Alcoholism
Alternative names:
Alcohol dependence; Alcohol abuse
Definition genius
Alcoholism is an illness marked by consumption of alcoholic beverages at a level
that interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family, or
occupational responsibilities. Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories:
dependence and abuse.
People with alcohol dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, usually
experience tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is a need for markedly increased
amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect. Withdrawal
occurs when alcohol is discontinued or intake is decreased. Alcohol dependents
spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining it.
Alcohol abusers are "problem drinkers", that is, they may have legal problems,
such as drinking and driving, or binge drinking (drinking 6 or more drinks on
one occasion). People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol return to its use
despite evidence of physical or psychological problems. Those with dependence
have more severe problems and a greater compulsion to drink.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Alcoholism is a type of drug addiction. There is both physical and psychological
dependence with this addiction. 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, tension, and inhibitions. Even a few drinks can
result in behavioral changes, a slowing in motor performance, and a decrease in
the ability to think clearly. Concentration and judgment become impaired. In
excessive amounts, intoxication may result.
Alcohol also affects other body systems. Irritation of the gastrointestinal
tract can occur with erosion of the lining of the esophagus and stomach causing
nausea and vomiting, and possibly bleeding. Vitamins are not absorbed properly,
which can lead to nutritional deficiencies with the long-term use of alcohol.
Liver disease, called alcoholic hepatitis, may also develop and can progress to
cirrhosis. The heart muscle may be affected. Sexual dysfunction may also occur,
causing problems with erections in men and cessation of menstruation in women.
Alcohol affects the nervous system and can result in nerve damage and severe
memory loss. Chronic alcohol use also increases the risk of cancer of the
larynx, esophagus, liver, and colon. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can
cause severe birth defects. The most serious is fetal alcohol syndrome, which
may result in mental retardation and behavior problems. A milder form of the
condition which can still cause lifelong impairment is called fetal alcohol
affects.
The social consequences of problem drinking and alcohol dependence can be as
serious as the medical problems. People who abuse or are dependent on alcohol
have a higher incidence of unemployment, domestic violence, and problems with
the law. About half of all traffic deaths are related to alcohol use.
The development of dependence on alcohol may occur over a period of years,
following a relatively consistent pattern. At first, a tolerance of alcohol
develops. This results in a person being able to consume a greater quantity of
alcohol before its adverse effects are noticed. Memory lapses (black-outs)
relating to drinking episodes may follow tolerance. Then, people may lose
control over drinking and find it difficult or impossible to stop if they try.
The most severe drinking behavior includes prolonged binges of drinking with
associated mental or physical complications. Some people are able to gain
control over their dependence in earlier phases before a total lack of control
occurs. The problem is, no one knows which heavy drinkers will be able to regain
control and which will not.
Withdrawal develops because the brain has physically adapted to the presence of
alcohol and cannot function adequately in the absence of the drug. Symptoms of
withdrawal may include elevated temperature, increased blood pressure, rapid
heart rate, restlessness, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, and rarely even death.
There is no known common cause of alcoholism. However, several factors may play
a role in its development. A person who has an alcoholic parent is more likely
to become an alcoholic than a person without alcoholism in the immediate family.
Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism but
which genes or how they exert their influence is controversial. Psychological
factors may include a need for relief of anxiety, ongoing depression, unresolved
conflict within relationships, or low self-esteem. Social factors include
availability of alcohol, social acceptance of the use of alcohol, peer pressure,
and stressful lifestyles.
The incidence of alcohol intake and related problems is increasing. Data from
many sources indicate that about 15% of the population in the United States are
problem drinkers, and approximately 5% to 10% of male drinkers and 3% to 5% of
female drinkers could be diagnosed as alcohol dependent (12.5million people).
continue: Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism.
Taking an Alcohol Test
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Reviewed: 03/2006
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