What are the consequences of alcoholism?

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Social costs. Studies show that problem drinking increases the incidence of domestic violence and job loss, as well as the likelihood of serious conflict with partners, children, and friends. The risk of automobile crashes skyrockets, and drownings, on-the-job accidents, homicide, and suicide are all higher for alcoholics.

Serious health problems for the drinker: Alcoholic hepatitis. This disease involves a liver inflammation that can even lead to death if heavy drinking continues. Hepatitis of any kind causes characteristic yellowish color in the eyes and skin and leads to liver dysfunction, fever and abdominal pain. If you're able to quit, the symptoms may vanish altogether.

Cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is an actual scarring of the liver developed by 10 to 20 percent of alcoholics. The disease is irreversible, and if you can't stop drinking, cirrhosis may eventually require you to have a liver transplant. This condition can also lead to death. Telltale signs may include red lines on the face and in other areas, caused by tiny, broken blood vessels. Digestive tract problems. Heavy drinking may cause stomach ulcers and pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas.

Increased risk of certain cancers. Cancer of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box) are more likely among heavy drinkers.

Central nervous system disorders. Short-term memory loss and even dementia may occur in late-stage alcoholics.

Brain damage. A 2000 study at the University of California, San Diego shows that binge drinking during the developmental stage of ages 15 to 16 can damage teenagers' ability to think, putting them at a disadvantage in school and in finding a job. And a 2000 University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center study found that just four years of heavy drinking (at least 10 drinks a day) can cause significant mental decline.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Heavy drinking while pregnant can cause severe and irreversible birth defects, including FAS, the leading known cause of mental retardation. Even light drinking during pregnancy may cause learning difficulties in your offspring. Federal health agencies recommend that women avoid alcohol entirely while pregnant and nursing.

How is alcoholism treated?

There are some researchers who believe alcoholics can learn to drink "normally." However, most experts believe that total abstinence for life is the only way alcoholics can recover and avoid relapse, and that is the goal of most successful treatment programs. Treatment usually begins with an initial period of detoxification (getting alcohol out of the system safely), followed by counseling, a nutrition program, and sometimes prescription medicines to help prevent relapse.

Treating alcoholism is a long and difficult process, and few people can weather it on their own. Your doctor and/or the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) can help you find treatment programs and support groups in your area.

Alcoholics Anonymous, the best-known program, offers a 12-step path to recovery that focuses on getting alcoholics to admit that their drinking is a problem and that they need to stop. The AA program has a slightly religious bent that encourages alcoholics to rely on a "higher power" to help them stop drinking, and suggests that they spread AA's message as a means of atoning for the harm they've caused themselves and others. Other recovery approaches, such as Rational Recovery and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (see links below), offer similar programs.

With the help of such programs, millions of alcoholics have gone on to lead healthy lives free of alcohol.

Are any medications useful in treating alcoholism?

Yes. While drug treatment alone is not likely to help an alcoholic, drugs used alongside a behavioral program may indeed improve chances for recovery.

Valium (diazepam) and other sedatives may be prescribed in order to ease anxiety during the struggle to stay on the wagon.

Disulfiram, or Antabuse, makes drinking unpleasant by causing nausea, vomiting, and throbbing headaches when combined with alcohol.

Naltrexone, or ReVia, helps some alcoholics keep cravings in check.

Acamprosate or Campral, which the FDA approved to treat alcoholism in 2004, may act on the brain pathways associated with alcohol abuse to help someone who has quit drinking avoid alcohol in the future.

continue: Helping A Loved One With An Alcohol Problem

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Reviewed: 03/2006