A college student somewhere in his 20's almost gate crashes into the doctor's clinic. He seems worried and says, "Doctor, I really don’t understand what has happened to me. I have lost my appetitite, sweat a lot, feel anxious and have persistent headache. And, when I do not drink I feel even more worse. Can you please help me? Well, this is not the story of just one individual but a lot of people who are struggling every day to quit this habit.
Alcoholism is the addiction to the consumption of alcoholic drink. It is a chronic and progressive disease featured by loss of control over the use of alcohol with subsequent social and psychological consequences. Total loss of control over oneself and a strong craving to drink more are very common.
With changing lifestyles, social norms, urbanization, increased availability of alcohol, aggressive marketing along with poor level of awareness related to ill effects of alcohol has contributed to increased alcohol use.
Alcohol use is not only restricted to men but also women. The recent trends has shown that the population of women who are consuming alcohol has increased tremendously. Women are more vulnerable than men to alcohol’s effects, even after drinking smaller amounts. Women who drink heavily are at a major risk of various diseases, like, osteoporosis, premature menopause, infertility and miscarriages, high blood pressure and heart diseases.
Though, everyone who drinks does not becomes an alcoholic. It is essential to understand when your drinking has crossed the line from moderate or social to problem drinking.
How to know if you are Alcoholic?
- Priority of drinking over other activities
- Withdrawal symptoms( if you suddenly stop drinking) such as, hallucinations, confusion, seizures, fever and anxiety
- Drink in order to relax or de-stress
- Habit of forgetfulness, disorientation and blackouts
How Alcohol affects your body?
- Can lead to fatty liver which can further lead to liver failure
- It affects the brain and causes loss of inhibitions and affects judgment and coordination
- Leads to depression, poor memory and concentration
- Triggers psychiatric problems
- Slows down functioning and interferes with digestion
- Irritates the lining of the food pipe and stomach
How to cope with Alcoholism?
- Develop healthy habits like, healthy diet, regular physical activity and sound sleep
- Develop hobbies or pastimes that are not centered around alcohol
- Be firm about quitting alcohol and talk to your family and friends about it.
- It is difficult for an alcoholic to quit this habit abruptly. Gradually, reduce the quantity of alcohol intake. Initially, you may feel withdrawal symptoms but you can overcome this habit with time.
- Drinking a lot of water will help keep you hydrated, make you feel better, and help flush out toxins from your body.
- Do not skip meals.
- A moderate work out session can make a dramatic difference in how you look and feel. Engage yourself in any kind of activity that you enjoy.
References: www.liverfoundation.in