Alcohol dependence can be progressive and deadly.  Alcohol’s effects on the body can be harmful if there is a repeated compulsive use.  A person may be dependent on alcohol because the person: craves alcohol, is unable to reduce or stop alcohol consumption, and has increased tolerance and experiences withdrawal symptoms when stopping alcohol consumption.

Alcohol dependence can have harmful consequences because of patterns it may create.  For example school and job related tasks may not get done due to a hangover or still being inebriated.  Legal issues can arise due to alcohol, like getting arrested because of drunk driving, and may also cause social and family problems. 

Although I don’t have this problem, I did see alcohol dependence taking over my father.  The alcohol dependency took over his life.  He was a functional alcoholic who went to work and took care of his family, income wise.  But, he was not there in his full senses to enjoy his five children being raised by our mother.  He passed away due to an enlarged heart, caused by his ongoing alcohol dependence.  The personal experience within my family and a good education gave me the knowledge I need to help others. 

The National Institute of Health mentions that thirty years ago not much was known about alcohol dependence.  Today the National Institute of Health informs that “The neural basis of alcohol dependence was clarified. Research showing that drinking is influenced by multiple neurotransmitter systems, neuromodulators, hormones, and intracellular networks provides evidence of a number of potential target sites for which new medications may be developed.”

-- Source: http://www.nih.gov/about/researchresultsforthepublic/AlcoholDependenceAlcoholism.pdf --

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides alcohol detox as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare in alcohol and drug treatment.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, please call us now at 800-996-1051 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.


References

www.healthauthority.com/AlcoholDependence.htm

www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-sb01.html