Everything You Need to Know About Alcoholic Abuse

The majority of alcohol abuse is one of the pressing concerns in the modern world, affecting millions of individuals. It is further essential to understand the subtleties of alcoholic abuse and its further effects on the body to the proper mediation and treatment process.

Alcoholic abuse can be defined as one who has developed a pattern of using alcohol in such a manner that results in adverse effects on the consumer’s health and social and economic responsibilities. It refers to a pattern of drinking that results in negative consequences for an individual’s physical, emotional or social well-being.

Is There a Difference Between an Alcohol Abuser and an Alcoholic?

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are terms used to refer to the same individual, with the difference being made based on the magnitude of the dependency. While an alcohol abuser continues to consume alcohol in large proportions, the individual is not dependent on it physically. They are still able to limit the amount of alcohol consumed to a certain level, at least. 

An alcoholic has formed a physical and psychological craving for alcohol and thus cannot control their consumption. Alcohol-dependent persons have withdrawal symptoms when they are not using alcohol, and alcohol takes the highest precedence in their daily lives.

What Two Organs of the Body Get Most Affected by Alcohol?

Two body organs most significantly affected by alcohol abuse are:

• Liver: Alcohol is processed by the liver. Our liver must be well functioning to perform this vital function properly. This substance, if taken in large quantities or over a long time, affects our liver through conditions like fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. These conditions will be threatening if the affected persons do not seek medical attention.

• Brain: Alcohol interferes with the biochemical transmission system in the brain, so the person transforms into a positive or negative character and has short-term memory problems, among other effects. When the prolonged use of a substance can lead to irreparable neurological damage, humans also develop depression and anxiety.

Treatments for Alcohol

Effective treatment for alcohol abuse involves a combination of medical, psychological, and support-based approaches:

• Detoxification: Detoxification management is the first stage of the treatment of alcohol dependence.

• Therapy: Alcohol-, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, as well as other counselling techniques assist persons to raise and change their drinking patterns.

• Medications: Acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram can control the craving and thus minimize the chances of the patient returning to the substance.

• Inpatient and Outpatient Programs: The nature of these programs ranges from organized settings with a more intense focus on the addict’s needs, depending on the level of the addiction.

Wrapping Up

Alcoholism is a severe disease that exerts massive impacts on the human body, focusing on the liver and the brain. There should be capable recognition of the differences between an alcohol abuser and an alcoholic, analyze the effects, and look for proper treatments for alcohol, which can help pave the way for healing and quality of life again. The sooner an individual affected by alcoholic abuse seeks help, the sooner they can turn life around for the better.