Helpful Articles About Alcoholism

Alcoholism or alcohol addiction is characterized by a constant preoccupation with alcohol, and frequent, uncontrolled drinking. Also known as alcohol use disorder, alcoholism indicates a state in which the brain and body have become chemically reliant upon alcohol. People who suffer from alcoholism cannot willfully stop drinking on their own. Even after just six to eight hours of abstinence, many alcoholics develop severe and potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms. 

Given its widespread consumption and high levels of social acceptance, alcohol is incredibly easy to obtain, and equally difficult to abstain from. Among some of the more common signs of alcoholism is the need to continue drinking even after doing has created extreme personal, professional, or financial problems. Alcoholics often continue to drink after having suffered devastating health changes, job loss, housing loss, and the loss of their marriages or other close relationships. The urge to drink is both compulsive and overwhelming. Without alcohol, heavy drinkers often grow nauseous, dizzy, agitated, nervous, and confused. These and other withdrawal symptoms can continue to progress for days and even weeks unless the right medical interventions are applied.

Much like substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder is a chronic, lifelong illness. Attending addiction treatment for alcoholism is the first step towards freedom. In addiction treatment, alcoholics can find out why they drink to excess, and they can learn safe and successful strategies for managing the underlying causes of their alcoholism. Recovering alcoholics tend to have the highest success rates when maintaining ongoing plans for avoiding relapse, and after aligning themselves with long-term support services.