Alcoholism

People who...

have a family history of heavy drinking or alcoholism
come from non-drinking families, but where there has been a very strict upbringing
come from unhappy homes
have a family history of depression
are heavy smokers
are single, or divorced
have a higher risk of becoming alcoholics.

The difference between the heavy drinker and the alcoholic is that the alcoholic...

cannot control his drinking
drinks more frequently
drinks until he is completely drunk
cannot do without drinking

Warning signs of alcoholism —

the need to drink to produce relaxation
blackouts (gaps in memory)
drinking for the sedative effect of alcohol
constantly thinking about alcohol
drinking each drink quickly
behavior becomes aggressive, extravagant, guilty
develops relationships with others who drink
begins to lose interest in family
stays away from work more often
drinking even in the daytime

Signs of established alcoholism —

lying and stealing to get alcohol
fears
tremors, specially of hands
a cycle of depression and drinking sets in
increasing problems in personal relationships
alcohol related physical problems and mental disturbances

TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM

In some ways, alcoholism is like a disease. Today, the medical profession sees alcoholism as a condition of body and mind which requires medical and psychiatric treatment, and not as mere social misbehavior.

Alcoholism is treatable. In most cases, the psychiatrist may advise a short period of hospitalization, while the alcohol is allowed time to get out of the system. Medicines are needed to help the person overcome the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can occur from stopping alcohol There are also many new forms of medication available, to help a person give up alcohol. Some of these can create a strong dislike for alcohol, so that the person no longer wishes to drink. However, these must always be used with a psychiatrist's supervision, as they can be harmful if used improperly. A good diet and vitamins are needed to make up for all the nutrients lost from drinking. Alcoholism can lead to many psychiatric disturbances besides blackouts - mental confusion, hallucinations, memory disturbances -these require to be treated. The psychologist can carry out several tests, among them tests of personality, tests for the detection of psychological problems, tests for determining interests and aptitudes and tests of intelligence level. These can be very valuable in planning the person's treatment. Family therapy is necessary to help build up support for the person, as well to help the family members cope with the problem. Because alcoholism leads to problems in family relationships, these too may require working through with some outside help. Behavior therapy may help the alcoholic change some of his habits and develop other skills to cope with his daily stresses. Relaxation therapy may be taught by special methods, to help the person have an alternative means of lowering his tension level.Alcoholic annymous and AL Anon, group therapy and support groups by and for Alcoholics are also quite effective. All these methods require long term therapy relapse prevention & rehabilitation as even one drink may lead to relapse.