What is Alcohol Abuse?
August 25, 2011 in Tobacco & Alcohol Issues
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking resulting in social, medical or financial problems. With alcohol abuse, you fail to fulfill responsibilities at work, school or home. You may engage in dangerous drinking situations, such as drinking while driving. You may experience legal problems associated with alcohol use, but continue drinking despite problems. Alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol dependence.
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a severe form of alcohol abuse. It results from alcohol use that is excessive (abuse) and continuous. It is a chemical dependency due to a craving that the alcoholic cannot control easily. The preoccupation with drinking is extreme. Behavior, when drunk and sober, typically interferes with the individuals personal, family, social and work life. Alcoholism, if allowed to progress, may lead to severe health problems, accidents and possibly death. The perceived need to drink more and more is not uncommon. If abruptly stopped, a withdrawal syndrome with symptoms such as nausea, perspiration, shakiness/jitteriness and anxiety will occur.
Is alcoholism a disease?
Yes, alcoholism is a disease. The craving for alcohol can be as strong as the desire for food or water.
What if I have a family history of alcoholism?
Alcoholism runs in families. If you have a parent who is an alcoholic, you are about 4 times more likely to become an alcoholic than an individual with parents who are not alcoholics. However, alcoholism is not necessarily passed genetically from generation to generation. More than one-half of children of alcoholics do not become alcoholics. Ultimately, there are many factors that lead to someone becoming an alcoholic.
Can alcoholism be cured?
No. The risk of suffering a relapse, even after years of no drinking, always exists.
Can alcoholism be treated?
Yes, alcoholism can be treated with drugs and counseling. Treatment has helped millions of alcoholics stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
