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Alcoholism is a psychological, and sometimes a physical
need to use alcohol that doesn't go away--even when using it
causes negative consequences.
The physical, emotional, and social problems associated
with it grow with continued use. The combination of
physiological craving and psychological need is a hallmark
of addiction.
When does "social" drinking cross the line and become a
problem? The answer varies with each individual. What is a
trigger for one, is not a problem for another. There is a
recognizable process that identifies the various stages that
take a person from first use to alcoholism, says Jill
Liesveld, M.D., UI Behavorial Health physician.
First stage--Experimentation. People try alcohol
out of curiosity or media or peer pressure.
Second stage--User. People are in control of their
consumption and experience few, if any, negative
consequences from family or work.
Third stage--Misusers. The physiological changes
that come from regular drinking affects the drinker's mood.
The drinker becomes preoccupied with thoughts of alcohol and
where the next drink will come from.
Fourth stage--Chemically dependent. Drinkers
continue to misuse alcohol despite continued consequences.
They do not see their experiences as a result of addiction.
Their focus is the next drink, or money for the next drink.
There is emotional and physical discomfort when they don't
drink.
If there are consequences from their drinking, they may
attempt to curb their intake, proving to themselves and the
world that there is no problem.
But out-of-control drinking does not have to be a
lifestyle. Alcoholism is treatable and can be held in
remission.
For chemical dependency service information call
UI Health
Access at 319-384-8442, ext. 403, or 800-777-8442, ext.
403, or call UI
Behavorial Health, at 319-384-8765 or 877-384-8999.
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There were 19,358 alcohol-induced deaths in the U.S., not
including traffic fatalities?
- There were 26,552 deaths in the U.S. from chronic
liver disease?
- Chronic liver disease is the 12th leading cause of
death in the U.S.?
- 62 percent of Americans over the age of 18 drank at
least one drink?
Is this you?
- You have conflict in your primary relationship
- You isolate yourself
- You are unpredictable and moody
- You are irritable, restless, discontent
- You have financial problems and your debt is
growing
- You have job-related problems
- You have low self-esteem
- You tend to blame others
*National Center for Health Statistics
For more information:
Listed above are several Web sites that offer additional
information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care
does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the
accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These
links are here for general information only, and should not
be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any
questions, please contact UI
Health Access.
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