Alcohol addiction is a complex problem. It can be hard to tell the difference between an alcohol abuser and an alcohol addict. Both the abuser and the addict will regularly drink in excess of the healthy limits. They key distinction, however, is control – an abuser will make a conscious choice to drink, the alcoholic on the other hand doesn’t have such a luxury. Alcoholics Anonymous describes alcohol addiction as a physical dependency on alcohol combined with a mental compulsion to consume it. Compulsion, not choice, is the cause whilst an addiction is present.
The Health Implications Of Addiction
There is a lot of confusing information surrounding health effects of alcohol consumption. Moderate consumption can be healthy or unhealthy depending on the media headline of the day. But the evidence is clear and consistent that excessive alcohol consumption has negative consequences – for alcohol addicts these effects are magnified. It increases the chances of developing serious diseases, including:
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Kidney problems
- Cancer
The Long Road To Sobriety: Counseling as Treatment
Quitting alcohol is often a lifelong process. Many ex-addicts still describe themselves as addicts even though they have been sober for years. Despite this lifelong battle the recovery process begins with a simple concept: accepting that one has a problem, and making the choice to seek help.
Once this acceptance has been achieved, the recovery process can begin—starting with detoxification, followed by rehabilitation and eventually achieving abstinence. There are a variety of methods and groups providing support for addicts and the importance of seeking help cannot be underestimated.
There are many different problems you will face during rehabilitation and a counseling method will help you navigate them. Here at Thriveworks Marietta, GA we believe that every client is an individual to be treated with meticulous care and respect throughout this process. We work together to develop a tailored treatment plan to put you on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
