Abuse of Alcohol
If one digs a bit deep while researching abuse of alcohol, he or she will find that there are multiple reasons behind one’s dependence on drugs and alcohol. Alcohol is woven into several facets of our society, and several events mark their celebration with alcohol. It is one thing to share a drink or two with friends or celebrate a special occasion with a glass of champagne.
Dependence on alcohol consumption for one’s emotional needs, however, is taking things too far, and obsession with alcoholism can lead to an advanced condition known as alcohol abuse. Alcoholism, or alcohol abuse as it is commonly referred to, is the condition wherein an individual is affected by lack of control over alcohol consumption, even as their health and personal life is adversely affected in the process.
Abuse of alcohol is a grave danger to the person as well as the society at large. Addiction to alcohol results in poor state of health and well-being, but the negative effects do not stop there, and every facet of the alcoholics’ lives is disturbed. Prolonged abuse of alcohol can deeply affect one’s self esteem, leading to loss of relationships, which can also result in deprivation and abandonment by family members and the society. Low self-confidence, declining quality of life and depression are first few signs of alcohol abuse, and those around the affected individual should learn to interpret the signs and seek right help in a timely manner, so as to set the path for recovery.
The corrective measures for abuse of alcohol can be divided into three parts, as follows:
Learning to differentiating between social drinking and alcohol abuse
Social drinking is meant for fun and enjoyment, and is generally meant in a lighter sense. Social drinkers can control their consumption limit without crossing the safe limit line, and hardly ever face a problem with the consumption of alcohol. The intention behind their drinking is to have fun, and abstinence does not particularly bother them.
An alcoholic, on the other hand, would start to depend upon alcohol consumption in order to feel better about his or her life, and continue to do the same even as it starts to affect their life in a negative manner. Their consumption limits are high and uncertain, and they find themselves unable to control the consumption even as they face problems regarding the same with their family members, work and friends. The victims of alcohol abuse notice their failing health, but still go on with their dependence on alcohol consumption.
Understanding the difference between abstinence and recovery
Though abstinence helps the victims of alcohol abuse to a certain extent, it is only temporal and victims can fall back into the trap without the right recovery path. Abstinence from alcohol only puts a temporary stop, and recovery is necessary for one to get rid of the problem.
Choosing the right path of recovery
Working towards recovery is the most challenging part in the entire situation, and different modes of recovery work for different individuals. Some may find joining a self help group as helpful and motivating, whereas others might find joining a rehabilitation center to be a stable path for recovery.
If you or your partner are abusing alcohol and you need a little professional guidance or support, please feel free to call us at anytime and we will see what we can do to help you.
