Alcohol is a popular drug that when consumed, affects the way people think, behave and feel. While it may be legal, when someone becomes addicted to alcohol, it can be damaging to the health and wellbeing of the individual and the people around them. Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism can be extremely dangerous when left untreated and may even lead to death. In this article, we’ll discuss what happens to a person who is addicted to alcohol and what can be done to help them. If you are addicted to alcohol and for the people living with an alcoholic, the first step to recovery starts with understanding what the addiction is and the damage it can do when it is ignored.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) divides the disease into four parts:
- Cravings
- Loss of Control
- Increased Tolerance
- Physical Dependence
Cravings
For alcoholics, the need to use alcohol may be on the same level as the need to breathe. Their every thoughts will be dominated by when, where and how will they be able to get their next drink.
Loss of Control
When speaking about alcoholism, loss of control doesn’t only mean being unable to handle thoughts or behaviour but also the amount of alcohol that is consumed. Alcoholics who have had one drink will find it somewhat impossible to control the amount of alcohol they drink after that. Addicts might set themselves a limit that they won’t breach but will find that they will always exceed it. This only causes further regret and shame when they become sober, they may turn to alcohol to feel better about themselves again.
Increased Tolerance
When someone becomes increasingly tolerant to alcohol, it means that they would need to drink more to feel effects that were once achieved through smaller amounts. This usually happens when alcohol is used excessively over a long period of time as addicts become frustrated that they can’t feel the same pleasurable effects that were previously felt.
Physical Dependence
Physical dependence is one of the key components of any addiction. Addicts won’t be able to quit alcohol despite seeing the negative effects is causing to them and their loved ones. Quitting alone will be extremely tough as the withdrawal symptoms such as stress, nervousness, increased sweating, body chills and nausea can be very painful and uncomfortable.
Help for Alcoholics
If you or your loved one is addicted to alcohol, it’s important get professional help immediately. There is a belief that alcoholics must want to get treatment before recovery can be achieved. This is not true as addicts will deny having a drinking problem and this realisation may never even occur. Waiting till then may be a little too late. Time after time it has been proven that forcing someone to get treatment has no effect on whether it will be successful or not. The best way to treat alcoholism is by residing in an alcohol rehabilitation centre, a supportive environment where patients receive a medical detoxification to minimise or remove any cravings and withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced.Therapy and counselling such as individual counselling and 12-step group meetings will also be done to help educate alcoholics about their problem and what can be done to avoid drinking in the future. Outpatient treatment is also available for patients who have completed treatment in rehab or for those who cannot attend inpatient treatment due to important responsibilities. Individuals will be able to do their daily duties while attending regular counselling and therapy meetings in the evenings.
For patients looking to continue treatment, tertiary care is very effective in helping addicts who completed treatment remain clean and sober. Call us now and let one of our qualified addiction counsellors help find the most suitable treatment for you or your loved one. We provide access to the best alcohol rehabilitation centres in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Thailand.