If you're worried that you or someone that you love has a problem with alcoholism, help is available.
There are various types of alcohol rehab, alcohol treatment and alcohol detox to help someone addicted to drink get back on their feet.
Alcoholism Drinking is not always a problem but it can become a health and psychological issue when it starts causing issues in a person's life.
Drinking can go from a pleasurable social activity to alcohol dependence in some people.
Drinking problems can often begin with someone binge drinking large amounts of alcohol to get drunk.
Some people drink too much because they feel they need to enjoy themselves.
Others do so to manage stress or block out bad things in their life.
In turn, problem drinking, unchecked, can turn into an alcohol addiction - this is when the body becomes physically addicted to alcohol.
Individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms when they don't drink and they often have very strong cravings for alcohol.
Alcohol rehab and treatment There is help and support available for those who wish to stop drinking.
Alcohol detox and alcohol rehab are often the start of recovery.
Once someone is physically dependent on alcohol, medical supervision is needed to help them stop drinking.
This is because the physical withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can be very serious and dangerous.
In addition, structured alcohol treatment is often the best way to stop drinking long-term and prevent a relapse.
Alcohol rehab is available on a residential basis and an outpatient basis - there is help available for those who want to beat their addiction.
The emotional aspects of addiction need to be addressed just as much as the physical addiction - alcohol treatment helps an individual consider the underlying issues that may have led to their alcohol addiction and help them to change their habits and mindset to prevent a relapse.
Alcoholism: The issues It should be noted that there are a number of stereotypes about alcoholism but not everyone who is addicted to alcohol drinks all day every day.
You can still have a job, for example, yet be an alcoholic in some cases.
There are a number of short and long-term health risks associated with heavy drinking.
Heavy drinkers may develop puffy faces and red blotches on their face.
Significant weight gain or loss is also common.
Long-term, some cancers are associated with persistent heavy drinking and alcohol abuse is also associated with a number of potentially fatal liver problems.
Alcohol can also cause emotional issues such as depression, anxiety and mood swings.
Alcoholics often lose interest in pursuits such as hobbies and work and their relationships may be negatively affected.