According to the Mayo Clinic staff, alcoholism is a disease in which the body becomes dependent on having to consume alcohol. An alcoholic is someone who is generally obsessed with alcohol and can't always stop at just one drink. Many alcoholics binge drink, meaning they can consume a great deal of alcohol at one time. Some alcoholics go without drinking for weeks or months at a time and then suddenly begin drinking again.
Signs
It's important to recognize the signs that someone may be abusing alcohol. Aside of seeing her drink excessively and repeatedly, she may also show a great deal of alcohol tolerance. This means she can drink a large quantity of alcohol and still remain functional. Hiding the addiction is often a primary of goal of many alcoholics. This means they may hide alcohol bottles throughout the home, vehicle or workplace. Other signs include irritability, loss of job, drinking alone, developing a routine for implementing alcohol into everyday life and drinking in the morning and throughout the day.
Who is at Risk?
Some of the people most at risk for becoming an alcoholic include those who have family members who may have been alcoholics. Alcoholism is linked to some types of genetic factors that make some people more vulnerable or at risk for becoming an alcoholic. People faced with life changes or losses such as unemployment or a death may also seek out alcohol. Being around people who are excessive drinkers can also make people more vulnerable to becoming alcoholics.
Effects on the Alcoholic
Being an alcoholic can have many negative effects on the body. The biggest threat is liver damage. The liver can become damaged from excessive and prolonged drinking. Sometimes the liver can become scarred, leading to cirrhosis--which may be irreversible. Gastritis and pancreatitis can also occur. Both require prompt medical treatment. Cardiomyopathy and hypertension are also results of advanced alcoholism. Hypoglycemia along with drastic changes in blood sugar levels in diabetic patients can cause damage to vital organs. Alcoholism can also affect the central nervous system and cause numbness, shaking and tingling in the extremities.
Effects on Family and Friends
A devastating effect of alcoholism can be the effect it has on family and friends. Many alcoholics may become withdrawn from family and friends and isolate themselves while binge drinking. They may also withdraw from social activities that they once used to participate in. If they lose their source of income, they may let their family down by getting behind on bills and daily expenses in order to pay for their alcohol habit.
Treatments
The best treatment is to utilize professional help through an inpatient treatment facility. At the facility, the patent is completely detoxed from alcohol. Medical supervision is provided around the clock and the patient is observed closely. He will be sedated and then treated with drugs and fluids to help nourish the body and flush out the alcohol safely. Psychological support and outpatient treatment programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous and certain forms of behavioral therapy, may be a part of a long-term treatment program based on the individual.
