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What Is Alcoholism?

Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that if not properly treated, can even turn fatal. While moderate alcohol consumption such as a few drinks per week is not harmful for most adults, it can be very dangerous for those who abuse alcohol regularly. Heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of certain cancers, including liver, esophagus and throat cancer. Long term alcohol abuse can also lead to cirrhosis of the liver, brain damage, and problems with the immune system. Drinking alcohol also increases the risk of death from automobile accidents, on-the-job accidents, and increases the likelihood of homicides and suicides.


Alcoholism is a mental and physical disease that is characterized by a strong need, or compulsion, to drink alcohol. Other symptoms of alcoholism include the frequent inability to stop drinking once a person has started, increased tolerance to alcohol, and alcohol dependency. Physical alcohol dependence occurs when the body has become so used to the intake of alcohol that it can no longer function properly without it. This can often lead to alcohol withdrawal symptoms that include sweating, nausea, shakiness, anxiety, and vomiting.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can even be so severe that individuals with already compromised immune systems, or who are already in poor health, can have serious withdrawal related complications. In order to break this vicious cycle, one of the best things an alcoholic can do is to admit themselves in some type of alcoholism treatment program.

Alcoholism Rehab

If you live in Indiana and are currently suffering from an alcohol addiction you have several alcoholism treatment options available. One of your best options would be to check out some alcoholism rehab centers in your area. Alcohol rehab is the most powerful and effective way to break the cycle of alcohol addiction. Alcoholism treatment programs are not meant to be a band aid to temporarily fix the problem, but instead a program to get to the heart of why they individual has become addicted Alcohol treatment not only addresses the physical symptoms of alcoholism, but treats the underlying causes of alcoholism as well, whether they be guilt, anger, resentment, what have you.

Three Basic Steps of Alcohol Treatment

There are three basic steps to almost any alcohol treatment program. These include alcohol detox, addiction counseling, and aftercare. Each process is designed to treat a different component of the disease as well as addressing the psychological, physical, and social aspects of the condition. Alcoholism treatment programs provide warm and loving environments that promote healing, healthier living and emotional support. Many therapy programs include group counseling sessions that help the patient connect with other like-minded individuals who are suffering with the same issues, as well providing friendship and encouragement. Sometimes it takes listening to someone else’s problems to recognize the same mistakes that are taking place in your life.

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