Alcoholism - Alcohol Dependence |
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| "When the wine is in, the wit is out." - Thomas Becon |
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| Alcoholism is the state of being addicted to alcohol and not just drinking a lot. An alcoholic needs alcohol to help them function with everyday situations that many people are able to handle sober. So they may need a drink before a meeting or exam or whatever. This often, as most addictive behaviours, involves hiding the amount they are drinking from those around them, so they may keep stashes of alcohol at home where no-one will find them. Also, alcoholics, unless they are in treatment, normally deny they have a problem but will continue to use alcohol to help them cope with daily life.
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| Early signs of alcoholism: |
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Do they drink till they drop or black out?
Are they unable or unwilling to stop drinking once they start?
Do they sneak drinks with them to work or school?
Do they drink first thing in the morning?
Are their relationships changing because of their drinking?
Is alcohol becoming more important than other things that used to be top priority?
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| Alcoholism is a disease that includes the following four symptoms:
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| * Craving: A strong need, or urge, to drink.
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| * Loss of control: Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun.
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| * Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking.
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| * Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get "high."
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| Effects of Alcohol:
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| Alcohol really have some nasty effects on individuals. Some of the most well-known effects include pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, nutritional deficiencies, alcoholic dementia, heart disease. Many instances have been recorded which shows that alcohol affects one's sexual capacity, even leading to death.
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| Alcohol dependency also affects marriage and social life. Loosing jobs, hard-earned money, even dreams. And we know too well of violence against women and children committed by drunk individuals. Clearly, the liquid can be a very dangerous substance when gobbled down too much
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| Who should not drink at all:
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| * Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
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| * People who plan to drive or engage in other activities that require alertness and skill (such as driving a car)
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| * People taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications
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| * People with medical conditions that can be made worse by drinking
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| * Recovering alcoholics
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| * People younger than age 21.
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Need more Information..? |
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