Alcoholism Is Easier To Achieve Than Many Believe

Alcoholism Is Easier To Achieve Than Many Believe

By Dr. Fourkan Ali

Those who enjoy a drink rarely consider just how addictive alcohol can become. This is because they drink occasionally and in moderation, but there are millions of men and women who are unwittingly caught up in an ever-growing need for this highly addictive substance.

Where does dependence upon alcohol begin?

Because alcohol is legally available in many countries the world over it is seen as an acceptable part of a person’s life.

As you grow into adulthood there are numerous occasions where alcohol adds to an enjoyable social scene. Many will have a drink after work with colleagues, the availability of alcohol at special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and weddings is a given, and when friends and family visit for a day of socializing, alcohol goes hand in hand with food served and the pleasant, relaxed ambience created.

Many find their local bar is a source of meeting up with friends and neighbours to catch up on events and further cement bonds of friendship.

Then there are holidays to consider. Many of us work long, hard hours to better ourselves socially. When a holiday is due this is seen as a deserved reward for this hard work.

A popular choice is spending a week or two at a beachside location away from your normal environment. This type of relaxation can do wonders for recharging those body batteries. Meals are taken as and when you please from a selection of available restaurants, and these pleasurable times are complete with a drink whenever takes your fancy.

Why do so many find alcohol addictive:

Research has shown that alcohol causes the natural release of endorphins in the brain. This process directly affects our pleasure centre and is responsible for such things as the reward process.

As the effects of alcohol take hold we are left with feelings such as euphoria, relaxation and an escape from reality. While this is all well and good, the problem is that these pleasant feelings can quickly become addictive.

It is also understood that some people release more endorphins than others when drinking, those part of this group are at a higher risk of dependence upon alcohol than others.

Tolerance leads to dependence:

Another issue with drinking regularly is that your body quickly develops a tolerance to alcohol. This tolerance means that to achieve the same effects as previously felt you require more of the same.

As tolerance grows so does your physical dependence upon alcohol. Rather than enjoying a drink on an occasional basis for the pleasure it gives, you become to depend upon alcohol to give you a sense of pleasure, enjoyment and normalcy.

Reaching this addictive state will prevent you from being able to simply stop drinking alcohol. The desire and need for alcohol has become all-consuming. Trying to deny your mind and body that much needed drink will quickly result in withdrawal symptoms that vary in severity.

The common answer to overcome these unpleasant feelings is to have another drink. While this solution instantly eases your discomfort, it also increases your dependence upon alcohol and the damaging physical and social effects this brings with it.

Maintain control of your alcohol consumption:

There are a variety of reasons where an enjoyable, sociable drinking habit can lead into something you become dependent upon.

It is very important to understand that you should not drink on a daily basis, and when you do drink you should keep levels to a sensible amount.

On the odd occasion you do over imbibe the likelihood is that the following morning you will have a hangover and feel far more sluggish than normal. When feeling like this there may be an urge to have an early ‘livener’ to help ‘re-balance’ your feelings. This is something that must be avoided.

Taking this route will quickly lead to acceptance that an early drink is the way to go in terms of putting you back on track. Many then find that an early drink is followed by regular afternoon and evening sessions that are a pre-cursor to dependence.

Another thing to avoid is thinking of alcohol as a crutch if you are suffering stress from a work or personal perspective. It is very easy to reach for the bottle in an attempt to help you forget such issues, but the reality is this action will only deepen your problems.

Do not be afraid to seek professional advice:

If you feel alcohol is getting the better of you, and thoughts about drinking are on the increase it is vital you do not ignore such signs. You do not have to be completely dependent upon alcohol before you seek professional advice.

Indeed, the sooner you seek help the quicker you can confront your growing problem and do something about it. Dependence upon alcohol is something that rehabilitation professionals deal with on a daily basis, they will be non-judgmental, treat your request for support on a totally confidential basis, and give advice and support that will help you nip this problem in the bud.

If your drinking is so far advanced that you cannot face a day without alcohol, then you must seek immediate assistance. There should be no shame in seeking professional rehab assistance, and it is a fact that this route is really the only way you can face up to and overcome your current addiction to alcohol.

Failure to do so will lead to isolation, serious physical and mental health problems and the self-destruction of relationships.

Sources: Website