5 Things I've Learned About Alcoholism

Understanding alcoholism is not easy for most people to do. It is easy to think that anyone can just stop drinking. However, it is not as simple as pouring your alcohol down the drain and not buying it anymore. Alcohol is an addiction, and the addicted person has no control over their actions and behavior.

It is my hope that by sharing the 5 things I've learned about alcoholism with others through my own personal experiences that it will help create awareness about alcoholism so that it can be prevented and those who are struggling with a drinking problem will be able to recognize it and not be afraid to seek treatment.

Alcoholism does not affect just the person who drinks, it affects every single person the one with an alcohol addiction problem knows. This includes their immediate family, such as parents, spouse, children, and other relatives and their friends. 

Many people who know an alcoholic are not sure what to do. They may think they can help the person, but often they cannot. Family members of the alcoholic are at serious risk for developing their own problems, including codependency, depression, anxiety, financial stress, and other concerns.

For this reason, it is important for family members who are involved with someone with a drinking problem to get help for themselves. Even if the alcoholic refuses to seek treatment, it can lift a huge burden off of family members by joining Al-Anon groups, individual therapy sessions, or other support resources.

We're often ashamed when someone we love has a drinking problem and we don't want to admit it to anyone. However, you need to remember that you are important too - and you'll be surprised - and relieved - to find out that you're not alone.

By getting help for yourself when someone you loves is battling addiction, you can begin enjoying life again and learn healthy ways to cope with your problems. You will also gain valuable insight on what alcoholism really is and be able to understand the person better so you can hopefully lead them towards seeking treatment.

Most alcoholics will not admit they have a problem, even if they are displaying all the obvious signs of an alcoholic. They may confuse their alcohol withdrawal symptoms for other ailments and illnesses. They may realize they are hurting the ones they love, but instead of seeking help to stop, they only try to hide it or promise they will stop, not realizing that they cannot do it on their own.

You cannot force an alcoholic to get treatment, no matter how much you would like to. The alcoholic must determine on his or her own free will that it is time to get help.The alcoholic must often hit what is called "rock bottom" before he or she will seek treatment - a point in their life that unfortunately is often triggered by legal problems, hospitalization, or other drastic events. It is only when the alcoholic comes to the realization that they cannot go on living as an alcoholic can they successfully quit drinking.

This is an important thing that many people do not understand about alcoholism. Alcohol addiction is a severe physical dependence that can include many withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms for someone with a moderate addiction to alcohol may include shaky hands, nervousness, inability to concentrate, nausea, and others. Severe withdrawal symptoms include fever, hallucination, seizures, and in some cases death.

Most alcoholics treat their withdrawal symptoms with another drink, since it often gives temporary relief to their agony. However, within just a few hours of having a few drinks, they may begin feeling the symptoms all over again. Many alcoholics who try to quit on their own think they have to go through the agony of withdrawal symptoms, making it very uncomfortable and near impossible for them to quit. If more alcoholics knew about alcohol detox, they could find immediate relief for their physical addiction so they can concentrate on overcoming their emotional addiction.

Alcohol detox must be done in a medically supervised setting, since the medications they use to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms are very powerful drugs and may become addicting in their own ways. However, it is worth any minor inconvenience of being in a hospital or clinic, since it will reduce your symptoms, and for some may even eliminate them entirely.

Just because someone may overcome their physical addiction through alcohol detox, it doesn't mean they are a recovered alcoholic. Alcoholism is an addiction and also a habit. The alcoholic must successfully learn ways to cope with life without alcohol. If an alcohol treatment program does not include a plan to help the alcoholic continue sobriety, alcohol relapse is highly possible.

Most treatment plans include therapy sessions, both on a group and individual level. Understanding the underlying causes of alcoholism, and teaching the person new ways to live help them rebuild their lives.

Becoming an alcoholic does not mean your life has been destroyed forever. Many recovered alcoholics can find themselves living a happy and productive alcohol free life.

There are many famous people who have overcome their alcohol addiction, and it is wonderful they are willing to admit they had a problem and are willing to talk about it to hopefully spread hope to those who may be facing addiction. Late night talk show host Craig Ferguson has discussed his own battle with alcoholism, as well as radio and television personality Glenn Beck.

Many other alcoholics have successfully been recovered and been able to start their own business, get the career they want, and recoup their relationships with their families and loved ones.

Alcoholism does not have to result in death or heartache: it can end with a happy ending.

If you need help with alcoholism, whether you may be experiencing alcohol addiction, or a loved one's problem has begun negatively affecting you - don't be afraid to get help. There are many resources available, and for many getting treatment and support for alcoholism is free, even if you do not have health insurance.

Your telephone book, searching online for drug treatment centers in your area, or even speaking to a pastor or doctor can all give you the help you need - and deserve.

It's time for us to stop taking a blind eye to alcoholism and start making a difference - sharing this article with a friend or linking to it from your own blog or website may be a good start :) Remember: Alcoholism is preventable. By sharing this with others, you may be able to make a difference.