Alcoholism
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the country. In fact, more than 18 million Americans experience alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence some time in their life.
Alcoholism is prevalent in all populations and all age groups – it does not discriminate. Even at low doses, alcohol significantly impairs the judgment and coordination required to drive a car or operate machinery safely.
Low to moderate doses of alcohol can also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including domestic violence and child abuse. Effects of moderate alcohol intake include dizziness and talkativeness.
The immediate effects of a larger amount of alcohol include slurred speech, disturbed sleep, nausea, and vomiting. Hangovers are another effect after large amounts of alcohol are consumed symptoms including headache, nausea, thirst, dizziness, and fatigue.
Prolonged, heavy use of alcohol can lead to addiction (alcoholism). Sudden cessation of long term, extensive alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Long-term effects of consuming large quantities of alcohol can lead to: permanent damage to vital organs, several different types of cancer, gastrointestinal irritations (such as nausea, diarrhea, and ulcers), malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies, sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure and lowered resistance to disease. In fact, alcohol is more damaging to the body as a whole than any of the other common drugs of abuse.
More than 100,000 U.S. deaths are caused by excessive alcohol consumption each year. Direct and indirect causes of death include drunk driving, cirrhosis of the liver, falls, cancer, and stroke. Alcoholism can develop over a short period or over a period of many years. Regardless of time frame, the alcoholic will usually suffer consequences in his or her marriage, relationships, career, finances and well-being.
The inability for the alcoholic to see that he or she has a problem is called denial, and is prevalent in many alcoholics. Family members or friends are usually aware of the severity of the problem long before the person doing the drinking is. In many cases a planned confrontation, called an intervention, may be necessary in order to encourage a person to get help for him or herself.
When an alcoholic stops drinking it is necessary to do so under the care of a doctor. Attempting to stop drinking without medical supervision can cause the shakes, anxiety, hallucinations, seizures and even death.
At Eternal Awakenings, we believe in a comprehensive treatment model that addresses the biological, psychological, social and spiritual components of alcoholism. Our licensed chemical dependency counselors have worked in the recovery field for over 20 years and have extensive experience with alcoholism.
Please check out Christian Alcohol Rehab page for more information on treatment options or call us now.