Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a widespread disease that affects people in every walk of life. Alcohol is a depressant drug that slows down the activity of the brain, contains absolutely no nutrients and does not help relieve tension, induce sleep or solve problems.
About 10 to 15% of alcohol users develop alcohol dependence and become alcoholics. Anybody can become an alcoholic – age, education, intelligence or Socio-Economic status has nothing to do with addiction.
Some Facts On Alcohol Consumption In India
- 5 million alcohol users estimated in India
- Per capita consumption of alcohol increased by 106.7% over the 15-year period from 1970 to 1996
- Due to our large, expanding population, India has been identified as the potentially the third largest market for alcoholic beverages in the world
Key Fact About Alcohol Addiction And Recovery
Alcoholism is treatable. With treatment it is possible to give up drinking and live without alcohol. But there are some myths associated with alcohol addiction. Such myths breed ineffectual reasoning that most of people are not willing to stop drinking. And, mostly do not accept that they are ADDICTED.
Top Ten Myths about Alcohol Addiction
Myth #1: My life my choice. No one has the right to give me a lecture:
It’s true that drinking is your choice and to quit drinking is also up to you. But if you think that your drinking hurts no one else but you, than you are wrong. This affects everyone around you and mostly the people who are closest to you. Your problem is their problem.
Myth #2: Beer drinkers are not alcoholic:
[pullquote]”I only drink beer not the hard drinks“[/pullquote] This is a very common statement by people especially young ones. But beer is also contains sufficient amount of alcohol and some are very strong. If you consume beer regularly then it is harmful too. According to research, a 12-ounce bottle of beer has the same amount of alcohol as a standard shot of 80-proof liquor or 5 ounces of wine.
Myth #3: I am not a alcoholic because I don’t drink every day:
Addiction is not defined by when you drink or how much you drink. Its all about the effects. If your drinking habit is causing problems in your family, job, and social life then you have a drinking problem.
Myth #4: Drinking is not really addiction, like drug abuse:
Alcohol is also a drug and alcoholism is also damaging like drug abuse. Alcohol addiction also causes changes in body, brain etc. And sometimes it bares devastating effects on your life.
Myth #5: I have a well settled life so I’m not an alcoholic:
It’s not necessary that if you are homeless or drink cheap alcohol then you are considered as alcoholic. Many alcoholics have a great life but if you are a high functioning alcoholic doesn’t mean you are not putting your life in danger.
Myth #6: Alcohol improves my sexual performance:
Although you may think that drinking makes you better in bed, psychologically alcohol reduces your performance.
Myth #7: If an addict goes to rehab, it will costs his/her job:
This is a myth that if anyone go seeks rehab then it will costs their professional life. But people need not know, they can ask for leave from their employer due to health problems.
Myth #8: If you don’t drink, then you are boring:
[pullquote]‘If you don’t drink than you have a boring life’[/pullquote]Being social and not boring is not about alcoholism or drug abuse. It depends on your attitude towards life.
Myth #9: Seeking help to overcome addiction is a sign of personal weakness:
Addiction is a disease that causes psychological as well as physical changes in the body. And accepting your problems is not weakness but it shows your courage.
Myth #10: Drug and alcohol rehabilitation usually fails:
This is the most common myth. But if a person is willing to give up drinking and he/she is determined, then anyone can overcome the weakness. One must have a strong will power and support from family and friends.