What is alcohol addiction?
Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease caused by long term, habitual alcohol consumption. The disease of alcohol addiction is widely known by varied common terms such as alcoholism, alcohol dependence syndrome, and alcohol use disorder.
This disease has several distinguishing characterizations that determine a positive diagnosis. Accepted medical conclusions of a positive diagnosis is made if two or more of the following signs are deemed present:
• Chronic, heavy alcohol use.
• Strong urge or desire to drink
• Inability to pace, or limit drinking
• Inability to stop drinking
• Dependence manifested through symptoms of withdrawal when use is halted
• Increased tolerance for the …show more content…
For women, low risk consumption equals no more than 3 drinks per day and no more than 7 drinks per week. In order to maintain a low risk status, consumption must remain within both the daily and weekly limits. Binge drinking is considered having 5 or more drinks in one sitting.
These totals probably surprise most people, which is exactly why alcohol abuse and alcoholism is such a problem. The line between what is thought of as normal consumption and abuse is very fine. However, the physical, emotional, and mental impact on those that do cross the line is immense. Immediate bodily responses can be anticipated, and long-term abuse can cause permanent …show more content…
Upon ending use of the addicted substance, the body will begin to show the signs and symptoms of withdrawal. The signs of alcohol withdrawal can include: Heightened anxiety, profuse sweating, chills, shaking, tremens, nausea, vomiting, headache, and body aches.
Inpatient detox proceeds with medical supervision on a 24 hour basis. Inpatient medical detox procedures are advantageous to patients with an alcohol addiction in that the process is tempered by the administration of medications to ease discomfort and slowly wean toxins from the body.
Inpatient treatment includes a wide array of cognitive-behavioral therapies and counseling that helps the patient come to terms with their disease and examine their perceptions, actions, and behaviors. Two very important aspects of inpatient treatment are relapse prevention and a quality aftercare program.
Admitting that there is a problem and seeking treatment is very difficult for most people; even under the best circumstances. In the context of addiction, treatment is essential for any hope of long-term recovery. Addiction as a concept is not just the apparent physical aspects, but is also the mental and emotional turmoil resulting from addiction. With proper treatment, self-care, and determination, recovering addicts can live their true lives in