What is an Alcoholic and is There a Cure?
If you know someone who has a problem with alcohol or if you are struggling with excess drinking yourself, you might ask the question “what is an alcoholic?” An alcoholic struggles with the disease of alcoholism, which is a form of addiction and a substance abuse disorder. Symptoms of alcoholism include compulsive and excess consumption of alcohol despite negative effects on the person’s life or health. People with alcoholism may feel guilty about their drinking. They also may hide their drinking or tell themselves they plan to cut down or stop drinking soon.
As alcoholism is a form of addiction, it’s not something that can be cured through willpower and very rarely can it be cured on one’s own. However, professional medical treatment at a rehab center can help patients begin living a sober lifestyle. If you have been drinking heavily for a long time, it’s very possible you could be at risk for severe withdrawal symptoms upon quitting. That’s why it’s important to seek help at a treatment center and not attempt to quit on your own.
Why is Alcoholism Sometimes Hard to Recognize?
One of the reasons the question of what is an alcoholic is sometimes difficult to answer is because of how normalized alcohol consumption is in the United States. As many as 90 percent of people over the age of 12 consume alcohol. In general, alcohol consumption is not frowned upon in most circles. Because alcohol is socially acceptable, it can sometimes be hard to recognize someone who is abusing the substance. Even people who drink heavily on weekends may not drink at all the rest of the week.
There are a few behaviors to look out for if you are afraid someone close to you is suffering from alcoholism. One of the most common is lying or hiding alcohol consumption. Addicted persons often know they have a problem, but feel guilty about it. Other signs include memory loss or passing out after drinking, inability to quit once they’ve started, increased tolerance for alcohol and the inability to stop drinking alcohol for very long.
Learn How Rehab Can Successfully Treat Alcoholism
Once you understand the question of what is an alcoholic and its application to yourself or a loved one, it’s time to seek treatment for alcohol addiction. Alcoholism can only be treated successfully through professional means, such as at Healing Springs Ranch in Tioga, Texas. By attending treatment at Healing Springs, you can experience different therapies, such as behavioral, trauma or family therapy that get to the bottom of addiction.
Long-term residential treatment is one of the most effective ways to cure alcoholism. Give Healing Springs Ranch a call today at 866-656-8384. Take the first step on the path to total recovery and a better, healthier life.