Alcoholism Treatment
How to Stop Drinking Alcohol
If you found me by a quick search, you already know there are millions of sites about alcoholism treatment, and alcohol abuse.
Why is this website different? I don't promise a quick fix, cure, or a silver-bullet answer how to help alcoholics.
There isn't one. I wish there was.
Instead, I will talk about my personal experience as it relates to alcoholism, and my new life in recovery, along with others like me.
My site is also not Wikipedia, WebMd, etc. If you are looking for medical research, and theories, I invite you to check those out.
My goal is to offer real-world strength, experience, and hope to those suffering from alcoholism from my perspective having been to my bottom, and living to tell about it.
Yes, there are many alcoholism treatment options available to people who think they might have a problem with alcohol. However, it takes honesty, humility, and courage to take the first step towards recovery.
What's more, sometimes that first step is brought on by intensely painful and serious situations where people must stop drinking to literally save their own life, and what's left of their family and work lives.
The mission of this website is to educate, inform, and help people who suspect they have a problem with alcohol, as well as those living with an alcoholic.
Definition of Alcoholism
The United States National Institute of Health give the following definition:
• Cravings, a strong need to drink
• Loss of control – not being able to stop once begun
• Physical dependence – withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating or shakiness after stopping drinking
• Tolerance - the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get “high”
Can problem alcoholic drinking be overcome? Tens of millions of people worldwide say yes. I am part of that group. Is it easy? No.
The truth is although many people have been freed from the grips of alcoholism - there are countless others who are suffering in the pits of addiction right now. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are the third leading killer in the United States behind cancer and heart disease.
To normal drinkers, alcohol is something used in moderation with small drawbacks; to others like me, it's a killer.
Symptoms of Alcoholism
• Legal and relationship problems as a result of drinking alcohol
• Unable to reduce and moderate the amount drank
• Drinking alone and/or hiding drinks
• Increased tolerance requiring more alcohol to feel effect
• Having set drinking times or rituals, and annoyance when they don’t happen
• Drinking before social settings and parties to start an early buzz
• Experiencing physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms including nausea and shakes
Seeking Alcoholism Treatment
One of the first and most important things for people who suspect they have a drinking problem is that these treatments for alcoholism do exist. And, they work.
While some alcoholics gravitate towards Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 step program of AA for good reason, that is not the only alcoholism treatment solution available to those in need of help.
Many times our drinking problem was an effect, or symptom - not the root cause.
A big component of success is digging deeper and figuring out the underlying causes that are commonly present. This is best accomplished with the help and support of a trained professional in helping alcoholics recover.
Alcohol Abuse Statistics
• There are approximately 17.5 million people in the United States who have a problem with alcohol or are alcoholics (NIDA).
• There are approximately 100,000 alcohol-related deaths each year in the United States (NIDA).
• The United States spends an estimated $60 million annually due to alcoholism (Economist.com)
• There were 11,773 drunk driving deaths in 2008, amounting to 32% of the total traffic related fatalities (DOT).
• In 2008, 51.6% of Americans age 12 and older had used alcohol at least once in the 30 days prior to being surveyed; 23.3% had binged (5+ drinks within 2 hours); and 23.3% drank heavily (5+ drinks on 5+ occasions). (NIDA)
• In the 12-17 age range, 14.6% had consumed at least one drink in the 30 days prior to being surveyed; 8.8% had binged; and 2.0% drank heavily.
• 76 million Americans (43 percent of the adult population) report alcoholism in their families. (US Health & Family Services)
• 18 percent say they grew up with an alcoholic or problem drinker. (US Health & Family Services)
• 38 percent of U.S. adults have at least one blood relative with a drinking problem. (US Health & Family Services)
Despite social stigmas concerning alcoholism, alcoholics are not morally corrupt and weak people that society should all but write off.
They are people like you and me.
Doctors, lawyers, teachers, police officers, graduate students, social workers, etc. You get the picture.
A friend of mine in recovery likes to say that "we are not bad people trying to become good, but rather we are sick people trying to get well".
For some reason I still don't know, I was given a seat on the lifeboat before it was too late.
I wish you the same.
Please see the alcoholism treatment topics below, and to the left to get started towards your recovery, today.
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