Adult Substance Abuse

Alcohol can be an addictive substance. Not everyone who consumes alcohol will become addicted. However, certain people may be more susceptible to addiction.

It should be noted that alcohol addiction and abuse are not the same. It's important to understand the facts on alcohol abuse. Alcohol addiction refers to a psychological and physical dependency on alcohol. Individuals who suffer from alcohol addiction may build up a tolerance to the substance, as well as continue drinking even when alcohol-related problems become evident.

Alcohol abusers are not necessarily addicted to alcohol. Abusers are typically heavy drinkers who continue drinking regardless of the results. Abusers of alcohol may not drink on a consistent basis. For example, an individual who abuses alcohol may only drink once a week. However, when that individual drinks, he puts himself into risky situations or drinks enough to cause problems, such as alcohol poisoning. Certain individuals who abuse alcohol may eventually become dependent on it.

Individuals who suffer from alcohol abuse do not always exhibit the same symptoms. The type of symptoms experienced by an individual will depend on a number of factors, such as the individual's background and medical history. While alcohol abuse symptoms do vary, there are signs and symptoms that can indicate a problem.

Signs of alcohol abuse include:

Are genetics to blame for dangerous compulsive drinking?

Decreased involvement in extracurricular activities.
Loss of interest in work or school.
Depression.
Lack of interest in family or friends.
Preoccupation with drinking.
Restlessness.
Inability to control drinking.
Erratic behavior.
Violent behavior.

Short-Term Effects

Nausea.
Vomiting.
Headaches.
Slurred speech.
Impaired judgment.

Long-Term Effects

Blackouts.
Memory loss.
Liver disease.
Thiamine deficiency.

Other Concerns

Risk of:

Cetain cancers.
Brain damage.
Immune system obstruction.

The signs and symptoms of alcohol use, as well as the short- and long-term effects of alcohol abuse don't always occur in isolation. In fact, an alarming number of people purposely combine their alcohol with drugs. This is frequently done with the intention of compounding the effects of both to achieve a greater state of intoxication. What these individuals aren't accounting for is the fact that not only the intoxication potentiated, but there can also be a synergistic, or additive influence on the numerous negative side effects of both. To be sure, the health consequences of mixing alcohol and drugs can be deadly.

Individuals who wish to overcome an alcohol abuse problem have a number of options. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 700,000 people are treated for alcoholism every day. Many of the individuals who are treated for alcoholism and alcohol abuse often seek outside help from treatment centers and therapy sessions.

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Alcohol treatment centers are designed to help individuals who are addicted or who abuse alcohol in a number of ways. Typically, treatment centers require an individual to stay at the center for a specific amount of time. Many centers offer both long- and short-term treatment options.

During treatment, individuals go through detoxification. Detoxification is the process of removing alcohol from the body and getting rid of any physical dependency to the substance.

For someone struggling with alcoholism to successfully complete a treatment program, he must leave the center with a full understanding of his problem. Treatment centers are designed to provide support in the form of individual therapy, as well as group therapy. During therapy sessions, alcohol abusers can explore their reasons for abusing the substance, as well as what they can do to overcome their abusive behavior. Counselors and therapists at treatment centers are trained to provide alcohol abusers with constructive ideas and alternatives to drinking. During treatment, alcohol abusers are also provided with the tools needed to move on from abusing alcohol and into a more productive lifestyle.

Outpatient treatment is also an option for many alcohol abusers. Outpatient treatment centers are designed to provide abusers with a place to explore their destructive behavior. Many outpatient treatment centers provide anonymous group meetings, as well as other programs to help alcohol abusers overcome their issues. With outpatient treatment, individuals are not placed in a controlled environment and may be vulnerable to outside temptation during treatment. Typically, this type of treatment is ideal for individuals who have successfully completed an inpatient treatment program.

Treatment centers can help those who suffer from alcohol abuse. If you feel you or a loved one suffers from alcohol abuse, contact a treatment center today to start the recovery process. Alternatively, call our helpline at 1-888-744-0069 for assistance at any time of the day or night.