Posted on August 11, 2016February 14, 2017

Alcoholism

BY: besthealth0 COMMENTS CATEGORY: Alcoholism, Uncategorized

The term alcoholism refers to a disease known as alcohol dependence syndrome, the most severe stage of a number of drinking problems that start with binge drinking and alcohol abuse.
Diagnosing alcoholism can be tricky as the diagnosis depends on the drinker being prepared to acknowledge a problem exists and to answer honestly questions about his or her drinking patterns and attitudes. Alcoholism is insidious, it envelopes you silently, relentlessly progressing in stages until suddenly something inside snaps and you have become dependant, addicted, reliant. There will have been psychological changes too, mostly it will be shame and a need to hide and deny. Unfortunately this will often mean that desperately needed help will not be forthcoming either, cutting off a lifeline and impacting on the lives of loved ones, friends and all too often a career and work colleagues loss .

Firstly we need to examine the different types of alcohol related problems.
It is important to note that alcohol problems are not static, but start with low concern symptoms so as they may be easily dismissed. There is unfortunately a progressive continuum with associated problems getting continuously yet inconspicuously more severe.

The term alcoholism usually relates to any alcohol abuse or dependence. Of these, alcohol dependence is the most severe of all alcohol problems and will usually consist of between three and seven symptoms experienced within one year. These symptoms will generally include:

Repeated yet unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce consumption.
A need for increased amounts of alcohol when partaking. (tolerance).
and Symptoms of withdrawal upon cessation of drinking. (physical dependence).

Courtesy of:  http://www.yourbesthealthhub.com/quitdrinking