More than half of the adults in the United States drink alcohol. Drinking is common at social events and may also be used to relieve stress. Although occasional drinking is socially acceptable, alcohol is a drug and can have devastating and addictive effects.
An alcohol addition can be both physical and psychological. Physical symptoms of alcohol addiction include blackouts, where you do not remember what occurred while you were drinking, and unexplained illnesses or accidents. Needing to drink after an argument or as a way to deal with other problems is also symptomatic of an addiction. Individuals who are victims of Domestic Violence in Tacoma WA may turn to drinking to ease their physical and psychological pains. Lying about drinking and feeling guilty about drinking are common occurrences in an addicted individual. If family and friends express concern about drinking, if responsibilities are neglected due to drinking, or if risky behaviors are occurring due to alcohol consumption, it is time to get help with an alcohol addiction. Although alcohol does not directly cause domestic violence, there is a higher rate of Domestic Violence in Tacoma WA in individuals with drinking problems.
Individuals who have an alcohol addiction may be heavy drinkers, binge drinkers, or both heavy and binge drinkers. Heavy drinkers drink 4 or more alcoholic drinks per day or over 14 drinks per week. Binge drinking is defined as 4 (for women) to 5 (for men) or more drinks in a 2 hour period.
Physical consequences of long-term alcohol misuse can be devastating. Alcohol can damage the liver, heart, and other organs and can even cause cancer.
Alcohol abuse can have devastating affects. The first step in dealing with an alcohol problem is to seek professional help. Heavy drinkers will have withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop drinking and will need medical assistance to overcoming an alcohol addition. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, fatigue, shaking, mood swings, and unclear thinking. Some individuals may also experience fevers, hallucinations, and seizures. Treatment programs will help the addicted individual through reducing and stopping alcohol use and will provide the support needed to improve physical and psychological health.
