What is Alcoholism?
The best way to define alcoholism is to compare it among the various levels of alcohol use. While someone may have serious reasons to seek help for unhealthy overdrinking habits that could be considered a problem, alcohol abuse is not necessarily alcoholism. Alcohol abuse refers to the unhealthy habits surrounding excessive drinking.
Alcohol abuse vs. alcohol addiction
Alcohol abuse can often lead to addiction, and a person with an addiction to alcohol may likely be abusing alcohol.
Alcoholism is the word used to refer to the addiction to alcohol. Alcoholism is when the body and mind become chemically dependent on alcohol. This is also referred to as alcohol dependency. When a person is chemically dependent, the body has built up a tolerance for the substance so that it takes more alcohol to experience the same effects as before. And without drinking, the body experiences withdrawal, which might include a number of different symptoms such nausea, sweating, depression, insomnia, anxiety and irritability.
You or a loved one may have experienced alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Look for signs of a problem.
Signs of alcohol abuse & dependency
- Feeling guilt about drinking
- Can’t limit themselves to one or two drinks
- Relationships being negatively impacted
- Friends or family expressing concern
- Drinking to feel better
- Hiding drinking habits
- Needing to drink more to get same desired effects
- Getting in trouble with law enforcement due to alcohol
- Endangering self or others by drinking and driving
- Engaging in risky behavior when under the influence
- Showing signs of withdrawal when without alcohol
- Feeling powerless to stop even if trying
- Neglecting responsibility
- Strong thoughts around figuring out when/how to drink next
- Drinking in the morning or during work
The line between casually drinking in moderation and alcohol dependency can be easily crossed before a person realizes it. If you or a loved one want to break free from alcohol dependence, the Last Call Program is the most effective way to do so. The combination of herbal supplements, education, exercises and support has been proven to restore balance to the body. Sobrexa works to reduce the desire to drink excessively, and Kalmaro provides a calming effect on the body, reducing symptoms of withdrawal.
Get help for alcoholism in Atlanta
Learn more about the Last Call Program and how it could benefit you or a loved one by calling our toll-free live support number.