Program & Services

Alcoholism

Most all of us have seen the out of control acts of a problem drinker. But, at what point does problem drinking becomes alcoholism?

Problem drinking becomes alcoholism when the person:

• Drinks without thinking or caring about it
• Keeps drinking in spite of the harm it causes
• Gets mad when they can't have alcohol

Not all people who get drunk are alcoholics. People drink at parties. People drink to get attention. For alcoholics, though, their drinking can't be controlled.

What Causes Alcoholism?

Some doctors believe that alcoholism can be passed on through the family. Others believe that some people are just more likely to get the disease. People handle alcohol differently:

• Some people avoid alcohol because it disagrees with them
• Others enjoy some alcohol, but stop drinking as soon as they get dizzy or sleepy
• Others have no sense of when they should stop drinking; when they drink, they get drunk

The people in this third group may be more likely to be alcoholics. It is not a weakness, but part of their body's make-up.

How Can You Tell Who Will Become An Alcoholic?

You can't. There is no test that can see if a person will become an alcoholic. But there are two important clues:

1. Children of alcoholics have a much bigger risk of getting the disease.
2. People who drink a lot and become angry when they can't drink are at risk.

Alcoholics Suffer From Their Illness

As their disease gets worse, they need to drink more just to feel normal. They know that once they start to drink, they can't stop. But they want to keep from getting drunk to avoid being embarrassed. They want to avoid feeling bad when they stop drinking - such as trembling, irritability, nausea, or insomnia. They may try different things to control their drinking. They may switch from liquor to wine. They may try going "on the wagon."

Nothing works for long, though. Relationships can fall apart. Work suffers. Health problems develop. Alcoholics have blackouts and don't know what they have done. They may feel edgy and take pills to calm down. But they may get addicted to those as well. Alcoholics eat poorly. Their body is so out of step that it's hard to keep food down. Their sex drive goes away. They can't sleep.

Their Loved Ones Suffer Too

• Women should not drink when pregnant. If they do, they are giving straight alcohol to their unborn baby. The baby can be born with obvious physical defects. The baby can have severe mental retardation. None of this can be cured.
• Alcoholics often have problems with relationships. Alcoholics tend to put their need to drink first. They can be irresponsible. They can lash out at others.
• Alcoholics have a hard time being a parent. They may neglect their children. They may lash out at their children. Growing up with an alcoholic parent can leave deep emotional scars.

Alcoholism Can Kill

People with full blown alcoholism drink almost all the time. They have trouble keeping a job. They relate poorly to others. They may be self-destructive. They may have thoughts of suicide. Some of the serious physical problems with late stage alcoholism are convulsions, hallucinations, mental confusion, partial paralysis and cirrhosis of the liver. Untreated alcoholism can be fatal.

There is Good News

Alcoholics can be helped. And most alcoholics can learn to live without drinking.

People used to think the only way to quit drinking was to just stop. But that can be difficult and dangerous. Problems include:

• Hallucinations
• Convulsions
• Dangerous shifts in blood pressure and heart rate

A safer way is to quit drinking while being watched in a hospital setting. "Detox," involves:

• A physical exam
• Bed rest
• Nursing care
• Short-term tranquilizers
• A balanced diet
• Vitamin and mineral supplements

After a few days, the alcoholic moves into the second stage of care. This stage is called "rehabilitation". It can be in the hospital or in an outside clinic.

The third stage is the return to a full life. The person may still get medical care with follow up visits, and should be involved in a 12-Step support group. Those who maintain ties to a support group have a better chance of a lasting recovery.

Do You Think You Have a Drinking Problem?

If you have ever thought that your drinking may be turning into a problem, ask yourself these three questions:

• Am I drinking more than I used to?
• Once I start, am I sometimes unable to stop?
• Do I get angry when I'm in a place where I can't drink?

Answering "yes" to even one of these questions suggests that you may have a problem with your drinking.

If you are still not sure, get advice from an alcohol or drug care center or through your EAP, if you have one.

Does Someone You Know Have A Drinking Problem?

The biggest step is getting that person to admit there is a problem. This may not be easy. Most alcoholics say they can control their drinking. They won't listen when people say they should quit.

You might ask your family doctor for advice. Or check the phone book for alcohol and drug help centers. Most centers offer "intervention counseling". This can help you and others plan how to talk to the person about his or her drinking.

It's True

Most alcoholics are alcoholics for life. They can't have even one drink. But alcoholics who want to get better make the decision not to drink. They take life one day at a time. And many alcoholics do get better.

Hope Lies in Learning More

The more you learn about this disease the better. You will understand that it is an illness and people can get better. Getting the right help can make the difference.