How Alcohol Addiction Affects a Person's Life
Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that can take years to develop. It affects a person's physical, mental and social life.Recovering from alcohol addiction takes time, commitment and therapy. You may need to build new relationships, distance yourself from people who drink and avoid situations that trigger your cravings for alcohol.
Addiction is a chronic disorder
Addiction is a chronic medical disorder involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.
Substances can cause changes in the brain and release rewarding chemicals such as euphoria, pleasure and anxiety. These effects are referred to as cravings and lead to continued consumption of the substance.
As the individual continues to consume, the brain adapts by reducing the ability of the reward circuit to respond. This can lead to a lower high than before and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when the drug or other substance is stopped.
Getting help with alcohol or drug addiction can reduce negative social, occupational, legal and financial consequences. Evidence-based treatment includes detox to safely rid the body of abused substances and behavioral therapy to promote healthy functioning without drugs or alcohol.
Addiction is a disease
People who are addicted to alcohol have a physical dependence on the substance. When they stop drinking, they feel withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, tremors and hallucinations.
Some people believe that addiction cannot be a disease because it's caused by the individual's choice to use substances. However, the brain changes that occur as a result of addiction cause people to lose control of their actions and are considered a disease.
Addiction is a chronic disorder that gets worse over time, but it can be treated and managed effectively with professional support. Treatment typically involves one-on-one and group counseling, and often medications to ease withdrawals and cravings.
People who drink too much have a serious problem that can affect their lives, family and communities. Alcohol misuse is a leading cause of death, health problems and a variety of social issues such as crime, spousal abuse, and work absenteeism. It also has a negative impact on mental health.
Addiction is a social problem
Alcohol addiction can cause serious problems for the alcoholic and their family, but it also impacts on the people around them. The ramifications of alcohol misuse include increased crime, decreased productivity at work, and higher health care costs.
Addiction is a social problem that needs to be taken seriously by society and not swept under the rug. It affects everyone in the UK and there is a need for a wide range of treatments to help those that are suffering from drug dependency.
The risk of developing an addiction is influenced by a number of factors including your environment, family history and how you use substances. If you have a mental health disorder or have been abused in the past, you are more likely to become addicted.
You can prevent addiction from starting by reducing the amount you use, learning new ways to cope with problems and getting support. You can also help others who are struggling with addiction by raising awareness about it and promoting the benefits of recovery.
Addiction is a family problem
Alcohol addiction is not just a problem for the addict – it also affects family members. Depending on the person who is affected by alcohol addiction, the situation could result in financial problems, physical abuse, safety threats, relationship issues, and more.
Often, family members of people with alcohol use disorders do not understand why their loved ones are acting in such an inappropriate manner. They may feel confused, frustrated, angry and helpless.
These family members will often develop self-preserving behaviors to protect themselves from the effects of their loved one’s drinking habits. This can make it more difficult to get the addicted person into treatment for their substance use problem.
However, family members can still learn to communicate with their loved one in a healthy way. This can help them protect themselves from the negative consequences of their loved one’s drinking habits and encourage them to seek professional counseling.
