Help for Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol, also known as ethanol alcohol, is most likely the only legal, non prescription drug available. Therefore, it is one of the more abused drugs by the most diverse group of users. Just like other drugs, alcohol is addicting. Studies have concluded that most alcoholics are such due to a genetic predisposition to addiction. It works by depressing the central nervous system. It is made by fermenting grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Like other drugs, alcohol has short and long term effects. Most individuals will drink one or two, but for those who drink more euphoria and excitement begin to set in. This increases confidence which in itself is not harmful, but also contributes to poor judgment and a shortened attention span. Common complaints of short term use include memory loss, delayed reaction, blurred vision, poor coordination, and sleeplessness. Some experience confusion, inability to stand or walk, unconsciousness, vomiting, and can become highly emotional. In more severe cases, death can occur. Those who drink habitually and for years run the risk of damaging the liver. The majority of individuals awaiting liver transplants have been alcohol abusers for years. The problem with alcohol, like most drugs, is that with time, the user has to consume more alcohol to produce the same effect as it did before. This influences and contributes to the addiction but also wreaks havoc on the liver which is the bodies filtering organ.
Another problem associated with alcohol over other drugs is the ability to convince users to get help. This is because it is legal and thus perceived as something that is not going to cause problems. Unfortunately, many alcoholics only seek help after they have hurt themselves or others.
The number of those who have periods of over indulging in alcohol is staggering. About eight percent of the United States population is considered to be an alcoholic. Many of its short term effects become more severe long term effects such as memory loss and emotional instability. It can also produce vitamin deficiency and ulcers.
Treatment for alcohol varies greatly. They are diverse from area as they are to an individual. There are several common types of treatment. Individual counseling uses the support of a professional substance abuse counselor. The counselor helps the person understand what problems might be contributing to their abuse. Many abusers suffer from depression or physical pain. The alcohol acts as a “medication” in essence numbing the person’s pain. Therefore a counselor can help identify the different problems from person to person. Recently, physicians have been able to prescribe a medications that causes the person to be very ill when drinking alcohol. There are also drugs known to decrease or stop the craving.
Other common treatments include detox, as well as inpatient and ongoing outpatient solutions. Another powerful tool resource is what is known as a family intervention. This is when a family gets together with a professional counselor and urges the user to get help. It is effective in the sense that it allows the user to see the pain their addiction is causing their loved ones. The experience is life changing not only for the alcoholic, but also his/her family.
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