Drug and Alcohol Blog

Alcoholism is arguably the most dangerous addiction known to man because of it’s severely adverse effects on the human body ranging from diabetes to a shut down of organs and liver failure. Not to mention the uncomfortable and often dangerous detoxification process. As with any addiction, alcoholism is a disease and needs to be treated through an alcohol rehab program. Alcoholism continues to claim the lives of thousands of people every year who either fail to get the help they need or cannot maintain sobriety after an alcohol rehab program.

Most drug and alcohol rehab programs address both drug addiction and alcoholism as the two are virtually parallel in their characteristics, destructive potentials, and the compulsive behavior associated with the addiction. For many alcoholics, the disease goes through many different phases as it grows and becomes more and more out of control. Generally, in the first stage of alcoholism, the individual will have a heightened tolerance to alcoholic beverages and be able to consume more alcohol in shorter time periods. Also, an individual will seek out more and more opportunities to consume alcohol. Often, this stage is overlooked not only by the individual falling into alcoholism, but also by his or her family and friends as the serious sign that it is.

The second stage of alcoholism can be characterized by a growing intensity of the need for the individual to drink alcohol. Often this need is displayed with drinking earlier in the day than what would be considered as normal. The reason for alcohol consumption begins to shift from drinking to relieve stress or anxiety to drinking because of dependence on alcohol. Often, an individual will experience more physical symptoms of drinking, such as blackouts, hangovers, and hand tremors. Along with the physical symptoms are the psychological symptoms of alcohol addiction such as an increase in the propensity of the individual to blame others and outside sources for his or her problems, instead of blaming their drinking. Denial begins to set in at the second stage of alcoholism, despite warning signs that may seem far more apparent to onlookers and loved ones. although this stage of alcoholism does not usually depict a completely out of control alcoholic, the disease has already taken hold and is well on it’s way to being in control of the individual.

The third stage of alcoholism is the stage in which a drinker becomes out of control and cannot limit his or her consumption of alcohol, no matter the intentions. For example, an individual may be aware that they are drinking too much and try to set a limit of 3 drinks for an event, but finds themselves completely incapable of limiting themselves to that number. As alcoholism progresses, the drinker will feel a greater sense of remorse for his or her drinking and often takes drinks first thing in the morning to ease the discomfort of a hangover or calm the nerves of shame from drinking.
Another common sign of final stages of alcohol is a decrease in interest in friends and family, as well as life’s necessities like food, health, and hygiene. Also, as drinking continues and increases, the individual’s tolerance for alcohol decreases. This is due to liver damage and the fact that the liver is less able to break down the alcohol being consumed, resulting in a speedier inebriation.
It is at this time, that life becomes unmanageable for the drinker. Career, financial and relationship issues begin to take center stage and attempts to quit drinking are increasingly more futile. Sudden cessation of alcoholic consumption results in dangerous physical symptoms such as fever, severe shaking (DT’s), seizures, sweating, cold sweats, and possible blackouts.

Alcoholism is a very serious and dangerous disease and should not be taken lightly at any stage. It is vitally important to know the signs of alcoholism and seek help when it is needed. There are various treatment centers with a plethora of alcohol rehab programs to help each individual in need of alcohol rehabilitation. Because of the legality and accessibility of alcohol in our society, we all face an increased threat of alcohol abuse and addiction and that just makes it all the more important to be aware and find help before things get out of control.