Alcohol Addiction, commonly known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or Alcoholism, is a condition characterized by an intense desire to drink alcohol despite its negative effects. It is described by excessive and persistent alcohol consumption.
Hitches & Glitches of alcohol Addiction
1. Cravings: The intense cravings experienced by such alcoholic persons can be triggered by various emotional factors, such as mental and physical stress, and social situations
2. Loss of control: People who are addicted to alcohol face trouble controlling their drinking habits. They may try to quit or cut down repetitively but fails to do so. They may also drink more than they intended or for a longer period than intended
3. Tolerance: Over time, alcoholics may exceed their tolerance limitations, requiring larger amounts of alcohol to get the desired effects. This can lead to increased drinking and further health hazards
4. Negative Impact: Alcohol addiction can have a negative impact on many parts of a person’s life, including relationships, work or school performance, job or work, and physical and mental health. It may result in financial difficulties, legal issues, and an increased risk of accidents or traumas
Negative effects of long-term alcohol addiction
1. Physical Health Effects:
Prolonged consumption of alcohol can result in a variety of physical health problems, including:
- Liver damage: Alcohol can induce liver inflammation and scarring, resulting in illnesses such as alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure
- Cardiac disorders: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, weakening heart muscles, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke
- Pancreatitis: Alcohol misuse can cause pancreatic inflammation, which can end up in pancreatitis, a painful and potentially fatal condition
- Digestive problems: Alcohol irritates the digestive tract, which can result in gastritis, ulcers, and an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer
- Weakening of the immune system: Alcohol weakens the immunological system, rendering people more prone to infections and illnesses
- Deficiency of Multivitamins: Alcohol impairs the body’s ability to absorb and utilize nutrients, which can result in vitamin and mineral deficiency
2. Mental health disorders
Alcohol addiction is frequently related to mental health illnesses or exacerbates pre-existing conditions.
- Depression: Alcoholism can lead to emotions of sorrow and hopelessness, as well as an increased risk of having a serious depressive disorder
- Anxiety disorders: Alcoholism can exacerbate or induce anxiety disorders such as phobias, panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder
- Alcohol-induced psychosis: Excessive alcohol use can cause hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms in certain people
3. Cognitive Impairments
Long-term alcohol consumption can cause cognitive deficiencies and neurological issues such as:
- Memory loss and cognitive decline: Long-term alcohol consumption can cause memory loss, difficulties concentrating and reduced cognitive function
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: This condition is characterized by memory issues, confusion, and coordination difficulties due to severe thiamine (vitamin B1) shortage caused by alcohol addiction
- Risk of dementia: Long-term alcohol addiction is linked to an increased risk of getting dementia later in life
4. Social and interpersonal interactions
Alcoholism can affect relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. It can result in conflict, loneliness and the breakdown of social support structures. It may also exacerbate financial troubles, legal issues and job insecurity. These are only a few of the probable adverse effects of alcoholism.
Methods For Quitting Alcohol Addiction
Quitting alcohol can be a difficult process, but there are various techniques and strategies that might help you on your way to recovery. Here are some methods for quitting alcohol:
1. Define your reasons:
To stop drinking and set a definite and attainable objective. It could be better for your health, strengthening your relationships, or reclaiming control over your life
2. Seek support:
Inform your friends, family, or a support group about your decision and solicit their support. Consider joining organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, which provide organized programs as well as a network of people who can relate to your situation
3. Form a support network:
Surround yourself with people who agree with your decision to stop drinking. Avoid settings or social circles that may encourage or induce alcohol consumption
4. Educate yourself:
Learn about the effects of alcohol on your physical and emotional health, because understanding the risks of long-term alcohol consumption is essential for strengthening your desire to quit
5. Reduce your alcohol consumption gradually:
If you find it tough to quit cold turkey, consider gradually reducing your alcohol consumption. Set drinking limits for yourself and gradually reduce them over time
6. Develop healthy coping skills:
Create healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress, boredom, or other triggers that may have driven you to drink in the past. So, you can participate in activities such as exercise, meditation, hobbies or spending time with family and friends
7. Stay Away from alcohol triggers:
Remove all alcoholic beverages from your house or office. Avoid places where alcohol is easily accessible or widely exhibited
8. Seek professional treatment:
If you have a severe addiction or are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, you should seek expert help. They can offer advice and assistance and, if necessary, prescribe drugs to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
Surari Churna from Rajasthan Aushadhalayas is an entirely herbal option for individuals looking to quit drinking alcohol naturally. The powerful combination of Soya, Kudzu, Jyotishmati, Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki aids in the reduction of alcohol cravings, detoxification of the body and improvement of liver function. It aids in the cessation of all forms of alcoholic beverages such as country spirits, wine, rum and beer.
9. Herbal medicines:
Ayurveda uses a variety of herbal medicines to aid in the detoxification process. Medicinal herbs such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Guduchi, Shatavari, Kutki, and Jatamansi can be administered to lessen cravings. Additionally, these herbs help to improve the nervous system, enhance liver health, and boost overall well-being. These herbs can be taken as powders, decoctions, or capsules, depending on the practitioner’s prescription.
Surari Silver Churna and Surari Silver Plus Churna from Rajasthan Aushadhalayas are both herbal and time-tested formulas for stopping alcohol. These herbal mixtures aid in the stoppage of both drinking and smoking habits. Simply combine one packet of churna with any sort of food or as advised by your doctor. This will aid in the natural quitting of alcohol consumption.
10. Practise self-care:
Look after your physical and emotional health. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and do things that make you happy and relaxed
11. Maintain a positive attitude and enjoy milestones:
Sobriety is a journey, and it’s critical to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Maintain a good attitude, concentrate on your development, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you encounter difficulties. Remember that stopping drinking is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Certainly, It’s critical to locate the right techniques and support systems for you
First, you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you. Hence Love yourself and Quit Alcohol as It’s Never Too Late To Quit Drinking Alcohol