Alcohol Rehab Information- When Regular Drinking Becomes Alcoholism

Alcohol consumption is favorite pastime of people and cultures across the globe and has been so for centuries. It is a social custom to drink. Two drinks a day for men and one per day for women is considered to be within reasonable drinking limits. However this limit is frequently abused. Statistics on alcohol rehab information suggests that more than 13 million Americans are alcoholics.

So when does casual drinking turn into alcohol abuse. What is the fine line dividing casual drinkers and abusers? It is not easy to define it. According to alcohol rehab information a constant dependence on alcohol is one of the characteristic.

Alcohol rehab information defines the characteristics of an alcoholic as:

1. A person who has constant craving or need for alcohol. This is one of the defining characteristic.

2. A dependence that transcends all other needs. The abuser is physically and mentally addicted. Both the body and the mind are entirely dependant on the alcohol. Mentally alcohol is an intoxicant; it reduces stress and numbs one's feelings. This explains the dependence.

3. Withdrawal symptoms are observed on non-availability of alcohol. If the abuser is not provided with alcohol, he will start experiencing symptoms like depression and mood swings. They are generally referred to as withdrawal symptoms.

4. The tolerance limit for alcohol keeps increasing. A person on consumption of alcohol everyday develops a tolerance limit, which forces that person to drink a larger amount in order to get high.

According to information obtained from alcohol rehab information the consequences of alcohol abuse can be disastrous. The effect of alcohol on the brain is immediate. It slows down the thinking process and extensive usage can cause irreparable damage. Alcohol rehab information also lists damage to immune system, liver cirrhosis and heart and stomach ailments as effects of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol rehab information lists alcohol as a drug that produces serious medical consequences on the human body. These complications are further enhanced with the usage of other drugs in conjunction with alcohol. A person must be aware of the prescription drugs and over the counter drugs that produce a lethal effect when taken along with alcohol. Alcohol rehab information also focusing on increasing awareness amongst people in this regard.

Alcohol rehab information terms alcohol abuse as a disease. The symptoms to this disease have been mentioned above.

It is also important not to label every person who drinks alcohol as an addict. It should be duly noted that social drinking and drinking within limits is not alcohol abuse. If you feel that a person is an alcohol addict you must seek alcohol abuse information. It is also advisable to consult a doctor or a specialist to deal with this.

If you feel that some one is over-dependent on alcohol and is increasingly showing withdrawal symptoms it is imperative that you join that person in a rehab center. This should be done after obtaining alcohol rehab information. This is the best way to help an addict.