An alcoholic is a person who suffers from alcoholism. Alcoholism occurs when a person shows signs of physical addiction to alcohol (for example, tolerance and withdrawal) and continues to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. Alcohol may come to dominate the person`s life and relationships.
Make no mistake about it, you’ll definitely feel the physical effects when you first quit drinking after many years of alcohol abuse.
What will happen? That depends on how frequently you drank, how much you drank, and how long you’ve been drinking; your body’s physical reaction will vary. For some, quitting drinking can result in a dangerous withdrawal from alcohol.
If you experience serious withdrawal and you don’t get medical attention (detox), you could suffer from a seizure, or even death. Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Confusion and hallucinations (delirium tremens)
- Tremor of the hands Hands
- Fever
- Convulsions
- Black Outs
In most cases, the symptoms will be less severe and you won’t need medical attention. However, you may still experience some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These may include:
- Anxiety
- Jumpy or nervous feelings
- A “shaky” feeling
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Sweating
- Clammy skin
- Eyelid twitching
- Heart palpitations
Psychological Withdrawal
Aside from the physical effects, you’ll also experience psychological withdrawal. You’ll find yourself craving alcohol, especially in situations where you would normally have a drink in your hand.
Preventing relapse will take a significant effort on your part. Overcoming chronic alcoholism is extremely difficult. If you’ve failed in the past, you’ll have to really make sure you take more action this time to ensure that you stay sober. To quote Einstein:
Listen to Einstein, if you’ve failed at quitting alcohol in the past, make sure you don’t just go through the motions again. Seek out support and take steps to make sure your recovery sticks. Some important steps you can take include:
- Going to AA or NA
- Attending rehab
- Schedule regular visits with a therapist or counselor
- Build a network of friends in recovery to support your efforts
Long Term Effects
Chronic alcoholism can cause damage to the liver, brain, and cardiovascular system. In the long term, your body and brain will start to repair some of the damage caused by excess drinking. You’ll find that you have more energy, and you’ll feel better overall.
Mentally, you’ll always be a recovering alcoholic. Don’t expect to drink in moderation successfully. Over time, you’ll find yourself relying less on external support groups. You should switch your focus towards your own personal and spiritual growth – this ensures that complacency and the eventual relapse will never set in.
By striving for constant self-improvement, you’ll be naturally motivated and driven to maintain your sobriety.
Benefits from quitting alcohol
Enhances overall health
Once you stop drinking alcohol, your whole life is going to take a turn around in all aspects. Not only will your health improve, but you will also get to see a huge progress in your capability in different activities. You will perform better in your career or jobs. Moreover, if you wish to enjoy a blissful life with your family and friends, stop your alcohol consumption immediately.
Increases lifespan
Quitting alcoholism will increase one’s lifespan as people who have been drinking constantly for quite some time usually die about 15 years early. It will also eventually help them stop smoking since most smokers are also alcoholics.
Better relationships
Relationships are one of the most important things in our lives. However, it is very complicated for an alcoholic to create a healthy correlation with any person. Giving up drinking will surely enhance their relationships tremendously. Besides, it will also pave the way of capable to communicate more openly and honestly with everyone.
Prevention
Educational programs and medical advice about alcohol abuse can help decrease alcohol abuse and its problems. Alcohol dependence needs more intensive management.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that women have no more than 1 drink per day and men no more than 2 drinks per day. One drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor.
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