Alcoholism is a chronic disease marked by a craving for alcohol. People who suffer from this illness are known as alcoholics. According to authors of "Alcoholism" alcoholics cannot control their drinking even when it becomes the underlying cause of serious harm. Medical science has yet to identify the exact cause of alcoholism, but research suggests that genetic, psychological, and social factors influence it's development. Alcoholism cannot be cured yet, but various treatment options can help an alcoholic avoid drinking and regain a healthy life.

Alcohols

Many homes today are plagued by alcoholic fathers and mothers- and this could extend to the children as well. Anyone who takes alcohol regularly, even a bottle or two of beer a day may be headed for trouble. It is not the amount of alcohol consumed that determines alcoholism; regular use of alcohol can result to alcohol dependency.

Warning signs of alcohol abuse

According to a psychologist people who abuse alcohol tend to share the following qualities:

They act strange such as they misbehave in school, get into fights, or skip classes.
They have impulsive personalities; they suffer from psychological problems, such as anxiety or depression.
They have a low self-image.
They have a family history of alcoholism.
They drive while intoxicated.
They deny or try to hide drinking.
They often drink to relax or forget about problems.
They seem unable to enjoy any social gathering or event without drinking. So they avoid social functions where alcohol may not be available.
They can't just have one drink, they always end up downing several rounds.
They can drink more than most other people and still appear fairly normal.
They keep drinking, even when it has bad consequences like getting caught, getting hurt, getting sick, or losing relationships.
Occasionally, they don't remember events that happened while drinking.

Bar

Here are some helpful tips to beat the drinking habit.

Don't gulp down bottle of beer in just one sitting.
Dilute alcohol. Have a long weak drink- not straight, not on the rock.
Have a hobby- gardening, doing carpentry works.
Avoid people who have drinking tendencies.
Exercise, even walking briskly in the morning, jogging, swimming, help to firm up your blood circulation and make you feel better.
Self-discipline. Drinking habits can't be overcome overnight. It takes only will power and self-discipline.

Cocktail

How you can help

Confronting your spouse could be uncomfortable for both of you, but remember that if you get on with it, he/she will ultimately appreciate your show of concern. Here are some suggestions for confronting your spouse or loved ones:

Be patient and compassionate. Realize that people who are confronted are likely to become angry and offended.
Encourage participation in activities that don't involve alcohol.
Prepare for the discussion by talking to someone you trust, such as teacher, doctor or counselor.
Research what intervention and treatment programs are available for young people in your local area.

Resource:

Hewitt, Brenda G., and Gordis, Enoch. "Alcoholism." Microsoft Encarta 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.