Alcohol Addiction

This topic is about alcohol abuse and dependence in adults. For information about alcohol problems in teens or children, see the topic Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse. For information about drug abuse in adults, see the topic Drug Abuse and dependence.Is the abuse of alcohol and alcohol dependence?
Alcohol abuse means having unhealthy or dangerous drinking habits, such as drinking every day or drinking too much at a time. Abuse of alcohol can harm your relationships, cause you to lose jobs, and resulted in legal matters such as driving while intoxicated (intoxicated). When you abuse alcohol, you continue to drink even though you know your drinking is causing the problem.

If you continue to abuse alcohol, can lead to alcohol dependence. Alcoholism is also known as alcohol dependence. You are physically or mentally addicted to alcohol. You need to have strong, or craving, to drink. You feel like you must drink just to get by.
You may be dependent on alcohol if you have three or more of the following problems in a year:

     * You can not quit drinking or control how much you drink.
     * You must drink more to get the same effect.
     * You have withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. These include abdominal pain, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety.
     * You spend a lot of time drinking and recovering from drinking, or are there other activities that have given up so you can drink.
     * You try to stop drinking or reduce the amount you drink but have not been able.
     * You continue to drink despite harms your relationship and cause you to develop physical problems.
Alcoholism is a long-term (chronic) disease. It's not a weakness or lack of diligence. Like many other diseases, it has a predictable course, has known symptoms, and is influenced by genes and circumstances of your life. How much drinking is too much?
Alcohol is part of the lives of many people and may have a place in the cultural and family traditions. Sometimes it can be hard to know when you start drinking too much. 


You are at risk of drinking too much and should talk to your doctor if you are: 1

     * A woman who has more than 3 drinks at one time or more than 7 drinks a week. A standard drink Click here to see an example. is 1 can beer, 1 glass of wine or mixed drinks 1.
     * A man who has more than 4 drinks at once or more than 14 drinks a week.
If you think you may have a drinking problem, take a short quiz to check symptoms:

     Interactive Tool: Do You Have a Drinking Problem? Click here to see an interactive tool.
What are the signs of alcohol abuse or dependence?
Certain behavior may mean that you are experiencing problems with alcohol. These include:

    * Drinking in the morning, which is often drunk in a long period of time, or drink alone.

    * Change what you drink, such as switching from beer to wine because you will help you drink less than or make you get drunk.

    * Feeling guilty after drinking.

    * Make an excuse to drink or do something to hide your drinking, such as buying alcohol at different stores.

    * Not remembering what you did while you were drinking (blackouts).

    * Worried that you will not be enough for the alcohol the night or weekend.

How alcohol problem diagnosed?
Alcohol problems can be diagnosed by a routine visit the doctor when you see or doctor for other problems. If your partner or friend thinks you have an alcohol problem, he was in May asking you to see your doctor.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health, and he will perform a physical examination and mental health assessment sometimes. Mental health assessment checks to see if you might have mental health problems, such as depression.
Your doctor may also ask questions or do tests to look for health problems associated with alcohol, such as cirrhosis.How are they treated?
Treatment depends on how bad you are an alcohol problem. Some people can cut back to a level that was drinking with the help of a counselor. People who are addicted to alcohol may need medical treatment and may have to stay in a hospital or medical center.

Your doctor may decide need detoxification, or detox, before starting treatment. Detox flushes out the alcohol in your body. You need detox when you are physically addicted to alcohol. When you go through detox, you may need medication to help the withdrawal symptoms.
After detox, you stay focused on alcohol-free, or improvise. Most people receive some type of therapy, such as group counseling. You also may need medicines to help you remain prudent.
If you are wise, you've taken the first step towards recovery. To obtain a full recovery, you need to take steps to improve other areas of your life, like learning to deal with work and family. This makes it easier to remain prudent.
You probably will need support to stay sober and in recovery. This may include counseling and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. Recovery is a long term process, not something that can be achieved in a few weeks.
Treatment does not focus on the use of alcohol itself. Others address it in your life, like your relationships, work, medical problems, and situations in life. Treatment and recovery support you to make positive changes so you can live without alcohol. What can you do if you or someone else has a problem with alcohol?
If you feel you have an alcohol problem, get help. Even if you succeed in other areas of your life, visit the doctor or go to a self-help groups. Previously you get help, then it will be easier to reduce or stop.
Helping someone with alcohol problems are hard. If you are to include people, you must stop. For example, do not make excuses to people when he worked misses.
You may be able to help by people talking about what he told you not to drink and others. Talking to people in private, when the person is not using alcohol and drugs, or if you both calm down. If the person agrees to get help, call for an appointment immediately. Do not wait.