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What Is Alcoholism?Alcoholism (also known as alcohol dependence) is a disease that includes, but is not limited to, the following symptoms: Craving - A strong need, or urge, to drink. Loss of control - Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun. Physical dependence - Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking. Tolerance - The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol for it to be effective.
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Is Alcoholism a Disease?Yes, from this alcoholics perspective. Alcoholism is a disease. The craving that an alcoholic feels for alcohol can be as strong as the need for food or water. An alcoholic will continue to drink despite family, health, legal, or many other problems.
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How Do I Know If I Am an Alcoholic?The repeated involvement with alcohol despite the substantial harm it causes, both physically and mentally. Has this been recognized in your situation? If yes, seek further support. Most alcoholics know that they are alcoholics prior to any outside interaction from others. All that is required to move forward through the disease is a compelling and sincere honesty. If treatment is to be lasting and sincere, only the alcoholic may declare their alcoholism.
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Can Alcoholism Be Treated?Yes, alcoholism can be treated. Alcoholism treatment programs may use counseling and medications to help a person stop drinking. Treatment has helped many people stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
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Do You Have to Be an Alcoholic to Experience the Problems of Alcoholism?No. People who drink excessively tend to: blow through a family budget cause fights ignore children impair the health and happiness of the people around them Alcoholism is a disease, and its effects hurt and potentially harm family as well as friends.
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If an Alcoholic Is Unwilling to Get Help, What Can Be Done?"This is a challenge. An alcoholic cannot be forced to get help - except under certain circumstances, such as a traffic violation or arrest that results in court-ordered treatment. But you don’t have to wait for someone to “hit rock bottom” to act. Following are some steps you may try to help an alcoholic get treatment: Stop all "cover-ups" Drinkers often make excuses to others or try to protect the alcoholic from the results of his or her drinking. It is important to stop covering for the alcoholic so that he or she experiences the full consequences of drinking. Time your intervention The best time to talk to the drinker is shortly after an alcohol-related problem has occurred--like a serious family argument or an accident. Choose a time when he or she is sober, both of you are fairly calm, and you have a chance to talk in private. Be specific Tell the drinker that you are worried about his or her drinking. Use examples of how drinking has caused problems, including the most recent incident. State the results Explain to the drinker what you will do if he or she doesn't go for help--not to punish the drinker, but to protect yourself from his or her problems. What you say may range from refusing to go with the person to any social activity where alcohol will be served, to moving out of the house. Do not make any threats you are not prepared to carry out. Get help Gather information in advance about treatment options in your community. If the person is willing to get help, call immediately for an appointment with a treatment counselor. Offer to go with the family member on the first visit to a treatment program and/or an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Call on a friend - Really, do this. Your friend will be honored. If the drinker still refuses to get help, ask a friend to talk with him or her using the steps just described. A friend who is a recovering alcoholic may be particularly persuasive, but any person who is caring and nonjudgmental may help. The intervention of more than one person, more than one time, may be necessary to help an alcoholic see that they will benefit from help. Find strength in numbers Some families join with other relatives and friends to confront an alcoholic as a group. It is strongly suggested that this approach be tried under the guidance of a health care professional who is experienced in this kind of group intervention. Get support It is important to remember that you are not alone. Support groups offered in most communities include Al-Anon, which holds regular meetings for spouses and other significant adults in an alcoholic's life, and Alateen, which is geared toward children of alcoholics. These groups, and others, help family members understand that they are not responsible for an alcoholic's drinking and it is recommended that they take steps to take care of themselves, regardless of whether the alcoholic chooses to get help.
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Where Can I Start Finding Help?Fortunately, there are many resources available for help with substance addiction. Check the Alcoholism Support section of the Resources page of this website. If you don't find what you are looking for on this website, please do a search for "help with addiction" on the internet.
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