Alcoholism is an irresponsible use of alcohol that causes significant problems in the lives of affected individuals and their family members. It is also a risk factor for suicide and domestic violence.

Drinking alcohol damages the brain, heart, liver and pancreas. It also increases the risk of cancer. Other health complications include delirium tremens, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, irregular heartbeat, immune system disorders and hepatitis.

Definition

Alcoholism is a chronic, often fatal disease characterized by physical and mental dependence on alcohol. It causes problems in many organs of the body, including the liver (see cirrhosis), the stomach and intestines, and the brain.

Some alcoholics also develop abnormal heart rhythms and certain cancers, as well as problems with eating and sleeping. Treatment for alcoholism includes helping you stop drinking and guiding you through withdrawal.

Inpatient or outpatient rehab programs can help you learn how to live a happy, healthy life free from addiction. Your treatment will include therapy and other support resources to ensure you are successful in your recovery.

If you have a problem with alcohol, it’s important to seek treatment right away. The sooner you get help, the faster you can start living a happy and healthy life. There are millions of people in the United States who suffer from alcoholism and need help.

Symptoms

Having a few drinks with friends is fun, but drinking too much or in excess can become a problem. Alcoholism is a disorder that causes serious long-term effects on a person's health, social life and relationships.

Symptoms of alcoholism vary depending on the severity. Typical symptoms include blackouts, mood swings and denial.

Physical signs of alcoholism may include erectile dysfunction, thinning bones, heart problems and a shorter lifespan. Abuse can also cause brain damage, sleep problems and other mental disorders.

Getting help early can prevent complications from alcoholism, such as liver disease and brain damage. Therapy, detox and rehab can get you off of alcohol and back on the road to recovery.

Treatment

Alcoholism is treated with a variety of behavioral therapies and medications, including counseling, medical detoxification and medication-assisted therapy (MAT). The effectiveness of these treatments depends on the severity of your drinking and your medical and mental health conditions.

The first step in treatment is alcohol detoxification, which may include medication to ease withdrawal symptoms. It is important to receive professional care and supervision during this time, as serious complications can occur, such as delirium tremens, which includes confusion, rapid heartbeat and fever.

In addition, there are a number of psychological therapies, including brief interventions and cognitive-behavioral approaches that have demonstrated efficacy in supporting abstinence or drinking reduction goals. These treatments focus on motivating individuals to change their behavior and provide training in coping skills that can help them cope with cravings or triggers.

Psychologists can also diagnose and treat any co-occurring conditions that a person with an alcohol problem may have, such as severe anxiety and depression. They can also coordinate the services that a drinker in treatment receives from various health professionals.

Prevention

Drinking alcohol regularly can lead to problems with your health and well-being. It can also cause a lot of stress in your life.

If you're someone who drinks regularly and are concerned that you might have a problem with alcohol, talk to your healthcare provider or counselor. They can assess your drinking, create a treatment plan and refer you to a program or other resources if needed.

A person who is trying to stop drinking should make a commitment and set goals. They should also let their friends and family know that they want to stop.

Then, they should set new limits and distance themselves from people who will not support their goal or respect those boundaries.

Alcohol use disorder is a serious disease, so people who struggle with it should get help right away. Counseling can help them identify and change their habits, develop attainable goals, and learn healthy coping skills. They may also learn to deal with triggers that cause them to relapse.