Social drinking is usually undertaken in social settings without intending a drunken state. It has been increasingly noted that this form of drinking is compatible with both happy and morose social occasions and is almost an indispensable aspect of the social routine nowadays
Its party time and maybe you have an occasion to celebrate. The food at the table looks yummy and yonder the liquor section beckons you for that little bit of an appetizer that you tell yourself you need to gorge away on the lip-smacking menu. You begin with a drink, take another, get into a chattering match with your friends, down another couple of whiskeys and before long you are stuttering your way towards the dinner table.
| | | Post dinner, you are zonked—and your driver helps you onto your car anddrives you home. Well, if this is only an occasional episode, its fine.But does it sound like a familiar routine? If so, you may be abusingalcohol. | | The alcohol problem
Alcoholism is a chronic disease that makes your body dependent on alcohol. You may have alcohol-related problems, but not exhibit all the characteristics of alcoholism. In other words, alcohol abuse does not mean you are an alcoholic—but it does mean that you will soon get there if you do not seek help. Alcohol abuse happens when you drink excessively despite health or relationship problems, but are not dependent on alcohol or still have control over the use of alcohol. But alcoholism, on the other hand can be catastrophic. It makes you dependent on alcohol—you just cannot do without that drink. It can ruin your personal and professional life.
| | Fortunately, alcoholism is a treatable disease. A combination of medication and psychological counseling can help you recover, provided you are willing to come to terms with your alcohol addiction and musterup the courage to seek medical help.
| Symptoms of alcoholism
Some of the common indicators of alcoholism are: - Drinking excessively well above limits. The currently approved limits for alcohol consumption range about 14–21 units per week, for women and men, respectively.
- Drinking secretly or alone.
- Forgetting what you spoke or did while you were drinking—also known as “alcohol blackout”.
- Loss of interest in things that you enjoyed doing before.
- Hiding alcohol at unlikely places for future consumption.
- Feeling a deep urge to have a drink.
Irritability when your drinking time approaches. - Restlessness and irritability if alcohol is unavailable.
- Storing alcohol for the weekend, anxious that it may not be available.
- Drinking too much too fast.
- Having relationship, social, legal or financial problems due to alcohol.
- Getting angry or irritated if someone questions your drinking.
- Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms—such as nausea, sweating and shaking—if you do not drink.
| | Causes
Alcohol addiction happens gradually. The following factors can lead to excessive drinking that contributes to the addiction process: | - Genetics: Alcoholism can run in families. Some individuals are genetically prone to alcohol addiction.
- Emotional state: Stress, anxiety, depression or emotional disturbances can lead some people to drink alcohol to get relief. This becomes a habit over time.
- Psychological: Low self-esteem, feelings of inferiority, domestic problems and poor family background can get individuals to take to alcohol.
- Social factors: The way society views drinking also play a role. In modern society drinking is considered “cool”, sending the wrong message that drinking in excess is fine.
| | Complications - Heavy drinking affects your thoughts, emotions and judgment.
- Excessive alcohol impairs speech and muscle coordination.
- Excessive alcohol damages the vital centers of your brain. Heavy drinking can also lead to coma.
- Heavy drinking is associated with fatigue, memory loss, Stroke and paralysis.
- Drinking heavily can cause inflammation of the liver leading to liver cirrhosis—the destruction and scarring of liver tissue.
- Heavy drinking can also damage your pancreas, cause abnormal fluctuations in blood sugar levels and cause diabetes-related complications.
- Alcohol can result in inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
- Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure and heart damage.
- Alcohol abuse can cause erectile dysfunction in men. In women, it can interrupt menstruation.
- Alcohol use during pregnancy may result in birth defects and can affect the physical and mental development of your child.
- Alcohol can lead to thinning bones and an increased risk of fractures.
- Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to various types of cancers, including cancer of the mouth, throat, liver, Rectum and breast.
| | | Finally
Most alcoholics live in denial. They vehemently deny that they have a problem. Often it takes family members, friends or colleagues to convince them to seek treatment. The good news is that, thousands of alcoholics are helped to stop drinking every year. The chances of recovery are good if alcohol abuse or alcoholism is treated in its early or middle stages—now, that should bring all alcoholics good cheer! |
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