While mild alcoholism may only be a temporary problem, severe alcoholism can last a lifetime. Early diagnosis is the best way to maximize recovery prospects. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a 24/7 helpline, and Alcoholics Anonymous groups are located almost everywhere. Alcoholics Anonymous groups are designed to give sufferers an opportunity to talk about their problem in a non-judgmental environment.

Treatment options for alcoholism

There are several levels of care available to treat alcoholism. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, your physician, substance abuse therapist, or counselor can help you find the best treatment program. You should also consider the type of treatment, such as outpatient versus inpatient, based on your needs, finances, and availability. If you are unable to attend inpatient treatment due to prior commitments, an outpatient program may be the best option.

Some treatment options for alcoholism are intensive and may require a hospital stay. Inpatient programs are typically more intensive and expensive. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of each type of treatment. Cost may be a consideration, as well, so be sure to assess your health insurance coverage to determine if you will be able to afford a treatment program. If your health insurance does not cover treatment, you should ask about sliding scale fees and other payment options. Some programs may even offer reduced costs for those without insurance.

Symptoms of alcoholism

If you are a heavy drinker, you may have noticed a few early signs of alcoholism. Those who regularly consume alcohol may begin to lose interest in hobbies and personal interests. These behaviors may be an early warning sign of alcoholism, but most people simply ignore them. In fact, the symptoms of alcoholism can be mild, moderate, or severe. People who are addicted to alcohol have a hard time controlling their drinking habits, which often results in a range of dangerous situations. They may also experience seizures, have seizures, or see things that aren't there.

There are other signs of alcoholism, which can vary based on the stage of alcoholism. For example, a person with a recent alcohol binge might not show any signs for several days. Someone with a more serious alcohol dependence may require several drinks before they become intoxicated. Similarly, a person with a history of alcoholism may need several drinks before they begin to show the signs of alcoholism.

Causes of alcoholism

Some scientists believe that up to 50 percent of the risk of alcoholism is inherited. Other factors, such as living in certain states, also play a role. While genes are not the sole cause of alcoholism, they are thought to be the prod that pushes a person in the direction of addiction. The genetics of alcoholism is a complex problem, with more than one gene involved. However, it is possible to limit one's alcohol consumption and avoid developing alcoholism.

In addition to hereditary and environmental factors, the child of an alcoholic learns through observation that alcoholism is a normal part of life. They observe their parents drinking and getting drunk regularly and don't learn the importance of constructive anger management or conflict resolution. As a result, they often come home to a drunken mom or dad. Or they may witness their parents fighting when they're drunk. The consequences of this early exposure to alcohol are often devastating for a child's mental and emotional growth.

Genetic factors

The genetics of alcoholism are complicated, but new studies show that the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes are linked to increased risks for the disease. Other genes, such as GABRA2, CHRM2, KCNJ6, and AUTS2, may also play a role. While a person's genes may increase the risk of addiction, environmental factors also play a role. There are currently no conclusive evidence to prove that alcoholism is a result of genetics alone.

However, some research suggests that there may be a strong genetic link between alcohol dependence and psychopathology. While identical twins share the same genes, fraternal twins do not. However, their addiction patterns may be similar. In such cases, genetics may be important in the development of new treatment approaches. But before we can draw any definitive conclusions about the genetic relationship between alcoholism and psychopathology, more research is needed.

Support from loved ones

If you are concerned about a loved one's alcoholism, you're not alone. Countless other people are struggling with alcohol abuse and are looking for help. You may feel as though you have nothing to do with alcoholism, but you can find support in loved ones who have overcome similar challenges. You can also seek out support groups and national organizations that can help you and your loved one. Although you may feel that you're the sole caregiver of the loved one, it's important to remember that you're not the disease, and that the alcohol addict you love is ultimately responsible for his or her own illness.

Support groups and therapy sessions can be helpful in guiding your loved one through the process. You can learn a lot by talking to others who have also gone through the same challenges. Many rehab programs emphasize the importance of keeping a routine. Although your loved one may not show signs of addiction, it is important to continue to encourage a healthy lifestyle. It can be hard to know when to step in and when not to, but Cronin recommends staying alert and asking for professional help if necessary.