What is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is defined as an irresistible urge to consume alcohol. People suffering from alcoholism are very well aware of the dangerous effects alcohol could have on their bodies, but still they are unable to resist the urge to consume it. They will usually drink beyond acceptable limits and will be in an inebriated state most often, causing embarrassment and inconvenience to the people with them.
Most people who consume alcohol have more than they can manage. This is seen in alcohol drinkers who lose control of their senses when they have one drink too many. Such an overstepping of limits is called as alcohol abuse. People who abuse alcohol are having more alcohol than their body allows them, but they have not yet come totally under the control of their alcohol habit. However, if they continue drinking for long, then they will not be able to resist alcohol and will become totally addicted to it. This situation is called as alcoholism.
Both alcohol abuse and alcoholism are social vices apart from being detrimental to the person’s health. They can be eliminated only by exercising control and being determined.
Why is Alcoholism dangerous?
Ethyl alcohol – the alcohol which is used in all alcohol products – is a liquid that immediately dissolves in the human blood. Hence when alcohol is consumed, it doesn’t take much time to reach all parts of the human body. Due to this, the nervous system of the person is affected and he/she may lose responsiveness to external stimulus. This is when the person is said to be inebriated.
Constant alcoholism will interfere with the functioning of all the vital organs of the body. The major organs affected are the liver, brain, heart and kidneys.
Liver is perhaps the most seriously affected in the long run. With prolonged alcoholism, the liver may develop cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver tissue. Once cirrhosis sets in, it is very difficult to return the health back to normal.
In the stomach, alcohol can cause several gastric problems which may interfere with digestion. At the same time, each time a person has alcohol, it numbs his/her nervous system. In due course, the person may lose some or all of the fundamental senses.
What are the Symptoms of Alcoholism?
Generally people who are alcoholics can be easily identified even in a crowd. The habit shows some characteristic symptoms. These are as follows:-
- A person with the habit of alcoholism will have all the trademark drunkard’s characteristics – red eyes, unkempt hair, mouth reeking of alcohol, unsteady gait, etc. But there are several people who mask these signs well.
- Alcoholics usually set specific times for their drinking sessions. These could be before dinner. If alcohol is not available one particular day, they may become very cantankerous.
- Even during the time they are not drinking, alcoholics would not be able to focus on the work at hand. This would sour their business and family life.
- Over time, alcoholics build a resistance to alcohol. For this reason, they will keep increasing their intake so as to feel the effects of the alcohol.
How can Alcoholism be avoided?
For an alcoholic, avoiding alcohol could be a very difficult task. The withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism may be very severe. So it is not advisable for a hardcore alcohol to stop drinking entirely. Instead, the alcohol should be carefully phased out.
The following steps can be taken to reduce alcohol intake:-
- The person must be made to take interest in constructive hobbies and sports.
- Love and affection from family members and friends could strengthen the resolve of the person to give up alcoholism.
- Attending meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous will show the alcoholic how people have managed to kick their boozing habits. This will create a very positive outlook in the alcoholic.
- Instead of alcohol, other drinks with less alcohol in them can be used, such as wine and cocktails. Eventually even these can be stopped.
How can Alcoholism be controlled with Simple Home Remedies?
There are many home remedies to reduce the effects of alcoholism. The following are some of them:-
- Fruit juices are very effective in lowering the effects of alcoholism. For removing the effects of a hangover, the juice of a lemon or orange will be very effective. Eating an apple or banana helps to flush out the toxins from the body which collect due to alcoholism.
- Both grapes and dates are very beneficial in reducing the urge to consume alcohol. If alcoholics are kept on a diet of only grapes for a couple of weeks, then most likely the temptation to drink will be totally gone.
- Introduce many other drinks in the person’s diets so that the craving for the alcoholic drink is reduced.
- When the person feels the urge to consume alcohol, having a glass of carrot juice will help to reduce the temptation.
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