Most everyone enjoys the occasional beer or glass of wine to unwind after a long, stressful day. Drinking can be a great opportunity to socially interact with others, but many lack the self-control to drink recreationally.

Alcohol is one of the most commonly consumed substances in the nation and is one of the most frequently abused; about one in every 12 American adults abuses alcohol or has a dependency on it.

Overcoming this addiction is more complicated than simply kicking the habit to the curb, and for many, it can be life-threatening. Online therapy offers alcoholics the support and guidance they need to beat this dependency and resume a normal, sober life.

Alcohol Abuse

For many adults, regular alcohol consumption can be quite normal and not indicate any sort of problem. Those individuals are able to drink recreationally without ever becoming dependent on it.

The main difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse is that, with the latter, those are able to set some sort of limit on their consumption. Despite this, they still act out in self-destructive behavior and endanger their lives.

When left untreated, alcohol dependence can develop into full-blown alcoholism. This is why it's detrimental you find an online therapist or counselor to meet with immediately.

If you or someone you know might be suffering from alcohol dependency, look for these signs:

• Using alcohol in dangerous situations
• Getting into legal dilemmas as a result of your drinking
• Drinking to relieve stress or anxiety
• Putting off tasks and responsibilities
• Drinking habits that affect your personal relationships

Alcoholism

Several factors can contribute to the development of alcoholism. Among these are:

• Genetics
• Stress
• Increase in tolerance
• Excessive drinking habits

It's possible for many to indulge in their alcoholic tendencies without ever realizing the effects the drug is having on both their physiology and personal relationships. Like alcohol dependence, alcoholism includes all of the same symptoms. The only difference is with alcoholism, there is also a physical dependence – meaning the person suffering from addiction experiences withdrawals and physical effects if alcohol isn't consumed.

Listed below are the symptoms most commonly seen in alcoholics:

• Increased Tolerance: You have to drink twice as much to get a mild buzz comparable to what you used to feel. When you go out with friends, you drink significantly more than them without showing any signs of intoxication.
• Disregard for Others: Maybe you used to go to the gym every week, or hang out with your family on the weekends; now, alcohol is your main priority. You seem to lose interest in all hobbies, preferring to spend your time drinking rather than doing anything else.
• Lack of Control: You keep telling yourself you'll stop, or you'll have no more than two drinks, but before you know it you're five drinks deep with no sign of stopping.
• One Track Mind: When you can't drink, you're planning the next time you'll be able to. Even through hangovers, your mind flocks to the thought of drinking.

Online Therapy

Recovering from alcohol dependency can be one of the hardest things you do, and often, it requires the help of a professional. Face-to-face counseling can prove to be time-consuming, expensive, and intimidating, and many individuals who need help might be deterred from seeking that help because of these factors.

Fortunately, online therapists who specialize in alcohol abuse and treatment are available to support you through this difficult time. Over the course of time, you can meet online with your therapist to learn proven techniques that help curb your need to drink, track your progress, and find routines and practices to help you battle your alcohol addiction.

The Virtual Therapist Network has a wide range of professional online therapists who are trained and experienced in combating alcoholism and can provide you the online therapy you need in the comfort and privacy of your own home.