Alcoholism can be a devastating disease, thankfully Dr. Jesalva can help residents of the Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills and Camarillo areas of east Ventura County in Southern California.
What is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a form of alcohol use disorder. Technically, the term alcoholism is used to describe a dependence on alcohol, but it is also sometimes used in reference to alcohol abuse, or problem drinking. Alcohol abuse is a pattern of excessive drinking and often results in alcoholism. The primary difference between the two is that alcoholism is an actual addiction and causes physical dependence, with withdrawal symptoms when the patient tries to stop drinking. The brain actually becomes dependent on alcohol, which is what causes withdrawal symptoms.
Could I Be an Alcoholic?
The major key to deciding if someone is an alcoholic is whether or not they can control their drinking. If you cannot control the amount, frequency or times when you drink, or have tried to stop and couldn't, those are signs of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. People with alcohol use disorders will also continue to drink even after drinking affects their ability to function at work and home, impairs relationships or damages their health.
What Causes Alcoholism?
Genetic factors play a significant role in alcoholism and may account for about half of the risk in this disorder. Environment, personality and psychological factors can also determine whether someone becomes an alcoholic. Abuse, family violence, a history of depression and highly stressful events can all contribute to alcoholism. Mental illness often co-exists with alcoholism. Men are more likely to become alcoholics, but women are more susceptible to alcohol's effects, as are Native Americans.
Can Alcoholism Be Cured?
Alcoholism is not considered a curable disease, but a condition that must be managed lifelong. Quitting alcohol triggers depression, anxiety and stress, as the brain tries to regain its equilibrium. These chemical imbalances and negative moods tempt patients to return to alcohol, often for years afterward. Alcoholics cannot drink socially without potentially triggering the disease again, which can make social activities difficult. An alcoholic must also find new ways of dealing with personal and professional relationships, which is often very difficult.
What is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a form of alcohol use disorder. Technically, the term alcoholism is used to describe a dependence on alcohol, but it is also sometimes used in reference to alcohol abuse, or problem drinking. Alcohol abuse is a pattern of excessive drinking and often results in alcoholism. The primary difference between the two is that alcoholism is an actual addiction and causes physical dependence, with withdrawal symptoms when the patient tries to stop drinking. The brain actually becomes dependent on alcohol, which is what causes withdrawal symptoms.
Could I Be an Alcoholic?
The major key to deciding if someone is an alcoholic is whether or not they can control their drinking. If you cannot control the amount, frequency or times when you drink, or have tried to stop and couldn't, those are signs of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. People with alcohol use disorders will also continue to drink even after drinking affects their ability to function at work and home, impairs relationships or damages their health.
What Causes Alcoholism?
Genetic factors play a significant role in alcoholism and may account for about half of the risk in this disorder. Environment, personality and psychological factors can also determine whether someone becomes an alcoholic. Abuse, family violence, a history of depression and highly stressful events can all contribute to alcoholism. Mental illness often co-exists with alcoholism. Men are more likely to become alcoholics, but women are more susceptible to alcohol's effects, as are Native Americans.
Can Alcoholism Be Cured?
Alcoholism is not considered a curable disease, but a condition that must be managed lifelong. Quitting alcohol triggers depression, anxiety and stress, as the brain tries to regain its equilibrium. These chemical imbalances and negative moods tempt patients to return to alcohol, often for years afterward. Alcoholics cannot drink socially without potentially triggering the disease again, which can make social activities difficult. An alcoholic must also find new ways of dealing with personal and professional relationships, which is often very difficult.