Alcohol addiction: the truth about this deadly disease
Source: The Examiner
October 12, 2015
A study by the National Institutes of Health reports that one in three Americans suffers from Alcohol Use Disorder, but only 20 percent seek AUD treatment. We look at what is driving these staggering stats and how alcoholism is treated in the U.S.
Believe it or not, alcoholism is actually a very common disease that more people suffer from on a daily basis. And while some might think or even ask why that person who has this addiction, can’t just stop, it’s a lot harder and deeper then outsiders might think. According to NIH (National Institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism), nearly 80,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, making it the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
When a person has a problem alcohol, they tend to think a lot differently then those who don’t have a problem with alcoholism. Their whole world becomes so consumed with this issue, that it might take years before one is finally able to admit to their problem and seek the right professional help they need. And while alcoholism is a disease, it is not impossible to overcome. For some, out-patient treatment does a great deal with helping that person learn to cope and deal with life and not have to depend on alcohol in order to function. While for some with more severe cases, have to attend in-patient rehab in order to get further help with controlling such urges and cravings. It’s a scary process for the person going through it, but also can be a scary situation for their loved ones as well. But the key to getting better, is support.
Believe it or not, both emotional and physical support can strengthen that person and make it a little easier to stay away from drinking. There are many reasons why a person might turn to drinking to cope with everyday life, such as; stress, family dynamics, and sometimes even genetic genes. Now while not everyone will develop this life-threatening disease, it’s very important to know that it is treatable, but not curable. And if someone you do know is suffering from this disease, it’s very important to know that instead of telling them to get over it and “feel better”, it’s not that simple. For people who have a drinking problem and outpatient AA meetings, the first step to really taking back their life, is admitting they have a problem.It’s not something one should ever be or feel ashamed of and certainly not a disease one should try to “cure” on their own. If you’ve noticed changes in your loved ones whenever they drink or believe they drink too often, it’s important to remember to approach them in a way that doesn’t make them feel threatened and or like this is their fault. Because it’s no ones fault.
Now the signs of someone having a drinking problem are, but not limited to; not being able to hold down a stable job, drinking as a way to relax and de-stress(while we all do this from time to time, this drinking is done almost every single day or night), neglecting work, chores or having problems in your relationships, and more.
Just because a loved one has a drinking problem and needs professional help, does not mean that it won’t affect those around them. It’s important to voice your concerns, worries, and fears with a therapist if you feel this is taking a toll on yourself. Alcoholism doesn’t just affect the person fighting it, but everyone around them. Which is why it’s important to take time out for yourself and talk to a professional if you feel you need to.