Alcoholism Recovery San Diego
Alcoholism is a disease that includes symptoms such as:
- Craving – A strong need, or urge, to drink.
- Loss of control – Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun.
- Physical dependence – Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking.
- Tolerance – The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to feel the same effect.
Alcohol is perhaps the most invasive and devastating drug abused in the United States. Alcohol is responsible for a multitude of problems affecting our society and citizens. Alcohol can destroy lives, families, careers, relationships, and finances. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states: Alcohol use disorders are medical conditions that doctors can diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm.
People who suffer from alcoholism often will spend a great deal of their time drinking, making sure they can get alcohol, and recovering from alcohol’s effects, often at the expense of other activities and responsibilities. Although people who abuse alcohol are not physically dependent, they still have a serious psychological disorder. They may not fulfill responsibilities at home, work, or school because of their drinking. They may also put themselves in dangerous situations (like driving under the influence) or have legal or social problems (such as arrests or arguments with family members) due to their drinking.
Like many other diseases, alcoholism is typically considered chronic, meaning that it lasts a person’s lifetime. However, as we continue to learn more and more about alcohol abuse, our perceptions of the disease are changing. For instance, data from NIAAA’s National Epidemiological Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions has shown that more than 70 percent of people who develop alcohol dependence have a single episode that lasts on average 3 or 4 years. Data from the same survey also show that many people who seek formal treatment are able to remain alcohol free. However severe the problem may seem, many people with an alcohol use disorder can benefit from treatment.
The preceding is an excerpt from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). For additional information visit http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
Genesis Recovery is a Christian Alcoholism Recovery and Treatment Center in San Diego. We serve major cities such as Portland, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Denver and more. Call us at (855) 853-8895 for more information.