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Most people who are addicted to alcohol deny their illness and believe they have control over their drinking. For this reason, addiction often develops over many years, debilitating the body and ruining lives, and treatment only occurs in the advanced stages of alcoholism. This leads to many diseases and is the cause of numerous family tragedies. Alcohol destroys relationships and is in many ways a danger to those who abuse it. The first step on the way to sobriety should be to become aware of the problem and fully accept the situation that has arisen – then you need to ask for professional help – find more information ebb tide treatment center
Is it an addiction?
Drinking alcohol is a popular phenomenon for which there is widespread social consent. It is rarely mentioned that alcoholism is a disease that often leads to death. In many cases, it starts with a glass after a hard day, or you relax before going to bed. Meanwhile, daily, regular drinking of at least two beers, two glasses of wine or 50 g of vodka is already a warning signal. Underestimating alcoholism leads not only to the destruction of the body, but also to changes in the psyche. Alcohol abuse causes loss of control over one’s life, has a negative impact on relationships with relatives, and is sometimes the cause of family breakdown and job loss. So what should we pay attention to when we have doubts whether it is already an addiction? There are a few symptoms that tell you it’s time to seek help:
- first of all, the need to drink alcohol regularly, regardless of the circumstances (alcohol craving),
- withdrawal syndrome after stopping alcohol (headaches, muscle spasms, hand tremors, pressure surges, bouts of aggression, diarrhea and vomiting),
- the need to consume more and more alcoholic beverages in order to actually feel its effects (increased tolerance),
- inability to control drinking
- drinking alcohol to alleviate the effects of previous intoxication,
- neglecting relatives, as well as disregarding professional duties resulting from the abuse of alcohol.
The coexistence of three elements on this list is enough to talk about addiction. Then, professionally performed treatment is essential, which has a chance of success if the patient cooperates with doctors and therapists. Otherwise, depressive states and even alcohol paranoia develop over time, which is associated with mood swings and suspicion. Another effect of many years of drinking is dullness, or intellectual impairment. In extreme cases, addicts suffer from Korsakoff’s syndrome – they are unable to determine the day or the month, have memory gaps, are weakened, malnourished, and their body is heavily degraded.
Learn more: Is alcoholism a mental illness
A shameful problem
In some circles, alcoholism is often hidden – it is perceived as a pathology of the social lowlands. Meanwhile, this problem affects many people from high society. It is ignored, downplayed or disguised. It is very dangerous. When the situation gets really serious, addicts engage in alcohol intoxication, but this is ineffective when it is not accompanied by actual admission, lifestyle changes, and therapy.