6 Alcohol Abuse Facts You Need to Know in 2019
Many people still don’t understand how alcohol abuse can hurt people or how simple it is to get help. This is a tragic problem because health problems can develop quickly, and many people will develop serious conditions before they get the help they need. More education is needed as soon as possible.
You may be able to find what you’re looking for in this guide. Check out the most important facts of the year, along with some busted myths about abuse.
Most Important Changes to Treatment in 2019
These are some of the facts that you need to know about alcohol abuse in 2019. New facts matter because our understanding of how addiction works is constantly changing and updating. In recent years, new discoveries have been made, new classifications have been applied and new treatment programs have become available.
Fact 1: Alcoholism is no longer the medical term
Should you refer to a loved one in trouble as an alcoholic? Most health professionals don’t think so. They are pushing for the word to be retired, and they succeeded in updating the terms of the National Institute of Health guidelines.
Alcoholism is no longer an official condition. Its place has been taken by the term Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Health professionals argue that the new term is designed to describe dangerous behaviors more effectively. The new term also dodges the longstanding stigma that is attached to the word “alcoholic”. Those suffering from excessive drinking may be more likely to seek help.
Fact 2: AUD has Genetic Components
Researchers have argued for years that patterns of addiction suggest that there is a family or genetic component. That theory has now upgraded from hypothesis to alcohol abuse fact. Proof for this theory only became available in the first drafts of a study in 2012. Now, it’s widely understood that genes interact with excessive alcohol in the body in significant ways.
So far, researchers have determined that there are multiple genes that have a role in the development of AUD. In one example, an uncommon gene caused some people to feel hot and flushed after only a couple of drinks. Those who don’t have this gene may not get “deterrent” feelings until later rounds. Other genes had functions like making drinking more satisfying.
The Biggest Myths About Alcohol Abuse
Our alcohol abuse facts introduced you to some of the most notable changes in alcohol abuse treatment. However, there are still some facts out there that need to be fact-checked. As long as new ideas are being introduced, a couple of old ones should be thrown out.
Here are some of the most common myths about alcoholism treatment, corrected as fact.
Fact 3: Treatment DOES work
There is a myth that treatment doesn’t work for most people. That’s not true. It’s possible that a form of treatment has not worked for you, but there are more treatments out there now than there have ever been. You can join all types of groups for free, you can rehabilitate in any climate on earth.
Treatment centers provide a place to detox in comfort. Some patients will choose to use alcohol again after treatment, but that does not mean the treatment didn’t work. That choice always exists.
Fact 4: Treatment requires more commitment than a one stay
There’s a myth that rehab is a one-and-done process. Treatment isn’t a cure. The goal of most alcohol treatment programs is to return you to a state of mind where you can make decisions for yourself.
After treatment, you have many hard decisions to make. Do you stop calling the friends that only ask you to drink? Do you move to areas where there are no nearby bars? Only you know what’s possible. Effective treatment will give you the tools to take the next steps.
Most people falter more than once on their road to recovery. Being committed to getting better means being able to take responsibility and get back on the road when you run off it.
Fact 5: You CAN seek treatment before you hit rock bottom
There’s a myth that treatment is only for people who have had a crisis.
This is a very dangerous myth because any alcohol-related crises need to be avoided at all costs. Each one can cause permanent damage to your body. You should consider treatment as soon as you notice that you are letting alcohol have an adverse effect on your life. At that stage, it will be easier for you to make a full recovery.
Get treatment as soon as you know you need help.
Fact 6: Failing rehab once doesn’t invalidate you
There is a myth that if you fail rehab once, you just aren’t cut out for it. Nothing could be further from the truth.
You may have dropped out for family obligations, budget concerns or disagreements, and you shouldn’t hold those against yourself.. Sometimes, wanting to try again is just a matter of being in the right frame of mind to change. It doesn’t matter why you failed rehab last time. You should apply again if you now think that it is the right treatment for you.