Alcoholism: Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, Treatment
When it comes to understanding alcoholism, it is important to recognize that it is not simply a matter of willpower or moral failing. It is a disease that affects the brain and behavior, and it requires professional help and support to overcome it. The impact of alcoholism is far-reaching, affecting not only the individual but also their loved ones and society as a whole.
Into Action is https://www.lite-editions.com/what-you-should-know-about-this-year-7/ an addiction treatment center specializing in personalized treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, conveniently located in Houston, Texas and led by experienced master’s level counselors and medical professionals. A person’s digestive system can be affected by heavy drinking in multiple ways. In the stomach, inflammation of the stomach lining can occur, as well as ulcers.
National Recovery Month
People may even bruise more easily because drinking interferes with bone marrow and the body’s production of platelets in the blood. It can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their age, gender, or background. Whether someone is young or old, male or female, rich or poor, they can be susceptible to the grip of alcohol addiction. Treatment for alcoholism often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support.
Is Alcoholism Genetic or Hereditary?
For information and availability regarding a particular program or service you are interested in, please contact us at How much and how often does a person have to drink in order to fit the definition of an alcoholic or as having AUD? You’re doing the right thing by researching the answers to that question, but take care with how you use the information. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, please know that help is available. Call us or reach out to us online today and take the first step towards a brighter, alcohol-free future. In addition to getting professional treatment and support, there are things that you can do to help feel better and improve your chances of recovery.
The Progression of Physical Signs
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, don’t hesitate to seek help. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the process, providing you with the tools and resources you need to regain control over your life. If you are in the pre-alcoholic or early alcoholic stage and are looking for ways to control your drinking, our ways to stop drinking guide may be helpful. Remember, it’s always better to seek help early and prevent the situation from getting worse.
Psychological Changes
However, in other countries, this same trend has been found to fade as individuals transition into adulthood 25, 26. It can be speculated to what extent our findings could be seen as an expression of feelings of guilt and shame in the context of early childhood trauma and mental illness because of insufficient coping with these. In this context, depressive patients try to control this through maladaptive “self-flagellation”, while patients with alcohol addiction try to suppress this through outwardly misdirected defense mechanisms. The long-term health risks of alcoholism are severe, including an increased risk of liver disease, heart problems, certain cancers, and brain function deterioration. Even “functional” alcoholics cannot escape the physical toll over time. Seeking professional treatment through comprehensive detox and rehabilitation programs is crucial to regain control and prevent irreversible damage.
Even diet-conscious alcoholic beverages like vodka sodas can lead to disproportionate belly weight if you drink enough of them. Over time, heavy drinking can lead to more serious oral problems like gum disease, tooth decay, mouth sours, and oral cancer. Chronic dehydration dries out skin, hair, and nails from the inside out. This makes strands and nails more prone to breakage, split ends, and https://cheapraybans.us/author/cheapraybans/ peeling.
- Alcoholism is a chronic health concern just like heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Chronic dehydration dries out skin, hair, and nails from the inside out.
- In addition, some alcoholic beverages, such as wine and beer, are high in calories, so regular consumption of these drinks can lead to weight gain.
- In everyday life, the main aim is to avoid these emotions, as they are often attributed as something unpleasant 3.
- Visit the alcohol detox section on our website to learn more about the first steps in the journey to sobriety.
- Alcoholism causes a range of bone problems, from thinning bones to an increased risk of breaks.
They may blame their drinking on a long week at work or a difficult patch they’re going through in their relationship. Whatever the occasion to celebrate or the tragedy to commiserate, a person who suffers from alcoholism typically has a reason why they can’t forgo a drink at the moment. Prioritizing https://www.mizote.info/san-bernardino-dui-lawyers/ alcohol may be the most obvious characteristic of an alcoholic.
The social character of these two emotions is made clear by the fact that they occur primarily in interactions with other people. In everyday life, the main aim is to avoid these emotions, as they are often attributed as something unpleasant 3. However, guilt and shame are important and universal social emotions that fundamentally shape the way people interact with each other 4. For example, feelings of shame are attributed a relevance for interpersonal coexistence or protection of self-integrity 5. Feelings of guilt can strengthen feelings of community, as both emotions, when expressed appropriately, have a protective and relationship-regulating character.
Alcohol hepatitis can lead to liver failure and can also gradually damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is when normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which causes the liver to lose its ability to function well. Medications, psychotherapy, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and even online communities geared toward “gray-area drinkers” can help.