Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people each year. It is important to recognize the warning signs of an addiction. Let's take a look at some of these signs and symptoms, and the steps necessary to stop the abuse of alcohol.

Alcohol is a part of many people's lives. Most restaurants serve alcoholic beverages and it is present at most sporting events and office parties. Many people can have a drink or two and stop there with no problem at all. For many people however, this is not the case. One drink can quickly lead to many more and some people simply do not have the ability to control their alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that people that come from an alcoholic family, have an increased risk of becoming problem drinkers. This leads us to believe that genetics plays some role in this addictive process. Stress is also a leading factor in one's ability to control their consumption of alcohol. Many people turn to the bottle as a way to manage the stress that is present in their lives. Unfortunately, alcohol cannot make these problems disappear, they are still present and often drinking creates new problems. Many family members simply cannot take the up and down roller coaster ride of living with someone who is a problem drinker or an alcoholic. These families may have financial difficulties due to the alcoholic missing work or being fired from their job due to drinking. Abuse is prevalent in many homes where alcoholism exists, because the person drinking is unable to control their behavior while drinking. Many affable people have completely different personalities once they begin to drink. Just because someone has a problem with alcohol, it does not mean that they cannot recover and lead a full, normal life. It is important to recognize the symptoms of alcohol abuse, so that help for the addiction can be obtained before it is too late.

The following are a list of things that may indicate you or someone you care about has a problem with alcohol.

l. Withdrawing from friends and family.

2. A preoccupation with obtaining alcohol.

3. Numerous failed attempts to quit drinking.

4. Unexplained swings in moods or strange behavior.

5. Blaming others for problems or the ability to be unable to quit drinking.

6. Anger or depression.

Alcohol addiction can also have many different physical symptoms as well. The following things are a list of some of them.

1. Redness and puffiness of the face or eyes.

2. Abdominal pain.

3. Sick or shaking feeling, especially when not drinking.

4. Driving while intoxicated, this may result in legal troubles.

5. An increased tolerance to alcohol, and the need to drink more to feel the "buzz".

6. Periods of not being able to remember things or conversations, "blackout" periods.

7. Flushing of the skin from an excessive intake of alcohol.

8. Missing school or work due to hangovers or periods of being intoxicated.

If you or someone you know, has any of these symptoms it is important to get help right away. There are many people who have conquered their alcohol addiction and have went on to lead happy, healthy lives.