Getting Professional Help For Alcoholism

If you or someone you know is suffering from signs or symptoms of alcoholism it is important to take that important first step of getting professional help. Alcoholism is a serious disease that will not go away on its own. The very nature of the disease is that it will become progressively worse as the intolerance for alcohol builds and the individual needs more and more alcohol to achieve the same level of intoxication.

Denial of a problem with alcohol is a very common characteristic of the disease, alcoholism, so it is not all that uncommon to encounter a problem with getting the individual to see the importance of seeking professional help when it comes to drinking. It typically takes concerned family members, friend’s even co-workers to persuade the individual to go for a medical diagnosis and to accept treatment for alcoholism.

Individuals, who drink in excess, often feel guilty about the drinking but are unable to control the habit and usually will try to disguise the drinking or at least the extent of drinking that they do. If those who are concerned speak with a professional they can often be given guidelines as to how to approach the individual and offer options for being able to obtain help.

If you or someone you know feels that they are becoming dependent upon alcohol, that they crave alcohol and are unable to limit how much they drink or to stop drinking when they should and if they experience withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is unavailable such as sweating, being nauseous or noticing that they shake when alcohol is not available they may have a problem with alcohol and should seek help. Alcoholism is a disease that can have some serious health issues associated with it.

Alcoholism also can wreck havoc on relationships, finances and the ability to be successful in a job or career. When drinking has a negative impact on your life it is time to see a professional for help being diagnosed and treated for alcoholism.

There are certain criteria that must be met when a diagnosis of alcoholism is suspected. The diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as published by the American Psychiatric Association outlines these criteria. There must be a pattern of alcohol abuse that leads to a significant impairment as indicated by at least three or more of the following indicators of the disease:

There is a clear tolerance that is indicated by increasing amounts of alcohol that is needed in order to feel the same level of intoxication. As damage is done to the liver or central nervous system this amount may actually decrease but only after the disease has taken a toll on the body.

The person experiences withdrawal symptoms when they try to limit the number of drinks or when they try to stop drinking. These symptoms may include insomnia, nausea, anxiety, tremors and sweating.

The individual may drink more alcohol or drink over a longer period of time than they originally intended.

Making unsuccessful attempt to cut down or stop drinking.

Spends a lot of time in the effort to obtain alcohol, using alcohol or recovering from the use of alcohol.

A person continues to drink alcohol even when the physical symptoms of alcohol use or negative consequences of alcohol use are obvious such as getting in trouble with the law or not being able to afford to drink and pay bills, or when relationships suffer because of the drinking.

The doctor may use a short questionnaire and discuss symptoms with the patient when making the diagnosis. There are usually no tests that are reliable in determining if a person is suffering from alcoholism. The diagnosis is usually made on medical history, symptom history and physical examination. Denial by the patient is a typical scenario unfortunately and usually delays the help and treatment.

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