Drinking alcohol occurs throughout the country, at celebrations, parties, get-togethers, etc.
each and every day.
Enjoying a cold alcoholic beverage at a picnic, or when out with friends has just become an occurrence that happens regularly for a large amount of people.
We see individuals and groups drinking alcohol on television commercials, in movies, and in the magazines we read.
And, while have a social drink seems somewhat harmless, when does drinking alcohol become compulsive? Compulsive consumption of alcohol is also referred to as alcoholism.
This is formally defined as a pattern of regular drinking habits that are both harmful and repetitive.
Some examples of compulsive drinking may be when an individual has three martinis every time they come home for work.
Another example may be when a person purchases and consumes a twelve-pack of beer every evening before going to sleep.
Compulsive drinking is diagnosed as alcoholism when the drinking becomes harmful to one's health, behaviors are effecting work, relationships and lifestyle, as well when the alcohol begins inhibiting an individual to perform their daily activities safely and consciously.
Patterns of consuming alcohol compulsively can also effect the family and friends that surround an alcoholic.
Friends may not be able to handle an alcoholic's negative behaviors, or irresponsible acts after a period of time.
Family members may start to lose sight of the individual they once knew.
Compulsive consumption of alcohol is a serious issue, that should not be taken lightly.
It has been researched and proven that those who compulsively consume alcohol are more likely to also be at an increased risk for several other disorders.
These may include, but are not limited to: depression, border-line personality disorder, schizophrenia and/or bi-polar disorder.
Alcoholism may also cause diseases or illnesses that may include but are not limited to: heart-failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or blocked salivary glands.
If you are suffering, or if you know someone who is suffering from compulsive consumptions of alcohol, contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center for possible solutions.
Individuals working at these type of rehab centers are well trained and knowledgeable on issues relating to alcoholism and related issues.
It is wise to have medical attention within these rehab centers while coming off of intense and repetitive alcohol consumption, as the withdrawal symptoms can often be difficult to deal with.
With proper guidance, changing a life of over-drinking into a life of health is possible.