What is an Alcoholic?
While there are countless theories and stereotypes of what an alcoholic is, the simple definition of an alcoholic is one who is physically and psychologically addicted to alcohol in spite of increasingly negative consequences.
An alcoholic can be any age, race or gender from any background, culture or socioeconomic status. An alcoholic could be your son or daughter, the cheerleader next door, the soccer mom down the street, your teacher, your boss, the man who bags your groceries or even a member of your clergy. An alcoholic can be high-functioning and maintain day-to-day responsibilities or in later stages move between hospitals, institutions and jails. Ultimately, this is where most alcoholics end up unless measures are taken to arrest their alcoholism.
Alcoholic Tendencies
Most alcoholics resist being labeled as such. It usually takes a lot of pain, suffering and negative consequences for an alcoholic to accept that he or she cannot drink alcohol like others. Alcoholics initially may drink socially like others, but over time there are noticeable differences. Some initial signs may include: Ensuring that alcohol is always accessible, the desire to drink for any reason or occasion, drinking alone, developing a higher tolerance than peers, drinking prior to events and continuing after everyone else is finished. Studies also indicate that teenagers who begin drinking prior to the age of 15 are 40% more likely to have drinking problems as adults.
As the disease progresses, alcohol begins to dominate the alcoholic’s life. They may subconsciously choose career paths, partners and social groups that encourage a drinking lifestyle. At some point in every alcoholic’s life, an invisible line is crossed where they lose the ability to control their drinking. It begins to interfere with education, work, relationships and opportunities. Hangovers become severe, resulting in withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety or tremors that interfere with the ability to function. The morning drink may become a necessity to steady nerves. Attention to responsibilities and appearances falls off.
When challenged, the alcoholic will usually justify and defend their drinking. At this point, the alcoholic may begin to hide how much he or she is drinking or keep bottles hidden around the house or at work in order to ensure their supply doesn’t run out. Once an alcoholic takes a drink, he or she experiences a phenomenal craving for alcohol on a physical and psychological level. The only solution to this craving is to continue drinking until it is interrupted by an outside influence, such as the need to work, meet certain responsibilities or intervention by a loved one.
Alcohol Treatment if You’re An Alcoholic
The nature of alcoholism dictates that most people have difficulty arresting it without professional help. Alcoholism is a disease of mind, body and spirit. In order to arrest this disease, all three levels must be addressed. At SouthCoast Recovery, this is how our alcohol treatment program is designed. Every person who enters our doors receives a clinical evaluation to determine alcohol and drug history, family dynamics, health concerns and any underlying emotional issues or chemical imbalance that may be contributing to alcoholism. From this, we tailor a personalized alcohol treatment plan that combines the finest medical and clinical care with advanced holistic treatments for mind, body and spirit renewal.
Alcoholism is a progressive disease that is fatal if left untreated. Take control of your alcoholism and take back your life. We have 24 hour intake coordinators who can answer any questions you may have about alcoholism and our alcohol treatment program. Call today!
