Stay Away From Alcohol
Alcoholism addiction is in the category of Drug and Dependency
Addictions. It is characterized by drinking much more than
planned, inability to stop drinking after taking the first drink, and
continuing to drink even though it adversely affects social and
business activities.
Alcoholism will cause the afflicted person to develop both a
physical and psychological reliance on alcohol. Drunkenness
destroys family life and often leads to divorce. In addition, extreme
absenteeism often leads to loss of employment and financial problems.
Alcoholism untreated will cause more serious health problems such as
delirium tremens which is dangerous and life threatening. If the
alcoholism has advanced to this state, the person would be hospitalized
and under a doctor’s care. Other serious health problems from prolonged
drinking are liver problems, gastrointestinal problems, blood sugar
problems and lung cancer. Warning symptoms of alcoholism include loss
of memory evidenced in not attending to important business and social
activities and constant need of a drink, confusion, and many others.
Alcoholics often continue drinking as long as they can before
seeking medical treatment. The most effective treatment is Alcoholics
Anonymous. This organization has helped many people and seems not only
to enable an alcoholic to stop drinking but also to not start again.
This program is continuous for participants who can attend every day
and help each other when they are vulnerable to start drinking.
Other treatments that can be helpful are government foundations that
furnish withdrawal drugs to alcoholics. Sometimes recovering alcoholics
can conduct normal activities daily whereas others may have to continue
their entire lives on withdrawal drugs such as methadone.
