Alcoholism or Alcohol Abuse: Chronic, uncontrolled
intake of alcohol is the nation’s largest substance abuse problem,.
It cuts across all social and economic boundaries, involves both sexes,
and occurs at all stages of the life cycle. It can state as early
as elementary school age, and alcoholic mothers pass the disease on to
their unborn child. Alcoholism has no known cure.
Many Alcoholics are difficult to identify because most are able to
function adequately at work.
Cause: There is no definite cause that has been clearly identified.
However, biologic, psychological, and socio-cultural factors contribute
to the disorder. Studies shows that women become intoxicated more
readily than men because they metabolize alcohol more slowly.
Symptoms:
Characteristically, the alcoholic patient depends on daily or episodic
use of alcohol to function adequately.
Inability to discontinue or reduce alcohol intake
May experience episodes of anesthesia, amnesia, or violence during intoxication
Later stages of alcoholism: unexplained traumatic injuries or
mood swings, unresponsiveness to sedatives, poor personal hygiene, and
secretive behavior.
The patient may attempt to consume alcohol in any form when deprived
of his usual supply.
May experience ‘black out’ where the patient does not remember any activity
he has done during intoxication
Treatment:
Total abstinence is the only effective treatment
Admitting that one has a drinking problem is a start
Detoxification
Rehabilitation
Support group such as AA programs