Alcoholism
is a Disease
For those individuals of legal drinking age, Alcohol
is a legal and socially acceptable drug. Alcohol utilizes
first pass metabolism; it is one of the few drugs that enters
the blood stream initially from the stomach. Recent evidence
suggests that Genetic/Physiological factors, specifically
the presence, absence and amount of digestive enzyme(s) available
in the gut greatly influence the users first and continued
experience with alcohol. Individuals, who are biologically
incapable or limited in their ability to process alcohol as
a toxin experience a much higher blood alcohol level than
a person with a “normal” amount of enzyme. Such
a predisposition genetically affords the enzyme deficient
(or absent) user with a first experience, and subsequent experiences
that are more challenging and damaging to the body, both short
and long term. Social pressures and/or underlying psychiatric
co-morbidities may promote such a person's consumption of
alcohol and increase the likelihood of abuse and addiction.
Impact on the Brain
"Alcohol
consumption can damage the brain and most body organs. Areas
of the brain that are especially vulnerable to alcohol-related
damage are the cerebral cortex (largely responsible for our
higher brain functions, including problem solving and decision
making), the hippocampus (important for memory and learning),
and the cerebellum (important for movement coordination)."*
Source: NIDA
Alcohol Abuse*
An individual meets one or more criteria for over one year:
Role Impairment (e.g. failed work or home obligations)
Hazardous use (e.g. Driving while intoxicated)
Legal problems related to alcohol or drug use
Social or interpersonal problems due to alcohol or drugs
*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV)
Alcohol Addiction
and Dependency*
An individual meets 3 or more criteria for over 1 year:
Tolerance - increased drinking or using to achieve same effect
Withdrawal signs or symptoms
Drinking or using more than intended
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down on use
Excessive time related to drinking / using (obtaining, hangover, coming to)
Impaired social or work activities due to alcohol
Use despite physical or psychological consequences
*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV)
Alcohol Addiction
Intervention
As you are reading this, it is NOT too late. Calls are confidential
and anonymous. You may only need information; your Loved One
may need an INTERVENTION!
Call
now for a free addiction intervention consultation
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