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Misconceptions about Alcohol Addiction
People all over the world consume alcohol, which makes drinking seem normal. However, with thousands of people dying from alcohol-related health issues and fatal accidents, excessive drinking has become a huge problem. The first thing you can do to help your loved one is to stop subscribing to misconceptions about alcoholism. Someone with an alcohol addiction doesn’t need to be broke, jobless, or homeless. Another misconception is that you need to have had legal troubles like a DUI in order to have a problem. In reality, alcoholism goes untreated far too often because of these misconceptions. The more you know about what to look for, the sooner you can help. Break free of misconceptions and addiction.
Alcohol-use disorders range in severity from mild to moderate to severe. “You can have a disorder and not fit the stereotype of a drunk falling down in the street,” says Austin Lin, a psychiatrist with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “You can be a high-functioning alcoholic. ”Lin cites these danger signs that you may have a problem: Increased tolerance: Does it take more alcohol to get the same effect? Trouble stopping: Do you have a hard time cutting off your drinking once you start? Unhealthy focus: Do you spend time thinking about drinking? Solo style: Do you drink alone? Morning maintenance: Do you drink when you wake up? Harm to relationships: Do you get into more arguments with loved ones when you drink? Decreased productivity: Have you neglected other things because drinking has taken its place? Have you missed work because of drinking? Physical symptoms: Has a withdrawal from alcohol caused you to become shaky, nauseous and sweaty? Dangerous behavior: Are you more promiscuous when you drink, or have you driven a car after drinking?
What to doIf you answer yes to even one or two of these questions, Lin recommends speaking to your primary care physician or seeing an addiction specialist. Treatments can include medication and counseling, and it may be possible for you to moderate your drinking rather than quit altogether. Though it can be difficult to take those first steps toward getting help, the payoffs can be huge. “Once we see people start to make headway with their drinking,” says Lin, “we often see their mood and anxiety, their sleep, their relationships with family members, and their job functions improve.”He adds, “Alcohol is a dirty drug that affects so many parts of the human body, from the heart to the gastrointestinal system. So don't wait. There are good treatments out there.” Finding help1. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a National Helpline for individuals and family members facing substance abuse or mental health issues. It offers referrals and support at 800-662-HELP (4357).2. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator offers extensive resources for alcohol problems.3. Find an Alcoholics Anonymous recovery group near you.
