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What Is Alcoholism
The term alcoholism is used to define the most severe form of drinking problem affecting the lives of people. Medically, it is also known as alcohol misuse, alcohol dependence, and Alcohol Use Disorder. Three main factors are linked with the diseases that occur due to alcohol: mental obsession, physical allergy, and spiritual malady.
Difference Between Binge Drinking and Alcoholism
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, binge drinking is defined as episodes of drinking that increase blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 percent, generally around 4 to 5 drinks in about 2 hours. Alcoholism, on the other hand, is a long-term pattern of alcohol consumption in which a person is unable to control themselves without drinking.
Excuses Behind Consuming Alcohol
Influence of environment, our initial attitudes toward our surroundings can seem harmless but often lead to significant issues, especially among teenagers seeking social acceptance. Escaping reality, many people turn to alcohol for its short-term euphoric effects and as an escape, creating a false sense of happiness that fuels the habit. Coping with depression and anxiety, for some, alcohol becomes a form of self-medication. Research reveals a bidirectional relationship between depression and alcohol use disorder, meaning they often coexist and exacerbate each other.
Early Signs of Alcoholism
According to the DSM-5, factors that contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder include struggling to control alcohol consumption, prioritizing alcohol over friends, enjoying environments with frequent alcohol use, early drinking habits, and experiencing a traumatic event. Other early signs include finding reasons to drink, engaging in unhealthy drinking, and conflicts with friends and family over alcohol.
Alarming Signs of Alcoholism
It is crucial to recognize warning signs in a family member. Seek treatment if you notice: inability to control drinking; hallucinations; frequent blackouts, memory loss, and in severe cases seizures; hiding alcohol in secret places; becoming combative when confronted; significant weight loss with a preference for drinking over eating; and physical symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shaking, convulsions, and vomiting.
Consequences of Alcoholism
Brain, continuous alcohol consumption interferes with communication pathways and can affect how the brain works, causing mood changes, irritation, and difficulty thinking clearly. Liver, heavy drinking can cause alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, fibrosis, and fatty liver. Heart, excessive drinking can damage the heart, causing stroke, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy. Pancreas, alcohol can create toxic substances that inflame the pancreas, leading to digestion issues. Immune system, continuous binge drinking weakens the immune system and causes long-term issues. In severe cases, alcohol raises the risk of cancers including those of the head, neck, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and breast.
Questions, answered
What Are the Symptoms and Warning Signs of Alcoholism?
In an era where many face significant challenges, alcohol often appears to be a refuge.
Does Bliss Recovery offer treatment for this?
Bliss Recovery provides personalized, evidence-based care in a private Hollywood Hills setting, with a full continuum from medical detox through residential treatment and PHP/IOP. Our admissions team can help you find the right level of care.
How do I get started or verify my coverage?
You can verify your insurance confidentially with no obligation, or reach our admissions team directly. We will walk you through the next steps and help you understand your options.
