Understanding Alcoholism
Alcohol dependence and alcoholism are terms which are often used interchangeably to describe anyone with a reliance on alcohol. Since 1979 however, the medical profession has largely discouraged the use of the term alcoholic, preferring the term alcohol dependent. Despite this, some professionals still make a distinct differentiation between alcohol dependence and alcoholism, with alcoholism sometimes being considered more severe condition. Alcohol dependence by definition is the reliance on alcohol in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms. However, dependence can be both physical and psychological. Many people rely on a “stiff drink” in order to see them through difficult situations, without them being classed as dependent. However, when that process becomes so regular that a person can’t face a certain situation without alcohol being available, then dependency becomes an issue. By its very nature, dependency usually starts gradually, with alcohol being used as an emotional crutch. However, after a short time, the person usually starts to develop a tolerance for alcohol, so that person has to be drunk in order to achieve the same results. The person may crave alcohol, may even find themselves waking in the night with a desire for alcohol and eventually begins to develop withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not available. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be very unpleasant and range from mild feelings of anxiety and jumpiness through to delirium tremens, convulsions and blackouts. Physical symptoms usually start within 3-6 hours of the person having their last drink and can last between 5-7 days. Emotional dependence and cravings can last much longer. Alcoholism is often defined as a combination of alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. The term alcoholic is often reserved for those with a sustained history of heavy alcohol abuse, with an inability to control their alcohol consumption. Whereas an alcohol dependent person may use alcohol as crutch, alcoholics often have a far more destructive relationship with alcohol and will frequently drink until they are totally incapable of coherence or coordination.This is usually the result of a sustained relationship with alcohol that has damaged their physical, mental and social health. Chronic alcohol abuse has a far-reaching social impact with over 33% of homicides and 22% of suicides being related to alcoholism. Alcoholics have developed a high tolerance to alcohol and suffer severe withdrawal symptoms if alcohol is unavailable.Another defining characteristic of alcoholism is the tendency for it to run in families. Studies have found that there is a good chance that someone born into this will be one themselves, even when removed from their parents at birth. Therefore, genetics may be involved in the development of alcoholism even though no specific gene has been identified.Types of AlcoholismType 1 alcoholism is most commonly developed in adulthood, often as a tool for reducing stress. It is not associated with anti-social behavior and is sometimes described as closet alcoholism.Type 2 alcoholism, by contrast, develops much earlier, sometimes during the teenage years. It is associated with violent and self-destructive behavior and may be related to genetic influences.It is difficult therefore to categorically define the true boundaries between alcohol dependence and alcoholism as definitions are indistinct and there is significant behavioral overlap. It could be said that alcoholism is the end result of sustained alcohol dependence, that alcoholism is defined by the decline alcohol has caused to subjects health, or that alcoholism has a genetic component. Nevertheless, it is still very difficult to differentiate alcohol dependence from true alcoholism.With either of these, some sort of help is almost always needed for recovery. There are many different types of help available, with alcohol rehab heading the list, often preceded by a detox program. There is always hope no matter what level of alcoholism or dependence one has reached, as the body is resilient and has a tendency towards healing when in a supportive environment.The other aspect that will have to be dealt with is the mental health in the individual, both the originating caused for this sort of drinking as a sort of coping mechanism, along with the thought patterns and emotional disturbances that may have developed through this sort of use of alcohol. You should essentially seek help 800-303-2482 immediately when faced with either alcohol dependence or alcoholism in your life, and there is lots of help available to you.
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