Dealing With Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse can be a serious issue. It can lead to health problems, legal issues and even a loss of a job. The best way to deal with alcohol abuse is to get help. You should also consider seeking support from a health professional or support group.
People who are affected by alcohol abuse often drink to help them relax or to deal with depression or anxiety. They may also use alcohol to cope with social pressure. When this happens, they may start to drink too much. As a result, they become dependent on alcohol and start to experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, hallucinations and headaches. Luckily, you can recover from an alcohol problem. However, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid relapse.
Although many people believe that alcohol abuse is an issue that only happens to alcoholics, it is actually a common problem for a wide range of people. In fact, 90% of the population is at risk for alcohol addiction. Many professionals can provide counseling and medication to treat the condition.
Depending on the severity of the situation, some people require lifelong medications. However, others can reduce the cravings and stop drinking in moderation. This type of therapy is called motivational enhancement therapy. During this type of therapy, patients learn about the pros and cons of treatment and develop a plan to improve their lives.
Alcohol use disorder can be a difficult problem to treat. Most people have difficulties stopping or cutting back on their drinking. They can experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headaches, tremors, irritability and insomnia. Having these withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous.
There are several different types of alcohol abuse. Binge-drinking is one of the most common forms of alcohol misuse. Binge-drinking is defined as having five or more drinks within two hours for men and four or more for women. Drinking too much can increase the risk of getting hurt in certain situations, such as driving or riding a motorcycle.
Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to cirrhosis and heart failure, among other illnesses. Because it can damage the liver, stomach and bone marrow, it is important to stop drinking if you have an alcohol use disorder.
If you or a loved one is concerned about the impact of alcohol on your life, don't hesitate to talk with your health care provider. Some people find it helpful to participate in a support group or attend an outpatient treatment program.
Individual and marital and family counseling can help you work through the issues that are associated with your drinking habits. These therapies can be a great way to rebuild relationships with your family and friends.
If you think that you are suffering from alcohol misuse, contact your local health department for a referral to a substance use resource. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a website that can help you locate a treatment center.
Learn more about addiction treatment centers, signs of alcohol addiction and alcohol rehab.