Alcohol addiction - a treatable condition

Addiction to alcohol is much more serious than misuse of alcohol and is a life threatening condition. Between 7and 10% of the population are liable to have a dependency on alcohol. It is difficult for sufferers and friends and relatives alike to distinguish between addiction and misuse. One of the major characteristics of the problem is the Denial state which is illustrated here. The facts of the case and the emotions that should be attached to them are separated from one another as if by an impenetrable wall. As long as the wall remains intact, the illness is free to grow and the intense suffering which ensues will get worse and worse.

In the end Alcoholism is a fatal condition, and so it is essential to have a thorough and expert assessment before deciding on the best course of action. Get in touch to arrange this as soon as possible if you are worried that your drinking problem may be more than a bad habit. The Condition is characterised by certain symptoms:

Changing levels of tolerance: You notice that you can drink more without getting drunk, or you need more to achieve a desired effect.
Loss of control: You cannot predict when you will drink more than you intended to, and this happens too frequently
Withdrawals: You suffer from various physical symptoms which are put right by having another drink.
Narrowing of focus: You spend too big a proportion of your time thinking about drink or engaged in drinking. Other interests take lower priority
Attempts to stop or cut down have failed in the past (with or without help)
Continuing to drink alcohol despite physical, mental, social or domestic problems
Change of personality after drinking heavily.
Guilt and shame is experienced after out of control drinking.
Frequent memory disturbance after drinking

There are other symptoms, but if you experience any of the above more than just occasionally, it is essential for you to seek some advice. You will not experience them all together, but may have two or three of them occurring too regularly.

Alcoholism is an illness** and often has a strong genetic component. Most alcoholics come from an alcoholic or heavy drinking background. It is important to recognise that the condition is a progressive one and hurts everyone who is connected to it, especially those we love the most. It is an incurable, but highly treatable condition and the earlier you act the better. It claims the lives of over 30,000 people every year in the UK alone.

** As defined in the International Classifiaction of Diseases issued by the World Health Organisation and the DSM IV manual issued by the American Pyschiatric Association