Alcohol Addictions

Alcohol Addictions Although some people are able to recover from alcoholism without help, most alcoholics need help. With treatment and support, many people are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives. Many people wonder why some people can use alcohol without problems but others cannot. A major reason has to do with genetics. Scientists have discovered that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely that if you choose to drink you can develop alcoholism. Genes are not the whole story. In fact, scientists believe that some factors of a person affect the environment or a person with a genetic risk for alcoholism ever develops the disease. An individual risk for developing alcoholism can increase based on the person on the environment, including where and how to live, family, friends and culture, peer pressure, and how easy it is to obtain alcohol. Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it is not a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that result in one or more of the following situations within a period of 12 months. Have failed to fulfill major work, school or home responsibilities, drinking in physically hazardous situations, such as when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery after recurrent alcohol related legal problems, as arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or bodily harm, while someone drunk and continued drinking despite ongoing relationship problems that are caused or exacerbated by drinking. Although alcohol abuse is different from alcoholism, alcoholics also experience many effects of alcohol abuse. Although alcoholism can be treated, a cure is not yet available. In other words, even if an alcoholic has been sober for a long time and has regained health, he or she remains susceptible to relapse and must continue to avoid all alcoholic beverages. "Cutting down" on drinking does, not work, cutting use of alcohol is necessary for a successful recovery. However, even the people who are determined to stay sober may suffer one or more "sheets" or relapses, before achieving long-term sobriety. Recurrences are very general and do not mean that a person has failed or cannot recover from alcoholism. Also, remember that every day that a recovering alcoholic stayed sober prior to a relapse is extremely valuable time for both the individual and his family. If a relapse occurs, it is very important to try to stop drinking and then to get what you need extra support to refrain from drinking.