Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are different. Alcoholism is an obsession and dependency on alcohol. Alcohol abuse is engaging in excessive drinking that causes health and social problems, but the person hasn’t lost full control over alcohol and isn’t dependent on it.
Signs of Alcoholism
There are many signs that can signal whether a person’s drinking has gotten out of control. One of the signs is the person denies s/he has a drinking problem. Other signs as stated by the Mayo Clinic of Rochester, Minn., include:
- drinking alone or secretly
- unable to limit the amount of alcohol
- “blacking out”/not remembering conversations and commitments
- losing interest in activities
- compulsion to drink
- irritability
- keeping alcohol in unlikely places
- ritual of drinking before, with or after meals
- building a tolerance to alcohol
- legal problems with people
- experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Self Evaluation Test
If a person answers yes to two or more questions below, it is likely that person has a problem with alcohol says the Mayo Clinic.
- Do I need a drink as soon as I get up?
- Do I feel guilty about my drinking?
- Do I think I need to cut back on my alcohol consumption?
- Am I annoyed when other people comment or criticize my drinking habits?
Risk Factors
The risk factors of developing dependence on alcohol include many things. If a person starts to drink at age 16 or earlier, the bigger the likelihood of becoming dependent on alcohol. Some more factors that can't be changed include genetic makeup, men are more likely to become dependent and if a parent abused alcohol, the likelier a child will. Depression, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity also increases the risk of dependency.
Addiction Factors
Risk factors relate to the probability of dependence on alcohol. Addiction factors relate to the brain process of addition. These addiction process factors include genetic makeup, emotional state, psychological state and society/culture. If a person is feeling stress, anxiety, has depression or low self-esteem it can lead that person to abuse alcohol. American society's portrayal of alcohol use in the media may send a glamorous message about alcohol use.
Health Effects
Alcoholism can take a severe toll on a person’s well-being and health. It can start as mildly as fatigue to as severe as cancer. Below are more health effects.
- weakness/paralysis of eye muscles
- liver disorders
- gastrointestinal problems
- cardiovascular problems
- diabetes complications
- sexual function and menstruation
- birth defects
- bone loss
- neurological complications
- increased cancer risk
Alcoholism Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association lists criteria to diagnose alcoholism. Three or more of the following at any time during one 12-month period is alcoholism.
- tolerance indicated by an increase in the amount of alcohol needed to feel intoxicated
- withdrawal symptoms when cutting back or stopping alcohol use
- drinking more alcohol than intended
- consistently having a desire to cut back on alcohol and unsuccessful attempts to stop
- spending a large amount of time obtaining, using and recovering from alcohol
- social, occupational and recreational activities are given up
- continuing to use alcohol even though it’s causing physical and psychological problems
If a person fears s/he has alcoholism, seek out a treatment center.
 |
