How are alcohol problems diagnosed and treated?

by **d3s3rt_force** Sat Apr 12, 2008 4:00 am

Your doctor may diagnose alcohol abuse and dependence by asking questions about your symptoms and past health. He or she will give you a physical exam and sometimes a mental health assessment. Keep in mind that you will need to honestly answer questions about your drinking for your doctor to be able to help you. Further testing may be done to look for other health problems related to alcohol.

Admitting that you have a drinking problem can be hard, but it is the first step to recovery. Although starting to drink again is common, alcohol problems can be overcome.

People typically do not seek treatment for alcohol abuse until they are ready. They must accept that they are addicted and no longer have control of their lives. Sometimes family members point out the problem. Other times, people recognize that they have a problem after they have been arrested or lost a job or had other setbacks as a result of their drinking.

You can take steps today to stop drinking. Your first step might be to see your doctor, contact a support group, or set a date in the near future to stop.

Treatment depends on the extent of the problem. Some people are able to simply cut back to a moderate level of drinking with help from a counselor. Alcoholics need more help. People who are physically addicted to alcohol may need medical treatment when they stop drinking. They may need to stay in a hospital or treatment center where they get medicines to prevent seizures and other symptoms of withdrawal.

Once withdrawal symptoms have passed, the second step of treatment is to work on staying sober. Quitting alcohol is often described by alcoholics as one of the most difficult but worthwhile challenges in life.

Most people need continuing support to help stay sober. This can come from counseling or a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Staying sober is a lifelong process.

Alcohol use problems can harm the relationships in your family. Often family therapy and education are a part of the recovery process

by **rein_force** Sat Apr 12, 2008 4:15 am

WOW ! watta nice and interesting topic bro.

i do hope that those drunkers will read your post & take your

advices soon as they read...

REMEMBER LIFE IS TOO SHORT !

by **jkakashi01** Sat Apr 12, 2008 5:40 am

thanks for sharing this information bro...for me i prefer to drink than to smoke. but im not an alcoholic. count me in the "occasional drinkers"... drink