Alcoholism is a serious and life-threatening disease that affects millions of Americans. It is a condition that can be treated and is reversible if treatment is sought early.
People with alcoholism often don’t realize they have a drinking problem until they are already in a dangerous situation. Drinking becomes a normal part of their day-to-day life, and it’s difficult for loved ones to see that the person is having a problem.
Alcoholism is a chronic illness that affects more than 14.5 million Americans in 2019. It can cause severe physical and mental health problems, as well as social and financial issues.
Many people start drinking in their early adult years and don’t realize they’re developing an alcohol problem. They may drink moderately at a party or while enjoying a meal with friends.
After some time, they begin to drink more and more to achieve the same level of intoxication. They may also experience a feeling of being dependent on their alcohol consumption.
They might also start to feel depressed and have trouble sleeping. This is a sign they’re developing an alcohol addiction.
They might also experience health issues related to their drinking, such as liver cirrhosis or nerve damage. Treatment for end-stage alcoholism requires a comprehensive alcohol abuse treatment program that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
The middle stage of alcoholism is characterized by intense cravings for alcohol. In addition to binge drinking, these people have blackouts, which are episodes where they experience severe drowsiness or confusion.
The person may also be unable to stop themselves from drinking because they are physically dependent on the drug. They continue to drink even though they know that it is unhealthy and can lead to serious medical problems.
They might also lose their job or get incarcerated. These are the types of issues that force someone to seek help.
The middle stage of alcoholism is a critical point when many physical and mental health problems can develop. These include liver cancer, hepatitis, pancreatitis, malnutrition, brain damage, respiratory infections and others.
When an individual enters the final stage of alcoholism, they’re at high risk for life-threatening health problems. In addition to serious withdrawal symptoms, they may experience a variety of other physical ailments caused by their long-term alcohol abuse.
The late stage of alcoholism can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, a condition that can eventually cause death. Other illnesses can also develop, including brain damage and heart attacks.
In this stage, a person’s body is so dependent on alcohol that they have a hard time quitting. They’re even unable to take care of themselves properly and appear unhealthy.
This is the time to seek help for an alcohol use disorder, including treatment and support from addiction specialists, mental health professionals, and others who are living with the disease. There are many different treatments available for end-stage alcoholism, and they can be used in combination with detox, rehab, or therapy.
Alcohol is a powerful drug that can have a devastating impact on your life and the lives of others. This is why it's important to get help as soon as possible if you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol.
You can start to address your drinking problems by talking with your health care provider, who will assess your condition and make a diagnosis. If you have a diagnosable alcohol use disorder, your treatment may include counseling and other therapies.
A therapist will teach you new ways to manage stress, reduce your cravings for alcohol and develop healthier habits. These methods might include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), yoga and meditation.
Many people with alcohol use disorders also have other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, which can be treated with psychotherapy. This is another reason why a psychologist can be an essential part of a treatment team for those with alcohol problems.
