How To Get Past Effects Of Alcoholism
Chris Channing
Due to the results of certain studies, it has been postulated that an adult who drinks 1-2 alcoholic beverages per day may live longer than someone who does not drink at all. But we all know alcohol is in no way a safe drug, and alcohol can cause a variety of health problems. These health problems, to name a few, include pancreatitis, cognitive problems, and various afflictions of the liver. So when does having a good time get taken overboard? And just how many drinks are too many? The fact is that although alcohol remains legal, it is comparable in addictive qualities to illegal substances such as heroin and methamphetamines.
When a person has to drink alcohol in order to keep their life normal, they are by definition, an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a progressive disease. This means that as alcoholism continues, a person's well being will continue to deteriorate. First and foremost one must consume alcohol in order to be an alcoholic. Most drinkers aren't binge drinkers, and a vast majority of people are happy with having a few beers to take the edge off. Those who do drink to excess constantly are probably used to having hangovers, and are considered to be alcoholics.
Alcoholism starts as a psychological addiction and can quickly lead to physical dependence. Once a person feels the need to drink to maintain normality within their life, they are already started down the path towards addiction.
Troubles related to alcohol are the first sign of a problem. If someone finds themselves getting into trouble socially, legally, or with their family or employer and continues to drink, then they are an alcoholic. They may disappoint loved ones by their insistence that they keep drinking, and relationships with friends and family may crumble.
As an alcoholic's tolerance builds, it becomes necessary for them to drink more and more to keep their buzz, and physical dependency on alcohol sets in. In order to feel "healthy" an alcoholic must continue to drink, or they will enter into withdrawal, which is certainly no picnic.
With tolerance comes the need to drink more to stay drunk. A chemical dependency is soon added to the list of the alcoholic's problems, and in order to feel well, the alcoholic must have alcohol in their system.
The first sign of a chemical dependency on alcohol can occur with something called "the shakes". After not drinking, the chemically dependent alcoholic may begin to shake visibly and become nauseous. Headaches, sweating, anxiety, and increased blood pressure take place. Although this stage of alcohol withdrawal is uncomfortable, it is not life threatening.
After anywhere from six to twenty-four hours without alcohol, an alcoholic may go into delirium tremens. Delirium tremens can include hallucinations, unstoppable shaking of the limbs, and extreme confusion and discomfort. There is no cure or way to stop a DT other than to tough it out. Potentially deadly seizures, strokes, and heart attacks can take place at this point. With the help of a licensed professional, a physically dependent alcoholic may become sober, but without help an alcoholic will find it extremely difficult to quit without some sort of help.
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