Alcohol addiction is a growing public health problem in the United States. It is a debilitating condition that affects millions of Americans from all walks of life and creates far-reaching problems for individuals, families, and society as a whole.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol- related deaths claim the lives of approximately 88,000 people annually in the U.S., making it the third leading preventable cause of death behind smoking and obesity. Alcohol misuse is also associated with an increase in motor vehicle accident-related fatalities, homicides, suicides, and other unintentional injuries. Additionally, alcohol addiction often leads to problems with employment, academic achievement, and relationships.
In spite of the serious consequences of alcohol addiction, it is often misunderstood and many fail to recognize it as the serious condition it is. Many are unaware of the physical dependence that can lead to serious health complications. The disease does not discriminate — the wide scope of its effects is equal opportunity, and the most severe cases can be extremely hard to overcome.
The development of an alcohol addiction can be gradual, with the individual eventually believing that he or she needs to drink in order to cope with life’s struggles or to function normally in society. Prolonged use of alcohol begins to take its toll on the body, leading to physical and mental health decline as well as an impaired ability to regulate emotion.
When an individual has developed a dependence on alcohol, it becomes very difficult to stop drinking without professional help. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 16.6 million adults in the United States are considered to be alcohol dependent. There are numerous strategies available to individuals who are looking to break free from the cycle of alcohol addiction and reclaim their lives for good.
Treatment for alcohol addiction should begin with an assessment by a seasoned professional. Alcohol rehab centers provide a host of treatments tailored to meet the needs of each individual, including group and individual counseling, physical and behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatment. Seeing a doctor for medical treatment is especially important, as heavy drinking can impact a person’s physical health, leading to liver damage, increased risk of heart and stroke, and several types of cancer.
The road to recovery is difficult, but it doesn’t have to be done alone. Long-term success rates are excellent when individuals seek the help they need. There are many community-based groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, that provide resources and support for individuals in recovery. In addition, friends and family members can play a critical role in helping an individual in his or her recovery by providing support, encouragement, and guidance.
It is critically important for individuals to recognize and acknowledge when it has become a problem and get the help they need. Alcohol addiction has a wide range of impact on the individual, family, and community, and the earlier help is sought, the better. It is never too late to get the treatment one needs and to successfully gain full control of one’s life again.
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