Alcoholism and Your Family

Alcoholism is a serious disease which affects the lives of millions of people across America. There are a number of reasons why a person can develop an alcohol addiction, but there is no definitive answer for everyone. The only concrete fact about alcoholism is that it is a serious disease that is often overlooked and ignored by society.

What Is Alcoholism?

Frequently, the terms "alcohol abuse" is used synonymously with "alcoholism;" however, there are distinct differences. Alcohol abuse is considered a temporary or voluntary decision to consume alcohol in dangerous quantities, or with reckless intentions; however, there is no chemical dependency motivating your decisions. Examples of alcohol abuse include: binge drinking, drinking until blacking out or vomiting, or using alcohol as an escape.

Although frequent alcohol abuse can develop into alcoholism, that is not always the result. Alcoholism differs from alcohol abuse in that it consists of four unique behavioral and psychological components:

• Craving-Alcoholics suffer from a severe yearning for alcohol. Frequently, habitual drinking disguises their cravings; however, if they are placed in a situation where alcohol is absent they will oftentimes seek it out, regardless of appropriateness or consideration of consequences.

• Impaired Control-Once an alcoholic begins drinking, it is extremely difficult for them to stop. Typically, they will drink until one of two things happen: 1) their source of alcohol runs out, or 2) they go to bed. These binge drinking episodes can greatly affect one's quality of life.

• Withdrawal-If an alcoholic attempts to stop drinking cold turkey, they experience withdrawal symptoms, in the same way that a smoker or drug addict experienced withdrawals. Once chemically dependent on alcohol, quitting abruptly can even cause serious trauma to the body, sometimes resulting in death.

• Tolerance-As a result of their habitual drinking, alcoholics develop an extraordinarily high tolerance. As time progresses, their ability to consume large amounts of alcohol increases, consequently, strengthening their body's dependency.

Alcoholism and the Family

According to statistics gathered from across the country, alcoholism is a serious problem or families across the country.

• Alcoholism affects more than 50% of American families

• 3 million Americans over 60 abuse alcohol

• Approximately 6.6 million minors in the US live with an alcoholic parent

• 40% of alcoholism is genetic, and the other 60% stems from external circumstances

For more information about alcoholism and alcohol related crimes, contact Rhode Island DUI lawyer James Powderly.

Joseph Devine

Living with an alcoholic is very taxing on the non-drinker because it is so all-consuming and stressful, and wears tremendously on your self esteem. Visit http://www.livingwithanalcoholic.org for some dos and don'ts