Facing Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can affect anyone and family: teenagers and students, pregnant women, professional men and women, and seniors. Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of consumption that affects health, relationships and work of the individual.
Alcoholism, however, is a chronic disease in which one depends on the alcohol. The National Institutes of Health in the United States report that 17.6 million adults are alcoholics or have problems with that substance. Hispanics are the third highest rate of alcohol consumption after Caucasians and people of mixed race.
Recognized alcohol abuse and alcoholism
Although drinking does not mean you have problems, it is important to know how to express these two conditions to seek help if needed:
Alcohol:
Consumption of alcohol in hazardous situations such as driving
Problems with the authorities due to alcohol, such as being arrested for driving while intoxicated
Difficulties in social relationships or personal caused by alcohol
failure of personal responsibility, professional and family due to alcohol consumption
Alcoholism:
Need to drink
Unable to stop drinking after starting
Withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, such as nausea, sweating and shivering
Need to take more each time to feel the effect of alcohol
Controlling alcohol consumption
Follow these steps to control your alcohol consumption or a loved one:
Set goals of what you plan to drink a week and on what days. Fixed days that you will not take.
Keep track of how much it takes to be able to moderate your intake
Drink with patience and moderation of no more than one drink per hour when drinking. Alternate between alcohol and without alcohol.
Eat before you take for your stomach to absorb the alcohol
Avoid situations that make you drink, such as certain times, places (including home) or activities. Plan other activities if necessary.
Controls impulses and remember the reasons why it is important to stop drinking, talk to someone you trust, or participate in wholesome activities expected to pass the impulse
Keep your answer “no” list if someone offers you a drink, such as saying “no thanks” politely. The sooner you respond, the lower your chance of hesitation and accept alcoholic beverages.
Get help
In addition to following the advice to monitor the consumption of alcohol, consider these options for getting help for you or a family member:
Talk to a counselor. This, with the help of a relative or directly with you, make an assessment and presents a treatment plan that defines the problems to deal, and how to achieve expected goals
Join support groups or self-help. In these members learn about their condition, support each other and share their experiences
Talk to your doctor. In severe cases a doctor can prescribe treatment or hospitalization as
