Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is a disease in which the craving for alcohol can be as strong as the need for food or water. Despite the serious family, health, and legal problems that may arise from alcohol dependency, an alcoholic will continue to drink. Alcohol can be a chronic illness – it can last an entire lifetime. Developing alcoholism is influenced both by genes and lifestyle.
Alcoholism can be treated using both counseling and medication. Treatment in a rehab facility or a community program such as Alcoholics Anonymous, help people to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
Treatment for alcoholism works for some people. But there are varying levels of success. Some are able to stay sober. Others may have relapse. The longer one is sober, the easier it becomes to stay sober.
Alcoholism treatment works for many people. But like other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma, there are varying levels of success when it comes to treatment. Some people stop drinking and remain sober. Others have long periods of sobriety with bouts of relapse. And still others cannot stop drinking for any length of time. With treatment, one thing is clear, however: the longer a person abstains from alcohol, the more likely he or she will be able to stay sober.
Alcohol abuse exists across all gender, race, and nationality lines. About 1 in every 12 adults in the US abuse alcohol. Alcohol abuse tends, however, to be most prevalent among ages 18-24. Men tend to be more prone to alcoholism than women. Those who have started drinking at a young age have a higher risk of developing an drinking problem.
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