About alcoholism
Most of the time, it is extremely difficult for an alcohol addicted person to realize when his drinking habit has crossed the line from social and moderate to addiction or problem drinking. Remember, alcohol and its abuse can slowly creep up on you and leave you crippled both mentally and physically. This is why it is extremely important to recognize the warning signs of abuse and cut back the drinking. Understanding that you or your loved one has a problem is the first step to overcoming it.
The abuse of alcohol depends on a lot of factors that also include genetics, your social environment, and your overall emotional health. Racial groups like native Alaskans, Americans as well as Indians are more at risks than the others of developing alcohol addiction. Moreover, people with family history of alcohol addiction are likely to develop drinking problems. People who are suffering from behavioral health problems like depression, bipolar disorder as well as anxiety may also be more prone to developing problems with alcohol.
Warning signs of alcoholism
Alcohol dependent people are destructive and dangerous not just to themselves, but also others as well. This is why it is extremely important for you to look out for the signs that can signal towards a possible problem. These signs and symptoms include:
Tolerance – Alcoholism usually starts with an increased tolerance to drinking. The addicted person starts drinking heavily and more frequently to get buzzed and relaxed.
Withdrawal – The person dependent on alcohol usually suffers from alcohol withdrawal if he does not have his or her daily fix. For example – if you need to take a drink to steady the shakes in the morning you must take this as a red flag. Withdrawal symptoms also include:
- Excessive sweating and rapid breathing
- Tremors and shakes
- Depression and irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- Headache and insomnia
- In severe cases withdrawal symptoms can include hallucinations as well as seizures.
Getting help for alcoholism
Remember alcoholism is a serious problem and can destroy all semblance of a normal life for you. This is why help is mandatory. Recognizing that you have a problem of alcoholism is the first step on the road to recovery and reaching out for help is the second. If you need help in selecting a alcohol rehab program for your problem just call our helpline number and well will help you get to the road to recovery in no time.