Alcohol - Alcohol can be defined as any organic compound that Hydroxyl functioning group (-OH) is bound to carbon atoms that typically connect to hydrogen or other carbon atoms. Ethanol (C2H5OH) is the exact type of alcohol found in beverages that contain alcohol. Ethanol is the type of alcohol that alcoholics become addicted to and begin the road to alcoholism.

Alcoholism – Alcoholism is a crippling and disabling disease cause by the constant use and abuse of alcohol. Alcoholism can be characterized by uncontrollable drinking despite the negative side affects it has on one’s life. The biological facts of alcoholism are uncertain but studies show that stress, anxiety, mental health, and genetics can all be contributors of alcoholism. Alcoholism is a chronic progressive and sometimes fatal disease unless a person seeks alcohol treatment and can remain sober.

Alcohol Abuse – Alcohol Abuse defined by the DSMV 4 is the chronic abuse of alcohol despite negative consequences. Many times persons who abuse alcohol can eventually become addicted to alcohol and develop the disease of alcoholism. Alcohol abuse is at an all time high amongst teenagers who may drink alcohol due to peer pressure and social anxiety.

Alcohol Addiction – Alcohol Addiction occurs when a person has abused alcohol for a long enough period that their bodies become dependent upon the main alcohol chemical compound ethanol. Those individuals that are addicted to alcohol drink essentially to maintain a certain blood alcohol level to avoid going into alcoholic withdrawals. Common withdrawal symptoms can be shakes headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

Alcohol Detox - Persons, who are addicted to alcohol, must go thru an alcohol Detox if they have any chance of getting sober. Over a period of time the body becomes dependent on alcohol and unless daily blood content is reached the body begins to go into withdrawal. Common withdrawal symptoms are shakes sweats, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and coughing. Typically alcohol Detox is done in a medical setting in where a medical DR can slowly bring a person’s blood alcohol content l level down by giving medication, as well as providing essential vitamins and nutrients. The usual length for an alcohol Detox is 5-7 days, but can be longer in extreme cases. Upon completion of an alcohol Detox it is strongly recommended that a person go to an alcohol rehab or alcohol treatment center.

Alcohol Treatment – Alcohol Treatment is a vital tool, and a necessary one for those persons looking to live and a sober life. Often times this is the 2nd phase n the alcohol recovery process, after an alcohol Detox. While in an alcohol treatment center, persons learn about the disease of alcoholism, and attend group sessions, individual counseling, and 12 step meetings. Many times an alcoholic treatment center is a residential facility where some medical staff may be there such as Nurses, ands psychiatrists. The typical length of stay at an alcohol treatment center can be from 30-90 days.

Alcohol Rehab – Alcohol Rehab serves as a vital stepping stone in the recovery from alcoholism and alcohol addiction. Those persons who go to an alcohol rehab center are educated about alcoholism as well as learn healthy ways to cope with everyday life. Group therapy, individual counseling and attendance of 12 step meetings are the most common resources available at many alcohol rehab centers. Studies show that persons who complete an alcohol treatment center improve their chances of long term sobriety than those who do not. The typical length of stay can range from 30 – 90 days depending upon each individual.