Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is a very serious, powerful, and potentially fatal disease. Because of its ability to weaken inhibitions and provide a sense of comfort, the consumption of alcohol in social situations is common across cultures, age groups, and time periods. However, for some, social drinking turns into a private obsession that quickly takes control of many aspects of their life. Here we will identify the key elements so that you can determine whether or not the person you are concerned about is an alcoholic. When properly applied, intervention, detox, and rehab can be very successful in helping an alcoholic recover from their disease and once again attain balance in their life.

Until the 20th century, alcoholism was not considered a disease. Alcoholics were often perceived to be bad people; they were the targets of religious and criminal reform programs, and, when these programs failed as they often did, they were incarcerated or socially ostracized. In 1956, however, the American Medical Association classified alcoholism as a disease, an action that has helped society to recognize that addicts are not bad or weak people but rather people with a medical condition in need of professional help.

In the beginning stages of alcoholism, the alcoholic might be able to maintain a job, a home, and a social life. Often, alcoholics are very bright people who appear to be successful or have a tremendous amount of potential. However, when the individual crosses the line into addiction, alcoholism becomes the dominant force in their life, taking priority over family relationships, career, social life, physical health, and everything they may have once loved. Unfortunately, alcoholism often takes its greatest toll on those who are closest to the addict and who are forced to watch them continue on a path of self-destruction.

Prolonged and excessive use of alcohol can have drastic medical consequences, including damage to the liver which can lead to cirrhosis, a condition that involves permanent scarring and dysfunction of the liver. Other problems caused by alcohol abuse include Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (permanent brain damage) and chronic vitamin deficiencies. Furthermmore, withdrawal from alcohol can be deadly if not properly administrated by qualified medical professionals. For more information on the phases of withdrawal, visit the alcohol detox page.