Questions to Ask a Psychiatrist about Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a confusing disease that leaves drinkers with far more questions than answers. Because addiction is both physical and psychological, psychiatrists can be an excellent source of information and advice. The following are some excellent questions to ask a psychiatrist about alcoholism if given the chance.
How Does Alcoholism Happen?
Many people do not really understand exactly how alcoholism develops. While binge drinking (drinking with the specific goal of getting seriously drunk) is the most common path to addiction, many people can develop the disease through regularly consuming alcohol in levels that may not lead to complete inebriation. Many experts believe that the safe limits for consumption are no more than 10 drinks per week for men or 5 for women, depending on the weight of the patient as well as other tolerance factors. A psychiatrist with experience treating addiction can help concerned individuals identify addictive behaviors and risk factors. They can also pinpoint any co-occurring psychological conditions that may contribute to the disease.
Are Some People Predisposed to Alcoholism?
Evidence continues to mount about the reality of biological predisposition toward alcoholism. Individuals with a family history of addiction should be especially careful when considering the use of alcohol. Psychiatrists can answer many questions related to the genetic patterns of alcoholism.
Why Is It So Hard To Quit Drinking?
Alcoholism is both a physical and psychological disease. Psychiatrists are especially useful for explaining the neuro-chemical changes in the brain that prevent a person from quitting alcohol use. The same part of the brain that is most affected by the euphoria of an alcohol high also manages a wide range of psychological functions. These underlying changes in the addict’s psychology will drive their behavior much more powerfully than rational thought or will.
How to Quit Drinking
Ultimately the main question every alcoholic – or the bystanders affected by alcoholism – is how to get and stay clean. Talk with your psychiatrist about the specific advantages of rehab and the ways to tell which programs are the most effective in their treatment. Not all programs are created equal. Ask about the various therapeutic tools used by the best programs, as well as the benefits of things like Dual Diagnosis treatment and how best to treat co-occurring mental conditions.
Psychiatric Help for Alcoholism
If you have questions about alcoholism and don’t know where to turn for answers please call our toll-free, 24 hour helpline any time of day or night. Our addiction experts are always available to answer your questions or to connect you with psychiatrists and treatment programs that are ready to help you break free from the grip of alcohol addiction.
