Alcohol Addiction
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is defined as a condition in which there is a continued consumption of alcoholic beverages. When individuals consume an exuberant amount of alcohol on a consistent basis there may be negative consequences on health. Alcoholism is often described as a disease, wherein the individual who is using has a compulsory attitude towards drinking and very often negates the negative health effects that the continued consumption of alcohol poses. Regardless of the medical or popular belief it is clear that alcohol addiction constitutes a serious physical and mental abuse of the body.
The amount, frequency, and regularity of alcohol consumption varies from person to person, therefore consumption rate can never be used as an indicator of alcoholism. While some people may be able to use alcohol in an acceptable manner, it is the heavy use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol that leads to alcohol addiction. It can also take different forms, including consistent everyday dependence, or periodic binge drinking.
What causes alcohol addiction?
There is no defining answer or reason for what causes alcohol addiction. The truth is, it can and does affect everyone. Regardless of age, race, religion and social status, at any period of time in an individual’s life, they can become addicted.
Some of the contributing factors to drinking can be related to social environment, family history, stress, and mental health. The heavy use, abuse, and dependence of alcohol that leads to alcohol addiction is a real threat and can present itself as binge drinking or co-dependent drinking.
Due to the varied ways and means alcoholism can develop it is important to understand the underlying reasons behind the behavior. Even though the root causes behind alcoholism are often obscure and conflicting with the proper treatment, what seems like a frightening and elusive problem can be understood and controlled.
Health complications associated with alcoholism
Anemia- A health complication where red blood cell counts are very low. Because of the relationship between oxygen and red blood cells, this disorder can lead to fatigue, lightheadedness and shortness of breath.
Cancer- Mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, and colorectal cancer have all been linked to heavy alcohol intake.
Cardiovascular disease- Heavy drinking causes blood clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The risk is due to blood platelets clumping together. Additionally a weakening of the heart muscle can occur.
Cirrhosis- Liver functionality is destroyed.
Dementia- Drinking shrinks certain parts of the brain associated with memory.
Pancreatitis- The pancreas becomes inflamed and individuals experience severe abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea.
Additionally, heavy drinking can cause:
- Depression
- Seizures
- Gout
- High blood pressure
- Infectious disease
- Nerve damage
Prominence Treatment Center: The leader in alcohol addiction treatment.
Prominence Treatment understands the variety and complexity related to alcohol addiction. The experience, knowledge and treatment that we provide has made us the leader in alcohol addiction treatment. Our professional staff of doctors and counselors is practiced in the recognition and treatment of all forms of alcohol addiction whether physical, psychological, or dual diagnosing. Starting with detoxification, we work to formulate the best individualized and effective treatment available. Each person takes part in focused and structure group therapy meetings coupled with exercise and nutrition to ensure the complete care that each individual deserves. Prominence Treatment understands the complexity of alcohol addiction and everyone that comes through our doors is offered the treatment they desire and the hope they deserve.
If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol abuse, help is available. Please call 1(855)201-0121. You are one step closer to getting help for you or your loved one. Give yourself the chance you deserve and the life you desire.
