Alcoholism is one of the most common forms of drug abuse in the United States, according the Center for Disease Control. Data shows that 52 percent of adults, including teens and young adults between 18 and 20 years of age, are regular drinkers of alcohol, consuming at least one alcoholic beverage per month. With many individuals starting to drink alcohol at such young ages, the threat of alcohol dependence and alcoholism is very real.

Alcoholism is a disease like any other addiction. As such, it is marked by several distinct characteristics. These characteristics include:

When these factors come into play, the individual is addicted to alcohol. While many people who do not suffer from alcohol addiction believe drinking is a choice, it is very rare that an alcoholic can stop drinking without professional help and tremendous family support.

Factors That Contribute to Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

There has been research that shows the children of alcoholics have a predisposition to alcoholism, leading to a misconception that alcoholism is “hereditary.” While some evidence suggests that there is a genetic link within families, this does not mean that an individual will become an alcoholic just because his or her mother or father suffered from alcoholism. Nor does it mean that a person with no family history is safe from alcoholism.

Alcoholism is brought about by the consumption of alcohol frequently enough, and in amounts large enough, to cause the body to build a tolerance. The body and brain grow used to having the alcohol in the system, and the individual craves it to make them feel better.

Some studies have shown that the earlier an individual begins to drink alcohol, the more likely he or she is to develop alcoholism or an alcohol dependence in the future, as well. See Related: Binge Drinking.

Can Alcoholism Be Cured?

Treatment Has Proven Successful for Many People

When someone addicted to alcohol decides to enter recovery, there are several phases that he will pass through along the way. The first stage of recovery involves the clearing of the body of the immediate effects of alcohol. The alcoholic will experience several days of detoxification with various symptoms. Some of these symptoms will be physical, while others will be of a psychological nature.

Some individuals who suffer from alcoholism will need to be monitored or even hospitalized during the detox phase of recovery. Detoxification from alcohol and drugs is, of itself, not fatal, however, the emotional depression suffered by an addict during this cleansing period may cause them to act and behave as they would not otherwise. It is a good idea to make sure someone is watching the process to ensure the safety of the recovering individual.

This process can take a few hours to a few days, depending upon the severity of the addiction.

Entering a Treatment Center

Once the recovering alcoholic has passed the immediate withdrawal phase, he or she will need to be treated professionally for their alcohol addiction. Simply removing the alcohol from the system and detoxifying is not a cure or a treatment for alcoholism or drug abuse. Without the help of trained professionals in alcohol rehabilitation techniques, the chances are very good that the individual will begin drinking again.

There are several types of treatment from which an individual may choose. Some types are conducted in a medical setting, while others are more residential in nature. An inpatient facility may provide certain benefits that an outpatient setting may not, while an outpatient setting may fit the addict’s schedule and responsibilities better. Choosing the type of recovery center is a personal decision, but one that should be made intelligently based upon the needs of the individual.

How Dual Diagnosis Can Affect Recovery and Treatment

Many individuals who seek refuge in alcohol do so because of an underlying mental health condition that may not have been diagnosed prior to treatment. When someone suffers from both alcoholism and another condition, like major depression or an anxiety disorder, they have a dual diagnosis. It is important to find the root causes of alcoholism and addiction in order to effectively treat the conditions. Many psychological conditions can be helped with the use of medication that may help the alcoholic manage the mental illness without the use of alcohol.

How to Help a Loved One Who Will Not Enter Therapy

There is a belief structure born of compliance and a lack of knowledge and understanding that an alcoholic must hit “rock bottom” before they will seek help. Fortunately, with the involvement of a trained interventionist, many families and friends of those suffering from alcoholism have discovered it is possible to raise “rock bottom” to meet their loved one sooner. An intervention is a process through which the family and friends confront an addicted individual as a group. By explaining and showing the addict, in a controlled and supervised setting, just how damaging their behaviors are, many addicts will choose to enter alcoholism treatment recovery right away. The key to a successful intervention is to “strike while the iron is hot.” Make sure that a bed is waiting for the loved one at a treatment center of your choice as soon as they agree to enter a program.

If a loved one refuses to seek help immediately, or if an intervention is not possible, there are other steps that a family can take to help the alcoholic realize they have a problem:

• Do not make excuses for them. If they are unable to come to the phone to answer a call because they are intoxicated, do not infer that they are napping. Let the caller know why they cannot come to the phone.
• Do not help them when they fall. Certainly, a family member is not going to allow true harm to come to their loved one, however, spending the night on the floor beside the bed because they were unable to reach it is not going to cause injury. Let them remember in the morning why they were unable to sleep in the comfort of their bed.
• Do not loan them money. When an abuse problem reaches the point of addiction, finding the next drink may become more important than paying the electric bill. When this happens, allow the afflicted individual to experience the financial effects of alcoholism rather than paying to keep the lights on.
• Offer to help them get help, and mean it. Many alcoholics choose not to enter recovery because they do not believe they have the resources to complete the program. For instance, if they have children but need to enter an inpatient facility, offer to tend the children while they are away.

Alcoholism is a powerful affliction that can lead to many long-term health problems, including liver and kidney disease, heart attack and stroke. Finding help and entering rehab is the best way to help an addict beat their addiction and live a long, happy and healthy life.