Alcoholic|Alcoholism.

Alcoholism, also called alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction, is just not addiction to alcohol. Alcoholism or alcohol abuse is a disease  which destroys the finances, social life, physical life, mental health, family life and job status of the alcoholic person. These alcohol problems which extend to every aspect in life of the alcoholic also affect his family and friends. The extent of these alcohol problems depend on the severity of alcohol dependence that has developed.

Alcoholic|Alcoholism|Alcohol Abuse.

The life of the alcoholic is constantly churned with domestic violence, car accidents and physical violence. Alcoholism or alcohol addiction creeps into every aspect of the alcoholic’s life: lost jobs, broken marriages, ruined reputation and loss of self esteem.

Alcoholism sets in gradually over time. In spite of all this, the alcoholic continues to indulge in alcoholism and is unable to control his urge to drink. Alcohol dominates everything in his life and takes priority over everything else. In 1979, the World Health Organisation categorized alcoholism as “alcohol dependence syndrome”. 17.6 million people in the U.S. are alcoholics.

Alcoholic|Alcoholism.

• There is a strong craving to drink. (craving defn. = die for, lust for, yearn for, etc).
• Once started, there is no control as to when to stop.
• The dependence on alcohol is physical – meaning if stopped there are withdrawal symptoms.
• There is need to drink larger amounts of alcohol.
• Alcoholism can happen at any age.
• Alcoholism can cause serious health problems, if not stopped.
• Alcoholism can be cured with treatment.

Causes of Alcoholism|Alcoholism Risk Factors.

It is still not clear why alcoholism sets in to a person’s life. Though  some control their alcohol intake, others cannot not. It is believed that drinking alcohol regularly over time causes changes in the brain of certain chemicals which are associated with the pleasure of drinking alcohol. This imbalance leads to craving for alcohol and results in alcohol addiction.  However certain alcoholism causes and risk factors are mentioned below. In other words know why alcoholism sets in or how does a person become an alcohol addict or an alcoholic. Below are the potential parameters which can turn a person into an alcoholic.

1) Genetic factor. There is a familial tendency to alcoholism. Alcoholism is known to run in families. Genes vary in people of different races. Genes that are responsible for metabolism of alcohol are also responsible for alcohol addiction in a person.

2) A man who has more than 4 drinks at one time more than 3 times a week runs the risk of turning into an alcoholic.

3) A woman who has more than 3 drinks at a time more than 3 times a week runs the risk.

4) Any person who drinks more than 5 drinks at a time at least once a week.

5) Those with an alcoholic parent are at a greater risk of becoming alcoholics.

6) Those that live in certain cultures where alcohol is socially accepted.

7) Those with low self esteem.

Very sensitive and ambitious people who have lost hope to achieve their goals and ambitions.

9) Those that have easy access to alcohol.

10) Those who have a continuous stressful life.

11) Severe childhood trauma.

12) Those who started drinking early in life are at greater risk of developing alcoholism.

Symptoms of Alcoholism.

Signs of alcoholism are typical and the doctor specifically looks for them. The crave for alcohol is so intense in alcoholism that symptoms typically express that crave. Alcohol dependence is physical and mental. Alcohol symptoms are therefore classified as physical symptoms and psychiatric or mental symptoms of alcoholism.

Physical Symptoms of Alcoholism.

• Diseases caused due to excessive consumption of alcohol. These diseases explained in Effects of Alcohol.
• Development of tolerance to alcohol by the body. There is need to drink increasing amounts of alcohol to get the desired satisfaction of drinking alcohol.
• There are blackouts of memory after a bout of alcohol.
• If drinking of alcohol is stopped, there are symptoms of withdrawal syndrome such as nausea, sweating and tremors.
• Acid reflux is often seen in alcoholism.
• There is a tendency to eat less. Malnourishment and weight loss are therefore frequently seen in alcoholism.
• Drinking alone.
• Refusing to believe that alcoholism has developed.
• Loss of interest in former activities, hobbies and work.
• An overall neglected physical appearance.

Mental symptoms of alcoholism.

• Alcoholism signs of irritability, anxiety and depression are typical.
• Inability to bear stress.
• Changes in personality and mood swings.
• May show aggressiveness when drinking.
• Sleeping disorders.
• Irritability and anger when alcohol is not available at the required time.
• Must have a drink in the morning to ward off the hangover.

Our other posts on Alcohol.

1) What is Alcohol.2) Alcohol Statistics.3) Alcohol units.4) Alcoholic and Alcoholism.5) Effects of alcohol.6) Alcohol Poisoning.7) Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal.9) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.10) Treatment for Alcohol.11)Alcoholism Rehab.

Related posts:

1. Alcoholism Rehab|Alcohol Rehab|Rehab Centers.
2. Alcohol Units|Drinking Alcohol Limits.
3. Alcohol Poisoning Causes, Symptoms, Effects and Treatment.
4. Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal|Alcohol Detox.
5. Alcohol Withdrawal|Withdrawal Symptoms.
6. Treatment for Alcohol|Detoxing Alcohol.
7. Effects of Alcohol.
8. Alcohol Statistics.