Causes and Treatments for Alcoholism
Causes and Treatments for Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a chronic illness marked by consumption of alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities. Alcohol dependence or alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse also includes “problem drinking” such as drinking and driving or binge drinking (drinking six or more drinks on one occasion).
Causes and Risk:
Alcoholism is a type of drug addiction. There is both physical and psychological dependence with this addiction (Andrews, 1999). Physical dependence reveals itself by withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is interrupted, tolerance to the effects of alcohol, and evidence of alcohol associated illnesses. Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant, resulting in a decrease of activity, anxiety, tensions and inhibitions (Ketcham, 2000). Even a low level of alcohol within the body slows reactions. Concentration and judgement become impaired. In excessive amounts, intoxication or poisoning results.
Alcohol also affects other body systems. Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract can occur with erosion of the lining of the stomach causing nausea and vomiting (www.drkoop.com/conditions.htm). Vitamins are not absorbed properly, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies with the long-term use of alcohol. Liver disease, called hepatic cirrhosis, may also develop (www.drkoop.com). The cardiovascular system may be affected by cardiomyopathy. Sexual dysfunction may also occur, causing erectile dysfunction in men and cessation of menses in women (Andrews, 1999). Alcohol affects the nervous system and can result in neuropathy and dementia. Chronic alcohol use also increases the risk of cancer of the larynx, esophageus, liver and colon. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause problems in the developing foetus known as foetal alcohol syndrome, which may result in mental retardation of the child (Milam, 2001).
The social consequences of problem drinking and alcohol dependence can be as serious as the medical problems. People that abuse alcohol have a higher incidence of unemployment, domestic violence, and overall difficulty with the law (Milam, 2001). About half of all traffic fatalities are related to alcohol use.
The development of dependence upon alcohol may occur over a period of years, following a relatively consistent pattern of progression. At first, a tolerance of alcohol develops. This results in a person being able to consume a greater quantity of alcohol before it’s adverse effects are noticed. Memory lapses relating to drinking episodes may follow tolerance (Milam, 2001). Then a lack of control over drinking occurs,...