Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a disease. If these words make alcoholism sound serious, that's because it is. Alcoholism is a serious problem that requires serious treatment -- physical, mental and emotional.

As is the case with any disease, alcoholism produces a number of different warning signs in the body and mind, affecting your ability to think clearly and function normally. Additionally, alcoholism can create serious problems in your life, causing you to make poor choices, abandon hopes and dreams, live an unhealthy lifestyle and even die prematurely.

More importantly, however, is the effect alcoholism can have on the lives of those around you, adversely affecting your wife, children, friends and co-workers. If nothing else, consider the effects your alcoholism might have on the people you love.

The difference between a social drinker and an alcoholic can be tough call to make. If you think you might have a problem with alcoholism, see if you answer "yes" to any of the following questions:

· Do you drink to escape feelings of pain, misery and hopelessness?
· Has your weekend-only binge drinking turned into a daily event?
· Do you become anxious when you can't drink?
· Do you lie about how much you drink?
· Have your spouse, kids, neighbors and/or friends complained about your drinking?
· Has your boss questioned you about consistent tardiness or missed workdays?
· Do you have one or more DUI arrests?
· Have you experienced abdominal pain, recurring nausea or ulcers?
· During your routine physical exam, has your doctor asked if you were a heavy drinker?

Sometimes people lie to cover up the truth about their alcoholism, saying they are just having problems at home or are going through a rough patch. Others say they'll clean up their acts, promising the doctor, boss or wife that they will cut down or limit their drinking only to the weekend. However, because alcoholism is a disease and must be treated as one, you won't experience true sobriety -- or the end to your problems -- until you seek and receive treatment.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse (NIAA) estimates that one in thirteen Americans suffers from alcoholism, with more people becoming addicted to alcohol every day. A progressive disease, alcoholism is most effectively treated soon on. The earlier your alcohol tolerance, cravings and withdrawal symptoms can be addressed, the better.

The NIAA recommends alcoholics receive ongoing, long-term treatment, such as that found in sober living facilities. The longer you receive such treatment, the better your chances of achieving long-term sobriety.

Don't be one of the 14 million people who put off seeking treatment until things further deteriorate. If alcoholism might be a problem for you or someone you love, we encourage you to give Treatment Referral a call today to learn more about your treatment options.