There are a few things you need to know if you suspect that you or someone you love is suffering from alcoholism. Alcoholism is an addiction - it makes you feel good when you drink. In fact, alcohol consumption raises dopamine levels in the brain. Basically, alcohol addiction causes you to crave the drink. Your susceptibility to alcoholism may be influenced by genes, stress levels, and environmental factors.
Treatment options for alcoholism
Alcoholism treatment includes a variety of psychosocial interventions. During the recovery period, patients may visit a licensed therapist who specializes in working with recovering alcoholics. These therapists can offer support during the recovery process by identifying underlying problems that contribute to alcoholism. These psychosocial interventions may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and group therapy. Alcoholics may also choose to attend a support group to encourage themselves during the difficult times of their recovery.
Some alcoholics may choose a residential treatment program. These programs are intended to help the individual stay sober during a crucial 12 to 18-month period. By ensuring a sober environment, the individual will be more likely to accept psychological and behavioral therapies and make progress towards long-term recovery. Treatment options for alcoholism may also include medication or counseling. These options can be effective in some cases, but are not appropriate for every patient.
Signs and symptoms of alcoholism
The signs of alcoholism may be different for each person. For some, it may be a matter of smell or physical appearance. Others may not even realize that their bodies have a problem with alcohol until it's too late. The signs and symptoms of alcoholism are also social, which include ruined relationships, accidents, and injuries. Even family members may not believe in the signs and symptoms of alcoholism, so they may not see them until they're too late.
If a person drinks excessively, they are more likely to develop an alcohol addiction. There are two types of excessive drinking: binge drinking and heavy drinking. Binge drinking is defined as drinking a large amount of alcohol in one sitting or in a single session. Heavy drinking means having more than eight drinks per week for a man or fifteen for a woman. Both are high-risk factors for alcoholism.
Health effects of alcoholism
The health effects of alcoholism are numerous and complex. Drinkers who abuse alcohol frequently develop depressive symptoms. They may even think about suicide or cry uncontrollably. However, according to Dr. Nicholas Pace, assistant professor of clinical medicine and board member of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), abstinence will clear depression within three to four weeks. In addition, alcohol affects women more than men, especially when combined with liver disease.
While drinking a moderate amount of alcohol is a good thing for your health, excessive consumption may damage your liver, preventing it from removing harmful substances from your body. This can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Alcohol can also cause stomach ulcers and premature aging. Alcohol has a significant impact on the central nervous system. The alcohol in the blood can affect the function of the brain and the frontal lobe, affecting memory, decision making, and emotional control.
Treatment options
Several treatment options are available to people who are addicted to alcohol. Depending on your specific needs and stage of alcohol dependency, the best treatment option will vary from person to person. Alcohol detoxification requires medical supervision, but this is often the best option if you've already tried several other options without success. Alcoholics Anonymous can help you navigate the treatment process and determine what's best for your unique situation. This article will discuss several of the available treatment options and answer some of the most common questions you may have.
Psychological therapy is another option. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping patients identify and replace negative thought patterns with more positive ones. This form of therapy is short-term and lasts approximately 12 weeks. It is particularly useful for individuals with low self-esteem, trauma, or peer pressure. In addition, many people who suffer from alcoholism benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy is also effective for those who drink heavily but are unable to control their drinking habits.
