Alcoholism is an addictive dependency on alcohol characterised by craving (a strong need to drink); loss of control; physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms; and tolerance.

Alcoholism is often seen as a “disease of affluence,” being uncommon among indigenous people until they become “civilized.” Alcoholism is a life-threatening problem that often ends in death, particularly through liver disease, internal bleeding, alcohol poisoning, accidents and suicide.

Alcohol because it is legal, is without a doubt the most currently abused substance, in the world. Alcohol comes in four types, with ethyl alcohol (grain alcohol, or ETOH) as the type humans ordinarily consume. It is frequently taken socially providing a sense of relaxation and to minimize inhibitions. In a non-social setting, alcohol is typically taken to escape stress and provide repose.

Alcoholism as a disease can be determined by predisposing factors, such as heredity, ethnic susceptibility, and abnormal metabolism. Most people who drink alcohol do not have a problem, and many others can stop drinking without a struggle. However, some people develop a substance use disorder of alcohol or drugs that is compulsive and dangerous.

The common Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse are:

• Craving: a strong need, or compulsion, to drink alcohol and/or other drugs
• Loss of control: the inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion
• Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting,sweating, shakiness, convulsions, irritability and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.

The consequences of alcohol abuse are serious, in many cases, life threatening. Drinking can raise the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). Abusive drinking increases the risk of death from car accidents and on-the-job injuries. In addition serious drinkers can also develop liver cirrhosis, brain damage, immune system problems,and harm their fetus during pregnancy.

Unfortunately, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by people who have been drinking. In economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society millions per year. In human terms,the costs can not be calculated.

Alcoholism Rehabilitation

Alcoholism Rehabilitation Centers should offer a variety of treatment programs that meet individual needs. Programs may include inpatient, residential, outpatient, and/or short-stay options. The length of stay depends on the severity and stage of the disease.

Treatment programs combine therapeutic approaches including: 12-step principles, experiential work, grief sessions, sauna detoxification, family participation and aftercare; in order to change destructive patterns and achieve a more fulfilling self.

Daily meeting and activities of individuals with their personal counselor that focuses on the issues each person faces, individually as they work on their recovery; during which the individual can best utilize his or her time through motivational resident-centered activities.

Alcoholic Anonymous

Practically all alcoholism treatment programs also include Alcoholics Anonymous(AA) meetings to help individuals stay sober. Although AA is generallyrecognized as an effective mutual help program for recovering alcoholics, not everyone responds to AA’s message. Even people who are helped by AA usually find that AA works best in combination with other forms of treatment, including counseling, medical care and holistic therapies.

Read about: Drug Rehabilitation
Read on about: Holistic Treatments for Addiction.

Therapies work better in the early stages of the disease process. Surgery can work very well, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Anxiety and depression may make your pain worse.

Treatments for rheumatic diseases include rest and relaxation, exercise, appropriate diet, medication, and training about the proper use of joints and ways to preserve energy. The doctor and the patient work together to develop a treatment plan that helps the patient maintain or improve his or her lifestyle.

Other treatments include the use of pain relief methods and assisting devices, such as splints or braces. If severe, treatment plans usually combine several types of treatment and vary depending on the rheumatic condition and the patient.

Physical exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness and increase flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. People with a rheumatic disease such as arthritis can participate in a variety of sports and exercise programs. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being.

Before starting any exercise program, people with arthritis should talk with their doctor. Exercises that doctors often recommend include:

Range-of-motion exercises (e.g., stretching, dance) to help maintain normal joint movement, increase flexibility, and relieve stiffness.

Strengthening exercises (e.g., weight lifting) to maintain or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect joints affected by arthritis.

Aerobic or endurance exercises (e.g., walking, bicycle riding) to improve cardiovascular fitness to help control weight, and improve overall well-being.

Studies show that aerobic exercise can also reduce inflammation in some joints.

Heat and cold can help to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis. The patient and doctor can determine which one works best.

Heat therapy increases blood flow, tolerance for pain, and flexibility. Heat therapy can involve paraffin wax treatment, microwaves, ultrasound, or moist heat. Physical therapists are needed for some of these therapies, such as microwave or ultrasound therapy, but patients can apply moist heat themselves. Some ways to apply moist heat include placing warm towels or hot packs on the inflamed joint or taking a warm bath or shower. Read more… »