|
Alcoholism
- Symptoms and Treatment
Alcoholism is a disease which manifests itself as the uncontrollable overuse of beverages containing alcohol. Hereditary factors have been implicated in this common disease, but no certain cause has yet been identified. Patients may have a pattern of heavy "binge drinking" or regular excessive consumption of beer, wine, or liquor on a daily basis. Alcoholism affects all ages, sexes, races, and professions.
In most cases, the alcoholic does not realize that he or she has a problem with alcohol. Family, friends, and co-workers will likely be aware of the problem first. The effects of alcohol on the body are multiple: hepatitis, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, heart disease, dementia, increased incidence of trauma, cardiomyopathy, and vitamin deficiencies (beriberi, pernicious anemia).
Most patients with alcoholism will require the support of family, friends, counselors, and possibly a physician to encourage them to stop alcohol use entirely. The patient must FIRST acknowledge the existence of the problem (many times the hardest part) and express a desire for help before intervention can begin. There is no cure for alcoholism, only on-going treatment and the strict avoidance of all alcohol.
The abrupt cessation of alcohol consumption can precipitate alcohol withdrawal symptoms and seizures.
|
