Alcoholism

alcoholismAlcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that effects men and women. It can include problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect (physical dependence), or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking. If you have alcoholism, you cannot consistently predict how much you’ll drink, how long you’ll drink for, or what consequences will occur from your drinking.

It is possible to have a problem with alcohol, even when it has not progressed to the point of alcoholism. Problem drinking means you drink too much at times, causing repeated problems in your life, although you’re not completely dependent on alcohol. Binge drinking, which is a huge problem in Ireland can often occur with teenagers and young adults as well as with adult men and women and may lead to a faster development of alcoholism. If you have alcoholism or you have a problem with alcohol, you may not be able to cut back or quit without help. Denying that you have a problem is usually part of alcoholism and other types of excessive drinking.

Why do people drink to excess? You have heard the line “to drown our sorrows”. Alcohol allows people to escape or avoid their main difficulties perhaps of managing their feelings, confidence, wanting to block out or forget memories etc. but only for a short period of time. One should always read the small print. Once the drinking has stopped the following day, all that one was trying to escape or manage is ten times worse now. That is when people decide it’s a good idea to have another drink and the cycle continues. Relationships and families are destroyed by alcoholism and excessive drinking in Ireland. Has your drinking become a problem? As cliché as it may sound, admitting we have a problem is the first step. Here at the Goldsmith clinic we can help you face your demons without alcohol and begin to heal and forgive yourself and perhaps even begin to mend the relationships that have been shattered as a result of your drinking. Take the first step today.

Inpatient care is also available at the Priory Hospital in Glasgow where detox and a 28 day alcohol treatment programme awaits you. The Goldsmith Clinic will continue the aftercare work here in Dublin following your discharge.