Alcohol Addiction Is A Disease And Can Be Treated
“I used to think that I could handle my alcohol. I could have a few drinks and still be in control. But lately, it seems like alcohol is ruining my life. I’ve lost friends, missed work, and gotten into fights because of drinking. I’m not sure when it started to spiral out of control, but I know I need to do something about it before it’s too late…”
Does this sound like you? Have you been saying these kinds of things to yourself? Perhaps you’ve been thinking these things about a loved one. Well, you’re in the right place. While alcohol can be extremely detrimental to the lives of alcoholics— as well as their families and communities— there is help. Alcohol is a disease, and diseases can be treated.
There are many resources available to help people who are struggling with addiction. Treatment can involve medication, therapy, and support groups. With treatment, people can recover from addiction and lead healthy, productive lives.
The Negative Effects of Alcohol
Addiction is a disease that can be fatal. Overdose is the leading cause of death for people with addiction. People with addiction are also at risk for other health problems, such as liver disease and heart disease. People with addiction have an increased risk for mental health disorders. Although it may not seem like it at first, alcohol is classified as a depressant and has effects on mood and psychology even when the person is not drinking. This can lead to a vicious cycle of depression and drinking.
But there are more negative effects that can come from drinking alcohol to excess. These include:
- Health problems: Alcohol can cause a number of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and cancer. In some cases, this damage is irreparable.
- Problems with relationships: Alcohol can cause problems in relationships, including arguments, physical violence, and divorce. Children of alcoholics often need therapy as adults to deal with the trauma of their childhoods.
- Financial problems: Drinking alcohol can lead to financial problems, such as job loss and expensive medical bills. Alcohol is an expensive habit. What could you do with all of that extra money?
- Problems with the law: Drinking alcohol can result in legal problems, such as being arrested for drunk driving or public intoxication.
- Alcohol addiction: Some people who drink alcohol become addicted to it and can’t stop drinking even when it causes problems in their life.
How Alcoholism Affects The Family
Alcoholism is a disease that not only affects the alcoholic, but also those around them. The family is often the most affected by this disease. Nearly all of the things mentioned above can be visited on the family as well.
Think health problems only affect the one drinking? If there is a drunk driving accident— or any other kind of accident for that matter— this can certainly affect your loved ones. All it takes is one time. Communication problems, emotional problems, financial problems, all affect the whole family. It can also lead to domestic violence and child abuse in extreme cases.
This is why we say alcoholism is a “family disease”. Not only is it partially hereditary, it touches everyone you touch.
But! And this is a big but— There is help. You can quit drinking. Many millions of people around the world have done so and live lives happy and sober and free from alcohol.
Treatment for Alcoholism
If you think you might be an alcoholic, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. There are many different types of treatment for alcoholism, and the best approach for you will depend on your individual situation.
Detoxification is the first step in treating alcoholism. This involves getting rid of all the alcohol in your system and allowing your body to recover from its effects. If you’ve been drinking long and hard enough, there will be withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be managed with the help of a professional. Sometimes detox can be done on an outpatient basis, but it’s often best to do it under medical supervision in a hospital or residential treatment facility.
After detox, you’ll need to address the underlying causes of your alcoholism. This may involve therapy, support groups, medication and other treatments. This phase is called rehabilitation and can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
The final phase is sometimes called reintegration. You’ll also need to make lifestyle changes to avoid triggers and temptations that could lead you to drink again. In the rehabilitation phase you’ll learn lots of techniques to do this. In this phase, many people choose to still attend meetings like AA and continue with therapy.
If you’re struggling with alcoholism, don’t try to go it alone. There are many people who want to help you recover. Remember, addiction is a disease and diseases can be treated.
Getting Treatment For Alcohol Abuse
If alcohol is ruining your life, you can get help. One of the ways is by calling us at Harmony Oaks Recovery. Our Phone number is (865) 217-2883 and we’re located in Tennessee.