Facing the Facts About Alcoholism

Though alcohol addiction is, unfortunately, quite common in modern American society, the disorder itself remains widely misunderstood. Because of the many myths and misconceptions that have come to be associated with this condition, many people who are in need of assistance find themselves unwilling or unable to discuss the matter with their counselor, therapist, or health care provider.

As is so often the case, educating oneself about the realities of alcoholism can help to remove the mystery, decrease fears associated with the disorder, and prepare a person to address the issue from a position of strength and preparedness. With that goal in mind, the following are a few important basic facts about alcoholism:

• Alcoholism is a Disease – One of the most important facts about alcoholism is that it is a disease, not a sign of personal weakness. Individuals who are afflicted with alcoholism are no more to blame for their disorder than are those who have diabetes, asthma, depression, or hundreds of other medical conditions.
• Definition of Intoxication – An individual is considered to be “drunk” or intoxicated when his speech, coordination, behavior, judgment, and thought processes have been impaired because of the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol affects different people in different ways – for example, some people become loud, aggressive, and even violent when they are drinking, while others become quiet, withdrawn, and melancholy – but the common thread is that the drug changes how people act and think.
• Symptoms of Intoxication – As noted above, intoxication can manifest itself in a wide range of apparently divergent signs and behaviors. However, some common symptoms do exist – these include slurred speech, poor coordination, an inability to focus one’s eyes, nausea, fatigue, and impaired attention, memory, and thought processes.
• Effects of Alcoholism – Heavy regular use of alcohol can increase a person’s risk of developing a wide range of physical problems, including liver damage, impairments to the central nervous system, gastrointestinal problems, anemia, and some types of cancers.
• Withdrawal – Individuals who develop a physical addiction to alcohol will experience withdrawal symptoms following periods of sobriety. Depending upon the degree to which a person’s body has become dependent upon alcohol, these symptoms can include shakiness, mood swings, profuse sweating, anxiety, nausea, convulsions, delusions, and hallucinations.
• Legal Limits – A person is considered to be legally intoxicated if his blood alcohol concentration exceeds an established standard. This standard can vary from state to state (and nation to nation) – but the U.S. government has requested that states establish a BAC of no more than .08 percent (meaning five parts of alcohol per 10,000 parts of blood). To reach this .08 BAC threshold, a 150 lb. man would have to consume three drinks within a few hours.
• Getting Help – A wealth of experts, support groups, and rehabilitation programs are available to provide information about alcohol addictions – and to help afflicted individuals get the help they need. From outpatient therapy to participation in a 12-step recovery group to staying at a residential treatment facility, the variety of available options are designed to meet the specific needs of the individual who is attempting to overcome this difficult – but ultimately surmountable – challenge.