Alcoholism is a physical addiction prevalent in our society, affecting approximately 10% of all women and 20% of all men. It is defined as an inability to control the amount of alcohol consumed. What begins with one social drink can turn into an uncontrollable necessity for more and more alcohol. Over time the body becomes accustomed to the amount consumed but needs more to maintain the high received as the habit continues.
There is no single known reason for this abuse to occur. Some research indicates that specific genes may increase the risk of alcoholism; however, which genes are to blame remain unknown. Some key factors may increase a person’s risk of becoming an alcoholic, such as a family history, easy access, a stressful lifestyle, and low self-esteem. Those who develop a dependence on alcohol typically do so between the alarmingly young ages of 18 and 25. The problem appears almost epidemic in the United States.
Symptoms of the disease – and as I have indicated in the past, alcoholism is truly a disease — include drinking alone, hiding bottles in unlikely spots so family and co-workers won’t know how much is actually consumed, taking on a hostile attitude when questioned about drinking habits, withdrawing from family functions or work projects, making excuses about the reasons for drinking to excess, substituting alcohol for a nutritious diet, and most importantly, continuing the drinking habit even when health, job, or family suffer the obvious cascading effects. Possible signs of intoxication include bloodshot eyes, poor hygiene and appearance, an argumentative personality and an odor of alcohol on the breath or skin.
Excess consumption affects everyone differently, from teenagers to women, to men, to the elderly. When each category consumes the same amount, women and the elderly tend to have higher blood concentrations of alcohol than do men and teens. Females are at higher risk for developing cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease and nerve damage than are men and do so at a faster rate. The elderly who drink to excess are at higher risk for developing serious medical issues and bouts of depression.
There are believed to be five stages of alcohol use. The first stage is simply having access, rather than using a product. The second stage involves experimentation or occasional use that progresses to weekly use of alcohol. The third stage is an increase in the frequency and regularity of use. In an attempt to gain access without being old enough to purchase, or because of financial means for individuals of any age, stealing may occur in an attempt to support the habit. By the fourth stage, users have already established a regular pattern of consumption, have settled into a pattern of getting intoxicated, and have had problems in everyday life because of the habit. The fifth, final and most serious stage is defined by the alcoholic who only feels good when under the influence. Risky behavior such as driving under the influence, getting into altercations with the police, engaging in fights and having suicidal thoughts are the norm. Assistance from friends, family and others in each of the stages is common. This help can be productive in some instances when management toward control and a reduction in consumption is the primary goal, or it can take on the role of that help enabling the alcoholic by securing the substance for someone who cannot obtain it, or by otherwise shielding the truth from the outside world when the alcoholic would better profit from being tapped into a system of control.
Medications to reduce cravings include Trexan, ReVia and Vivitrol that all work through decreasing the craving that blocks the normal high experienced. Then there’s Antabuse that produces a negative reaction when alcohol is consumed. Campral decreases cravings for the alcoholic who has ceased drinking but still has the desire to drink. Then there are other drugs almost too numerous to mention targeted for specific problems, to include those individuals with a history of a mental health disorder.
The long-term effects of alcoholism hurt the alcoholic and everyone involved in the life of that person. Parents can play an important role by educating their children. Adults can reach out for help. AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), Ala teen, Codependents Anonymous, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers), and the National Clearinghouse for Alcoholism and Drug Information are but a few of the widely recognized programs available. If you or someone you love has a drinking problem, do everyone a favor and get the help needed to bring this devastating disease back under control.
