Living with alcoholism
Whether you’re addicted to alcohol or live with an alcoholic, this disease tears families and lives apart.
It is believed that alcoholics cannot control their drinking as they are either mentally or physically ill. Alcoholism is now recognised as an illness.
Long-term use of alcohol can cause serious health issues, it can damage emotional stability, can cause financial difficulties, jeopardise one’s career and impact family, friends and community.
Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse:
• Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol one drinks.
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down the amount of alcohol used.
• Spending a lot of time drinking, buying alcohol or recovering from alcohol use.
• Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol.
• Failure to fulfil obligations at work, school or home due to repeated alcohol use.
• Continuing to drink alcohol even after knowing the alcohol use is causing physical, social or interpersonal problems.
• Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies.
• Using alcohol in situations where it’s not safe, such as when driving or swimming.
• Developing a higher tolerance to alcohol so you need more to feel its effect.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating and shaking.
Also read: Alcohol unsafe during pregnancy
Withdrawal symptoms
As the effect of the alcohol wears off you may experience withdrawal.
These symptoms include anxiety or jumpiness, shaking or trembling, sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, irritability, fatigue or loss of appetite and headaches.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be severe and life threatening.
Getting help
Help is available for those who want it in the form of alcoholics anonymous groups. Because members in the group have battled with alcohol abuse they know what the illness feels like and can help new members by being able to advise them on how to get through certain problems or just give them support.
Instead of worrying about whether or not they will be sober tomorrow, they are encouraged to concentrate on not drinking right now. New members are advised to just take it “one day at a time”.
Alcoholics are given a 12 step programme to follow; these steps guide alcoholics to happy and healthy lives.
For more information contact alcoholics anonymous call 0861 435 722.
* Information supplied by Alcoholics Anonymous
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