alcohol addiction: Treatment
Alcoholism, being the stealthy customer that it is, can happen to almost anyone. So do not
despair if you suddenly realize that somehow, over time, you or a loved one have become
alcoholic. The important thing is that, when you realize the state of your addiction, resist the
urge to try and face the problem alone, and do not feel that you are not strong enough to
change. Recovery from alcoholism is very possible with adequate social support and medical
intervention.
Social Support: When you finally accept the fact that you are an addict, and have made to
bold decision to try for change, the first place to seek help is naturally your family and
friends, especially when you belong to a close-knit family group and are encompassed by
responsible and trustworthy friends. Also you can interact with other alcoholics on the road
to recover by joining peer support groups.
Medical Intervention: It is advisable, also, that you see a therapist. There is no need to be
shy. During such visits, you should not be courageous enough to share your thoughts and
goals with your therapist. This way burdens will be lifted off your chest, and the therapist has
the opportunity to provide counseling, support and advice that could ease the pains of
recovery.
Also, to help with overcoming symptoms of withdrawal, you may have to employ the
services of professional medical personnel. This is because withdrawal from alcohol is not
just a physical process; it is largely psychological. It goes beyond the ordinary yearning for
alcohol; it’s what your body thinks it needs to remain in existence, so that even if you decide
to become sober, your body continually pressures, and turns your face towards the bottle.
After a while, your conviction may fail and you may be forced to go into relapse. In this case,
medical intervention is required.
It is hoped that these signs, symptoms, causes and effects, and methods of treatment of
alcohol addiction as discussed in this article, will not be taken for granted, but will be
employed to the benefit of people everywhere.