Do you have someone you know that refuses to admit they have a drinking problem but have all the indicators say that alcohol is the root of the major problems in their life? Do they have egular or constant cravings for alcohol? Are they unable to limit or stop the amount of alcohol they consume? These are both red flags that this person may be suffering from a disease called alcoholism. It is a disease that is chronic in nature. It is one that can have severe health, financial and relationship consequences.

There is commonly denial on the part of the drinker that a true problem exists regarding alcohol and health issues, financial problems or relationship issues that stem from the drinking habits. Anyone with a disease that impairs their thinking is going to make bad decisions. They may try to cover up the problem out of embarrassment or for other reasons. They are probably going to fight against getting help if doing so means doing without the thing they crave the most - alcohol.

An individual can actually experience a desire to stop or at least want to limit the consumption but is not able to do so without assistance. If that person is a male, there is a higher chance that there will be a lag time between when he realizes he needs help and when he will accept the idea that he must actively accept the help. This is not different from other situations when it comes to admitting that there might be a "disease" involved. Although it is common that males have a difficult time asking for medical help, female drinkers can also have difficulty time asking for help. The act of admitting the fact that they may have a disease when it comes to alcohol consumption is hard to accept. Alcohol addiction involves a drug and the drug is alcohol. This is a very addictive drug and addictions can be very difficult to beat.

Individuals that are around the drinker may feel it far easier to blame the drinker for the problems that occur as a result of the drinking instead of understanding that this is a person suffering from a disease. If someone has physical symptoms like paralysis or an amputee, it may be easier to see why the person is in need of medical intervention and healing. When the disease is not as obvious, it is more difficult to have compassion for the sick person. Anyone with a friend or loved one suffering from alcoholism must look beyond the raised glass in order to see and understand the disease.

Alcohol addiction treatment starts with distinguishing the signs and symptoms, getting beyond the denial stage, and understanding that the truth must be told. When this happens, one can begin the medical treatment and psychological counseling which are the usual combination that is involved when caring for the person with alcoholism.

Signs and symptoms of alcoholism:

Strong Cravings for alcohol that cannot be denied

A strong desire to drink at certain times or after common events (like after dinner)

The experiences of requiring more alcohol than previously in order to accomplish the same level of intoxication that brings with it a sense of "normalcy" or "good feeling". This is called tolerance.

The ability to consume large quantities of alcohol rapidly without appearing to be intoxicated

Having "blackouts". Drinking to the point that one cannot remember conversations, commitments or actions made while drinking

A lack of interest in activities or hobbies that were important to the person prior to the increase in alcohol consumption