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What is it?
Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence as it is also known, is a disease that includes
craving (a powerful urge to drink), loss of control (the inability to stop), physical
dependence (symptoms of withdrawal, like shakiness, anxiety, or nausea), and tolerance
(a need to drink greater quantities to get the alcohol “high”).
What causes it?
There are several factors that affect alcoholism. Research has established genetics as
a risk factor in developing alcoholism. The lifestyle of families can also be a major
cause. Other factors include a person’s friends, the availability of alcohol, and stress.
However, it ultimately boils down to personal choice, at least initially. Some alcoholics
come from families with no drinking problems while some children of alcoholics never drink
at all.
How do you know when someone has it?
Some clues that a drinking problem might exist for your son or daughter are any of the
following:
- Alcohol smell on the breath
- Regular use of breath mints
- Sudden attitude or mood changes
- Poor school attendance or performance
- Loss of interest in school or other activities that once were enjoyable
- Resistance to discipline
- Social withdrawal
- Secrecy about friends, actions, and possessions
What can happen to people with alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a disease that will last throughout the lifetime of an alcoholic. The
power of the cravings felt by an alcoholic for another drink are as strong as the
cravings we feel for food and water. Health issues, family pressure, or even legal
problems will usually not stop an alcoholic from drinking.
How do you help a loved one suffering from alcoholism?
While there is no cure at this time, there is effective treatment that can help most
alcoholics to recover. Usually a combination of counseling and medication are required.
In most cases, help from others is also essential. As with most diseases, the long-term
prospects for success vary. In some cases, the alcoholic will never drink again. In
other cases, they will suffer a relapse after a period of time. Others have little
success in stopping at all. Generally, the longer a person goes without drinking, the
more likely they are to remain sober.
How CERTS helps those with alcoholism
CERTS programs use a combination of therapy, education, and medications (where
appropriate) to help young people struggling with Alcoholism to change. CERTS
therapists have experience in successfully treating these individuals. This success
if augmented by the CERTS formula of balancing outstanding clinical therapy,
experiential therapy, and education with appropriate medical care.
Experiential therapy programs (such as equine therapy) offered at the facilities have
also proven helpful. A fun and challenging academic education enhances self-esteem and
encourages students to rediscover the joy of learning while they clinically stabilize.
To learn more about which CERTS program can best offer the help you may require, please
contact a CERTS admissions counselor at 801-755-8802.
Learn More About Alcoholism
About.Com Links on Alcoholism
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Fast Facts Source Information:
- J Hawkins, R Catalano, "Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol and Other Drug Problems in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: Implications for Substance Abuse Prevention, 1989, p. 78
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism news release, 1/14/98
- NIDA, 2000 Monitoring the Future Study, Secondary Students
- NIDA, Drug Use Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities, 1995, p.31
- C Presley and P Meilman, "Alcohol and Drugs on American College Campuses," Student Health Program Wellness Center, Southern Illinois University, 7/92
- The Weekly Reader National Survey on Drugs and Alcohol, Middletown, CT, Field Publications, Spring 1995
- Centers for Disease Control {CDC}, "Alcohol and Other Drug Use Among High School Students--United States, 1990," Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report {MMWR}, 11/91, p. 776
- Centers for Disease Control {CDC}, "Alcohol and Other Drug Use Among High School Students-United States, 1990," Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report {MMWR}, 11/91, p. 776
- OIG, HHS, "Dangerous and Deadly Consequences"
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