Adult Resources
Alcohol Dependence
High levels of alcohol consumption can lead to physical illness and psychological and social distress. In moderation, it can be the elixir which loosens parties and helps a shy person to overcome inhibitions. The increasing use of alcohol, along with other drugs of abuse, is a serious public health problem across all ages, especially the young.
Alcohol dependence is a chronic disease that is often progressive and fatal. It is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Often alcohol dependence remains undetected for years. Both the availability of alcohol and the way it is used (the social patterns) appear to be major factors in influencing the likelihood of a person becoming alcohol dependent. Symptoms are :-
(a) Craving for alcohol
(b) Inability to reduce or stop alcohol consumption
(c) Withdrawal symptoms when stopping alcohol consumption
(d) Increased tolerance of alcohol
You may have a problem with alcohol if you answer yes to any of the following :-
- Drinking in the morning
- Drinking alone
- Drinking to feel socially comfortable
- Drinking to the point of intoxication
- Drinking that results in blackouts or memory loss
- Drinking that results in injuries, accidents, or aggressive behavior
- Drinking to deal with pressure or emotional problems
- Getting drunk regularly
- Using alcohol heavily in risky situations
- Your professional or school work has suffered
- You plan your day around drinking
- You feel guilty about your drinking
- Alcohol is the most commonly used and widely abused psychoactive drug
- Alcohol has been found to reduce one's life expectancy up to 10 years.
- Children of alcoholics are four times more likely to become alcoholics than children of non-alcoholics.
- Rates of alcohol problems are highest among adults ages 18-29.
- More men than women are alcohol dependent.
- Alcohol can harm virtually every organ in the body
- Alcohol is the single most important cause of death from liver disease
- Alcohol depresses the immune system
- Alcohol is associated with cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and hypertension
- Alcohol can damage the brain and nervous system
- Alcohol is a depressant
- Alcohol damages relationships
- Alcohol causes financial problems and problems with the law.
The difficulty of treating alcoholism should not be under estimated. Those who have become alcohol dependent generally require help from others to stop drinking, which could include detoxification, medical treatment, counseling and/or self-help group support. Some other suggestions are contacting your local hospital, AA group, or drug rehabilitation center regarding possible treatment services. Treatments for alcohol abuse are usually intensive. Inpatient treatment used to be common, but is now usually limited to detoxification. Don't fear the intensity and time commitment of these treatments - this is a serious problem that requires a serious treatment.
Relapse Prevention
Once you have stopped drinking, staying away from alcohol takes effort. To avoid relapse :-
(a) Maintain regular social support through AA or other support systems.
(b) Know situations that increase your risk of drinking and avoid them.
(c) Don't try to see how much temptation you can handle. Avoid high risk situations.
(d) If you slip, take it seriously. Seek support and help immediately. Restart abstinence from alcohol.
Mental Health and Alcoholism
Mental health problems are common with alcoholism. One tends to reinforce the other. Depression is a common cause of alcoholism. The depressed person seeks a way out of his problems or from lack of sleep. But, alcohol is itself a depressant. Anxiety can be temporarily relieved by alcohol, but this may lead to repeated intake and dependence. Without adequate attention to the mental health needs of a person with alcohol dependence, little progress will be made during the treatment process.
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