There are many definitions of alcoholism. The most common definition of alcoholism is that "alcoholism is a horrible ailment that affects the whole person “. However this definition may also apply to cancer or other dreadful ailment. Alcoholism cannot be defined simply as a ailment caused by prolonged consumption of alcohol. The amount and frequency of drinking will determine alcoholism.
By the way, while I am using the pronoun "he" for easier reading, the same holds true for both women and men.
A more accurate definition of alcoholism suggests a chronic disorder characterized by some loss of control over drinking. Drinking more frequently and at inappropriate times will point towards alcoholism. Alcoholism is a common term for two distinct ailment. They are alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.
The medical definition of alcoholism describes alcoholism as a ailment caused by continuous consumption of alcohol. The amount and frequency of alcohol consumption required to develop alcoholism will vary from person to person.
Alcoholism is also qualified by some other expressions. They include use, misuse, heavy use, abuse and dependence. Use is a term which simply refers to a person who drinks any alcoholic products. Misuse and heavy use do not have any standard definitions. Heavy use of alcohol will vary from person to person depending upon the age, alcohol brand and so on.
Alcohol abuse is one of the serious problems which lead to poor nutrition, memory loss, difficulty in walking and liver ailment. It will also generate mental stress, depression, fatigue, employment problems, family problems etc. Alcohol abuse may also involve the drinker in legal problems at some point in his life. The drinker will continue to drink at this stage irrespective of his health and family problems.
Addiction to alcohol will cause alcohol dependency. Alcohol dependence will cause social and work related problems. The drinker will experience periods of shaking, sweating and nausea when he tries to stop drinking when he reaches the stage of addiction. Alcohol dependence is usually indicated if the following symptoms are present:
1. Increases in level of tolerance to alcohol..
2. The drinker will take more alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3. He will lose control over drinking.
4. He may spend more time in drinking and will recover from it only after long period of time.
5. He will lose interest in social and recreational activities.
6. He will continue to drink though he knows the adverse effects of drinking.
Alcoholism will lead most of the alcoholics to increase their consumption. Loss of control will happen in this stage. In fact loss of control is a clear symptom of alcoholism. As the drinker continues to drink, his body will build increased tolerance towards alcohol. Therefore the drinker will not get fully content by consuming the usual amount of alcohol. He will need more and more. Withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating and shaking will also appear.
Alcohol problems will vary from person to person. The severity of alcoholism will also vary from drinker to drinker. Some may experience life threatening problems. Liver dysfunction, brain ailment etc will also occur. Rightly said, alcoholism is a horrible ailment. However it is possible to cure the ailment. Alcoholics Anonymous have helped millions through their method of sharing their experiences amongst themselves as long as the member desires to stop drinking. Health Coaching is another method in which the alcoholic recognizes the effects of his behavior on his body, his family and his surroundings and obtains personalized help to take action and continue his sobriety.
An now I would like to offer to you 2 Chapters Free of A Practical Approach to Alcoholism Book so you can better understand this disorder.
Frederic Baker, Professional Health Coach