Nearly 17.6 million American adults have an alcohol problem, the National Institutes of Health states. Alcoholism is a disease that causes a person to become dependent on alcohol and uses it despite it interfering with health and daily functioning. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption is a serious disease that increases the risk of certain cancers and causes damage to the liver, brain and other organs.
Symptoms
A person with alcoholism has a hard time limiting the amount of alcohol he drinks and may also feel a strong compulsion to drink. An alcoholic my feel anxious or irritable if alcohol is not available. When a person drinks, tolerance may develop and larger amounts of alcohol are necessary to feel its effects. Many people with an alcohol problem will drink alone or in secret. Problems with relationships, work or school are common in people who abuse alcohol. Losing interest in hobbies or extracurricular activities can occur. Alcoholics may hide alcohol in cars or in unlikely places in the home or at work. Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, sweating and tremors appear when an person dependent on alcohol has gone too long without a drink.
Alcohol Questions
In order to gauge whether or not a person's drinking has become a problem, MayoClinic.com states that answering yes to certain questions may be indicative of an alcohol problem. If the person is drinking five or more drinks day, or if he is drinking as soon as he gets up, he may have an problem with alcohol. If the person feels guilty about his drinking and and get angry or annoyed when confronted by others regarding his drinking, this could also indicate an alcohol problem.
Myths of Alcoholism
Helpguide.org states that there are myths of alcoholism. An alcoholic may think he can stop drinking anytime he wants to; however, most alcoholics need help to stop. A person does not need to drink everyday or have significant problems in daily functioning to be considered alcoholic. He may minimize the disease and deny he has a problem because he does not believe a drinking problem is as serious as a drug problem. He may view his disease as his problem that others do not need to be concerned about; however, alcoholism not only the effects the person with the problem, but everyone with whom he has a relationship.
Risk Factors
A person with a family history of alcoholism is at higher risk for developing an alcohol problem than a person without a family history. Men are more likely than women to suffer from an alcohol problem. People who start drinking at an earlier age may also be at higher risk. People with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety may also be at higher risk for alcoholism.
Treatment
Detoxification from alcohol may be necessary if a person is dependent on alcohol. During detoxification, medications are given to prevent withdrawal symptoms and avoid life-threatening complications, such as seizures and hallucinations. Psychological counseling, including individual and group therapy, can help a person work through issues related to drinking and help him develop healthy counseling skills. Twelve-step meeting may also be available within the community. Treatment for alcoholism can be done in inpatient and outpatient centers.
