What Is Alcoholism And Is It Curable?
Alcohol use disorder, which many refer to when talking about alcoholism, is a very real, very common addiction. It affects the user and, by extension, the people around them. This disease progresses slowly, but there is a way out. So, what is alcoholism and how can you or a loved one stop the vicious cycle of abuse?
Understanding the Seriousness of the Disease
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) reveals that one in 12 adults suffers from alcohol use disorder. This statistic brings the figure of sufferers to over 17 million addicts in the United States, which makes alcohol the most abused drug. It’s noteworthy that this number doesn’t include individuals classified as binge drinkers since binge drinking doesn’t fall under the disorder’s umbrella. However, binge drinking frequently leads to addiction.
So, what is Alcoholism?
There’s a common misconception that an adult with alcohol use disorder could stop drinking with a little willpower. This idea is one of the most dangerous falsehoods and may prevent those in need of treatment to seek help. When you understand how this addiction works, you quickly realize that willpower has little to do with quitting. The following are some signs of alcohol use disorder:
- Inability to control consumption. A recreational drinker can stop after a drink or two. If you’re addicted to alcohol, you can’t stop after just one or two. Even if you wake up with the best of intentions, your mind quickly gets preoccupied with getting the next drink.
- Withdrawing from friends and family. When friends or family members question your drinking, you withdraw. As the condition progresses, you may lose close personal ties and begin to spend a lot of time alone.
- Maintaining the addiction even as negative consequences increase. If you’ve already lost friends and family members because of repeated binge drinking and the behaviors that go along with it, but you continue to consume alcohol on a daily basis, you suffer from an addiction that you can’t end with a mere show of will. The same applies to the sufferer who begins to notice physical symptoms of decline and still can’t quit.
Now is the Time for Help
Armed with a better understanding of what alcoholism is, consider that help is just a phone call away. You can’t cure alcoholism, but you can treat it. Someone with an alcohol addiction who undergoes a medically supervised alcohol detox, transitions to a well-rounded inpatient rehab process, and then graduates to intensive outpatient treatment, has an excellent chance of stopping the use of alcohol. However, some of the social, emotional, or physical consequences may not have a cure. That said, don’t allow an alcohol addiction to rob you of another day. What is alcoholism, if not a treatable disease? Connect with friendly professionals at Stepping Stone Center for Recovery. We’ll put you on the road to recovery today and help you overcome cravings as well as physical manifestations of withdrawal. Call 866-957-4960 today.
