Alcohol dependence is a problem in Michigan, as it is in many other states across the nation. Its features include the following elements:

•    Loss of Control

An individual loses control of his/her life when depending upon alcohol. This substance gives a person a false sense of confidence, which will eventually result in negative consequences, thus affecting both personal and professional facets of his/her life.

•    Tolerance

Each person’s tolerance levels vary, according to one’s   gender, weight, and metabolic state, which are reasons why some persons can drink more than others, before becoming intoxicated as well as becoming addicted. This makes alcohol dependency a tricky problem to both detect and/ or treat.

•    Craving

Habit is one cause of alcohol substance addiction. Through this habit derives the taste and/ or craving that so stems from an addiction.

•    Physical Dependence

The feeling of not being able to live without alcohol that encompasses an individual, best explains the physical dependency that alcohol has upon an addicted person. Headaches, nausea, as well as depression are aspects that lead one to believe that   life without alcohol is not possible.

Each of these components describes the negative factors that surround the addictive processes that attribute to alcoholism.

Michigan has many certified treatment centers, with qualified professionals, who are both trained and certified in aiding individuals with alcohol dependency problems. Although there are many different kinds of remedies for alcohol addiction, the preference is entirely up to the individual experiencing the problem.

The University of Michigan Addiction Treatment   Services (UMATS), is Michigan’s contribution to its residents in “Giving Back”. This institution of higher learning helps those who are experiencing addiction problems, such as alcohol. With careful assessment, diagnosis, and treatment the UMATS can efficiently and accurately help those residents overcome their addiction issues.  Doctors and interns, all work together as a team to achieve a common goal; that of independence from harmful substances.  Although legal for those of regulated drinking ages, the quantity of alcohol consumed further illustrates the lines of legality. In this manner, large quantities versus age further create negative issues pertinent to an individual’s state of addiction and/ or use.