Alcoholism Facts

Alcoholism facts can help you understand the dangers of this disease. Alcoholism progresses without treatment, and this is why it is important for you to know how detrimental and fatal it can be.

Knowing alcoholism facts can help a loved one or yourself.

The following are some important alcoholism facts that provide you with a better understanding of the risks of this disease.

Many people do not consider alcohol to be a drug because it is widely used and legal. People drink during social events, with family and after work to relax. Due to this carefree use of alcohol, some people don't realize that when you consume alcohol it alters your physiology as well as mental health. This results in a reduction of motor skills, judgment and reasoning and other skills that could put someone who drinks in danger.

Many people view alcohol abuse and alcoholism as the same problem. However, alcohol abuse is not a disease, it's a condition. Someone characterized as alcohol abuser knows that drinking alcohol interferes with work and relationships yet continues to drink. Many people who suffer from alcoholism begin with alcohol abuse.

People who suffer from alcoholism drink excessively for a prolonged amount of time. These people have a physical dependence on alcohol. This means they experience cravings as well as withdrawal symptoms from cutting down on consumption. People with alcoholism also lose control of their drinking and develop a high tolerance, meaning they need a progressively larger amount to achieve the same effects from the alcohol. Alcoholism is considered a disease because scientists have discovered that some individuals are more susceptible to alcoholism than others are because they carry a specific gene for the disease.

People who suffer from alcoholism usually do so by progressing through stages.

• Stage 1

The person drinks to pacify problems and elevate mood. After finding out that drinking helps, the person starts using it more often and tolerance increases.

• Stage 2

The person starts craving alcohol and will drink more alcohol more often. This person will start to drink during impromptu times such as early in the morning, while on a break at work or at night during normal sleeping hours because he or she has started losing control. This is the stage when work, relationships and finances begin to suffer.

• Stage 3

Drinking alcohol has completely taken over the person's life. The body becomes dependent on alcohol and is not able to function normally without some alcohol in his or her system. Detrimental physical and mental health effects of alcohol begin and escalate in this final stage of alcoholism.

The withdrawal symptoms for alcoholism are much more severe and longer in duration than someone who is experiencing a "hangover". Alcoholism withdrawal symptoms include:

• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Convulsions
• Vomiting or nausea
• Sweating
• Increase in heart rate
• Involuntary movements

Many people need medical attention due to their physical dependence on the drug. Due to the severity of these symptoms, many people return to drinking for relief.

Alcoholism is a curable disease, but people with alcoholism can suffer from many medical problems if not treated. These include:

• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Susceptibilty to certain types of cancers
• Malnutrition and vitamin deficiency
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Irreversible damage to vital organs
• Brain damage
• Heart failure
• Gastritis and pancreatitis

Individuals who suffer from alcoholism usually will not be able to stop drinking without assistance. This assistance includes medical attention, counseling to understand the causes of excessive drinking and support to stay alcohol-free. You may consider using a support group for alcoholics as well. You can meet others going through the same experience and find a sponsor who can help you get through the cravings.

Take time to read more alcoholism facts in the following articles:

Alcoholism Statistics

Facts on Alcoholism

Alcoholism Facts

You or your loved one can recover from alcoholism. Seek out treatment as soon as you or your loved one exhibits the signs of alcoholism because the health effects can be fatal!

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