When going to the bar on a weekend turns into going to the bar almost every day, or when a nice cold one after a hard day at work suddenly becomes drinking a six-pack every day when you get home, you have a problem. You’re not sure when harmless drinking turns into alcoholism, but over time, it becomes apparent that you need professional help.

As an alcoholism treatment center, we want to make sure you know that you are not alone. It’s estimated that approximately 18 million adults in the United States abuse alcohol. That’s one in 12 adults. As a result, nearly 100,000 Americans die each year as a direct result of alcohol abuse.1

So, how does this happen? And why did it happen to you?

What Causes Alcoholism?

Part of understanding alcoholism is understanding why it occurs. At Clearbrook Treatment Center, we know that there are several factors that can lead to alcohol abuse. It often has genetic links. It can be a social problem. It may also be connected to a physical issue or a psychological problem. There is no single reason as to why one person becomes an alcoholic and another doesn’t – it just happens.

The chemicals in alcohol can alter the chemicals in the brain and make the addict crave alcohol even more. Understanding alcoholism means seeing alcoholism from the addict’s point of view. All too often, those suffering from alcoholism are in denial about their problem. It becomes easier to ignore the truth than it is to fight the disease; the draw of the drug is just too hard to resist. This is why it’s hard for an alcoholic to battle this disease on their own. They need the help of an alcohol detox center to overcome their addiction.

The Effects of Alcohol on the Body

We have all seen the effects that a night of binge drinking can have on the body. After drinking large amounts of alcohol, it can lead to a loss of balance, coordination, speech, and vision. The more you drink, the more likely you put your health at risk – alcohol poisoning can be fatal if it is not being addressed.

Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects a person’s physical and mental well-being. Because it is a progressive disease, the more you drink, the more alcohol you need in order to obtain that same buzz. In fact, some alcoholics can be extremely drunk yet still have enough control to appear as if they are fine, otherwise referred to as functioning alcoholics. With time the alcohol will not only change the chemistry of your brain but also cause physical health issues. Some of the physical ailments of long-term alcohol use include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Brain and heart damage
  • Liver damage
  • Enlarged blood vessels
  • Pneumonia
  • Chronic gastritis
  • Recurrent pancreatitis
  • Hypoglycemia

Alcohol abuse may also lead to serious legal and criminal issues.

Understanding Alcohol Abuse & Getting Help

Part of understanding alcoholism is knowing that it is a disease that needs professional help in order to overcome. Whether you are dealing with an alcoholic loved one or you are an alcoholic yourself, it is important to admit that there is a problem. Our inpatient detox center will help you identify the root of your drinking addiction and provide you with various therapies and programs designed to help you overcome this disease. We’ll give you the tools you need in order to help you get clean and learn how to live a sober life again. Contact our treatment center today to learn more about our Clearbrook drug rehab.

Sources

  1. WebMD – Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder—the Basics

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