Understanding Alcoholism

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alcohol, and withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shaking and vomiting when you haven’t had a drink for a while. More health problems that have been associated with long term alcohol abuse including cirrhosis of the liver; pancreatitis; various cancers, including liver, mouth, throat, larynx, and esophagus; high blood pressure; and psychological disorders. Alcoholics tend to have mental health problems such as depression and anxiety as a result of drinking to excess. Many times they also have legal problems because they are not in control of their actions. (CDC, 2014)

Fathers, mothers, single parents, couples straight or gay, regardless of ethnicity, affluent or poor….drug and alcohol abuse can ravage relationships. Most of all, children and adolescents suffer the greatest from the effects of the abuse of alcohol and drugs in the family. Alcoholics, while in the midst of the disease, are incapable of putting people before the drink. It isn’t their fault, they can’t control themselves, and people suffer because of it. While there is no cure for alcoholism, there are many excellent treatments available to help people learn to regain control of their lives, but it is imperative that they do it without using alcohol. Depending on the circumstances, treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counseling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay. Unfortunately most alcoholics hesitate to get treatment because they don’t recognize they have a problem. By quitting drinking, changing their behaviors and learning coping skills, it is possible to improve their lives.

Alcoholism ruins lives, families, jobs, and relationships. The disease of alcoholism is a family disease and affects everyone close to the person. The key to not falling victim to alcoholism is education and awareness. If you have a loved one who suffers from alcoholism, try to be patient, understand they are ill, and support them in their recovery. Surely no person would choose to be an alcoholic!

Works Cited

"Alcohol and Public Health." CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Aug. 2014. Web. 26 Sept. 2014

Dick, Danielle M., and Arpana Agrawal. "The genetics of alcohol and other drug dependence." Alcohol Research & Health 31.2 (2008): 111.

Edison, A J. An Overview of Alcohol Use, Abuse, and Alcoholism. Fort McNair, Washington, D.C: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, 1993. Print.

Gold, Mark S., and Christine A. Adamec. The Encyclopedia of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse. New York: Facts On File, 2010. Print.

"Alcoholism." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2014.