what happens when the lines between casual consumption and alcohol abuse are blurred? Here are some facts if you feel you or a loved one suffer from alcohol addiction.

What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction is defined as a compulsive need for intoxicating beverages such as beer, wine, and hard liquor. Alcoholism is present when a person craves alcohol and cannot control their drinking.

What Are The Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction?

The first symptom of alcohol addiction is the amount of alcohol consumed will increase. Over time, alcoholics become tolerant to the liquor, and more is needed to feel the desired effects. Some addicts may try to conceal their drinking. When an alcoholic can’t get the alcohol they crave, they may display a wide range of emotions. Addicts may become socially withdrawn and irritable. Physical symptoms can also be present. Body tremors, vomiting, and high levels of anxiety may occur when an alcoholic is experiencing withdrawals. Hallucinations have also been known to occur in severe cases. Blackouts may occur after drinking, and frequent hangovers could cause them to miss school or work. Alcoholics have been known to drink early in the day, and often when they are alone. They may also have brief periods where they switch from hard liquor to beer or wine. Episodes of violence and abuse toward spouses and children are not uncommon with alcoholics. Alcohol addiction is very serious, and severe withdraws can be fatal. It is critical to seek professional help as soon as you realize there is a problem.

What Are The Effects of Alcohol Addiction?
Long term alcohol addiction can lead to serious health complications that can affect virtually every organ of the body. Liver inflammation can lead to cirrhosis, a serious and irreversible liver condition. Alcoholics are at an increased risk for heart disease and stoke. Alcohol addiction can lead to neurological disorders such as memory loss and dementia. In women who suffer from alcoholism, birth defects in children can occur, and erectile dysfunction can affect male alcoholics.

How is Alcohol Addiction Treated?
Alcohol addiction can be treated with Cognetive-Behavioral therapy that focuses on changing unproductive thought patterns to help change feelings and to change and regain control over unwanted behaviors. Addicts will learn how they think about alcohol, and how to identify and avoid things that trigger them to drink. Support groups and medication may also be recommended to treat alcoholism. Inpatient rehabilitation centers may be recommended for those who suffer from severe alcohol addiction. Some rehab centers have reported that entering an inpatient rehab center is a relief from the normal, everyday pressures from family, friends and the workplace. Alcoholics often begin treatment with a monitored detoxification, and participate in medical and physiological exams. Psychiatric consultations, medication management, exercise and recreation, back-to-work planning, relapse prevention, and sober living skills are among the options for structured treatments at inpatient rehabilitation.

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