Alcohol is a depressant that is consumed by drinking and although many people are able to drink it socially, drinking alcohol excessively can result in alcohol misuse, abuse and addiction. Individuals that experiment with alcohol in their adolescent years are often more prone to alcohol abuse and addiction. An addiction to alcohol is a chronic, and sometimes fatal illness that can be characterized by self-destructive behavior and changes in attitude, social, emotional, physical and spiritual behavior.
Stages of alcohol addiction
There are four main phases in the process of addiction, and while they cannot be determined definitely because alcohol affects all individuals differently, they are defined as using alcohol, misusing alcohol, abusing alcohol and being addicted to alcohol. When individuals experiment with alcohol in their developing years, considered late teens to mid twenties, alcohol can have a negative effect because it is helping shape the way they view the world based on the feelings that alcohol gives them when they drink. Often alcoholics refer to the idea that alcohol makes them feel "invincible", or as though they are all powerful when they drink the magical elixir of alcohol. While many people can overcome this feeling as only the effect alcohol produces, people that go on to misuse and abuse alcohol cannot separate this desire from reality.
Signs of addiction to alcohol
Depending on the personality of each individual, the signs of alcoholism with show themselves differently. Early onset misuse of alcohol can produce symptoms such as juvenile delinquency and an inability to follow rules and norms as set forth by society. Adolescents with alcohol problems can show behaviors such as problems with authority in school, tardiness, trouble with police and problems in social and family life. Changing groups of friends or a drastic change of behavior can also be signs of the beginning of alcohol abuse.
In adults, problems with work, family or social life, withdraw from social situations and a desire to associate alcohol with all activities that must be done, can also be attributed to a problem with alcohol. Consequences that can stem from alcohol abuse include being arrested for behavior involving driving under the influence, fighting with intoxicated, losing a job, family, or friends and an increasing worry from family and friends that alcohol has become a problem.
How to get help
Because alcoholism is a disease of denial, the alcoholic or person misusing the substance is often the last one to be able to admit that he or she needs help. People that suffer from alcoholism are dealing with a chronic illness about which has been said, "gets worse never better". Professionals that deal with alcohol abuse and addiction refer to something called, "hitting bottom", as the point at which a person is finally able to ask for help with an alcohol problem.
Other successful measure that have been used in treating alcohol addiction for someone who is not yet ready to get help are interventions and outpatient therapy. An intervention takes place when the loved ones of an alcoholic are at their wit's end and no longer able to stand by and watch someone self-destruct. In this case a professional interventionist is called in to intervene on the life of the alcoholic and confront them with the help of their family and friends. A successful intervention leads to the placement of the suffering alcoholic in an alcohol rehabilitation center or treatment program. Outpatient therapy can also be an option for individuals whose lives have not been completely destroyed by the wrath of alcohol. Getting help is a difficult process, but with the help of caring professionals, the treatment process can result in a return to normalcy and a happy, more productive lifestyle.
