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Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in Uganda and also one of the most common addictions. Luckily, recovery is possible through rehab.

Some people can control how much they drink, but others have risk factors that prevent them from drinking responsibly. When these people become addicted to alcohol, they’re often referred to as alcoholics.

Alcoholics appear to be high-functioning. Although they’re addicted, they can hold a steady job and take care of their daily responsibilities. But most alcoholics experience negative consequences because of their drinking. People with mild alcohol problems may be able to quit drinking on their own or with the help of support groups. However, people who are addicted to alcohol require treatment. Recovery from alcohol addiction is achievable with assistance from doctors, therapists, peers, friends and family members.

Causes of alcohol addiction

Most addictive substances, including alcohol, affect the pleasure and reward center in the brain. Alcohol manipulates this system, which drives us to repeat behaviors that we enjoy. When people become addicted, their brains are chemically rewired to desire alcohol.

“We know that about 50 percent of the risk is genetic,” Dr. Kenneth Leonard, director of the Research Institute on Addictions. “The best predictor is actually family history because it looks as though there are many, many genes that carry the risk.”

Some people are more likely to become addicted to alcohol because their brains are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Individuals with certain types of mental health disorders may also be more likely to become addicted to alcohol. These conditions are known as co-occurring disorders when they exist alongside alcohol addiction

Struggling With Alcoholism?

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Struggling With Alcoholism?

Get A Recovery Plan Thats Made for you.

Get Help Now

Biological Causes

Prolonged or repeated alcohol abuse can change brain chemistry and cause alcohol addiction. The disease of alcoholism disrupts normal judgement and self-control. It makes people crave alcohol and believe that they must go to any length to drink. Alcohol addiction is the same thing as alcoholism and alcohol use disorder. These terms can be used interchangeably. Alcohol abuse refers to drinking alcohol in an unsafe manner. Alcohol dependence is a related physical condition that causes withdrawal symptoms when alcohol isn’t present in the body, but it isn’t the same thing as alcoholism.

Effects of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction causes physical, psychological and social side effects. The most common include continuing to drink despite negative consequences and prioritizing drinking over anything else. The disease can also be diagnosed based on other behaviors and health effects.

Health Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol causes a range of health effects. Short-term side effects of alcohol abuse include alcohol poisoning and blacking out. Long-term health effects of alcohol include depression, anxiety and a variety of diseases and disorders.

Social Effects of Alcohol

Friends and family members of alcoholics also face the consequences of their loved one’s disease. Alcohol addiction causes legal, financial and relationship problems. Alcoholics often struggle to have healthy relationships with loved ones

Risks of Mixing Alcohol

Some people who are addicted to alcohol mix the substance with other drugs. But alcohol can cause dangerous interactions with over-the-counter drugs and some everyday substances, such as caffeine. When people mix alcohol with illicit or prescription drugs, the interactions can be life-threatening.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol addiction is a self-diagnosable condition. But many people struggle to recognize the symptoms. You can determine if you have a mild, moderate or severe alcohol use disorder by taking a simple quiz. Our Alcohol Rehab helps people overcome alcohol withdrawal in a safe setting. Health professionals ease the experience with around-the-clock care and monitoring. These services can teach people how to live without alcohol. Counseling and therapy help people find motivation for entering rehab, garner positive reinforcement and learn to overcome underlying causes of alcohol addiction. Rehab facilities may also offer medications that help people abstain from drinking.

Alcohol Addiction Recovery

After rehab, individuals should continue to access support groups and recovery resources. Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most well-known support groups for people in recovery from alcohol addiction.

Sober living homes, vocational training and family counselling can aid a person’s transition back to society after treatment. These resources increase a person’s ability to find purpose, connect with the community and rebuild relationships.

FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU AND GET STARTED ON THE PATH TO A BETTER LIFE.

Reclaim Health Limited is a leading addiction treatment company providing personalised treatments and rehab throughout Uganda, offering a wide range of help and guidance for all types of addictions.

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