Details Of Alcholism
The definition of alcohol addiction today is usually a disorder and addiction in which the usage of alcohol is ongoing in spite of damaging medical or interpersonal effects. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as DSMV, defines alcoholism as continuing addictive consumption of alcohol despite persistent adverse affects. How the public feels about alcohol addiction differs. The professional medical community treats it both a disease and an addiction.
Around 75 percent - 90 percent of adults in America are known to use alcohol but only a certain portion of these are afflicted with alcohol dependency. There are a number of factors that often come into consideration such as anxiety, mental wellbeing, inherited genes, age, and ethnicity. Put simply, there are several elements and none are absolute predictors, merely risk factors for the disease of alcoholism.
Statistics indicate certain trends in the inclination to go on to develop addiction to alcohol associated with age that alcohol consumption begins. Studies show that 40% of people who started consuming alcohol prior to 14 developed alcohol dependency whereas people who start after age 21 exhibited only a 10% rate of alcoholism. Researchers think specific alterations in the brain of a teenager that were precipitated by alcohol might leave the individual at risk of the condition later.
Genetic makeup might influence one’s inclination towards alcohol addiction, because those with a family history for addiction to alcohol seem at greater risk.
The adverse impacts of dependency on alcohol are progressive and it might be challenging for the affected individual or others to recognize them. A few of the symptoms are:
• Preoccupation with drinking
• Secretive drinking - concealing drinking so that others won’t comment or notice
• Excessive time wasted in recovering from consequences of drinking or in drinking linked pursuits
• Long term and unsuccessful efforts to stop or cut down
• Loss of control - consuming alcohol a lot more than intended
• Tolerance of alcoholic beverages where increasing quantities are needed in order to feel it
• Persistent use even with adverse interpersonal, monetary or wellness consequences.
• Withdrawal symptoms, which unlike withdrawal problems with some other drugs may be deadly themselves.
Treatment Plans for Addiction to Alcohol
About five percent of the alcoholics that try to stop drinking without help are successful. Alcoholics that enter an alcohol treatmentm program statistically have got a greater success rate. Nearly all programs focus on total abstinence and customization associated with coping behavior and interpersonal contacts as well as support. Certain drugs might be used to support the alcoholic therapy and lifestyle change.
A few approaches may target alcohol reduction like Drink Wise and Moderation Management. Research completed in 2004 suggests that complete abstinence provides the greatest success in managing alcohol addiction long-term.
Though, females who suffer from dependency on alcohol tend to be fewer in number the health and social ramifications seem more noticeable. How society and the alcoholics themselves view their affliction may hinder or promote seeking out therapy.
Females are prone to believe being affected by alcoholism is an indication they are morally corrupt or other people will view them as “bad”.
Men on the other hand view overcoming the condition as a sign of strength and a diagnosis of dependency on alcohol is not really viewed as an indicator of weakness overall.
These are typically broad generalizations and so they might not apply in every case yet may inhibit or help in therapy respectively.
A Young Woman Gets Arrested for “Driving Under the Influence”, Talks to Her Manager at Work, and Gets Motivated to Turn Her Life Around and Reclaim Her Self Esteem
Shelly was recognized at work as an incredibly conservative human being who had a very good attendance record. She never attended any of the happy hours after work and it was known through the company that she was an incredibly spiritual individual who typically talked about the pitfalls regarding alcohol abuse and dependency on alcohol in our country.
Try to imagine the surprise within the company when one Monday morning Shelly did not show up for work and not a soul had heard from her. In reality, it wasn’t until close to 8:30 in the morning that the human resources department received a phone call about Shelly from the local city jail.
Shelly Goes Out Partying Together With a Number of Her College Friends
Apparently, Shelly went out drinking together with several of her college pals Saturday night and at some time about 5:45 Sunday morning, Shelly was arrested for “driving while intoxicated”. Since her blood alcohol content level (BAC) was extremely high, she had to spend one day in the county jail.
Shelly Talks to Her Manager and The Human Resources Director
When Shelly came to work on Tuesday morning, she right away informed her boss what had taken place and she asked if she might possibly go and talk with the Human Resources director about her DUI arrest.
When she got to the HR department and met with the manager, she explained that she had not been intoxicated since her college days and that she was very humiliated about her “drunk driving” arrest. She also emphasized the point that she needed some assistance selecting an experienced and productive “driving under the influence” attorney who would represent her DUI case. Stated another way, Shelly really wanted the Human Resources director to agree that she needed to see a DUI attorney.
The Human Resources director told Shelly that she should schedule an appointment with someone inside the company employee’s assistance program to discuss any potential drinking issue that she might have. The HR manager also mentioned that she needs to go over her desire to employ a DWI lawyer to represent her concerning her “driving under the influence” case.
In addition, the Human Resources director told Shelly that it was a good thing that she hoped to hire a DUI lawyer because of the difficulties and problematic issues that happen to be affiliated with a “driving while intoxicated” conviction.
The Human Resources director could tell that Shelly was plainly depressed and humiliated by this entire problem. Consequently, he told Shelly that while he doesn’t feel that responsible individuals ought to ever get behind the wheel right after drinking, sadly these predicaments sometimes come to pass to really good folks.
The Human Resources manager then mentioned that because such a state of affairs can’t be undone, what is essential is what the individual does from this moment in time forward. As acknowledged by the Human Resources manager, “does the individual learn from his or her errors or does she or he develop a pattern of alcohol related difficulties that cause the man or women chronic suffering and pain”?
Fortunately, Shelly Did Not Have a History of Irresponsible Drinking
Just before finishing their discussion, the Human Resources manager informed Shelly that it was very positive that she doesn’t have a track record of excessive and unhealthy drinking drinking. Not only this but she hasn’t had an alcohol-related problem since her university days (which was around 13 years ago). Consequently, Shelly ought to be in a position to confront her DWI arrest with sorrow but also with a degree of self-confidence knowing that she will confront and work through this problem and turn out to be a better individual in the near future.
Shelly thanked the Human Resources manager for his caring and encouraging words and then walked over towards the company employee’s assistance program go over her DUI arrest, her involvement in irresponsible and abusive drinking over the weekend, and her wish to retain a “drunk driving” attorney to represent her “driving under the influence” case.
After hearing Shelly’s “story,” the psychologist that was part of the company employee’s assistance program went over Shelly’s immediate “action plan” that she needed to address and follow. First, she would be required to take a DUI class to learn more DUI facts and information. Second, she would also be required to take an alcohol abuse class to address her possible drinking problem. And finally, it would be an especially intelligent thing to do if she were to meet with a DUI lawyer about her “driving while intoxicated” arrest.
Shelly Feels a Sense of Relief Knowing That She Will Learn From Her Slip-Up and Become More Responsible
It was apparent that Shelly was highly disappointed with the complete “driving under the influence” scenario, but right after talking to the Human Resources manager and to the counselor in the company employee’s assistance program, she felt comfort knowing that she would in fact learn from her mistake and become even more healthy, more accountable, and an even more grateful woman.
The Alcohol Related Problems and Alcohol Related Deaths That Are Interlinked With Heavy and Excessive Drinking
How many individuals face major problems in their lives because they received a “driving under the influence” conviction? On an annual basis, how many alcoholics fail to get the professional alcohol treatment they need? How many junior high, high school, and college students lose their lives every year due to an alcohol overdose? How many individuals die each year from a condition that is totally preventable, such as alcohol poisoning? How many individuals get injured or lose their lives in alcohol related traffic accidents every year? How many people are the victims of alcohol related crime or violence each and every year? How many individuals lose their lives every year because of drinking problems? How many children are born each year with fetal alcohol syndrome? How many people’s lives are cut short due to abusive and excessive drinking?
Why Would Anyone Want to Drink in an Excessive and Abusive Manner?
So what’s the point in asking these questions? Basically to highlight the destructive and devastating nature of abusive and unhealthy drinking. Indeed, and based on the above questions, I wonder why anyone would choose to drink in an excessive and irresponsible manner.
Stated another way, with the host of legal proceedings, financial issues, employment difficulties, relationship dilemmas, and health problems that are associated with alcohol dependency and chronic alcohol abuse, why would any person with average intelligence want to drink in an irresponsible and excessive manner? Indeed when some of the above topics are put under the microscope more closely, excessive and unhealthy drinking becomes more illogical and makes even less sense.
Wouldn’t you think that chronic alcohol abusers would be able to see some of the alcohol symptoms that they manifest? In a similar manner doesn’t it seem logical to think that more families would involve themselves in an alcohol intervention for the individual in the household who is an alcohol abuser or an alcoholic? Not only this but wouldn’t you think that people who drink abusively would try to learn more about their drinking behavior by researching various alcohol related statistics?
After reviewing the alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency research, the point is so relevant that it needs to be stated again: With all of the dangerous and unhealthy consequences that are directly or indirectly correlated with continuous and repetitive alcohol abuse and alcoholism, why would any individual want to engage in abusive and hazardous drinking?
What Can be Done About the Extensive Nature of Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Dependency in Our Country?
So what can be done about the extensive nature of alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse in the U.S.?
- Our students need more meaningful and more relevant educational and preventative methods and approaches so that more students at all grade levels, including those at college, are “reached.
- In a similar manner, our students need to learn how to become problem solvers in life rather than gravitating to the “instant gratification” and the “quick fix” of an alcohol or drug abuse ”high” or “buzz”.
- Individuals who are alcohol abusers or alcohol dependent need to look look at themselves frankly and ask why they are not getting the professional alcohol treatment they require.
- Society needs to get the message to more people about the unhealthy and damaging consequences of continuous and repeated drinking.
There’s Room For Optimism if Those Who Engage in Careless and Abusive Drinking Can Become Persuaded to Get the Alcohol Rehabilitation They Need
There’s lots of room for hope and optimism if individuals can start drinking in moderation and those who engage in excessive and careless drinkingcan become encouraged to get the alcohol rehabilitation they require. Indeed, why put your loved ones through turmoil, pain, and suffering because of your abusive and hazardous drinking when you have the power to control your life by drinking in moderation or even quitting drinking if you can’t control your drinking behavior?
A Young Man Hits a Low Point in His Life, Beats His Depression, Gets Alcohol Treatment for His Irresponsible and Hazardous Drinking, and Augments His Self Worth
Samuel was a thirty-seven-year-old cost estimator who was sick of feeling depressed everyday and tired of his unhealthy and abusive drinking behavior. Stated simply, he missed his old motivation for doing various things he liked, he was sick of feeling weary every morning, he was tired of going through broken relationship after broken relationship due to his habitual drinking, he hated the hangovers he experienced on a regular basis, and he was annoyed with himself for spending his hard-earned money on a useless habit.
Moreover he was disgusted with how out-of-shape he was, he was bored with his drinking pals, he was annoyed with the many times he failed to pass an alcohol test at his workplace, he detested the fact that he had to go to court for his third DUI, and he was fed up with paying for alcohol-related attorney fees.
As well as the obvious alcohol-related health predicaments he was going through, perhaps the most troublesome part of his drinking regimen was the unreliable and devious individual he had become. In his heart of hearts he realized that he had been untruthful about his drinking behavior to his friends, family, and relatives and he also knew he had been deceitful with himself about the “beneficial” effects of drinking. Not only this but he rationalized gulping two or three drinks before going to social events and he also rationalized needing two or three drinks as soon as he awakened so that he could manage the “stress” at work.
His Depression and His Irresponsible and Abusive Drinking Result in Significant Changes in His Life
Clearly Samuel was sick of putting up with the adverse effects of his depression and his abusive and careless drinking and at long last finally decided that something major had to change in his life. So he determined that he would quit drinking, develop a new circle of friends, start focusing on becoming a more healthy person, start exercising, involve himself in some worthwhile hobbies, and get professional counseling.
Simply put, Samuel got to a time in his life during which he realized that he hit a low point in life and was now ready to begin the slow and gradual path that leads to recovery.
One of the ways that Samuel operationalized his “plan” was by asking for a transfer at his place of employment. When his request was approved, he moved 900 miles away to a new state. If nothing else, this beyond doubt made making new friends and buddies and separating himself from his old friends much easier. Then he visited with a physician in his new city and made an appointment for a complete psychological and physical exam.
Samuel Meets With a Healthcare Practitioner About His Irresponsible and Excessive Drinking and His Depression
After meeting with the physician and going through a number of laboratory tests, it was decided that Samuel had crossed the line from alcohol abuse to alcohol addiction and as a result was in need of alcohol detox and alcohol rehabilitation. At this time, the doctor made it a point to discuss the various signs of alcoholism, the symptoms of alcoholism, and information about long term effects of alcohol with Samuel.
The healthcare professional then told Samuel that it was concluded that he was clinically depressed and in need of therapy for this medical problem.
Samuel Makes up His Mind to Fortify His Body by Taking Vitamins, Drinking Spring Water, Living an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle, Eating Wholesome Foods, and Working Out
Due to his enthusiasm for following through with the rehabilitation protocol, after twelve weeks of inpatient treatment, Samuel was ready to start treatment on an outpatient basis. At this point, he started working at his new job and over the weeks began building up his body by living an alcohol-free lifestyle, drinking spring water, eating nutritious foods, exercising, and taking vitamins.
Samuel also tackled his spiritual concerns by joining the local Calvinist church and going to the weekly services.
After nearly six months of outpatient treatment during which time he never experienced an alcohol relapse, Samuel quit going to alcohol therapy and instead started going five times per week to local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Going to these meetings helped Samuel maintain his alcohol-free style of life, they gave him the support he needed, and they served as a frequent reminder of the adverse consequences that are correlated with unhealthy and excessive drinking.
After going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings approximately two-and-a-half months Samuel felt that he was ready for a relationship and so he started dating Shirley, a young lady he met at church. It clearly surprised Samuel how much more prepared he was for a dating relationship now that he had his unhealthy drinking under control. In point of fact it also surprised Samuel how much better life was now that he wasn’t under the control of his careless and abusive drinking. Life was now good and loaded with possibilities that he could have never longed for or attained when he was involved in careless and excessive drinking just a few short months ago.
A Success Story That is a Testament to the Importance of Alcohol Rehabilitation and the Power of Positive Thinking
Samuel’s success story is a tribute to the importance of alcohol rehabilitation and the power of change. As Samuel thought about his newfound self worth and drive for involving himself in healthy, worthwhile activities, he was actually grateful that he decided to do something productive about his abusive drinking instead of giving into his depression and into the lure of his alcohol addiction. The result: he is in control of his life rather than letting himself languish under the control of his alcohol addiction, his life now has a positive direction, he enjoys his new job responsibilities, he has more energy now compared with any time in his adult life, and he is involved in a caring relationship.
A Young Female Needs Counseling for Her Mental Illness and For Her Alcoholism and Drug Dependency
Nearly a month ago I heard about a twenty-eight-year-old lady named Rachael who is bipolar and who is also alcohol and drug dependent. I remember hearing that in such situations, a person needs to get counseling for both medical problems and that mental health difficulties and dependency frequently take place in the same individual. What is more, I remember hearing that a history of abusive and hazardous drinking, drug abuse, and/or mental health issues commonly happen in the same family.
Plainly, Rachael is so defeated by both of her medical problems that she in actual fact has little or no enthusiasm to do much of anything. What is particularly sad about this is that earlier in her life, Rachael finished three-and-a-half-years of college. Rachael’s circumstance makes me question if she is an example of an individual who has to hit life’s bottom before he or she gets addiction rehabilitation that leads to long lasting sobriety.
The Need For a Therapist She Trusts and a Rehab Regimen She Can Believe In
If I were in contact with Rachael I could suggest numerous websites and blogs that could possibly help her learn more about addiction and alcoholic behavior, significant chemical dependency information, facts about alcoholism and drugs, and more info about addiction symptoms and alcoholism warning signs. From my vantage point, nonetheless, Rachael needs to locate a doctor she trusts and a treatment program she can believe in and follow through over the long haul. I could be mistaken but it seems logical to conclude that Rachael probably needs to comprehend the fact that she cannot drink responsibly or use drugs if she wants to get sober, remain sober, and start on the road to long-term recovery.
I am aware that there are quite a few recently created physician-prescribed meds that can help Rachael through her withdrawal symptoms, through the alcohol and drug detoxification process, and help her avoid an alcohol or a drug relapse. Clearly it would be in Rachael’s best interests if she knew about these meds.
It seems clear that Rachael needs to admit the fact that there is completely nothing beneficial about unhealthy drinking and drug addiction and that engaging in one or both circumstances is the path to legal problems, poor work and school performance, shattered relationships, financial difficulties, deteriorating health, and possibly a premature death.
The Importance of Support Groups Like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous
There are realistically several persons such as other individuals, family members, and friends who would like to help Rachael but she probably would experience greater tolerance from a recovery group such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous rather than listening to individuals who rarely drink or who have never abused drugs.
When People Accomplish Things They Love and About Which They Are Passionate
There’s a philosophical viewpoint that declares that people who accomplish things they love and something about which they are fervent reach a magnificent place in life. Stated more accurately, when people do what they love, they rarely if ever experience boredom or an uneventful life. If they involve themselves in something that is enjoyable, moreover, they become more fulfilled and experience more contentment and joy in life.
To me, this sounds diametrically opposed to a life that is rooted in drug and alcohol dependency because such a lifestyle removes the gratification and joy that life offers.
Due to the fact that Rachael lacks the fortitude to achieve much of anything in her life, it is clear that she urgently needs a little bit of hope for a better life. And the sad thing is that hope is all around Rachael if she could only get to the place in life to get the counseling she needs for her manic depression and dependency and stick with her treatment program.
A Wonderful Life, Self Respect, and Constructive Change Are Possibilities
Rachael is simply too young to be dejected in life. She doesn’t understand this at this time in her life but if she can learn how to refrain from drugs and alcohol via drug and alcohol therapy and get the treatment she needs for her bipolar problem, she can turn her life around and start living with self-respect, passion, and direction.
Beneficial change, self respect, and a meaningful life are certainly possibilities for Rachael if only she could become inspired to get the medical rehab she needs, follow through with her therapy regimen, live her life in a healthy and drug and alcohol-free manner, and acquire a more positive attitude about life.
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