ALCOHOLISM

Group 2

What is Alcoholism?
o also known asalcohol use
disorder(AUD)
andalcohol dependence syndrome
o a broad term for any drinking of
alcoholthat results in problems.
o It was previously divided into two
main typesalcohol abuseand
alcohol dependence.

Alcohol Abuse
o Alcohol abuseis a previous psychiatric diagnosis
in which there is recurring harmful use
ofethanoldespite its negative consequences.
o There are two types of alcohol abuse, those who
have anti-social and pleasure-seeking tendencies,
and those who are anxiety-ridden people who are
able to go without drinking for long periods of
time but are unable to control themselves once
they start.
o Binge drinkingis another form of alcohol abuse.
According to surveys, the heaviest drinkers are
the United Kingdom's adolescents.In 2013,
139,000 deaths globally were directly due to
alcohol abuse and an additional 384,000

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Loss of control over amount consumed once they
begin drinking
Regular inattention to family and professional
obligations
Dangerous behaviors that carry risk of legal,
financial and/or health consequences for
themselves and others
Increase in expressions of anger or other
emotions, especially in inappropriate settings
Insomnia, which may be followed by
oversleeping

Alcohol Dependence
oAlcohol dependenceis a
previous psychiatric diagnosis in
which an individual
isphysicallyorpsychologicallyde
pendentupon drinking alcohol. In
2013 it was reclassified asalcohol
use disorder(alcoholism) along
withalcohol abusein DSM-5.

Signs of Alcohol Dependence

(Alcoholism)
Significant hangovers, and increase in time
needed to recover from after-effects of alcohol use
Increased amount of alcohol consumed because
of increased tolerance; or, decrease in the effects
of alcohol use without substantial increases in the
amount consumed
Reduced attention to personal and professional
responsibilities
Acknowledgement of side effects of medical
complications from alcoholism
Repeated unsuccessful efforts to reduce alcohol
consumption
Withdrawal symptoms when unable to consume

Causes of Alcoholism
o a person drinks large amounts over a long time period
o has difficulty cutting down
o acquiring and drinking alcohol takes up a great deal
of time
o alcohol is strongly desired
o usage results in not fulfilling responsibilities
o usage results in social problems
o usage results in health problem
o usage results in risky situations
o withdrawal occurs when stopping
o alcohol tolerancehas occurred to use.

Physical signs of alcohol overconsumption and

intoxication are recognizable by most adults:

Slurred or incoherent speech

Poor balance and clumsiness
Delayed reflexes
Stomach pains, vomiting or nausea
Loss of consciousness or blacking-out
Redness of the face during or after periods
of consumption

Withdrawal Symptoms of
Alcoholism
Tremors, convulsions, or uncontrolled
shaking of the hands (or even the entire
body)
Profuse sweating, even in cold conditions
Extreme agitation or anxiety
Persistent insomnia
Nausea or vomiting
Seizures
Hallucinations

Effects of Alcohol Abuse and

Alcohol Addiction
Long-term alcohol abuse poses great dangers to
an alcoholic's physical, mental, emotional, social
and spiritual health. In addition to serious
ramifications for the user's career, family and
friends, alcoholism can cause irreversible damage
to critical organs and body systems:
Liver
Nervous system
Heart
Stomach (intestines)
Brain

 Alcohol abuse and addiction also produce other medical side effects.
Alcoholics frequently attribute these complications to other health
conditions, as they attempt to avoid ownership of the consequences of
their drinking. Common medical side effects include:
High blood pressure
Sexual problems
Cancer
Stomach problems
Osteoporosis, especially in women
Alcoholism often causes severe social consequences on a person's life
as well. Being drunk or hung over at work frequently results in
termination from a job, leaving a person and her dependents in severe
financial trouble. Domestic violence, marital conflict, legal problems
and isolation from friends and family are also common results of
alcohol abuse, which may be worsened by the presence of cooccurring
anorexia or bulimia.

What Are the Treatments for

Alcoholism?
The goal of treatment foralcoholismis
abstinence. Among alcoholics with otherwise good
health, social support, and motivation, the
likelihood of recovery is good. Approximately 50%
to 60% remain abstinent at the end of a year's
treatment and a majority of those stay dry
permanently. Those with poor social support, poor
motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to
relapse within a few years of treatment. For these
people, success is measured by longer periods of
abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health,
and improved social functioning.

Conventional Medicine for

Alcoholism

Detoxification (detox)
Rehabilitation
Maintenance of sobriety

Possible Solution
Rehabilitation
Alcoholics Anonymous
Behavioral Therapy
Government Programs
Medication