What Exactly is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a treatable medical condition. People who suffer from alcoholism cannot stop drinking merely through willpower alone.
When alcoholics try to quit on their own, they experience strong withdrawal symptoms as well as intense cravings for alcohol. For alcoholics, symptoms can be very severe and even life threatening. Their bodies are chemically dependent upon alcohol. They need professional treatment to recover from the disease of alcoholism.
Doctors diagnose alcoholism the same way they do other chronic diseases, such as arthritis or diabetes. The medical definition of alcoholism is printed in the book doctors use to make their diagnoses, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association.
In order to be diagnosed with the disease of alcoholism, a person must present these four symptoms:
- Craving -- A strong need or urge to drink.
- Loss of control -- Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun.
- Physical dependence -- Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking.
- Tolerance -- The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get "high."
Ask yourself these questions:
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
If you answer yes to even one of these questions, and you suspect that you might be suffering from alcoholism, you can get the help you need by calling this toll-free number: 888-223-4758.
A counselor is standing by to answer your questions and to guide you to the solutions you are seeking for your life.
If you or a loved one needs help, please don't put it off any longer.
Contact us by calling the toll-free number above or by completing this form.