Stop Alcohol Abuse From Becoming Alcoholism
March 25, 2008
Individuals who have an alcohol abuse problem drink so much that it creates negative consequences in their lives. However, there is a difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Alcoholism is defined as physical and psychological dependency, when the person has an addiction and is literally unable to stop drinking through willpower. It is a disease that creates changes in the individual’s brain.
With alcohol abuse, the person can quit drinking for 72 hours or more by deciding to do so. Many individuals who have alcohol abuse can begin to drink responsibly by practicing moderation and setting strict drinking guidelines for themselves.
On the other hand, those who have alcoholism need to practice abstinence from drinking. They generally need to enter a residential rehab facility to be successful in the addiction recovery process. Rehab should last a minimum of ninety days in order to be most effective. Not practicing abstinence after recovery for someone who has alcoholism is risky. It creates more temptation in the person’s life and makes it easier to slip back into the full-blown disease.
Alcohol abuse can turn into an alcoholism problem if the correct measures are not taken to stop the situation from getting worse. Many people who abuse alcohol can get back on the right track with some simple counseling and education. They need to understand the risks and consequences associated with their drinking habits and take an honest look at how it is affecting their life. They should set safe guidelines for themselves regarding how often and how much they will drink. If they’re unable to follow these rules, they probably have a bigger issue.
Treatment programs and support groups can be helpful for individuals who have an alcohol abuse problem as well as alcoholism. Those with the milder condition often do not need residential rehab in order to better their lives.
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