Taking A Look At Alcohol Addiction
Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Did you know that people can suffer from alcohol addiction in the same way they suffer from drug addiction, with almost intolerable physical withdrawal symptoms, psychological cravings and destructive mood swings? Did you also know that alcohol related withdrawal can be deadly if not treated by a medical professional? Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from sleeplessness, hand tremors and nausea, to agitation, hallucinations and anxiety. In 1999, 19,171 people died from alcohol addiction and it is estimated that 20% of untreated chronic drinkers will die from what is called “delirium tremens,” which includes severe withdrawal symptoms, such as respiratory failure, hallucinations, heart palpitations and seizures.
Prior to an addiction to alcohol, there is generally a prolonged time period when the social drinker finds that he or she is drinking more frequently, experiencing more adverse effects and is slightly losing control. Alcohol abusers start showing signs like drinking and driving, participating in dangerous activities while under the influence, continuing to drink even when problems with friends or family happen as a result of alcohol consumption and getting into physical fights. Drinking alcohol begins to interfere with not only social relations, but also obligations at work and school, and in some cases, drinking may even land an individual in legal trouble. These are early warning signs that alcohol use is crossing over into alcohol abuse.
Roughly 5-10% of acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms result in delirium tremens (DTs), a potentially fatal episode of feverishness, hallucinations, high blood pressure, rapid breathing and tremors. The alcohol addiction sufferer has a 35% chance of dying from the DTs if not treated by a professional and a 5% chance of death even if treated. It’s believed that the DTs are caused by drinking excessively over a long period of time (for instance 6-7 pints per day for a month or longer), or may also be caused by binge drinking without eating all day. A drug like Valium or an anti-seizure medication may be required, in addition to carefully monitoring hydration and the administering of vitamins.
Many people who have friends or family members showing signs of alcohol addiction feel frustrated because they desperately care and want to help. However, unless that alcohol addicted person is willing to endure treatment, nothing can be done. Sometimes, binge drinkers will hit rock bottom with a medical emergency before they accept that they have to change their behavior. All one can do is express support, try not to be an enabler and suggest alternate coping mechanisms.
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April 15th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Increadible informative article! One thing I disagree with though. You say that unless a person wants treatment, than they cannot be helped. This is completely untrue.
In the words of Father Martin himself: “You can lead a horse to water, but you cant make him drink. You can, however, make him thirsty.