Essential Facts About Alcoholism

Alcoholism is the technical term for a physical dependence on alcoholic substances. Consuming alcohol raises dopamine levels in the human body, which creates an euphoric sensation. It is to this feeling that most alcoholics become addicted, causing them to crave the substance, and subsequently have difficulty abstaining from such beverages. Alcoholics typically become tolerant to the substance over time, causing them to need higher quantities of alcohol to achieve the aforementioned euphoria. This inevitably leads to the eventual loss of control over their drinking. Once tolerance and physical dependency have been established, the person will feel the need for the continuous use of alcohol. However, constant excessive drinking will affect the person's life in a very negative way. He or she may become involved in a car accident, act inappropriately in a variety of situations, or experience one of the many different health problems associated with chronic alcoholism.

Understanding the Causes Of Alcohol Addiction

Research suggests that certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition for alcohol abuse. Family history appears to play a significant role in whether or not a person will become an alcoholic: studies have proven that children of alcoholic parents are more likely to experience this problem themselves than those whose parents do not have difficulty abstaining from alcohol. It is important to understand, however, that although substance abuse tends to run in families, this is not the only risk factor involved in developing the disease. For example, victims of child abuse often become substance abusers later in life. Depression and anxiety can also motivate a person to become dependent on alcohol. If the latter disorders are not appropriately addressed and treated, a person may become addicted to alcohol to numb their symptoms. Once this pattern has begun, it is difficult to break without seeking the services of a recovery center.

In certain instances, alcoholism is the result of a person's having what is referred to by psychologists as an "addictive personality." Such individuals, for reasons unknown, are prone to addictions even though they may not be in any of the primary risk categories mentioned above. Regardless of the reason one has developed an addiction to alcohol, there are myriad dangers associated with ignoring the problem rather than seeking treatment.

Health Problems Associated With Alcoholism

Medical complications of chronic alcoholism include peripheral neuropathy, brain damage, cardiovascular problems, liver failure, and malnutrition. The peripheral nervous system transmits information to and from the spinal cord and brain. When this system becomes damaged due to the excessive amounts of dopamine found in the bodies of alcoholics, the person may experience numbness in the feet and hands, continuous nerve pain, and the inability to feel temperature in a normal way. Heavy drinking also raises blood pressure and triglycerides, making it difficult for one's heart to function properly. This can ultimately lead to heart attack, stroke and death. Liver failure is another health consequence of alcoholism. This is because the excessive use of alcohol forces the liver to store abnormally high amounts of fat in its cells. This can eventually lead to cirrhosis, which is a potentially life-threatening liver ailment. Alcohol induced dementia and other brain disorders are also common among long-term alcoholics. Unfortunately, unlike some health issues associated with this disorder, brain damage from excessive alcohol consumption is not reversible, even if one stops drinking. Alcoholics are also more likely to develop cancer of the mouth, larynx, and esophagus then those who do not drink or those who drink in moderation. Abuse of alcohol also raises a person's risk of developing colon, rectal, and liver cancer, as well as breast cancer in women.

The Importance Of Seeking Treatment

Fortunately, with professional help, many individuals can reclaim their life and overcome their addictions. However, it is essential for the person to admit that he or she is an alcoholic and that the consumption of such beverages is no longer an option if the person is to recover and lead a normal life. It is also imperative that one adhere to the steps of the program in which he or she has enrolled in order to ensure the most positive results possible. Anyone who suspects that he or she has become a victim of alcoholism should seek treatment as soon as possible.