Alcoholism - What Should You Know?

One of the first symptoms of alcohol dependence is an increased urge to drink to forget their troubles. Gradually, the person starts drinking more and more and neglects his other responsibilities and duties. This can be seen in the form of a lack of attention in the workspace and cutting himself off family ties. Drinking while driving and making rash decisions under the influence of alcohol are also common signs of alcoholism. The earlier alcoholism is treated, the better it is. Hence if you notice such signs, try convincing the person to seek treatment.

It is very difficult to quit drinking alcohol once it has become a part of your daily routine. Alcoholics often drink to escape their problems and hence need supervision and guidance to help find other ways of dealing with their problems. Treatment for alcoholism not only helps a person stop drinking but also helps him or her strengthen their mental resolve. Ideally, a one-month inpatient program should be considered to help an alcoholic recover from this condition.

While alcoholism does affect all the organs of the body in the long run, the first to be affected is the liver. Drinking more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day can cause fatty deposits in the liver which increases the risk of serious liver disease. Alcohol can also cause cirrhosis and scarring of the liver tissue thus permanently damaging the liver. Even if you are a casual drinker, intersperse your drinks with water to lower the liver damage.

When alcohol becomes a part of your daily routine, your body begins to expect it. Hence, going cold turkey can cause a number of withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, irritability, fatigue and insomnia. To deal with this, the person needs a strong mental makeup and support from family and friends. It is always advised to find a creative outlet such as writing or painting to deal with withdrawal effects.