Alcoholism tends to get worse over time. Therefore, early detection of signs is very important for treatment. If you see one of the following signs, you should be careful!
Alcoholism is a disease that affects people from all walks of life. Experts have tried to identify factors such as genetics, gender, race or socioeconomic status that may cause someone to become addicted to alcohol, but have yet to find an official cause. Psychological, genetic, and behavioral factors can all contribute to the disease.
It is important to note that alcoholism is a real disease. It can cause changes to the brain and nerves. An alcoholic may not have control over his actions.
Alcoholism can seriously affect your brain and nerves
Alcoholism can manifest in many different ways. The severity of the disease, how often someone drinks, and how much alcohol they consume vary from person to person. Some people drink heavily all day, while others get drunk and then sober for a while.
Regardless of the addiction status, a person usually becomes addicted to alcohol if they are heavily dependent on drinking and cannot stay sober for a long time.
Symptoms of Alcoholism
Alcoholism can be difficult to recognize. Unlike cocaine or heroin, alcohol is widely available and accepted in many cultures. It is often the center of social situations and is closely associated with celebrations and fun.
Drinking is a part of life for many people. So it is difficult to distinguish between someone who enjoys a few glasses of wine and someone who has a real problem.
Some symptoms you may be aware of:
- Increased amount or frequency of alcohol use
- High tolerance to alcohol or no “hangover” symptoms when drinking
- Drink at inappropriate times such as early in the morning when you wake up or in places like churches, workplaces …
- Wants to be where alcohol is available and avoid situations where alcohol is not available
- Changes in friendship. An alcoholic can choose friends who also drink a lot
- Avoid contact with loved ones
- Hide alcohol or hide while drinking
- Depends on alcohol to function in daily life
- Increased lethargy, depression or other emotional problems
- Having legal or professional problems like being arrested or losing your job
Because addiction tends to get worse over time, it’s important to spot the early warning signs. If identified and treated early, alcoholics can avoid major consequences of the disease.
If you’re worried that a loved one or friend is addicted to alcohol, it’s best to approach them in a supportive way. Avoid embarrassing them or making them feel guilty. This can push them away and make them resist your help.
It is difficult to distinguish the symptoms of alcoholism, but you should be aware if your drinking frequency increases more
Health complications associated with alcoholism
Alcoholism can lead to heart disease and liver disease. Both can be fatal. Alcoholism can also cause other problems such as:
- Formation of open wounds, sores on the body
- Complications of diabetes
- Decreased physiological function
- Increased risk of birth defects
- Vision problems
- Increased risk of cancer
- Immune function is suppressed
An alcoholic can also put others at risk such as driving while intoxicated. Drinking alcohol is also associated with increased rates of suicide and homicide.
Nearly all of the risks associated with alcoholism are avoidable or treatable with successful long-term recovery. Therefore, early treatment of alcoholism is very important.
Treatment of alcoholism
Treatment for alcoholism can be complex and challenging. For treatment to work, an alcoholic must want to stay sober. You can’t force them to stop drinking if they’re not ready. Success depends on the person’s desire to become better.
Alcohol addiction recovery is a lifelong commitment. There is no quick fix and it involves daily care. For this reason, many people say that alcoholism is never “cured”.
Talk to experts, your doctor will help you quickly know the right treatment
A common initial treatment option for alcoholics is an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program. An inpatient program can last from 30 days to a year. It can help alcoholics deal with withdrawal symptoms and emotional challenges. Outpatient treatment provides daily support while allowing the person to live at home.
Alcoholics may also benefit from other treatments including:
- Drug treatment
- Advise
- Nutritional changes
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help with some conditions. For example, antidepressants, if alcoholics self-medicate to treat their depression. Or your doctor may prescribe medication to help with other emotions that are common during recovery.
Therapy is useful to help teach someone how to manage stress during recovery and the skills needed to prevent relapse. In addition, a healthy diet can help eliminate the harmful effects alcohol can have on the person’s health, such as weight gain or loss.
Alcoholism can be associated with a number of different treatments. It is important for each person to participate in a recovery program that will support long-term sobriety. This may mean emphasizing therapy for someone with depression or inpatient treatment for someone with severe withdrawal symptoms.
In Vietnam, you can visit and treat alcoholism at the Poison Control Center, Bach Mai Hospital (78 Giai Phong Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi) or Mental Hospital (766 Vo Van Kiet, Hanoi). Ward 1, District 5, HCMC). You can also visit clinics or consult with specialists to find out what treatment is right for you.
For more health information, you can download easyhealthylive.com here or visit the website leep.app now!
Reference source
Alcohol Addiction https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/alcohol Accessed: September 21, 2020
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.