A lot of people believe that there are only two kinds of people in the world, those that have a problem with drinking and those that don’t. The typical criteria that is accepted and used for diagnosing people with alcohol abuse problems supports this concept and it is also becoming more and more common for people to believe that we are either born with an alcohol problem or we are not.
Drinking Consequences
These prevailing thoughts, which may seem very dramatic and clean cut do have some sort of basis in reality. That basis is the fact that those who hold these beliefs tend to be people who have experienced or witnessed the most severe symptoms and/or the most severe consequences of drinking. Such symptoms and consequences include some of the following; being unable to stop drinking, beginning from the first time he or she had a drink; repeatedly having blackouts (for example not remember the next day what happened the night before) after having only a few drinks; being arrested multiple times for driving while intoxicated; or drunken related behaviour; or becoming violent on more than one occasion when drinking.
Drinking Patterns
It is understood today from multiple studies and clinical experience that there are many people who develop severe alcohol drinking patterns and emulate behaviours such as the ones just described. These people are understood by the majority to be ‘true alcoholics’. Despite the fact that anyone who is a heavy drinker is at risk of developing adverse health consequences. There are some people who appear to face a more exaggerated risk for developing alcohol-related health problems. The reason for this appears to be largely biological. Although environmental factors are also likely to play a role in this. Experts in research have found, for example, that people differ in how their bodies metabolize alcohol.
Characteristics
Due to the fact that our biological make up (DNA) is determined at birth. There is some truth behind the notion that we have certain characteristics that make us more, or potentially less, vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. With this in mind it is crucial that people who have alcoholism running through their family. Must be more aware of the dangers of alcohol. Are more wary with their drinking habits. On the other hand, this does not mean that people who have had no problems with alcoholism in the family are not susceptible to the disease.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is an addiction that can get its grips on anyone and can be incredibly damaging with grave effects. Thus, this article highlights the importance for greater awareness amongst those who believe that alcoholism may have a greater effect on them due to biological factors. But also calls on others to still maintain prudence in relation to alcohol as addiction can affect everyone. If you know of someone who may potentially have a drinking problem. Seek help immediately. Through counselling and detoxification or a long term drug rehabilitation centre to help them get their life back on track.
The Haynes Clinic is an alcohol and drug rehabilitation clinic. For free and confidential advice call 01462 851414.
