Introduction
Many adults drink alcohol after work or during the holidays. Drinking can lift our spirits and change our mood. Alcohol is not only delicious, but it is also one of the best drinks because drinking it with someone makes it more exciting and enjoyable. However, drinking too much of them is bad for your body. Some people who drink alcohol regularly become alcoholics.
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is defined as the inability to stop drinking and an insatiable desire for alcohol. Alcoholics are terrified of quitting. They may engage in extreme behavior, such as stealing or hiding alcohol to obtain it or drinking alcohol-laced detergent. Depriving them of alcohol can cause agitation, an increased heart rate, nausea, seizures, and, in severe cases, death (Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford, 2019).
Examples of criteria for judging alcoholism
According to Juergens (2023), people may have alcoholism if any of the following apply to them:
- Drinking more alcohol than they want and for a longer period of time
- Continuing to consume alcohol despite the fact that it is having a negative impact on their bodies
- Being unable to perform tasks such as work or school due to alcoholism
- Having a very hard time stopping even if they want to quit drinking alcohol
- Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, and recovering from alcohol
What causes alcoholism?
Stress
People who experience a lot of stress at work, school, and so on, may drink a lot of alcohol to relieve stress.
Drinking habits from an early age
People who start drinking at a young age can become dependent on alcohol because their bodies become more tolerant of it.
Mental health issues
When we feel anxious or depressed and mentally unstable, we often rely on alcohol to relieve those feelings and become dependent.
Simultaneous use of drugs and alcohol
Some medicines can enhance the toxic effects of alcohol, so if we continue to take drugs and alcohol at the same time, we may become addicted.
Family history (Heredity)
When people have someone in their family who is an alcoholic, they start living the same lifestyle as them, which increases their dependence.
What effect does alcohol have on the human body?
Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022), excessive alcohol consumption worsens your health through the following:
- increased risk of cancer and other diseases
- high blood pressure
- decreased immunity to colds, illnesses, and injuries
- onset of dementia and poor academic performance due to the decline in learning ability and memory ability
- increased risk of accidents (traffic accidents, falls, drowning, etc.)
How can alcoholism be cured?
According to Nexus Recovery Services (2018), alcoholism can get better with treatment. However, not all treatment methods are the same, and each person is different, so it is important to consult a specialist doctor and choose the treatment method that is suitable for the individual.
Detox
Alcoholics must completely eliminate alcohol from their bodies by ceasing alcohol consumption. However, because the majority of them experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms during this time, they must work under the supervision of a doctor.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment
Addicts are treated after detoxification with repeated hospital visits or hospitalizations. Choose the most appropriate treatment method based on insurance coverage, work and family environment, and need for care.
Medicine
Unfortunately, there are no drugs that can directly cure alcoholism. However, doctors may offer medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms, cravings for alcohol, and anxiety, depending on the patient’s symptoms.
Conclusion
Although alcohol makes us feel good and comfortable, excessive consumption can have a number of negative effects on the body. Alcoholism is one of the most terrifying diseases because it is difficult to treat and because people who become addicted must live with it for a long time. These causes are influenced by stress and the living environment, so we should be able to live healthily without relying on alcohol by improving our surroundings.
References
Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford. (2019). What is the Definition of Alcoholism – Facts and Statistics. [online] Available at: <https://www.pinelandsrecovery.com/definition-of-alcoholism/> [Accessed 24 February 2023].
Juergens, J. (2023). Alcoholism Symptoms and Warning Signs – Addiction Center. [online] AddictionCenter. Available at: <https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/alcoholism-symptoms-signs/> [Accessed 24 February 2023].
Talbott Recovery. (2023). 5 Most Common Causes of Alcoholism (And What to Do Next) | Talbott Recovery. [online] Available at: <https://talbottcampus.com/addiction-and-mental-health-resources/alcoholism-and-drug-abuse-articles/common-causes-alcoholism/> [Accessed 24 February 2023].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022). Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. Learn the facts | CDC. [online] www.cdc.gov. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm#:~:text=Long%2DTerm%20Health%20Risks> [Accessed 25 February 2023].
Nexus Recovery Services (2018). Alcohol Misconceptions: Can Alcoholism be Cured? [online] Nexus Recovery Services | Los Angeles Outpatient Treatment. Available at: <https://nexusrecoveryservices.com/alcoholism/can-alcoholism-be-cured/> [Accessed 25 February 2023].
