Defining Alcohol Addiction
What really is alcohol addiction? Some people claim that it is a
chronic, progressive, incurable brain disease. We say that's obviously not
true. For every person who has died from alcohol addiction we can find one who
has successfully beaten alcoholism.
Addiction can be defined as
compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine,
or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological
symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance
known by the user to be harmful (according to the Mirriam-Webster online
dictionary). This does not mean that it is an incurable brain disease or that
it cannot be overcome - that is nowhere to be found in that definition.
Contact us today for information on rehab programs for alcohol addiction by
calling
1-877-289-7148 or fill out the
form on this page.
What are Some Signs of Alcohol Addiction?
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, answering the following four questions can help you find out if you
or a loved one has a drinking problem:
Have you ever felt you should
cut down on your drinking?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your
drinking?
Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
Have
you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get
rid of a hangover?
One "yes" answer suggests a possible alcohol
problem. More than one "yes" answer means it is highly likely that a problem
exists. If you think that you or someone you know might have an alcohol
problem, it is important to see a doctor or other health care provider right
away. They can help you determine if a drinking problem exists and plan the
best course of action. You may also call us and we can help get you in touch
with qualified specialty facilities that deal with alcohol detox and
rehabilitation.