Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Alcohol Addiction and Dependence. Let’s dive in!
- Repeatedly drinking alcohol in physically dangerous situations
- Continuing to drink despite social or interpersonal problems
- Drinking despite recurring legal issues
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (tremors, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, delirium, hallucinations) when not drinking
- Developing tolerance or reverse tolerance
- Drinking more or for longer than intended
- Failing to quit or cut down despite efforts
- Spending a significant amount of time engaging in alcohol-related activities
- Continuing to drink despite physical or psychological problems
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities for alcohol
- Feeling an overwhelming craving for alcohol to the point of being unable to think about anything else
These are common experiences among individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (commonly referred to as alcoholism). If someone meets at least two of these criteria, they can be diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder.
In simple terms, two key factors determine the severity of alcohol addiction: whether withdrawal symptoms occur and whether the individual has control over their drinking.
Many people struggling with alcoholism believe they can control their drinking. This misconception often prevents them from seeking help until the problem becomes severe and unmanageable.
Additionally, those who experience severe withdrawal symptoms often find it unbearable to go without alcohol, leading them to drink again.
The Dangerous Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction and Dependence
So, is it possible to force someone into treatment?
According to the Mental Health Promotion and Mental Illness Welfare Support Act, involuntary treatment is only allowed under strict conditions. Two criteria must be met simultaneously:
- The individual must require treatment.
- There must be a risk of self-harm or harm to others due to alcohol use.
The definition of self-harm risk is quite broad. Examples include:
- Falling due to severe intoxication, leading to fractures or other injuries
- Drinking excessively without eating, resulting in severe malnutrition
- Having serious medical conditions (such as liver cirrhosis, brain hemorrhage, or diabetes) that require treatment but continuing to drink, worsening their health
- Expressing or acting on thoughts of self-harm or suicide while intoxicated
If someone around you shows signs of self-harm or harm to others due to alcohol addiction, contact the Mental Health Welfare Center or the Addiction Management Integrated Support Center in your local area. They can provide guidance on the process of involuntary admission for treatment.
Alcohol Addiction and Dependence: Overcoming It Through Effort!
Is alcohol addiction treatable? The answer is yes.
Many people believe alcoholism is untreatable due to its difficulty and high relapse rate. However, with the right approach, recovery is possible.
The first step to recovery is acknowledging the addiction and accepting the inability to control alcohol consumption. Many relapses happen when individuals believe they can "drink in moderation" and start with just one drink. Since those with addiction struggle to stop once they start drinking, they must make a conscious effort to avoid alcohol entirely.
Understanding the Triggers of Alcohol Addiction
Recognizing what triggers drinking is also essential in the recovery process. Some people drink out of loneliness, boredom, anger, stress, or insomnia. For many with addiction, alcohol is their only coping mechanism.
To recover, individuals must develop healthier ways to handle life's challenges without turning to alcohol.
The Importance of a Support System in Recovery
The people surrounding an individual in recovery play a crucial role. Most alcohol-dependent individuals build their social circles around drinking buddies.
To successfully recover, they need to replace unhealthy relationships with supportive ones that encourage sobriety. Recovery is much easier when efforts are shared rather than attempted alone.
Even after acknowledging addiction and starting treatment, relapses can happen. The key is to persist and not give up. Recovery is not a short sprint but a long marathon.
Seeking support from professionals at an Addiction Management Integrated Support Center or a Mental Health Welfare Center can make the recovery journey much less lonely.
Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖
This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.
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