Alcoholism
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My Alcoholism?
People often confuse binge drinking or heavy drinking with alcoholism or an addiction to alcohol. However, this can be a problem with semantics. Consuming lots of alcohol in a day/period, and rarely is hardly alcoholism.
However, when a person feels "useless" because they haven't consumed alcohol; or can't control his consumption ever, this is called alcoholism. It's one of the most severe and common forms of alcohol abuse.
The Australian Bureau of statistics rather adds credence to the story in their reports that 1 out of every 6 persons above the age of 18 consume more an avg. of more than two standard drinks per day.
Alcoholism or excessive drinking
Simply put, binge drinking means having more than 4-5 drinks per session albeit not regularly. Heavy drinking means consuming between 8 and 15 drinks a week, though not being reliant on alcohol.
Addiction in simple terms is the overt reliance on alcohol, which is different from partying (drinking heavily).
What Causes Alcoholism?
Many reasons can lead a person to find "drinking" as solace, but they mostly stem from psychological or emotional imbalance. Some of the reasons include;
- Loss of a dear one
- The “feel good” notion
- The thought of alcohol as a social bond amongst circles
- To mask depression and anxiety
- To suppress a thought, trauma, and so on
- To cover up the shame and rejection
- And a hundred other reasons including total denial of one’s self.
What are the effects of Alcoholism?
Although common knowledge, many still dispute the destructive nature of "addictions". And this can also be an addiction in itself. Be it drugs, gambling, alcohol consumption, or whatever, addiction to anything is a raw and dangerous form of obsession and has many consequences.
For the Short term;
- Breathing can become labored/ difficult for the person
- Memory loss during those periods
- Lowered inhibitions
- Short-fused to foment trouble or violence
- Reckless acts; driving, walking, bragging, lousy, and co.
- Sexual behaviour with lots of regrets
- In pregnant women, it greatly endangers the life of the fetus.
In the Long term;
- It increases Blood pressure, leading to stroke and heart disease
- Memory issues like dementia
- Mental problems, especially in people with mental history
- Social alienation and withdrawal
- And death from recklessness
What are the Signs of Alcoholism?
Most people often spot when they are becoming alcoholics. However, the denial/feel-good notion makes them discard these thoughts. Here are symptoms that a person is an alcoholic
- The disturbing inability to regulate or control consumption
- Drinking becomes the top priority.
- Alcohol gulps a horrible amount of their income.
- The excessive craving for Alcohol when not drinking
- Social withdrawal from both friends and family
- Feeling ashamed and looking unkempt always.
Are their Solutions to Alcoholism?
There are plenty of therapies and programs that help alcoholics and those who suffer from an addiction to recover.
Call ASV for a free phone consultation
or for more information email
jason@addictionsolutionsvictoria.org.au
addictionsolutionsvictoria.org.au
addictionsolutionsgeelong.org.au
1227-1229 Malvern Road
Malvern, VIC 3144
ASV staff provide programs that are delivered by experienced, qualified industry professionals.
For more information call Jason on 03 8374 7648
Email jason@addictionsolutionsvictoria.org.au
or
jason@addictionsolutionsgeelong.org.au
addictionsolutionsvictoria.org.au - addictionsolutionsgeelong.org.au
To access additional information and support, visit the Collective Recovery Support Network.