Alcohol Abuse, Alcoholism and Alcohol Addiction

Information about alcohol, alcohol, abuse, alcoholism and alcohol addiction

Although there continues to be much debate over this controversial subject, alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence is considered by most experts to be a disease. It is especially accurate when disease is defined simply as the lack of ease or peace of mind, body and soul.

Most experts agree alcohol abuse is a progressive problem. Alcohol abuse seems to grow in a downward, spiral pattern of not being able to control the amount of alcohol someone abuses once they start drinking. So, alcohol abuse can grow from an occasional or social drinker into someone who gets legally drunk on a regular basis. Over the years someone who is abusing alcohol gradually loses the ability to say no. They often start out planning to have only one glass of wine only to end up drinking the whole bottle and wanting more. This mysterious pattern of alcohol abuse can most often come on gradually or in some cases can turn very quickly from easy, occasional use to complete alcohol abuse in a matter of a few short months. The body of someone who abuses alcohol seems to lose its ability to properly respond to any alcohol. One drink can trigger an alcohol abusing binge lasting days, weeks or months.

An alcohol abusing person will continue to drink despite serious family, health, or legal problems. Despite information to the contrary, alcoholism cannot be completely cured at this time. The risk for developing alcoholism is influenced both by a person's genes and by his or her lifestyle. Just because alcoholism tends to run in families doesn't mean that a child of an alcoholic parent will automatically become an alcoholic too. Some people develop alcoholism even though no one in their family has a drinking problem. Moderate alcohol use, up to two drinks per day, is not considered harmful for most adults. Nonetheless, a large number of people get into serious trouble because of their drinking, sooner or later.

The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious, in many cases, life threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx. Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. According to the most current government information, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking.

Alcoholism is only one type of an alcohol abuse problem. Alcohol abuse can be just as harmful. A person can abuse alcohol without actually being an alcoholic. He or she may drink too much and too often but still not be dependent on alcohol. Each person is different and their alcohol abuse tendencies are also unique. Some of the problems linked to alcohol abuse include not being able to meet work, school, or family responsibilities, drunk-driving arrests and car crashes and drinking related medical conditions. Under some circumstances, even social or moderate drinking is dangerous for example, when driving, during pregnancy, or when taking certain medications.