According to the American Medical Association, “alcoholism is an illness characterized by significant impairment that is directly associated with persistent and excessive use of alcohol. Involving physiological, psychological, or social dysfunction” (Mascott, 2015). At times it is easily forgotten that alcohol is in fact an addictive, easily abused substance. Alcohol is so commonly abused due to the fact that it offers a tantalizing promise; leading individuals down the path of addiction. Alcoholism starts out with mild intoxication, leaving the individual relaxed and worry free; with no problems. As the drinking continues over a long period of time, more alcohol is needed in order to feel certain emotions and be able to function. When it becomes …show more content…
The first major warning sign of alcoholism is tolerance. Tolerance builds up over time as an individual’s body adapts to something. When an individual is able to out drink other people in order to get drunk or even feel a buzz, it is a warning sign of alcoholism. As an individual’s tolerance builds up, they will need to consume more alcohol in order to get the same effect. The second major warning sign of alcoholism is withdrawal. Withdrawal occurs when an individual has not consumed alcohol normally or when one tries to quit. Heavy drinkers’ bodies adapt to regular consumptions of alcohol, leaving them with experiences of and symptoms of withdrawal. A few of these symptoms may include; anxiety, shakiness, depression, irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, and even vomiting. Another sign is when an individual says that they are going to quit drinking but they are not able to do so. Unsuccessful efforts to stop a bad habit is directly related to an addiction problem; one being alcoholism. Alcoholics tend to have one thing on their mind, that being the next time they will be able to have another sip of alcohol. This commonly leads to drinking alone and hiding alcohol is strange places. Though individuals who struggle with alcoholism do realize the effects that it has on their lives, they still continue to drink in hopes to escape the real world. Alcoholism typically leads to some form of denial when confronted. Individuals may start to target and blame others for drinking, make up lies, or even start to downplay the negative effects drinking could have on them. (Smith, 2016) Though there is not a known “cure,” numerous treatments are available for those who suffer from alcoholism. The process of overcoming alcoholism may seem long and grueling, but it is possible. Most treatment plans begin with medical