Addiction, by any name, is a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addict's life. They make their addiction a priority more important than family, friends and work. They are willing to sacrifice what they cherish most in order to preserve and continue their unhealthy behaviors…
-Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., "The Meadows"
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Alcoholism is a chronic, often progressive disease with symptoms that include a strong need to drink despite negative consequences, such as serious job or health problems. Like many other diseases, it has a generally predictable course, recognized symptoms, and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. It is similar to other illnesses for many reasons. One of which is that it, like other illnesses, can be passed on from one generation to the next. Because alcoholism is a family disease, it needs to be treated as such. To prevent this illness to be passed to another generation, a complete family commitment to treatment is necessary. With help, alcoholism can be stopped.
-Dr. Claudia Black, "The Meadows"
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Alcoholism- A primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestation. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.
In recent years, much has been written about the subject of codependence, its symptoms, and characteristics. Codependence has become the treatment word of recent years. Everyone, it seems, throws around the word codependence. Unlike many traditional definitions of codependence, the Meadows’ Pia Mellody describes it as the loss of self or an undeveloped relationship with self. Dysfunctional, less-than-nurturing, abusive family systems create children who become adult codependents.
Several million more adults engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. In addition, approximately 53 percent of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.
The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious--in many cases, life-threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). It can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy.
In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes, recreational accidents, and on-the-job accidents and also increases the likelihood of homicide and suicide. In purely economic terms, alcohol-use problems cost society approximately $100 billion per year. In human terms, the costs are incalculable.
How can you tell whether you, or someone close to you, may have a drinking problem? Answering the following four questions can help you find out. (To help remember these questions, note that the first letter of a key word in each of the four questions spells "CAGE.")
· Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
· Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
· Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
· Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (Eye opener)?
One "yes" response suggests a possible alcohol problem. If you responded "yes" to more than one question, it is highly likely that a problem exists. There is also the possibility of a drinking problem that could stem from those high school peers, and wanting to "look cool", or "fit in"...
In either case, it is important that you see your doctor or other health care provider right away to discuss your responses to these questions. He or she can help you determine whether you have a drinking problem and, if so, recommend the best course of action for you.
Even if you answered "no" to all of the above questions, if you are encountering drinking-related problems with your job, relationships, health, or with the law, you should still seek professional help.
The effects of alcohol abuse can be extremely serious -- even fatal -- both to you and to others.
Some individuals who have stopped drinking after experiencing alcohol-related problems choose to attend AA meetings for information and support, even though they have not been diagnosed as alcoholic.