Alcohol Addiction, Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Recovery

A problem with alcohol may not be obvious to the sufferer. There is difficulty in admitting the problem exists. Some signs of a possible alcohol problem include:

• work / job problems
  • lateness
  • time off / excessive sickness
  • excessive lunchtime drinking
• physical symptoms
  • shakiness
  • headaches
  • sweating
  • palpitations
  • nausea
• psychological symptoms
  • agitation
  • blackouts
  • anxiety
  • nightmares
  • insomnia
  • change in personality
    • shy becomes confident
    • relaxed becomes angry
• family problems
  • argumentative
  • concealment of bottles etc.
  • irritability
  • guilt about drinking
  • dislike of conversation pertaining to alcohol
• social problems
  • drink related offenses
    • fighting / assault
    • DUI / drink driving
  • ongoing drinking after problem identified

Getting treatment for an alcohol problem

Alcohol problems can be easily identified if the sufferer is honest and there are now a variety of treatments available. The most common and the one everyone thinks of is alcoholics anonymous and their 12 step plan and meetings. There are further methods.

A doctor or physician now has 2 drugs to help wean someone off alcohol (antabuse and naltrexone). The medical professional can also help identify and treat any underlying problems that could be causing the alcoholism.

Counseling or cognitive behavior therapy can be a vital tool. Not only the sufferer but the sufferers family can be involved in the treatment.

Cutting down by gradually by regularly decreasing the amount that is drunk is a popular method. The aim is to reduce alcohol intake to safe levels. These are 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.

If the problem is severe and any alcohol consumption is hard to control then complete abstention might be the best choice. Even this should be done gradually as well to ease the inevitable withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol overall

There is research to show alcohol addiction is genetic, it certainly seems to run in families. Whatever the cause, alcohol can be a debilitating addiction that can have a devastating impact on families as well as the sufferer themselves.

This doesn't have to be the case as help is out there. The only problem is that it's the sufferer who must seek help first and this is not the easiest of tasks. As long as those around them can offer support there is a chance this disease can be beaten when the sufferer is ready.