Alcohlism Addiction
Alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions. In common and historic usage, alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite the health problems and negative social consequences it causes. Medical definitions describe alcoholism as a disease which results in a persistent use of alcohol despite negative consequences. Alcoholism, also referred to as dipsomania[1] in the 19th and early 20th centuries, may also refer to a preoccupation with or compulsion toward the consumption of alcohol and/or an impaired ability to recognize the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Although not all of these definitions specify current and on-going use of alcohol as a qualifier, some do, as well as remarking on the long-term effects of consistent, heavy alcohol use, including dependence and symptoms of withdrawal.
Alcohol Drinkers More Likely To Die From Injury
March 21, 2008
A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has shown that individuals who consume alcohol on a regular basis are three times more likely to die from an injury. They studied the rates of death for drinkers, former drinkers, and non-drinkers in the most common causes of injury-related death. These causes are car accidents, accidental falls, fires, drowning and poisonings, suicides through poisoning, gun deaths and hangings, strangulation or suffocation, gun-related homicides, and other homicides.
Between 54 and 64 percent of deaths which are caused by injuries were people who drank alcohol at least 12 times per year. In every one of the categories, people who consumed alcohol during the year were more likely to die from the injury. The highest risk was for drowning, which was 3.6 times more likely to be the cause of death for people who drank alcohol.
Information about the deaths and the individuals’ alcohol consumption was obtained from two surveys that provided data on each of the separate issues.
This study shows yet another way that alcohol abuse can lead to negative consequences in one’s life. People who suffer from addiction are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and ignore problems caused by drinking. Alcohol makes people less aware of their surroundings. These things may be the reason for the higher risk of injury death among drinkers in the United States.
Individuals who have a problem with alcoholism should get help from an addiction treatment center. There are many types of programs and methods of treatment available in the United States to serve everyone’s needs. For example, those with alcohol abuse can use counseling, support groups, and outpatient treatment programs to quit drinking. For more severe alcohol addiction problems, residential rehab facilities offer the highest likelihood of success without long-term relapse.
Other Resources
1. Alcohol Addiction-- Read the basics of this addiction and two inspiring survivor stories. Where did they find help and hope?
2. What Drives Alcohol Addiction--Howard has a “drinking problem.” His story may be familiar.
Howard’s dad gave him his first beer when he was in the eighth grade. Dad thought it was a good idea for the boy to drink at home, so he wouldn’t have to go somewhere else to do it. Howard also had a few beers when his parents didn’t know about it.
By senior year of high school, .......
|
More Information |
|
other information alcoholism |
|
|