Alcoholism is a reality for millions of Americans. However, alcoholism is often misunderstood. Contact Northpoint Recovery at 208.486.0130 to learn more alcoholism facts and how our alcohol addiction treatment in Idaho can help.
15 Things to Know About Alcoholism
1. Alcoholism Is a Form of Addiction
While individuals may view it as a habit or something they can control, alcoholism is a severe and powerful physical and mental addiction.
2. Addiction to Alcohol Is a Widespread Problem
Over 15 million American adults struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, less than 10% of those struggling with AUD receive the needed help.
3. Alcoholism Is Not an Individual Choice
Alcoholism is not a personal choice. Addiction is associated with various behavioral and psychological changes that make overcoming it difficult.
4. Alcohol Abuse Leads to Health and Social Problems
Addiction places great stress on marriage, partnerships, and home life. It can also have a detrimental impact on your physical health over time.
5. Alcoholism Has a Genetic Component
Research has shown that a child of an alcoholic is four times more likely to develop problems with alcohol than the general public.
6. You Can Recover from Alcoholism with Professional Help
Some of the best methods for alcoholism treatment include:
- Support groups
- Alcoholism treatment
- Alcohol detoxification
Recovery from alcoholism is possible and relatively common in the United States.
7. Alcoholism Can Strike Anyone
More often than not, people who drink too much are classified as high-functioning alcoholics. On the outside, they appear to have their lives together. Anyone can be an alcoholic.
8. You Can Die from Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal if left untreated. It is essential to understand the risks of quitting alcohol and getting help through medical detoxification.
9. More Men Are Alcoholics Than Women
Men are much more likely to drink excessively than women. It’s difficult to say why this is the case. It could be because men assume they can handle drinking better than women. Men can process alcohol faster. Men’s bodies contain a higher concentration of dehydrogenase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol.
10. Regular Binge Drinking Doesn’t Make You an Alcoholic
Many people participate in binge drinking frequently. While this type of drinking is hazardous, it doesn’t mean it leads to alcoholism. It’s still important to keep an eye on your alcohol consumption.
11. Alcohol Abuse Will Develop Into an Addiction Eventually
People like to think that they can manage their drinking. This is a common trap, and you’ll often find that alcohol controls you.
12. Blackouts Are Not the Same as Fainting
When you faint, you lose consciousness. Blacking out means that you have lost all memory of what happened to you. During a blackout, you are still able to converse with other people.
13. Alcoholism Is Expensive
Most people are unable to fathom the amount of money alcoholics spend drinking in a year. But this isn’t the total cost of alcoholism. About 70% of the total cost is due to loss in workplace productivity.
14. Teenagers Can Become Alcoholics
Excessive drinking is often considered a rite of passage that many teens go through. But underage drinking is one of the critical risk factors for alcoholism in adults.
15. Drinking Too Much Can Kill You
You may already know the medical problems resulting from drinking too much. However, alcohol can kill you in the short term, too. Acute alcohol poisoning can lead to:
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Coma
In some cases, an alcohol overdose can even be fatal and lead to death.
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Idaho at Northpoint Recovery
If you still have questions about alcoholism facts or other things to know about alcoholism treatment, contact us today at 208.486.0130.