There is no face to addiction. Many people assume that an addict must look a particular way much like the ones seen in television or the movies. But for the most part, addiction has no face. It can grab a hold of anyone; no matter how much money you have, what your background is, or what ethnicity you are. Addiction can grab a hold of those around you like your doctor, a teacher, or even your brother and sister.
Alcoholism is a very difficult addiction to deal with. We’re not talking about a drug that gets purchased in seedy parts of town. This is a drug that available EVERYWHERE; a drug that is socially acceptable because it’s technically legal. It can be purchased at your grocery store, available during dinner at restaurants, and literally everywhere you drive. Not to say that one type of addiction is tougher than the other but credit must be given to those battling alcoholism.
Ethanol is a sedative-hypnotic drug that acts on the same part of the brain as benzodiazepines and barbiturate tranquilizers like Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. Because these types of drugs are similar and act on the same part of the brain, they are always the most delicate to deal with as withdrawal from these types of drugs can cause seizures and death. They can all substitute for one another and prevent withdrawal symptoms. Benzos are the most typical drug used to treat alcohol withdrawal.
Ethanol can cause physical dependence in anyone who consumes enough in a given matter of time. Discontinuing alcohol from a true alcoholic can cause anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and insomnia. Other signs include high blood pressure, increased pulse, confusion, hyervigilance, disorientation, visual and auditory hallucinations, grand mal seizures, and ultimately death.
Addiction refers to a complex behavioral syndrome including an abnormal importance and dependence to drugs, use of the drug to an extreme degree, continued use due to dependence despite the negative consequences, denial, projection of blame, and personality changes due to the extensive use. Anyone call become addicted to sedative-hypnotics given the duration and dosage.
Now that you understand briefly what addiction is and what physical signs to look for, there are some things to clear up as far as myths go about alcoholism. The first myth is that people always say they can stop drinking at any time. Maybe you can but most likely you can’t. Either way it’s typical to hear and it’s just another excuse. The truth of the matter is that the person doesn’t want to stop. Telling yourself you can stop at any given moment makes you feel in control of the situation despite all evidence to the contrary.
A second myth is “my drinking is my problem. It doesn’t affect anyone else but me”. This is a courageous statement however untrue. When you hurt yourself in any way, it affects everyone around you. Your behavior is seen by family members who are in turn affected by your poor judgment and behavior. And we’ve all seen and heard about drunk drivers and the aftermath. If you drink and then drive, you are a liability to everyone on the road.
The third myth is “I don’t drink everyday and if I do it’s only wine or beer”. Alcoholism has never been defined by how much you drink, what you drink, or when you drink. It is the effects of one’s drinking that defines the problem. If one’s drinking is causing problems at work or in your personal life, then it is a major issue. So it doesn’t matter what frequency or amount is being consumed, as long as it is causing problems in other areas of your life then it is definitely an issue.
The fourth myth is “I’m not an alcoholic because I’m functioning fine at work and have a job”. One doesn’t have to be homeless or drinking a forty out of a brown paper bag to be considered an alcoholic. Many alcoholics have good paying jobs, get through higher levels of education, and can provide for their family. Just because you appear to be a functioning addict doesn’t mean you’re not putting yourself or others around you in danger at all times.
The fifth myth about alcoholism is “drinking is not a real addiction like drug abuse”. Alcohol is a drug, plain and simple and it is every bit as damaging as drug addiction. The addiction to alcohol causes changes in the brain and body, and long term drinking has destructive effects on one’s health, your career, and relationships. And like drug addiction, alcohol addiction has withdrawal affects so they are very similar at every level.
Despite the potential effects that heavy drinking causes including cancer, liver disease, and heart damage, the social consequences can be just as devastating. Percentage wise, alcoholics are more likely to get divorced, have problems with domestic violence, struggle with unemployment, and live in poverty. But even if one is successful at their job and can keep a marriage together, one cannot escape the effects alcoholism has on your personal relationships. Drinking causes an immense amount of strain and pressure on those around you. It is often noticed that close friends and family members have a feeling of obligation to cover for one’s drinking problems. So these individuals take on the burden of cleaning up one’s messes, lying for you, or working more to make ends meet. These actions are very similar to those addicted to drugs. Pretending that nothing is wrong and hiding from their resentments and fears can take on an enormous toll on a person. Children in family structures like this are especially sensitive and may suffer long lasting emotional trauma when a parent or both parents are alcoholics. It is clear that drugs and alcohol are one in the same. If one is ready to admit their worst fears and to come clean about their addiction, then they’ve already taken the first step in the right direction. The next step is to reach out for help and support which is critical to one’s success from addiction. Get more information by contacting Narconon.
