What is Alcoholism?

The first thing that springs to mind when Alcoholism is mentioned is the image of an old tramp on a park bench with a bottle in a paper bag drinking from dusk till dawn. This is far from the truth; alcoholism comes in many guises and affects people from all walks of life. From politicians to dustmen; doctors to clergymen; actors to students; mothers to professors; rich or poor. This disease has no class distinction. Periodic drinkers, binge drinkers, occasional drinkers, daily drinkers, morning drinkers, drinkers who only drink after a certain hour, people that have an illusion that they have control over it as they believe they choose when and where they drink. There are many different types of alcoholics too many to list, every one of them with their own drinking pattern. With alcoholism it is not how much or how often you drink it is how it affects you and your life and that of your loved ones.
 
As with all addictive behaviour problems, it is very difficult for a person to acknowledge the existence of a drinking problem and this means that people suffer for many more years than is necessary. It is commonly know that every alcoholic has at some time denied being one. It is difficult to determine how many people are affected by alcoholism as it is often confused with recurring depression and high anxiety levels. A failure to identify the role of alcohol in these conditions often means a failure to refer for the correct treatment as the patient will often play down the use of alcohol in their life. If asked by a doctor many will deny the use of alcohol blaming their problems on other reasons, such as relationship problems, financial problems or other outside influences.
 

How do people develop it?

The sufferer, despite many attempts at control, finds that their drinking and the consequences of their drinking continues to get worse over a period, and the dependent person's guilt, shame and remorse increases. Vain attempts to stop can result in withdrawal symptoms which are only relieved by taking more alcohol. Attempts at control or cutting down, 'just a couple of drinks won't hurt', almost always end in drunkenness, and things seem to get progressively worse. In extreme cases, suicide may seem the only option as depression and severe anxiety together with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness often accompany addiction to alcohol.
 

Can it be cured?

Alcoholism is almost impossible to overcome alone, but with the help of others, a large number of people find recovery through treatment centres and Alcoholics Anonymous.
 
Alcoholism is an illness that is characterised by the following elements.

• Craving, a strong need or compulsion to drink
• Loss of control, the frequent inability to stop drinking once started
• Tolerance, the need for increasing amounts of alcohol to feel any effect
• Psychological compulsion to drink, an inability to control the desire to drink even though a decision may have been made to stop drinking
  

Approximately one in ten of the population of the UK suffers from this illness. The effect, not only on the individual but on families, the workplace and society as a whole can be devastating.

Is Alcoholism a Disease?

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