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Alcohol abuse is defined as the use of alcoholic beverages to excess, either on individual occasions (“binge drinking”) or as a regular practice. Alcohol abusers may not be addicted to alcohol, but their drinking leads to things such as driving while intoxicated, poor performance in job or school, getting in trouble with the law due to intoxication, and continued drinking even though the above situations may have occurred.
Alcohol abuse is different from alcoholism in that abusers do not have the strong cravings for alcohol that alcoholics have, and they are not physically dependant on alcohol. They may, however continuously put themselves in bad situations because of their use of alcohol. Because alcohol abusers do have more control over their drinking habits than an alcoholic does, they may appear to some to simply exhibit poor judgment because of the problems their drinking causes. However, many people who abuse alcohol do eventually become alcoholics.
Side effects
Alcohol abuse can cause problems in the abuser’s family life, in their reputation with law enforcement (DWI, domestic disputes, arguments and fights), with their health (cancer, high blood pressure, liver problems, brain damage), and with their jobs. The abuse of alcohol causes poor judgment, mood swings, and lack of productivity, making it difficult to function in everyday life.
Treatment
Alcohol abuse can be treated, and there are many support groups and treatment facilities to help alcohol abusers and alcoholics get their life back on track. The first step in getting help is for the alcohol abuser to come to the realization that they have a drinking problem. Family members can help make the abuser aware of how their drinking is affecting others by being specific in their conversations about the alcohol abuse. It is easier for an abuser to seek help when they are confronted with the harm their alcohol use causes others.
Once the alcohol abuser resolves to find treatment for their alcohol abuse, they can be encouraged by the hope of successful treatment. The earlier the treatment, the more likely it is to be successful. The more motivated a person is to get treatment for alcohol abuse, the better the chances are for them to remain sober. With the support of family members, co-workers, and friends, an individual is more likely to stay in treatment and overcome the alcohol abuse. Support groups like Alcoholic Anonymous aid in the recovery process by giving patients the opportunity to help each other stay sober.
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[...] Alcohol Abuse – The first step in getting help is for the alcohol abuser to come to the realization that they have a drinking problem. Family members can help make the abuser aware of how their drinking is affecting others by being specific in their … [...]
Alcoholism Treatment — August 13, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
Alcohol withdrawal differs significantly from most other drugs because it can be directly fatal. While it is possible for heroin addicts, for instance, to die from other health problems made worse by the strain of withdrawal, an otherwise healthy alcoholic can die from the direct effects of withdrawal if it is not properly managed. Heavy consumption of alcohol reduces the production of GABA, which is a neuroinhibitor. An abrupt stop of alcohol consumption can induce a condition where neither alcohol nor GABA exists in the system in adequate quantities, causing uncontrolled firing of the synapses. This manifests as hallucinations, shakes, convulsions, seizures, and possible heart failure, all of which are collectively referred to as delirium tremens. All of these withdrawal issues can be safely controlled with a medically supervised detoxification program.
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jackspar.
Absolutely, alcohol is a very dangerous substance to try and quit cold turkey if you are a daily drinker. Besides the medical consequences, find the right alcohol detox greatly increases your chances of long term sobriety