A major problem in people's life which is widely spread and
affect the health and life of many populations......it's alcohol addiction.
Alcohol
addiction is simply defined as a compulsive need for an intoxicating liquid
that is obtained from fermented grain or fruit. These liquids include beer,
wine, and other hard liquors.
About Alcohol
-
Harmful use of alcohol results in the death of 2.5 million people annually,
causes illness and injury to millions more, and increasingly affects younger
generations and drinkers in developing countries.
-
320 000 young people aged 15-29 years die annually, from alcohol-related
causes, resulting in 9% of all deaths in that age group.
Alcohol effect
Short-term effects of alcohol
Depending
on how much is taken and the physical condition of the individual, alcohol can
cause:
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Headaches
- Breathing difficulties
- Distorted vision and hearing
- Impaired judgment
- Decreased perception and coordination
- Unconsciousness
- Anemia (loss of red blood cells)
- Coma
- Blackouts (memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred while under the influence)
Long-term effects of alcohol
Binge
drinking and continued alcohol use in large amounts are associated with many
health problems, including:
- Unintentional injuries such as car crash, falls, burns, drowning
- Intentional injuries such as firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence
- Increased on-the-job injuries and loss of productivity
- Increased family problems, broken relationships
- Alcohol poisoning
- High blood pressure, stroke, and other heart-related diseases
- Liver disease
- Nerve damage
- Sexual problems
- Permanent damage to the brain
- Vitamin B1 deficiency, which can lead to a disorder characterized by amnesia, apathy and disorientation
- Ulcers
- Gastritis (inflammation of stomach walls)
- Malnutrition
- Cancer of the mouth and throat
Alcohol give up
step 1: Commit to stop drinking
step 2: Set goals and
prepare for change
Example : My drinking goal
- I will stop drinking alcohol.
- My quit date is __________.
step 3: Get sober safely
Some people can
stop drinking on their own, while others need medical supervision in order to
withdraw from alcohol safely and comfortably.
The symptoms of alcohol
withdrawal range from mild to severe, and include:
- Headache
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Stomach cramps and diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
step 4: Find new meaning in life
5 steps to a sober lifestyle
1- Take care of yourself. concentrate on eating right and getting plenty of
sleep. Exercise
is also key.
2- Build your support network.
3- Develop new activities and interests.
4- Continue treatment : as outpatient treatment program.
step 5: Plan for triggers and cravings
Avoiding drinking triggers
-
Avoid the things that trigger your urge to drink.
-
Practice saying “no” to alcohol in social situations..”
Managing
alcohol cravings
When you’re struggling with
alcohol cravings, try these strategies:
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Distract yourself until the urge passes
- Remind yourself of your reasons for not drinking.
- Accept the urge and ride it out, instead of trying to fight it.
step 6: Get support
- Lean on close friends and family
- Build a sober social network.
- Consider moving in to a sober living home
- Make meetings a priority : Spending time with people who understand exactly what you’re going through can be very healing.
step 7: Getting started on treatment
- There’s no magic bullet or single treatment that works for everyone.
- Treatment should address more than just your alcohol abuse. .
- Seek treatment for any other medical or psychological issues you’re experiencing.
- Commitment and follow-through are key.
- There are many places to turn for help. In addition to doctors and psychologists, many clergy members, social workers, and counselors offer addiction treatment services.
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