Tips For Beating Alcoholism

Due to the results of certain studies, it has been postulated that an adult who drinks 1-2 alcoholic beverages per day may live longer than someone who does not drink at all. But we all know alcohol is in no way a safe drug, and alcohol can cause a variety of health problems. These health problems, to name a few, include pancreatitis, cognitive problems, and various afflictions of the liver. So when does having a good time get taken overboard? And just how many drinks are too many? The fact is that although alcohol remains legal, it is comparable in addictive qualities to illegal substances such as heroin and methamphetamines.

When a person has to drink alcohol in order to keep their life normal, they are by definition, an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a progressive disease. This means that as alcoholism continues, a person's well being will continue to deteriorate. First and foremost one must consume alcohol in order to be an alcoholic. Most drinkers aren't binge drinkers, and a vast majority of people are happy with having a few beers to take the edge off. Those who do drink to excess constantly are probably used to having hangovers, and are considered to be alcoholics.

Alcoholism often manifests itself first as a psychological addiction, and can often lead straight to physical dependence. When a person feels that they need to drink to feel normal, the first step on the path to addiction has been taken.

Once this psychological need for drinking has set in, family and friends may become concerned or embarrassed. If the alcoholic continues to drink despite being begged not to, then many alcohol related problems such as divorce, estrangement from children, and spousal abuse may occur. If things like these are taking place and the person still drinks, they are most definitely addicted to alcohol.

This is the make or break stage for alcoholics. If they realize that they are damaging their lives, yet continue to drink then alcohol has become a full-fledged addiction and they are dependent upon getting drunk. People dependent on alcohol manage to incorporate alcohol into normally sober situations. They spend much of their time drinking to excess, and eventually a tolerance for alcohol is built up.

If a physically dependent alcoholic stops drinking, withdrawal takes place in a few hours sometimes. The first stage of withdrawal is uncomfortable at best and can be characterized by moderate shaking, nausea, headaches, anxiety, and sweating. The need to drink becomes desperate and it is at this stage that most alcoholics attempting to quit cold turkey go back to the bottle. Even though this part of an alcoholic withdrawal can be extremely painful in some cases, it is not the worst thing that can happen nor is it deadly.

The first sign of a chemical dependency on alcohol can occur with something called "the shakes". After not drinking, the chemically dependent alcoholic may begin to shake visibly and become nauseous. Headaches, sweating, anxiety, and increased blood pressure take place. Although this stage of alcohol withdrawal is uncomfortable, it is not life threatening.

You must simply hope that the person lives through the ordeal and never drinks again. Dropping the bottle and never picking it back up can be difficult, even deadly, but with the aid of support groups or licensed professionals, it can be done.

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