Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a mental health disorder that is characterized by an uncontrollable compulsion to drink. A combination of social and biological factors may lead to alcoholism. One primary risk factor is a family history of the disease. This is due to both the influence of being exposed to and effected by alcoholic behavior and the possibility of genetic factors. People who suffer from alcoholism become physically dependent on the drug. Alcoholics build up a tolerance, needing more and more alcohol to get the desired effects. Without alcohol symptoms of withdrawal can present within a couple of hours. These symptoms can include irritability, nausea, tremors and anxiety.
Excessive alcohol consumption interrupts key receptors in the brain that effect the ability to create memories. This can lead to alcohol induced amnesia commonly known as a blackout. Additionally this interruption effects cognitive abilities for days after the drinking has stopped, so if alcohol consumption persists, it takes a toll on the hypocampus, an important emotional center of the brain. Alcoholic depression may worsen with time as do poor choices that negatively effect the life of the alcoholic. Life becomes unmanageable, home and career being effected and physical health declining.
Help For Alcoholics
Alcoholics Anonymous is the original Twelve Step Program that provides a structured path toward recovery from alcoholism. It is the primary model upon which many alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs are based. It’s premise is spiritual growth and personal accountability. The program is fully self supporting and self sustaining, which are powerful reasons why it works for those who work it. AA meetings can be found in virtually every community in the United States and around the world.
Residential Alcohol Rehabilitation centers are live in programs for individuals undergoing the earliest stages of alcohol detox and returning to sobriety. Licensed counselors and other professionals care for and guide addicts toward a healthier life, treating the addiction, the mental health afflictions and the possible physical ailments caused by alcohol dependency.
Sober Living Environments are also known as half way houses. When people leave the strictly regimented alcohol rehab facility, they may not be ready to return to independent living. Sober houses provide an environment for addicts to live in providing structure, recovery planning and tools while allowing them to have more freedom to readjust to life in society.
Support and Prevention for Families
43% of Americans have been exposed to alcoholism in their families. Although people can not stop their loved ones from drinking, help is available that can provide support and guidance for those effected by alcoholics. Al-Anon and Al-Ateen family groups are twelve step programs related to Alcoholics Anonymous. Al-Anon members are able to recognize codependent, enabling behavior patterns that may do more harm than good for themselves and the addict. Through peer support and literature provided by the program, families can learn healthier ways to deal with the problems that arise due to alcoholism. Members do not dispense advise or directions, rather they share their experience, strength and hope. Members come to understand problem drinking as a family illness that affects everyone. By listening to members speak at meetings, one can hear how they came to understand their own role in this illness. The insights gained put them in a better position to play a positive role in the future. Research shows that when problem drinkers enter a recovery program, their chances for success are improved when they are supported by family members who are in a family recovery program. Al-Anon meetings can be found in communities nationwide and around the world.
Statistics
Alcohol is the number 1 drug problem in America. Americans spend more than $90 billion dollars on alcohol each year. An average American may drink 25 gallons of beer, 2 gallons of wine, and 1.5 gallons of distilled spirits each year. 15 million Americans are dependent on alcohol. 500,000 are between the age of 9 and 12. Alcohol related problems are costing the American economy at least $100 million in health care and lost of productivity every year. About 1 out of 4 Americans admitted to general hospitals have alcohol problems or are undiagnosed alcoholics being diagnosed for alcohol related consequences. Alcohol abuse is the third leading cause of death, causing 35 to 40 percent of motor vehicle fatalities, as well as chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, home injuries, drownings, fire fatalities, job injuries, and 3 to 5% of cancer deaths. to 40% of all industrial fatalities and 47% of work related injuries can be linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism. A 2001 survey shows 25 million Americans reported driving under the influence of alcohol a number that grows each year. Among young adults age 18 to 25 years, almost 23% drove under the influence of alcohol. The latest death statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), show that 17,488 people where killed in alcohol related traffic accidents last year. This report represents nearly 800 more people where killed than the previous year.In 1996, local law enforcement agencies made an estimated 1,467,300 arrests nationwide for DUI offenses. Four of ten criminal offenders report alcohol as a factor in violence. Among domestic violence victims, three quarters of incidents were reported to have involved alcohol use by the offender.
Resources and References
Al-Anon Family Groups, http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/
Alcoholics Anonymous, http://www.aa.org/?Media=PlayFlash, retrieved July 2011
The Biology Behind Alcohol Induced Blackouts, Medline News Today,http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?newsid=230582, 07 Jul 2011, retrieved August 2011
California Department of Motor Vehicles, http://dmv.ca.gov/about/profile/rd/duistats89_99.htm
CDC Alcohol and Public Health,http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm, retrieved July 2011
DrugRehabs.org, http://www.drug-rehabs.org/alcohol-statistics.php
Katcher et all, Estimating alcohol-related premature mortality in san francisco: use of population-attributable fractions from the global burden of disease study,http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/10/682, retrieved July 2011
Medline News Today, Researchers Find Key Genetic Trigger of Depression,http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?newsid=204903 , retrieved August 2011
National Institutes of Health, NIH News, Wednesday, January 19, 2011 http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/NewsEvents/NewsReleases/Pages/Genevariantspredicttreatmentsuccessforalcoholismmedication.aspx, retrieved August 2011
Schneider, Mary-Jane, Introduction to Public Health, Jones and Bartlett
