ALCOHOL IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM
For most people who drink, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Recommended alcohol use is up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or can of either beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.) Nonetheless, a large number of people get into serious trouble because of their drinking. Currently, millions of people abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems. These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a regular basis.
The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious-in many cases, life threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, oesophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking.
WHAT IS ALCOHOLISM?
Alcoholism, also known as "alcohol dependence," and it is a habit that includes four symptoms:
Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
Loss of Control: The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.
Physical Dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to "get high."
People who are not alcoholic sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can't just "use a little willpower" to stop drinking. However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful "craving," or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking. This need can be as strong as the need for food or water.
Although some people are able to change their habit from alcoholism to a healthier lifestyle without help, the majority of alcoholics need assistance. With treatment and support, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
Many people wonder why some individuals can use alcohol without problems but others cannot. Some would say that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely that if you choose to drink you too may develop alcoholism. That basically is the easiest excuse of all and is a far from the whole story. A person's risk for developing alcoholism can increase based on the person's environment, including where and how he or she lives; family, friends, and culture; peer pressure; etc. and even how easy it is to get alcohol.
WHAT IS ALCOHOL ABUSE?
Alcohol Abuse differs from Alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence. Alcohol Abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:
Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities.
Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery;
" Having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk.
Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking.
Although alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism, many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A PROBLEM?
How can you tell whether you may have a drinking problem? Answering the following four questions can help you find out:
1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
One "yes" answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. If you answered "yes" to more than one question, it is highly likely that a problem exists. In either case, it is recommended that you see your doctor or other health care provider to discuss your answers to these questions. He or she can help you determine whether you have a drinking problem and, if so, recommend the best course of action.
Even if you answered "no" to all of the above questions, if you encounter drinking-related problems with your job, relationships, health, or the law, you should seek help. The effects of alcohol abuse can be extremely serious-even fatal both to you and to others.
THE DECISION TO GET HELP
Accepting the fact that help is needed for an alcohol problem IS NOT easy. But keep in mind that the sooner you get help, the better are your chances for a successful recovery.
Any concerns you may have about discussing drinking-related problems with your doctor may stem from common misconceptions about alcoholism and alcoholic people. In our society, the myth prevails that an alcohol problem is a sign of moral weakness. As a result, you may feel that to seek help is to admit some type of shameful defect in yourself. In fact, alcoholism is a habit that is no more a sign of weakness than smoking. Taking steps to identify a possible drinking problem has an enormous payoff, a chance for a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle.
When you visit your doctor, he or she will ask you a number of questions about your alcohol use to determine whether you are having problems related to your drinking. Answer these questions as fully and honestly as you can. You might be given a physical examination. If your doctor concludes that you may be dependent on alcohol, he or she may recommend that you see a specialist in treating alcoholism. You should be involved in any referral decisions and have all treatment choices explained to you.
