Do you have someone you know that refuses to admit they have a drinking problem but have all the indicators say that alcohol is the root of the major problems in their life? Do they have egular or constant cravings for alcohol? Are they unable to limit or stop the amount of alcohol they consume? These are both red flags that this person may be suffering from a disease called alcoholism. It is a disease that is chronic in nature. It is one that can have severe health, financial and relationship consequences.
There is usually denial on the part of the drinker that a true problem exists concerning alcohol and health issues, financial problems or relationship issues that are a result of the drinking habits. Anybody with a disease that effects their thinking is going to make bad decisions. They may try to ignore the problem out of embarrassment or for other reasons. They will likely going to fight against getting help if doing so means doing without the thing they crave the most – alcohol.
An person can actually have a desire to stop or at least want to limit the consumption but not be able to do so without help. If that individual is a male, there may be a higher probability that there will be a lag time between when he recognises he needs help and when he will accept the idea that he must actively consent to the help. This isn’t different from other situations when it comes to admitting that there might be a “disease” involved. Although it is common that males have a difficult time asking for medical help, female drinkers can also have difficulty time asking for help. The act of admitting the fact that they may have a disease when it comes to alcohol consumption is hard to accept. Alcohol addiction involves a drug and the drug is alcohol. This is a very addictive drug and addictions can be very difficult to beat.
Individuals that associate with the drinker might feel it far easier to find fault with the drinker for the problems that come up as a result of the drinking instead of being able to have compassion for a person suffering from a disease. If an individual has physical symptoms like paralysis or an amputee, it is easier to see why the person is in need of medical intervention and healing. But, when the disease is not as obvious, it is harder to have compassion for the sufferer. Those who have a friend or loved one suffering from alcoholism must look beyond the raised glass in order to see and understand the disease.
Alcoholism treatment starts with distinguishing the signs and symptoms, getting past the denial stage, and realizing that the truth must be told. Once this happens, one can begin the medical treatment and psychological counseling which are the usual combination that is involved when treating the individual with alcoholism.
Signs and symptoms of alcoholism:
Intense Cravings for alcohol that can’t be denied
A strong want to drink at certain times or after common events (like after dinner)
The experiences of necessitating more alcohol than previously in order to achieve the same level of inebriation that brings with it a sense of “normalcy” or “good feeling”. This is called tolerance.
The ability to consume large quantities of alcohol rapidly without appearing to be intoxicated
Having “blackouts” in which the individual is unable to remember conversations or commitments made while drinking
A lack of interest in activities or hobbies that were important to the person prior to the increase in alcohol consumption