Only One Drink

Drinking one or two glasses of red wine with dinner can be good for your health, but consuming more alcohol and becoming dependent on it can become a chronic, progressive and even fatal illness that destroys physical and mental health, as well as family and social relations. This is a disease called alcoholism that can ultimately be fatal due to complications that are associated with the excessive consumption of alcohol.

Therefore, it is important to know about this subject. Alcohol is one of the most potent drugs; what's more, its consumption is legal. Thus, alcoholism is considered to be as serious a problem as drug dependency. It causes both physical and psychological dependency.

What happens in our bodies when we drink alcohol?

Alcoholism is a syndrome that consists of two phases, problems associated with alcohol consumption and addiction to alcohol. The problem with alcohol is the ongoing consumption of alcohol, very often to relieve anxiety or to solve other emotional problems. Alcohol addiction is similar to that which occurs when one uses sedatives or drugs. Just like with chemical dependency, the person feels the need to consume alcohol.

The direct effect of alcohol on our nervous system is a state of depression, anxiety, and tension. Even a small amount of alcohol in our body slows our reaction time and reduces our mental functions. Our ability to concentrate and our judgment become impaired and, when consumed in excess, alcohol causes intoxication and poisoning.

Additionally, alcohol produces irritation in our digestive system, interferes with the absorption of vitamins, causes liver and brain problems, damages the cardiovascular system, causes sexual dysfunction in both men and women, and drinking during pregnancy can cause problems in fetal development.

The stages of dependency

The development of alcohol dependency may take place over several years, but the first thing to occur is a high tolerance for alcohol, in other words, the person can drink a large quantity of alcohol without becoming inebriated.

Once alcohol dependency develops, memory lapses will occur. This means that the person will not remember what he/she has done, nor their inappropriate behavior at a party or a restaurant. Afterwards comes lack of control to the extent that the affected person cannot refrain from drinking. The person reaches the point of needing alcohol to get through daily life.

The most serious problems for drinkers are physical, mental, and familial complications.

How does alcoholism develop?

There is no definitive cause, but it appears that genetic and biochemical factors are involved.

By the same token, it has been observed that there are psychological factors, such as conflicts within relationships and low self-esteem among others, which contribute to the development of this problem.

But we must also mention some social factors that are very important in the development of this disease. Among these, the ease with which alcohol can be consumed, the social acceptance of alcohol consumption, experiencing high levels of stress, and having friends that drink a lot.

How to know if a person is an alcoholic

In general, we know by their conduct, which is characterized by some of the following:

• A tolerance to the effect of alcohol.
• The daily or frequent need for alcohol in order to function.
• The need for alcohol early in the morning.
• Drinking alone.
• Making excuses for drinking.
• Episodes of memory loss associated with alcohol consumption.
• Violent episodes associated with alcohol consumption.
• Deterioration in social, family and work relationships.
• Absenteeism from work.

Treatment

The first thing to do is to look for help. Don't try to stop drinking 'by yourself.' Given that it is a chronic disease, and requires lifelong control, an alcoholic never stops being an alcoholic.

Treatment begins by acknowledging the problem. Alcoholism is associated with denial, which allows the affected person to believe that he/she does not need treatment. The majority of alcohol-dependent people agree to treatment as a result of pressure from others. Willingness to accept treatment without outside pressure is very rare.

One must convince the person when he/she is sober, not when they have been drinking or are hung over. After recognizing the problem, abstinence from alcohol is the only solution. At this point, the person needs to consult a doctor and enter a detox clinic or attend AA meetings. Alcoholics Anonymous is a successful worldwide organization. These programs also offer support for family members as they can also experience deep emotional problems.

Alcoholism can destroy your life and that of your family. Prevent this from happening to you. If you have a problem, seek help.