Wednesday, August 10 2005 16:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Part II - Alcohol Dependence

However, alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism, in that, it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking or physical dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period.

For most people, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol use, i.e., up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people (a standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits) is not harmful for most adults.

Nonetheless, a substantial number of people have serious trouble with their drinking. Alcoholism has little to do with what kind of alcohol one drinks, how long one has been drinking or even exactly how much alcohol one consumes. But alcoholism has a great deal to do with a person's uncontrollable need for alcohol. This description of alcoholism helps us understand why most alcoholics can't just 'use a little willpower' to stop drinking. He or she is frequently in the grip of a powerful craving for alcohol, a need that can feel as strong as the need for food or water. While some people are able to recover without help, the majority of alcoholic individuals need outside assistance to recover from their disease. With support and treatment, many individuals stop drinking and rebuild their lives.

Alcoholism is a treatable disease. Extensive research says that it could be controlled by medical and psychological treatment. This is the good news. You can get help and kick the habit. Treatment that will aid alcoholic to stop drinking without experiencing severe withdrawal problems is available in India. But you have to get one thing straight. If you have a problem with alcohol, stay away from it. Drinking even a small quantity of alcohol after years of abstinence will lead you back to obsessive drinking. Alcoholism is a permanent condition. Only total abstinence will help in arresting the disease.

The alcoholic is fortunate that the disease of alcoholism is treatable. It can be arrested and it has a good response rate to treatment. But treatment is of no avail unless the alcoholic subscribes to total abstinence from drinking alcohol in any form. As pointed out above, once they have lost control over alcohol, they will never regain it. The sooner the progress of the disease is recognized and arrested, the easier the return to a comfortable and continuing sobriety and the less physical and mental deterioration there will be.