Over 17 million people in the US suffer from alcoholism. This total includes men, women and even teenagers. Alcohol is legal so it is the most available, socially acceptable and costly drug that is abused in the world today. Those who consume alcohol do it at least once a week. Social drinking usually does not cause dependence on the drug. Those who are dependent on the substance usually drink everyday, which is where the costliness becomes a significant problem. The effects of alcoholism can be very dangerous and if left untreated it can be fatal.
Alcoholism a mental and physical addiction
Alcoholism is a mental and physical addiction. This is because when the person addicted does not have their alcohol fix they may start shaking, sweating and feeling nauseated. In addition, their mental state will be withdrawn, angry or depressed. When a person becomes addicted, they become obsessed with drinking. This obsession starts to affect their career, family and friends. Most alcoholics get to a point where they do not know when to stop drinking and when they do stop, it is usually because they are nauseous or passed out. If they continue to abuse the drug, they will get a higher tolerance for it and start drinking more and more to get the “high” they need.
Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health.
The effects of alcoholism can be high health risks. These risks can include certain forms of cancer, liver disease, pancreatitis, and heart disease. Women are particularly in danger of these more than likely health hazards. These possible health problems are usually evident after a long time of abusing alcohol. The liver is the most susceptible to problems caused by drinking, especially a disease called alcoholism hepatitis and cirrhosis (liver scarring). Neurological and sexual problems can also be effects of alcoholism. Some mental issues can be depression or anger. Some who have alcoholism can have anger problems that only increase with the alcohol consumption.
Effects of Alcoholism on Families
The effects of alcoholism on the abusers family can be very severe. Children usually suffer the most from this. Children can have problems with emotional development and are more prone to becoming alcoholics as adults. If the alcoholic parent is abusive when drunk the child can grow up thinking that it is okay to be abusive and end up abusing their significant others or children as well. The effects of alcoholism can also have a big consequence on the abusers relationship or marriage that could end in divorce or separation. The alcoholic can also have career problems because of their disease. The sufferer could have attendance problems due to hangovers and could have performance issues or be immediately terminated if they show up to work drunk.
Treatment of Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism
There are many treatments for alcoholism today. Choosing the best one can be hard for a person trying to get help with their disease. Once the sufferer decides to take the road to recovery, they should have a lot of support. Otherwise, they can have a relapse and fall right back into the swing of drinking themselves into oblivion. It is very important not only to seek help with controlling the disease. But also to seek psychiatric help especially if there were others that were affected by the person’s alcoholism. Such as children or a spouse.
The Alcohol and Drug Evaluation is the first step in determining if an addiction is present, the extent of the addiction and the assistance needed for the development of a treatment plan. The evaluation is intended to assist in the evaluation of life stress, attitude, emotional stability, criminal history, and alcohol/drug use through the personal interview and assessment tools.
Are you in need of an alcohol and drug evaluation in Atlanta or Marietta? Or perhaps you’re just trying to support a loved one. Who has been court-ordered to undergo alcohol and drug evaluations in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. Whatever the case may be, the Atlanta Treatment Center is here to support you or your loved ones and help you understand the alcohol and drug evaluation process. Call us at 404-333-8301 to schedule your Drug and Alcohol Assessment.
