Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is a serious medical condition that can affect anyone and vary in both its cause and severity. It is important to remember that alcohol affects the neurochemistry in a persons brain and this can leave them unable to control their actions and behaviours.
Causes
Although alcoholism can occur at any age it tends to occur more frequently around the ages of twenty to thirty. Whilst there is no single cause for its development, risk factors can include:
· A history of alcohol abuse in the family
· Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
· Past trauma or abuse
· Social and cultural factors
Symptoms
· Increased frequency of drinking and the amount consumed
· Only wanting to socialise in situations where alcohol is available and avoiding activities that don’t include it
· Hiding signs of alcohol consumption or drinking on their own so others aren’t aware
· Becoming dependant on alcohol to function and get through their daily life
· Developing a high tolerance for alcohol and showing no signs of being hungover
· Drinking at inappropriate times and places such as first thing in the morning or at work
· Avoiding contact with family and friends and socialising with people who also drink heavily
· Physical changes like lethargy, mood swings or anger
· Drinking in dangerous situations like when swimming, driving or using machinery
Health Risks Associated with Alcoholism
Initially drinking can cause sleep problems, migraines and upset stomachs and attempts at withdrawal can cause nausea, sweating, or tremors. Long-term use can result in more serious conditions such as:
· Digestive problems like gastritis, stomach and oesophageal ulcers or pancreatitis
· Liver disease such as a fatty liver or cirrhosis
· Increased risk of cancer including mouth, throat, colon and breast cancer
· Eye problems including rapid eye movement, or paralysis
· Vitamin deficiencies such as B 1 that can lead to brain changes including dementia
· A reduced immune system making it harder for the body to fight infections especially pneumonia
· Problems with sexual performance and the menstrual cycle
· Heart problems caused by high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke or an enlarged heart
· Diabetes complications caused by alcohol interfering with glucose release from the liver
· Depression, anxiety and psychosis
· Suicidal thoughts or attempts
· Miscarriage and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder which can cause physical and developmental problems in children
Self-Help
There are ways you can help yourself to cut down on your drinking. Avoid social situations where you may be tempted to drink and try activities that don’t involve alcohol, like the cinema, a night class or the gym. There is information on-line and several organisations that can help you with your alcohol issues and in seeking help and support.
Professional Help
People with addictions rarely accept that they have a problem, so don’t often seek help, however as alcoholism can cause several physical health conditions they may initially see their doctor about these before they seek help with their drinking.
Your doctor may suggest that you try rehab, an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation centre. If this is not an option they can help you with the physical and mental health issues caused by excessive alcohol consumption and recommend that you see a therapist to help you discover any underlying cause for your addiction and help you to overcome your addiction using therapies such as counselling, psychotherapy, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and clinical hypnosis. Written by Jan, Jeana and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK). For more free Information click above link.
