Alcoholism

Submitted by divine_sysop on December 10, 2010 - 04:55

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Alcoholism in simple words is alcohol dependence or addiction. It has a negative effect on the person’s health. In medical terms, it is referred to as alcohol abuse. The person’s inability to check alcohol intake causes harm and damage to their health. Not only that, it severely affects the mental and physical health, and damages almost every organ of a person’s body, liver being the most affected in severe cases. This usually leads to cirrhosis of liver, which is incurable. Alcohol abuse is common among people of all social strata and for them alcohol detoxification or alcohol rehabilitation is needed.

Sign Symptoms


There are various symptoms of alcoholism. One must be careful and take precautionary steps to take care of it.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Difficult to avoid alcohol intake
  • Looking for excuses to drink
  • Lack of control
  • Mood swings
  • Experience of unnatural fears and paranoia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Unable to eat properly
  • Sleep disorder
  • Being in irritated state of mood

Causes


Many different factors have been identified to be the cause of alcoholism; these include:
  • Psychological Factors- Individuals suffering from depression or low self-esteem resort to alcoholism.
  • Frequency- Regular and frequent intake of alcohol leads to addiction, thus causing alcoholism
  • Genetic Factors- This is a common factor that is known to be the cause of alcoholism. It is found that people whose parents or grandparents were addicted to alcohol, have a high tendency towards the same illness. However, it is not a compulsion; there are instances where people are addicted to alcohol, and yet their families remain unaffected with alcoholism.

Yogic Management


Alcohol detox can be achieved through the practice of yoga. Following postures can be a good alcohol addiction treatment:

You can always refer to a yoga trainer, who can guide to cure your problem by specifically targeting your condition.

 

Ayurvedic Management


In Ayurveda alcoholism is described under Paanatya or Madaatya, and said to occur as a result of non-judicious intake of alcoholic beverages.

Though all three doshas, viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, are vitiated in this problem, based on predominance of specific dosha, it has been further classified into Vataj, Pittaj and Kaphaj and therefore, its management is planned accordingly. A variety of methods are proposed in Ayurveda, the holistic science of life, for managing alcoholism. One classical method is to give liquid herbal preparations containing small quantities of self-generated alcohol, and medicated herbal smokes. Whereas some physicians prefer to suggest proper medicines aimed at the basic cause behind alcoholism.

Herbs like lemon, pomegranate, kokum, plumbago, asafetida, nut grass, dried ginger, Indian picrorhiza, bacopa, bindweed, Himalayan spikenard, Fagonia cretica, Indian gooseberry, ash gourd, betel nut and turmeric are very useful in treating alcoholism, and different symptoms associated with this problem.

Holistic management of Ayurveda, if followed judiciously under the experienced supervision of experts, not only diminishes the craving for alcohol, but also successfully overcomes the withdrawal symptoms, improves appetite, and generates a sense of well-being.
Based on the severity of alcoholism, treatment duration can range from 1-9 months. Some treatments may entail a number of short-lasting courses of Ayurveda medicines.

Recommended diet involves milk, milk fat (ghee), seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Regular professional counseling, company of good friends, and involvement in productive and motivational work are other useful methods.

Home Remidies


One can look at the following home remedies as alcohol addiction treatment:
  • Following a good and nutritional diet
  • Indulging in pleasurable and fun activity to deviate mind
  • Listening to music to feel calmness
  • Drinking juice of raw celery
  • Eating dates as they are good for alcohol addiction treatment

Conclusion


Alcoholism is a disease where person has strong craving for alcohol. A person may be affected with this ailment due to both lifestyle as well as inheritance. Alcoholism treatment is possible with appropriate medication, precaution and counseling. One must not get addicted to alcohol, as it does no good and causes only harm to health and image of a person. Since, de-addiction requires quite a lot of mental strength, meditation and yoga practices definitely helps to overcome the urge. Organizations like Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) have chapters in most cities around the world where alcoholics can meet, exchange views and strengthen each other’s will power to succeed in leaving alcohol.