Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Is Alcohol Addiction Real?

Alcohol addiction is a real and devastating issue that can occur if you abuse alcohol in certain ways over a long period of time.

What Causes Alcohol Addiction?

This disorder is often referred to as alcohol dependence or alcoholism, but it is very similar to the kind of addiction that occurs as the result of high volume and long-term drug abuse. According to the National Library of Medicine, “No one knows what causes problems with alcohol,” although certain individuals are more likely to experience this issue.



•    People with a genetic predisposition toward alcoholism
•    People who are impulsive, have low self-esteem, or suffer from a co-morbid mental disorder
•    People who drink often and in large amounts
•    People who can easily obtain the substance
•    People who have been drinking heavily for more than 10 years

There is no way of knowing for certain if you will become an alcoholic, but these circumstances make the possibility more likely.

What are the Signs of This Disorder?

Addiction to this substance is set apart from mere abuse in four ways, according to the NLM. Someone who
•    Experiences cravings, or a strong need for the substance
•    Does not have control over their drinking and is unable to stop once they start
•    Experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking
•    Needs to drink more than they used to in order to feel the same effects
is an alcoholic and in need of treatment in a rehab facility. Noticing these signs and symptoms in yourself should be a wake-up call that your drinking is getting dangerous and you will need to seek help in order to put an end to it.

A Real and Serious Disorder

Alcohol addiction is real. Although it may go by a different name and is often considered more of a dependency syndrome, it is just as serious and just as dangerous as drug addiction. Most people who experience this issue need to seek professional help as well as stop drinking entirely in order to avoid a serious relapse back to their old ways of risky and uncontrolled alcohol abuse.

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