Alcoholism
Alcohol Abuse
If you're suffering from alcoholism or alcohol abuse, you need a recovery program NOW. Your addiction is taking over your life, perhaps hurting the people closest to you as well as yourself. You can feel its power over you, and you know it's time to break this bond, but you don't know how. is here to help you - call 954-271-5047 and get help now!
The first thing that many people can get confused with is the fact that alcoholism is not the same thing as alcohol abuse. While most consider them one and the same, in truth, they are very different, yet equally dangerous conditions that are very difficult to rehabilitate from.
The Definition of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a disease in which the afflicted individual compulsively drinks alcohol. This intense craving results in the inability to manage control over the urge to drink. The more the individual uses alcohol, the stronger the body's physical dependence on it will become. The ensuing tolerance causes the need to drink greater amounts in order to achieve the same effects.
Alcoholism is recognized by the American Medical Association as a disease. In cases of alcoholism, the person will crave the substance in the same manner as someone starving from food or water. The individual will typically continue their consumption regardless of the damage it is causing to their health, their relationships or their finances, as the compulsion is uncontrollable.
Like many other diseases, alcoholism has been shown to be passed genetically. While that has been scientifically determined, an individual's lifestyle, environment and stress level can also play a large role in the development of this chronic disease, as does the ease with which alcohol is readily available. Just because someone is at risk for alcoholism, does not mean they will develop it. Understanding your risk level, however, can be key to protecting yourself and getting the help you need as early as possible.
The Definition of Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism, alcohol addiction and alcohol dependence are basically the same type of alcohol problem. Alcohol abuse, however, is different than these three. Alcohol abuse is when someone drinks too much alcohol at a given time, such as in a social setting. This individual is not necessarily an alcoholic or addicted to alcohol. While not as detrimental as alcoholism, alcohol abuse may lead to drunk-driving arrests or accidents, drinking-related medical conditions and an inability to handle one's home, work or school responsibilities and should be taken extremely seriously.
With alcohol abuse, the intense cravings found with alcoholism are not evident. A person can be considered to be suffering from alcohol abuse when they have experienced one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:
- Drinking heavily before or during driving or operating heavy machinery
- Failure in fulfilling responsibilities
- Continuing to drink regardless of the problems it causes with relationships
- Experiencing multiple alcohol-related legal problems, such as DUIs
The effects of alcohol abuse can be quite sobering. In fact, nearly 100,000 Americans die each year as a direct result of alcohol abuse. It also plays a huge role in social and domestic problems, crimes like child or spouse abuse and property damage as well as job absenteeism.
If you require immediate assistance in locating a treatment program specializing in the treatment of alcoholism or in finding an alcohol and drug rehab center, call now at 954-271-5047. GET HELP NOW!
Finding Help for Alcohol Abuse
The type and length of stay in an alcohol rehab program ultimately depends upon the severity of your alcoholism and your resources. Generally speaking, most patients will require completion medically-monitored alcohol detox program before they can advance to an alcohol rehabilitation program.
When choosing an alcohol rehab program or inpatient alcoholism treatment program you would be wise to make sure the program includes:
- An alcohol detox program located within its own facility
- A medically-monitored alcohol detox program that includes 24-hour nursing
- A physician trained in addiction medicine (ASAM-certified)
- A comprehensive family component
- An intensive relapse prevention program
- A dual diagnosis treatment program if necessary
- A license by the state and accreditation through the JCAHO
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If you require immediate assistance in locating a treatment program specializing in the treatment of alcoholism or help recovering from alcohol abuse, call now at 954-271-5047. GET HELP NOW!
