Alcoholism Facts
Alcoholism Facts that You Need to Know
For most people, there are many alcoholism facts that they don't know. If you suffer from alcoholism, you need to learn all you can about the disease and how to use the plans in place to quit.
For the majority of people who drink, alcohol is simply a nice accompaniment to their activities with friends and co-workers. If you drink moderately, which is to say a couple drinks a day, it is not usually harmful for most people. But many people get in trouble when they go beyond social drinking. At present, nearly fourteen million Americans either abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. Millions more drink in excess, to the point that they could have alcohol problems if they don't cut back. Binge drinking and heavy drinking are both problems that will get worse if not arrested.
Alcoholism facts are essential for you to face if you are a heavy drinker or have someone you care for who is. Alcoholism can be life-threatening at the worst, and at best can still cause brain damage, immune system issues and cirrhosis of the liver. It can also harm the unborn fetus of a pregnant mother-to-be if she drinks to excess. In addition to the diseases caused, people who drink have a much higher rate of homicides and suicides.
Alcoholism, facts say, is also known as alcohol dependence. Alcohol is the most important thing in your life if you suffer from it. Some people can recover without assistance, but most alcoholics need to seek help through AA or other groups. If they are treated and supported, alcoholics can perhaps quit drinking and begin to rebuild their lives.
Why can some people use alcohol with no problems, but others can't? One reason may be genetics. Researchers have discovered that having an alcoholic in your family increases the chance that you will develop alcoholism. Facts about genes, however, aren't the only factors to consider. Other things play into the possibility that you may become an alcoholic - among them are peer pressure, culture, friends, family and even the ease with which you can get alcohol.
Alcohol abuse is slightly different from alcoholism. The strong craving is not as large a factor in alcohol abuse as it is in alcoholism. You may define your disorder as alcoholism if your drinking results in failure to perform school or work tasks, or responsibilities at home, or being arrested for DUI. You may also injure someone when you are under the influence of alcohol.
If you continue drinking beyond alcohol abuse, then you have entered the disease of alcoholism. Facts found in research indicate that continued drinking on your part will strain your relationships with family or friends, or loss of your job - or worse. You may kill someone while you're driving under the influence, and you'll never be able to apologize to that person for the way alcohol has controlled your life.